Factors associated with negative self-rated health among non-institutionalized elderly in Montes Claros, Brazil.
This study aimed to obtain an understanding of the self-rated health among community-dwelling elderly people in the north of Minas Gerais, identifying factors associated with negative self-rated health. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study with two-stage random sampling. Data collection was carried out in the home of elderly people by trained staff who used questionnaires that had already been validated. To identify the variables associated with negative self-rated health, bivariate analyses were performed, followed by Poisson regression analysis. The study included 686 elderly people (average age = 70.9 years, DP = 8.08), 445 (64.9%) of whom were female. Most were mixed-race (57.1%) and had less than 4 years of schooling (76.3%). On the self-rated health, 291 elderly people (42.4%) had a positive perception of their own health (very good or good); 302 elderly people described their health as "regular" (44.0%) and 93 (13.5%) referred to their own health as "poor" or "very poor". The variables associated with a negative self-rated health were: difficulties in accessing health services, having a fall in the last year, hypertension, heart problems, asthma/bronchitis and any degree of fragility. The results reinforce the fact that multiple factors are associated with negative self-rated health among the elderly, with an emphasis on those related to morbidity.
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. Av. Dr. Ruy Braga S/N, Vila Mauriceia. 39401089 Montes Claros MG Brasil.sarah_mm2@hotmail.com.
Sarah Magalhães
SM
Medeiros
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. Av. Dr. Ruy Braga S/N, Vila Mauriceia. 39401089 Montes Claros MG Brasil.sarah_mm2@hotmail.com.
Lorena Santos Rocha
LS
Silva
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. Av. Dr. Ruy Braga S/N, Vila Mauriceia. 39401089 Montes Claros MG Brasil.sarah_mm2@hotmail.com.
Jair Almeida
JA
Carneiro
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. Av. Dr. Ruy Braga S/N, Vila Mauriceia. 39401089 Montes Claros MG Brasil.sarah_mm2@hotmail.com.
Gizele Carmen Fagundes
GC
Ramos
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. Av. Dr. Ruy Braga S/N, Vila Mauriceia. 39401089 Montes Claros MG Brasil.sarah_mm2@hotmail.com.
Ana Teresa Fernandes
AT
Barbosa
Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros. Av. Dr. Ruy Braga S/N, Vila Mauriceia. 39401089 Montes Claros MG Brasil.sarah_mm2@hotmail.com.
Antônio Prates
AP
Caldeira
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires