Wealth Patterns and Self-Rated Health among Elderly: A Case Study of the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance System, Thailand

Malee Sunpuwan, Mahidol University

Previous studies indicate that there is an association between socio-economic status and self-rated health. Thus, disparities in wealth and health still exist. This study aims to explore a relationship between wealth patterns and self-rated health among elderly. The data from the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance System is employed. The sample size is 834. Self-rated health (SRH) is measured by single question. Wealth quintile is constructed by using household durable goods and applying a technique of Principle Component Analysis. Logistic regression is employed. Findings show that elderly at the lowest wealth quintile reported slightly higher percentage of poor health status. Statistical model also predicts that wealth patterns are associated with self-rated health among elderly when controlling for gender, age, marital status, education, working status, chronic diseases, ADLs and residential area. It supports previous studies to some extent. Therefore, health promotion program for elderly still needs to include wealth patterns into the framework.