Determinants of self-rated health in socioeconomically disadvantaged women: a cross-sectional study in Iran

Abstract Background To reduce potential health disparities, it is critical to recognize health determinants among socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the determinants of self-rated health in socioeconomically disadvantaged women supported by a Relief Foundation (RF). Method This cross-sectional study was conducted on women in Iran who were supported by a RF as an aided institute. We collected demographic and socioeconomic data, as well as information on physical, mental, and social health and self-rated health status. Data analysis was performed by random forest, classification and regression tree (CART) techniques, and gamma regression. Results The mean age of the 556 included disadvantaged women was 42.8 ± 12.4 years, and the mean self-rated health status was 66.5. Physical health was the most important factor affecting self-rated health. In disadvantaged women with physical problem, nonacademic and academic educated had significantly greater health perceptions than illiterate individuals (1.267, 95% CI: 1.106, 1.451) and (1.666, 95% CI: 1.251, 2.217) respectively. Also, anxiety and stress were both significant predictors of self-rated health status in disadvantaged women with physical health problem (0.765, 95% CI: 0.653, 0.896), and (0.872, 95% CI: 0.762, 0.999) respectively. Conclusion The study of disadvantaged women revealed a significant influence of physical health on their overall sense of well-being. The findings suggest that education and anxiety have impacts on self-rated health of both diseased and healthy women. To improve the well-being of disadvantaged women, providing accessible physical and mental health support, along with expanding educational opportunities, would be beneficial.