Socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults.

TitleSocioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsKim, J
JournalSoc Work Health Care
Volume50
Issue2
Pagination124-42
Date Published2011
ISSN Number1541-034X
Call Numbernewpubs20110418_Kim.pdf
KeywordsAged, Female, Health Status Disparities, Humans, Insurance Coverage, Insurance, Health, Male, Middle Aged, Self Report, Sex Factors, Socioeconomic factors
Abstract

Despite increased attention to health disparities in the United States, few studies have examined the impact of socioeconomic inequalities on self-rated health over time. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, this article investigates socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health among middle-aged and older adults. The findings indicated that higher level of income, assets, and education, and having private health insurance predicted better self-rated health. In particular, increases in income or assets predicted slower decline in self-rated health. Interestingly, economic status had greater impact on females' decline in self-rated health. Blacks were less likely to suffer rapid decline in self-rated health than were whites. The findings led to the conclusion that health disparities should be understood as the interplay of socioeconomic status, gender, and race/ethnicity.

DOI10.1080/00981389.2010.527787
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21347982?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

socioeconomic inequalities/gender/self-rated health

Endnote ID

24700

Alternate JournalSoc Work Health Care
Citation Key7547
PubMed ID21347982