Prevalence and social determinants of self-reported health status among reproductive age women in Nepal

The self-reported health status (SRHS) is a subjective evaluation of an individual's health and has been connected to mortality and future health outcomes in numerous studies. However, the determinants of SRHS among women in Nepal remain largely unclear. In Nepal, traditional gender norms often result in women bearing greater responsibilities in terms of household chores, child-rearing, and taking care of elderly family members, all of which may potentially contribute to lower self-perceived health. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors influencing SRHS among women in Nepal.

The study utilized data from 7,442 women aged between 15 and 49 who participated in the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022. Both univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to ascertain the factors influencing self-rated health status (SRHS) among women in Nepal.

Women in the age groups 15–24 years (AOR: 5.14, 95% CI: 3.07–8.62) and 25–34 years (AOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.99–3.68) were more likely to report good health status compared to older age groups. Additionally, women who were never married (AOR: 4.89, 95% CI: 3.62–5.32) or currently married (AOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11–2.20) and those from wealthy families (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.07–2.21), also had a higher likelihood of reporting good health status. Other factors associated with a higher probability of reporting good health included not having a history of terminated pregnancy (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11–1.97), having no history of genital discharge (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.29–2.38), not visiting a health facility in the last 12 months (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.43–2.88), and having no genital ulcers in the previous 12 months (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.24–3.28). Conversely, women with mild to severe depression and anxiety were less likely to report good health status compared to those with no depression or anxiety.

This study identified several social determinants of SRHS among Nepalese women. These socioeconomic determinants of health should be included in future research and health policy activities in Nepal and other comparable contexts.