Self-Reported Health and Associated Factors among Nepalese Older Adults

Background: Self-reported health (SRH) is a subjective measurement tool for overall health status that integrates biological, social, mental, and functional aspects of individuals. Objectives: The purpose of this article is to assess the SRH and its correlates among community-living older adults. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of structured interview data collected by the Central Department of Population Studies at Tribhuvan University (TU) via a cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling persons aged 60+ in the Pharping area of Kathmandu. For this study, there were 1320 valid responses. A simple and direct question was used “In general, how do you rate your general health?” Its answer was recorded on the 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Very Good to Very Bad”. Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.92 years. Of the participants, 19.2% reported poor SRH. Results show mental health problems, total number of children still alive, age of respondent, literacy status, physical health problem now, satisfaction with current living arrangements, walking efficiency, adequate income sources, marital status and currently working were correlated with SRH. However, linear regression shows that significant factors of SRH are walking efficiency (β= 0.324, 95% CI= 0.240 to 0.323), physical health problems (β = -0.258, 95% CI= -0.493 to -0.346), currently working (β: 0.197, 95% CI=0.223 to 0.373), having enough income to meet basic needs (β: 0.065, 95% CI= -0.136 to -0.021) and satisfied with living arrangements (β= 0.065, 95% CI= 0.018 to 0.116). Conclusion: Nepal is aging rapidly, and the proportion of older people will increase in the coming days. Walking efficiency, physical health, currently working and having sufficient income are important factors related to SRH. Identifying these determinants through self-rated status can support the planning of actions aimed at improving the health of the community living older adults.