Predicting changes in perceived health status

Abstract

Panel data from the Los Angeles Health Survey (N = 903) were used to examine variables associated with changes in perceived health status over a one-year period. Our findings replicate previous research showing that perceived health status is associated with variations in chronic illness, disability, and the utilization of health services. However, we found that neither positive nor negative changes in perceived health status were related to any indicator of health beliefs or practices or physical health status. The data suggest that single item measures of perceived health status may reflect the individual's sense of long-standing chronic illness.