Racial/Ethnic Differences in Predictors of Self-Rated Health: Findings from the Survey of Older Floridians
Abstract
The present study examined how self-rated health was influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, physical health indicators, and sociocultural resources among four racial/ethnic groups of older adults. The data source was the Survey of Older Floridians, a statewide sample of Whites (n = 503), African Americans (n = 360), Cubans (n = 328), and non-Cuban Hispanics (n = 241) who were age 65 and older. Hierarchical regression models of self-rated health were estimated to explore the direct effects of the predictor variables as well as their interactive roles in each racial/ethnic group. Compared to Whites, racial/ethnic minority older adults rated their health more poorly. Although physical health indicators were significant predictors of self-rated health across all groups, the authors found group-specific predictors and interactions. Findings show similarities and differences in predictors of self-rated health across diverse racial/ethnic groups and suggest the importance of understanding group-specific factors in efforts to improve older adults’ perceived and actual health.
Citation
Park, N. S., Jang, Y., Lee, B. S., & Chiriboga, D. A. (2013). Racial/ethnic differences in predictors of self-rated health: Findings from the Survey of Older Floridians. Research on Aging, 35(2), 201-219. doi:10.1177/0164027512440572