Factors associated with self-rated health in Costa Ricans: results for the CRELES retirement cohort

Introduction: Self-rated health has been considered a subjective measure of general health status. We aim was identified factors associated with self-rated health in the Costa Ricans adult population. Methods: a population cross-sectional study with a total of 992 men and 1570 women representing a new retirement cohort participating in the project Costa Rica: Longevity and Healthy Aging Study and referred to as CRELES-RC. Self-rated health was measured through a single question on the assessment of health status that considers five options: excellent, very good, good, fair and poor. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to quantify the contribution of chronic diseases and other factors to poor self-rated health. Results: The logistic regression models determined that selfrated health is associated with the area of residence, educational level, perception of the economic situation, physical activity, emotional support and the presence of chronic disease. People with a chronic disease, except cancer, indicate poorer self-rated health. The strongest relationship was with arthritis, lung disease, and diabetes. Conclusions: the study allowed to identify that the area of residence, education, physical activity, emotional support and chronic illness could affect people's health.