Maori Health Home
 S T A T I S T I C S :   H E A L T H   S T A T U S   I N D I C A T O R S

Self-rated health


The SF-36 is one of the most widely used questionnaires for measuring self-reported physical and mental health status. The SF-36 questionnaire consists of 36 questions (items), measuring physical and mental health status in relation to eight health scales: physical functioning, role limitation (physical), bodily pain, general health perceptions, vitality (energy/fatigue), social functioning, role limitation (emotional) and general mental health (Ministry of Health 2008).

Scores are expressed on a 1–100 scale for each of the eight health scales, with higher scores representing better self-perceived health.


Figure 8: Mean SF-36 scores, males, 15+ years


See data source for figure 8 >
Figure 8: Mean SF-36 scores, males, 15+ years.

Source: 2002/03 New Zealand Health Survey

Notes:
  1. Age standardised to 2001 Census total Māori population.
  2. Prioritised Māori ethnic group – see ‘Ngā Tapuae me ngā Raraunga: Methods and Data Sources’ for further information.
Māori adults generally rated their health lower than non-Māori adults. Māori males rated their health slightly lower than non-Māori males on all scales except physical functioning. Significant differences were seen in role limitation (physical), bodily pain, role limitation (emotional) and mental health (Figure 8).

Figure 9: Mean SF-36 score, females, 15+ years

See data source for figure 9 >
Figure 9: Mean SF-36 score, females, 15+ years.
Source: 2002/03 New Zealand Health Survey

Notes:
  1. Age standardised to 2001 Census total Māori population.
  2. Prioritised Mā ori ethnic group – see ‘Ngā Tapuae me ngā Raraunga: Methods and Data Sources’ for further information.
Likewise, Māori females rated their health lower than non-Māori females on all scales except physical functioning. The differences were significant for general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, role limitation (emotional) and mental health (Figure 9).
Page last updated: 21 July 2010

Top   Back

Privacy | Copyright | Disclaimer | About Us | Access Keys | Feedback | Contact Us | Employment | newzealand.govt.nz