Abstract
BackgroundFew studies have examined the link between self-reported health (SRH) and subsequent mortality in developing countries, and very few considered mortality effects of changes in SRH. We examined the relationship between SRH and subsequent all cause or cause-specific mortality in Thailand. We also noted if mortality varied after people changed their SRH.MethodsWe used longitudinal data including SRH from a nationwide Thai Cohort Study (baseline 2005 - follow-up 2009) and linked to official death records (2005–2012). Cox regression examined the association between SRH in 2005 and subsequent all-cause mortality or cause-specific mortality, with results given as confounder-adjusted hazard ratios (HR). We further assessed association between changes in SRH during 2005–2009 and mortality from 2009 to 2012.ResultsPoor SRH at baseline independently relates strongly with subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (HR = 2.8, CI: 1.3-5.9) and “other” causes of death (HR = 1.9, CI: 1.1-3.3) but moderately with cancer mortality (HR = 1.4, CI: 0.7-3.0). SRH did not exhibit a relationship with injury mortality (HR = 1.0, CI: 0.5-2.1). Worsening SRH from 2005 to 2009 associated with increased mortality in 2009–2012 for females but not for males.ConclusionsIn Thailand, SRH is a good predictor of population mortality due to internal causes (e.g. CVD). SRH is holistic, simple to measure and low cost; when repeated it measures dynamic health status. In many developing countries chronic diseases are emerging and morbidity information is limited. SRH could help monitor such transitions in burdens and trends of population health.
Highlights
Few studies have examined the link between self-reported health (SRH) and subsequent mortality in developing countries, and very few considered mortality effects of changes in SRH
Cause-specific mortality analysis suggested that people with poor SRH were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) (p < 0.05) than those with good SRH
The hazard ratios revealed that SRH is a good predictor of most internal causes of death (e.g. CVD)
Summary
Few studies have examined the link between self-reported health (SRH) and subsequent mortality in developing countries, and very few considered mortality effects of changes in SRH. In longitudinal studies of many high income countries self-reported health (SRH) was an independent predictor of subsequent mortality [1,2,3]. This SRH-mortality effect persisted after accounting for the influence of sociodemographic and medical risk factors [2], but the strength of the association differs by cause of Research on specific causes of death within cultures may help us understand mechanisms linking SRH and mortality [4,5]. Gender effects are widespread with women usually reporting worse health status [7,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
