The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of bad self-rated health in the elderly and associated demographic and socioeconomic factors. This was an epidemiological, cross-sectional study. Data were collected through interviews using the BOAS (Brazil Old Age Schedule) questionnaire. The study included 573 elderly residents in the urban area of Cuiabá-MT, Brazil. The adopted measure of association was the prevalence ratio. For multivariate analysis, multiple Poisson regression was used. The prevalence of poor/very poor self-rated health was 30.9% and the associated factors were income, number of morbidities and urinary incontinence. The association of demographic and socioeconomic factors with poor/very poor self-rated health among the elderly in this study shows the need for assistance and policies that minimize the impact of these factors on the lives and health of the elderly.
Health status; Aged; Self-assessment