Exploring differences in self-rated health among Blacks, Whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans.

OBJECTIVES: Self-rated health (SRH) is a robust predictor of subsequent health and mortality. Although age, gender, and race differences in SRH have been explored, less work has examined ethnic differences, particularly in the US.

DESIGN: The current study uses representative data from six Chicago communities to compare levels and determinants of fair-poor health for Blacks, Whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans (n=1311).

RESULTS: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans were at least three times more likely to report fair or poor health than Whites, while African-Americans were over twice as likely. In adjusted logistic regression models, only Mexicans remain significantly more likely to report fair-poor health than Whites (OR = 4.3, CI = 1.8-9.8). However, this effect disappears when controlling for acculturation. No variable predicted poor subjective health for all groups, though depression was associated with poor health for most.

CONCLUSION: Together, these analyses suggest that the single item measure of SRH might not be appropriate for comparing health status across members of different race/ethnic groups. More research is needed to understand what factors influence how an individual perceives his or her health.