International Institute for Population Sciences
Deemed to be University (An Autonomous Organization of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India)

Self-rated health (SRH) is a key indicator of overall health. In India, evidence on the predictors of SRH among older adults is substantial using cross-sectional study approach, but no studies contextualized the patterns and predictors of SRH transition from childhood to older-adults using retrospective life course approach. This study fills that gap by examining the transition in SRH from childhood to later life. Using data from 70,780 individuals aged 45+ from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), we examined adverse SRH—defined as a shift from good childhood health to poor/fair health in later life. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Adverse SRH prevalence was 51%. Higher odds were observed among females (AOR: 1.30), individuals with substance use (AOR: 1.24), multimorbidity (AOR: 3.37), functional limitations (AOR: 2.03), and depression (AOR: 1.51). Childhood poverty, early marriage, and child labor were associated with increased risk, whereas higher education, urban residence, and engagement in social and physical activities were protective against adverse SRH. Life-course adverse transition in SRH is observed to be a critical public health concern. Addressing early-life disadvantages such as child marriage and child labor, and promoting healthy aging through early non-communicable diseases (NCDs) screening—along with promoting social and physical activities—is essential for maintaining good health from childhood to older adulthood.