Influence of sociodemographic and neighbourhood factors on self rated health and quality of life in rural communities: findings from the Agriproject in the Republic of Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of sociodemographic and neighbourhood factors on self rated health, quality of life, and perceived opportunities for change (as one measure of empowerment) in rural Irish communities.


METHODS
Pooled data from cross sectional surveys two years apart.


METHODS
Respondents in four randomly selected rural district electoral divisions with a population size of between 750 and 2000.


METHODS
1738 rural dwellers aged 15-93, 40.5% men, interviewed at two time points.


METHODS
Determinants of self rated health (SRH), quality of life (QOL), and perceived opportunities for change, rated on a closed option Likert scale and assessed in multivariate logistic regression models.


RESULTS
Overall 23.8% of the sample reported poor SRH, 22.2% poor QOL, and 50.1% low perceived opportunities for change. Low financial security and dissatisfaction with work were each significantly associated with poor SRH (OR = 1.96 (1.50 to 2.56) and 1.54 (1.11 to 2.14)), with poor QOL (OR = 2.04 (1.56 to 2.68) and 1.87 (1.34 to 2.61). Concern about access to public services was significantly predictive of SRH (OR = 1.47 (1.11 to 1.94)) rather than access to health care (that is, hospital and GP services). There were distinct sex specific patterns and a generational effect for educational status in men. Variables associated with social networks and social support were less strongly predictive of SRH and QOL when economic measures were accounted for.


CONCLUSIONS
Inter-relations between indicators of health status, wellbeing, and deprivation are not well studied in rural communities. Material deprivation has a direct influence on both health status and quality of life, although immediate sources of support are relatively well preserved.
Department of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, Earlsfort Terrace, University College, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland. cecily.kelleher@ucd.ie.
Joseph B
JB
Tay
Cecily C
CC
Kelleher
Ann
A
Hope
Margaret
M
Barry
Saoirse Nic
SN
Gabhainn
Jane
J
Sixsmith
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors