Perceived health status in older adults: Regional and sociodemographic disparities in Spain

FERNÁNDEZ-MARTÍNEZ, B.; PRIETO FLORES, M.E.; FORJAZ, M.J.; FERNANDEZ-MAYORALAS, G.; ROJO-PEREZ, F.; MARTINEZ-MARTIN, P.

REVISTA DE SAúDE PúBLICA

Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo

Año: 2012

0034-8910

OBJECTIVE: To assess regional and sociodemographic differences in selfperceivedhealth status among older adults.METHODS: A face-to-face quality of life survey was conducted in arepresentative sample of the Spanish population comprising 1,106 noninstitutionalizedelderly aged 60 or more in 2008. Logistic regression modelswere used to explain self-perceived health status according to the EuroQolGroup Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS). Independent variables includedsociodemographic and health characteristics as well as the nomenclature ofterritorial units for statistics level 1 (NUTS1: group of autonomous regions)and level 2 (NUTS 2: autonomous regions).RESULTS: Younger and better off respondents were more likely to havea positive self-perceived health status. Having no chronic conditions,independence in performing daily living activities and lower level of depressionwere also associated with positive self-perceived health status. People living in the south of Spain showed a more negative self-perceived health status than those living in other regions.CONCLUSION: The study results point to health inequality among Spanisholder adults of lower socioeconomic condition and living in the south ofSpain. The analysis by geographic units allows for international cross-regional comparisons.