Social support and self-rated health among older men and women in Vietnam

This study examined social support factors associated with self-rated health among older men and women people in Vietnam, using data from the Vietnam Ageing Survey (VNAS) in 2011 with 2538 older people, including 1017 men and 1521 women. Applying statistical tests and multivariable logistic regressions, this study showed that social support – presented by structural and functional supports – was strongly associated with health status of both older men and women. Particularly, living alone, number of children living nearby and average frequency talking on phone with children were significantly associated with older women’s health, while satisfaction with respect from community, financial support from children, and information support were strongly associated with older men’s health. For both of them, age and literacy were significantly associated with their health. Given those findings, this study suggested that various home- and community-based care programmes as well as filial duty from children and respect to older people from communitymembers should be prioritised, so as to promote both physical and mental health for older people.