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Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 6/2012

01-11-2012 | Regular Article

Self-rated health as a comprehensive indicator of lifestyle-related health status

Authors: Chizumi Yamada, Kengo Moriyama, Eiko Takahashi

Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 6/2012

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Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of self-rated health (SRH) as a comprehensive indicator of lifestyle-related health status by examining the relationships between SRH and: (1) history of cancer and cardiovascular disease; (2) treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia; (3) abnormalities in clinical parameters including blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipids; and (4) lifestyle habits.

Methods

3744 health-check examinees at Tokai University Hachioji Hospital seen between April 2009 and March 2010 were enrolled. SRH was graded as “good,” “relatively good,” “relatively poor,” or “poor.” For statistical comparison, the differences among “healthy” (=good), “relatively healthy” (=relatively good), and “unhealthy” (=relatively poor plus poor) groups were examined. Mantel–Haenszel odds ratios were calculated to remove the confounding effect of age, using the healthy group as the reference. The Mantel-extension method was used as a trend test.

Results

1049 subjects rated their health as good, 2194 as relatively good, 428 as relatively poor, and 73 as poor. The prevalence of all diseases showed significant odds ratios and trends as SRH deteriorated. Obesity, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and lipids deteriorated significantly as SRH became poorer, and a trend was observed in all parameters. Weight change, exercise, smoking, and rest showed significant odds ratios and trends as SRH deteriorated.

Conclusion

SRH appears useful as a comprehensive indicator of lifestyle-related health status.
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Metadata
Title
Self-rated health as a comprehensive indicator of lifestyle-related health status
Authors
Chizumi Yamada
Kengo Moriyama
Eiko Takahashi
Publication date
01-11-2012
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 1342-078X
Electronic ISSN: 1347-4715
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-012-0274-x

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