Perception of state of health and associated factors in older adults

• Published in: Revista de salud pública (Bogotá, Colombia) Colombia), 2015-04, Vol.17 (2), p.171-183
• Main Authors: Castaño-Vergara, Diana M, Cardona-Arango, Doris
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• ISSN: 0124-0064
• DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v17n2.30730

Objective To analyze the socio-demographic factors and health services associated with the perception of health state in adults the Sociedad San Vicente of Medellin, 2011. Materials and Methods Descriptive, primary source study. 104 elderly adults were surveyed by telephone and were asked about sociodemographic characteristics and health services that may be affecting the perception of their state of health. Descriptive measures, statistical tests, regression and explanatory models were used, and a prevalence ratio with confidence interval of 95 % was calculated in the analysis. Results Adults surveyed were on average 68 years old, with primary schooling. Females predominated, being under the subsidized regime, and were supported by their families. The younger they were, the better the perception of their health, and women, who live in free union and those without education have a negative perception of their health state. Regarding health services, those suffering two, four or more diseases, not receiving treatment, and consulting psychology between two and four months perceive a poor state of health. Conclusion 64 % of older respondents perceive a good state of health, but to being older, of the female sex, having comorbidities, and receiving no treatment and little access to other health services is associated with low self-rated health in older adults.