Authors:	Reinwarth, Anna C. Wicke, Felix S. Hettich, Nora Ernst, Mareike Otten, Danielle Brähler, Elmar Wild, Philipp S. Münzel, Thomas König, Jochem Lackner, Karl J. Pfeiffer, Norbert Beutel, Manfred E.
Title:	Self-rated physical health predicts mortality in aging persons beyond objective health risks
Online publication date:	15-Dec-2023
Year of first publication:	2023
Language:	english
Abstract:	Previous studies on self-rated health and mortality have usually not differentiated between physical and mental health, respectively have not considered physical diseases. This study aims to determine self-rated physical and mental health from middle to old age, examine associations with mortality adjusted for objective risk factors and assess effect modification by gender. In a large population-based sample (N = 14,993 at baseline), self-rated physical and mental health were rated separately by a single-item. Associations to mortality were modelled by Cox regressions, adjusting for potential confounding variables. Most participants rated their physical (79.4%), resp. mental health (82.3%) as good. Poor self-rated physical health was lowest in the youngest group (19.6%, age 35–44), and highest in midlife (29.1%, age 55–64). Poor self-rated mental health was lowest among the oldest (18.5%), and highest from 45 to 54 years (29.3%). Poor self-rated physical, but not mental health was predictive of mortality when adjusting for objective risk factors. Male gender and poor self-rated physical health interacted (RERI 0.43 95%-CI 0.02–0.85). Self-rated physical health was best in the youngest and worst in the midlife group, this pattern was reversed regarding self-rated mental health. Poor self-rated physical, but not mental health was predictive of mortality, adjusting for objective risk factors. It was more strongly predictive of mortality in men than in women. Poor subjective physical health ratings, should be taken seriously as an unfavorable prognostic sign, particularly in men.
DDC:	610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-9804
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Scientific reports 13
Pages or article number:	19531
Publisher:	Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature
Publisher place:	London
Issue date:	2023
ISSN:	2045-2322
Publisher DOI:	10.1038/s41598-023-46882-7
Appears in collections:	DFG-491381577-G