title: Exploring differences in self-rated health among Blacks, Whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Self-rated health (SRH) is a robust predictor of subsequent health and mortality. Although age, gender, and race differences in SRH have been explored, less work has examined ethnic differences, particularly in the US.
  
  
  METHODS
  The current study uses representative data from six Chicago communities to compare levels and determinants of fair-poor health for Blacks, Whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans (n=1311).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were at least three times more likely to report fair or poor health than Whites, while African-Americans were over twice as likely. In adjusted logistic regression models, only Mexicans remain significantly more likely to report fair-poor health than Whites (OR = 4.3, CI = 1.8-9.8). However, this effect disappears when controlling for acculturation. No variable predicted poor subjective health for all groups, though depression was associated with poor health for most.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Together, these analyses suggest that the single item measure of SRH might not be appropriate for comparing health status across members of different race/ethnic groups. More research is needed to understand what factors influence how an individual perceives his or her health.
authors.affiliation: Sinai Urban Health Institute, 1500 S. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. Maureen.Benjamins@sinai.org
authors.forename: Maureen R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Benjamins
authors.forename: Jocelyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hirschman
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hirschtick
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Whitman
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002641:Chicago; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000208:ethnology; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D012923:Social Class; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult; D001741:Black or African American