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Differentiating positive and negative self-rated health: results from a cross-sectional study in Estonia

International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

To examine possible differences in the correlates of positive and negative self-rated health (SRH).

Methods

Data for 2,127 men and 2,385 women in the 25–74 age group came from the Estonian Health Interview Survey 2006. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to study the association of socio-demographic, physical and psychological health and well-being characteristics with positive (good or very good) and negative (bad or very bad) SRH as compared to fair SRH.

Results

Negative SRH was related to male gender, the presence of chronic illnesses, limitations in daily activities and physical functioning, emotional distress, an external locus of control, and to low satisfaction with life and physical fitness. These indicators (except satisfaction with life) were also related to positive SRH, presenting a mirrored pattern of association. Additionally, positive SRH was related to younger age, an Estonian ethnic identity, and to higher education and income.

Conclusions

Although SRH forms a ill/healthy continuum when physical and psychological health characteristics are considered, the broader spectrum of predictors indicates that positive SRH and negative SRH are two distinct and alternative concepts.

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Acknowledgements

ML’s contribution was supported by the Swedish Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies (grant number A052-10) . The authors would like to thank Andrew Stickley and Anneli Uusküla for their valuable comments on the earlier version of the manuscript. Authors have neither conflicts of interest nor financial interest to disclose.

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Correspondence to Rainer Reile.

Appendix

Appendix

See Table 4

Table 4 Correlates of positive and negative self-rated health on five item scale, Estonia 2006

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Reile, R., Leinsalu, M. Differentiating positive and negative self-rated health: results from a cross-sectional study in Estonia. Int J Public Health 58, 555–564 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0445-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0445-6

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