title: Factors related to self-reported health status in low income midlife women.
abstract: Transition throughout midlife can affect women's perception of their health status. Multiple factors are potentially related to self-reported health status (SRHS), but it was not clear what factors are related to SRHS for midlife women, especially those with low income. This study examined factors related to SRHS in low income midlife women over time. A multi-step linear regression of longitudinal Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) data (n = 310) from July 2000 through November 2006 was used. Participants completed SRHS at initial (baseline) enrollment into MMC (T1), with a second assessment completed 11 to 23 months later for those retaining MMC eligibility (T2). Results indicated that disability and number of medical conditions were the factors most related to SRHS. SRHS scores differed significantly between non-disabled and disabled women. For disabled women, SRHS improved significantly between T1 and T2 (p < .001), but not for non-disabled women. Those with lower SRHS scores used community agencies more often. Further studies of SRHS and health-related factors are needed as SRHS is frequently an indicator of population health. Greater evidenced-based knowledge of SRHS in midlife women will inform preventive interventions for this population.
authors.affiliation: a Omaha Division, College of Nursing , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Barry Hultquist
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Laux Kaiser
authors.forename: Shireen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajaram
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008484:Medicaid / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009329:Nebraska; D010465:Perception; D011203:Poverty; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D057566:Self Report; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States
keywords: disability; health-related factors; midlife; self-reported health status; socioeconomic status