Self-rated health status and associated factors in Ilam, west of Iran: results of a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Self-rated health (SRH) is a single-item subjective indicator that asks individuals to assess their overall health and acts as a good indicator to reveal general health status. This study aimed to determine the SRH status and determining factors.

METHODS

This was a population-based cross sectional study conducted in Ilam city (West of Iran) in 2023. A total of 1,370 people were invited to participate in the study using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. Demographic and SRH status data were collected by face-to-face interview. SRH was indicated by a single question in five scales of very good, good, fair, poor and very poor. Multiple ordinal logistic regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The 59.38% (95% CI: 56.76 to 62) participants reported a good SRH status. By ordinal multiple logistic regression, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated and based on that, female gender [OR: 1.68 (1.29 to 2.20)], not having insurance coverage [OR: 1.35; (1.01 to 1.80)], history of job loss [OR: 1.72; (1.28 to 2.31)], hopelessness for the future [OR: 5.07; (3.96 to 6.49)], and having underlying diseases [OR: 2.95; (2.25 to 3.88)], were positively associated with poor SRH status. The Kurd race [OR: 0.45; (0.25 to 0.78)], higher economic status [OR: 0.72; (0.54 to 0.96)] and use of health care service [OR: 0.68; (0.53 to 0.88)] were negatively associated with poor SRH status. The most effective variables for poor SRH status were hopelessness about the future and suffering from underlying diseases.

CONCLUSION

It is important to devise corrective measures and effective public health policies to address causes and factors associated with poor SRH. It is also necessary for local health officials to allocate financial resources and introduce other kinds of supportive initiatives to provide targeted support for those who are struggling with poverty and suffering chronic diseases.