Age and Gender Differences in the Relationship between Self-Rated Health and Mortality in Taiwanese Older Adults-Results of a National Cohort Study

Gwo-Chi Hu ； Yu-Ning Hu ； Hui-Kung Yu

《台灣老年醫學暨老年學雜誌》 9卷2期 (2014/05) Pp. 9-9(2)

並列摘要

Objective: Self-rated health (SRH) is known to be a valid indicator for the prediction of mortality in older adults, but findings regarding gender and age differences are inconsistent. The study aimed to determine the association of SRH with subsequent mortality risk in older Taiwanese. Methods: This study uses the data from the ＂Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging＂. A total of 4745 elderly Taiwanese comprised the major analytic cohort. SRH was categorized into good, fair and poor health. Cox regression methods were used to examine the association between SRH and mortality. Results: During the follow-up periods (median: 10.1 years), 1644 deaths occurred. Participants with poor SRH were at higher risk of mortality [relative risk (RR), 1.33 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15-1.54)] than those in good SRH. This association was strongest among the young-old (ages 50- 59) than older-old individuals. The association was statistical significant in men (RR, 1.53, 95% CI, 1.06-1.45) only, but not in women (RR, 1.19, 95% CI, 0.96-1.43). Conclusion: Low SRH was associated with increased risk of mortality in older adults. The associations were stronger in men and young-old adults. The physicians should consider a more detailed consultation and support for these groups.