Prevalence and predictors of sub-health among senior intellectuals in Beijing

Background: The health of senior intellectuals has been thought to be less than optimal. Therefore, assessing the prevalence of sub-health in this population is important. Few studies of sub-health among senior intellectuals have been conducted. The purpose of this study is assessing the prevalence of sub-health among senior intellectuals with a view to inform subsequent health services interventions. Methods: 2473 senior intellectuals and 497 controls ( ordinary citizens ) were interviewed using a sub-health standardized questionnaire in 2005. Results: The prevalence of sub-health among senior intellectuals was 37.5%, among controls 35.6% - this difference was not significantly different, there were no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). Among senior intellectuals, females and those with low-income, who were smoking, did not get physical exercises, or were stressed at home and work, had not taken holidays, and the bad health-seeking behavior were more likely to report sub-health (P<0.05). Conclusion: Senior intellectuals are not at higher risk of sub-health than ordinary citizens. However, the subgroup reporting poor habits were more likely to report sub-health. Healthy lifestyle behaviors should be encouraged, regular health checks should be attended and regular vacations should be encouraged.