engleski

Self-perceived health in oldest old people living in institutions: associated factors

Self-perceived health (SPH) is a powerful indicator of the general health status of older people that has been widely investigated in community dwelling populations. Its determinants have rarely been studied in institutional settings. The objective of this study was to identify the main factors that have an impact on SPH among the oldest old residents of old people's homes. In the extensive anthropological study, face-to-face interviews were carried out with 330 individuals aged 85-101 years in 13 public and private old peoples' homes in Zagreb (Croatia) and its surroundings. SRH was assessed by a single-item health measure with five options. It was analyzed as a dichotomous variable (fair/poor versus excellent/very good/good) using logistic regression. Independent variables in the models included sociodemographic and health characteristics. A total of 51% of subjects rated their health as excellent or very good. There was no association with sex or age nor with marital status, education or pension status. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for worse health perception was 1.36 (1.19- 1.55) for each additional chronic condition, 1.42 (1.01-1.86) for each additional assistive device, and 1.67 (1.05-2.71) when comparing functionally dependent residents and those functionally independent. Feeling of loneliness and poor social relations were also strongly associated with worse health perception. Bad nutritional status and cognitive impairment showed significant independent effects. This study found a positive association between subjective and objective health in the oldest age. Chronic conditions, functional status and social interaction were the main determinants of self-perceived health among Croatian institutionalized elderly persons. Thus, the study revealed that, with the exception of socioeconomic factors, the same determinants of health perception in the community are also relevant in institutions among persons of very advanced age.

Self-perceived health ; determinants ; health status ; aging ; oldest old

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