The Influence of Family Hardship on Health Trajectory among Middle-aged and Elderly in Taiwan: An Application of Hierarchical Growth Modeling
Date Issued
2016
Date
2016
Author(s)
Che, Sok-Leng
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that difficult life events in family have adverse impact on family members. However, most studies focused on a particular health outcome at a certain point of time, usually the endpoint of a follow-up period. This study aims to understand 1) the trajectories of self-rated health and health problems change from 2005 to 2014 in a sample of middle-aged and elderly subjects in Taiwan, 2) the impact of family hardships on the trajectories of self-rated health and health problems change, and whether there is age and gender-specific pattern of health change trajectories. Method: The study analyzes the data of Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD) from 2005 to 2014. Multilevel growth models were conducted. Subjects aged above 40, have at least one family member in 2005, and has at least three time points of data were included in the study. A total of 1955 subjects were included. Result: Results indicated that, for all subjects, self-rated health deteriorated as time went by from 2005 to 2014. However, only for subjects who were aged 65 or above in 2005, health problems became worse as time went by from 2005 to 2014. Low quality of family relationship, widowhood and parental loss are the factors that predicted the poor health trajectory. For men, widowhood and parental loss are crucial predictors, yet poor quality of family relationship can predict poor health trajectory for women. Conclusion: The results suggest that poor health trajectories is associated with family hardships, and there are age and gender differences. We should be aware of the differences when implementing interventions, in order to fulfill different needs of different individuals.
Subjects
family hardships
growth model
poor self-rated health
health problems
Type
thesis
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