Determinants of self-rated health items with different points of reference: implications for health measurement of older adults.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed whether three commonly used self-rated health (SRH) items (global, age-comparative, and self-comparative) are equivalent measures of health perception for older adults.


METHODS
Regression analyses were used to simultaneously contrast the associations between physical, psychological, and social factors relating to health for three SRH items, in a large ( N = 2,034) population-based sample of older adults (65 years and older) from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging.


RESULTS
Health perceptions were more positive for the age-comparative SRH measure, compared to the pessimistic ratings of the self-comparative measure, particularly for the oldest-old adults. Different patterns of associations between the health factors and SRH measures were found.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show the three SRH items are not equivalent measures of health and cannot be used interchangeably. The reference point of the SRH item has a considerable influence on health perceptions of older adults as it encapsulates unique health information.
Sargent-Cox
Kerry A
KA
Aging Research Unit, Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200. Kerry.Sargent-Cox@canberra.edu.au
Anstey
Kaarin J
KJ
Luszcz
Mary A
MA
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support