High Health Status - Women in Kentucky

Kentucky

Self-reported health status is a measure of how individuals perceive their own health. It is a subjective measure of health-related quality of life that is not limited to specific health conditions or outcomes, but also factors in social support, ability and ease of functioning, and other socioeconomic, environmental and cultural components. This measure is used by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate large-scale progress toward achieving Healthy People 2030 objectives.

Research shows that those with “poor” self-reported health status have a mortality risk double that of those with ”excellent” self-reported health status. The association between health status and mortality makes this measure a good predictor of future mortality rates.

According to America’s Health Rankings analysis, the prevalence of women ages 18-44 who report “very good” or “excellent” health is higher among:

• Women ages 18-24 compared with those ages 25-44.
• Non-Hispanic white and Asian women compared with Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
• College graduates compared with those who are not college graduates.
• Women with annual household incomes of $75,000 or more compared with those who have lower incomes. The prevalence of high health status significantly increases with each increase in household income level.
• Women living in metropolitan areas compared with those in non-metropolitan areas.
• Women without a disability compared with adults who have difficulty with self-care.
• Straight women compared with LGBQ+ women.

Government agencies should invest in women’s health research that covers genetic, behavioral and social determinants as a means to advance women’s health. Historically, sex and gender have been overlooked in research studies and clinical trials, which has hindered the identification of sex differences and slowed progress for women’s health research and clinical practice. Along with enhancing quality of life, improving women’s health outcomes can lower health care expenditures and decrease dependence on caretakers. 

More years of schooling are associated with better self-reported health status. This may be partly due to the fact that those with higher educational attainments have fewer chronic conditions. Economic resources and jobs with healthier working conditions and benefits are also associated with better health status.

Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting six in 10 Americans. Many chronic diseases can be prevented by eating well, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco use and excessive drinking and getting regular health screenings. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has a webpage on strategies for healthy living that covers nutrition, physical activity, mental health and sexual health. 

Mental health is essential to overall wellness. Research has found a strong connection between social support and health outcomes. Poor social support is associated with alcohol use, depression and cardiovascular disease, while strong social support helps individuals cope with stress and stay motivated to achieve their goals. Therefore, policies and interventions aimed at promoting social ties and reducing social isolation could advance population health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers various community-based approaches to enhance social connections. 

Self-reported health status is an overall health and well-being measure used by the Department of Health and Human Services to summarize and gauge progress toward achieving Healthy People 2030 objectives.

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Lundborg, Petter. “The Health Returns to Schooling—What Can We Learn from Twins?” Journal of Population Economics 26, no. 2 (2013): 673–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00148-012-0429-5.

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“Women’s Health Innovation Opportunity Map 2023: 50 High-Return Opportunities to Advance Global Women’s Health R&D.” Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and National Institutes of Health, October 2023. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/sites/orwh/files/docs/womens-health-rnd-opportunity-map_2023_508.pdf.