SOCIOECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATES OF SELF RATED HEALTH AMONG ADULTS IN ALKHARJ AREA KSA, 2017

Aim: Self Rated Health (SRH) is a widely used measure of subjective assessment of health status. SRH has been found to carry predictive validity concerning future mortality among diseased and healthy individuals. Several socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of individuals found to have an association with their overall assessment of health. The objectives of this study are to estimate the proportion of the healthy adult population using SRH measure and to identify the socioeconomic, demographic and health correlates of SRH among the adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Alkharj area in the center of Saudi Arabia, using a questionnaire comprising the basic questions relating to SRH and the socioeconomic and demographic correlates of SRH. Univariate and logistic regression models were carried out to analyze the data. Results: Mode of living, age class, education, marital status, the prevalence of diseases and risky behavior of individuals were significantly associated with SRH in the study area. Individuals with diabetes and those who drink alcohol were more likely to be unhealthy compared with other individuals in the sample. Conclusion: The results reveal a correlation between socioeconomic and behavioral factors with SRH; these factors should be given high priority in the setting of health strategies and policies.