%0 Journal Article %J J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci %D 2013 %T Self-rated health and morbidity onset among late midlife U.S. adults. %A Kenzie Latham %A Chuck W Peek %K Chronic disease %K Cohort Studies %K Female %K Health Status %K Humans %K Male %K Middle Aged %K Morbidity %K Predictive Value of Tests %K Self Concept %K Self Report %K United States %X

OBJECTIVES: Although self-rated health (SRH) is recognized as a strong and consistent predictor of mortality and functional health decline, there are relatively few studies examining SRH as a predictor of morbidity. This study examines the capacity of SRH to predict the onset of chronic disease among the late midlife population (ages 51-61 years).

METHOD: Utilizing the first 9 waves (1992-2008) of the Health and Retirement Study, event history analysis was used to estimate the effect of SRH on incidence of 6 major chronic diseases (coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, lung disease, arthritis, and cancer) among those who reported none of these conditions at baseline (N = 4,770).

RESULTS: SRH was a significant predictor of onset of any chronic condition and all specific chronic conditions excluding cancer. The effect was particularly pronounced for stroke.

DISCUSSION: This research provides the strongest and most comprehensive evidence to date of the relationship between SRH and incident morbidity.

%B J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci %I 68 %V 68 %P 107-16 %8 2013 Jan %G eng %N 1 %1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23197340?dopt=Abstract %2 PMC3605944 %4 Middle age/Mortality/Chronic illnesses/Morbidity/Self assessed health/Chronic Disease/Stroke %$ 69744 %R 10.1093/geronb/gbs104