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Labour-Market Characteristics and Self-Rated Health: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

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  • Yuwei Pan

    (Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Hynek Pikhart

    (Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Martin Bobak

    (Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Jitka Pikhartova

    (Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1–19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

Abstract

In the face of labour-force ageing, understanding labour-market characteristics and the health status of middle-aged and older workers is important for sustainable social and economic development. Self-rated health (SRH) is a widely-used instrument to detect health problems and predict mortality. This study investigated labour-market characteristics that may have an impact on the SRH among Chinese middle-aged and older workers, using data from the national baseline wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The analytical sample included 3864 individuals who at the time held at least one non-agricultural job. Fourteen labour-market characteristics were clearly defined and investigated. Multiple logistic regression models of the associations of each labour-market characteristic with SRH were estimated. Seven labour-market characteristics were associated with higher odds of poor SRH when controlled for age and sex. Employment status and earned income remained significantly associated with poor SRH, when controlling for all the sociodemographic factors and health behaviours. Doing unpaid work in family businesses is associated with 2.07 (95% CI, 1.51–2.84) times probability of poor SRH, compared with employed individuals. Compared with more affluent individuals (highest quintile of earned income), people in the fourth and fifth quintiles had 1.92 (95% CI, 1.29–2.86) times and 2.72 (95% CI, 1.83–4.02) times higher chance, respectively, of poor SRH. In addition, residence type and region were important confounders. Measures improving adverse working conditions should be taken to prevent future risk of impaired health among the Chinese middle-aged and older workforce.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuwei Pan & Hynek Pikhart & Martin Bobak & Jitka Pikhartova, 2023. "Labour-Market Characteristics and Self-Rated Health: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:6:p:4748-:d:1090744
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jongha Jeon & Wanhyung Lee & Won-Jun Choi & Seunghon Ham & Seong-Kyu Kang, 2020. "Association between Working Hours and Self-Rated Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Zheng Xie & Adrienne N Poon & Zhijun Wu & Weiyan Jian & Kit Yee Chan, 2015. "Is Occupation a Good Predictor of Self-Rated Health in China?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(5), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Mossey, J.M. & Shapiro, E., 1982. "Self-rated health: a predictor of mortality among the elderly," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 72(8), pages 800-808.
    4. Crossley, Thomas F. & Kennedy, Steven, 2002. "The reliability of self-assessed health status," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 21(4), pages 643-658, July.
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