The Impact of Poverty on Self-Rated Health in Philippines: A Mediated Moderation Model of Health Behaviors and Family and Friend Support / 보건행정학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Socio-economical status, represented by poverty, is a potent factor in predicting health status, because preventable illness and death occurs due to poverty and socio-economical situation. This study aims to provide information towards on the correlation between poverty and self-rated health in consideration of elements of health behaviors and family and friend support in Philippines. METHODS: Data was collected on 15th to 28th of February 2011 by using structured questionnaire through interview method. Study area is Antipolo and Tondo in Manila, Philippines. Sample size was 1,100 but only 658 cases was analyzed due to incomplete questionnaire. RESULTS: Results show that the poverty has direct negative influence on self-rated health, while the presence of family and friend support decreased negative influence. And through the analysis of mediated moderation model, similarly poverty has also indirect negative effect on self-rated health by health behaviors and family and friend support. Especially, regular exercise was found to be a major variable that mediates poverty and self-rated health. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, to improve the self-rated health state of respondents need to provide emotional support especially from family and friends. Also regular exercise should be encouraged by raising health awareness through continuous health education and promotion for the residents in order to develop health behaviors.