Abstract
Correlates of self-rated health were examined among 704 New Zealand women in mid-life. Logistic regression was used and the variables were grouped within six domains: Health status variables, socio-demographics, social integration, health-influencing behaviours, preventive behaviours, and service utilisation. The final models were dominated by the health status variables. When health status was excluded, poor self-rated health was predicted by not having paid work, low satisfaction with social support, and use of hospital services. A low level of physical activity, being overweight, and two or more visits to a health professional in the past 12 months were associated with good rather than very good self-rated health. The models validated the use of self-rated health as an indicator of health status. The findings also identified the importance of social circumstances when interpreting poor health and lifestyle factors when interpreting good health.