Self-rated health changes depending on respondents gender, age and education level

Abstract

Background: self-rated health (SRH) is a complex health indicator recommended by WHO, commonly used in health psychology (HP) investigations. The aim of this study is to disclose possible linkages between SRH gender, age and educational level of respondents. Method: 582 males and 859 females were investigated within the framework of teaching project held in HP master programme. Average age – 37.2 years. The six items, unifactor, self-reported scale with standard 5 cut points answers was used. Each item included the word “health“ in different evaluative context. Cr.α – 0.8. Data was analysed by contingency tables and Student criterion with the SPSS package. Findings: the SRH was found to be more positive in males than in females, better in younger subjects than in older ones(p<0.05). The SRH is gradually worsening in males and females within 10 years age brackets from 20 through 60. The best SRH was found within the respondents group having university education. Discussion: it was confirmed that SRH is dependent on other health determinants. This may be important for planning HP intervention in maintenance and promotion of health.