What does a Single-item Measure of Self-rated Mental Health tell us? Systematic Review of Literature and Analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey

• Main Author: Jhajj, Anuroop
• Other Authors: Bierman, Arlene
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: self rated mental health; systematic review; Canadian Community Health Survey; 0347; 0766
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/33689

A single-item measure of self-rated mental health (SRMH) asks respondents to rate their mental health on a 5-point scale from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’. SRMH is being used increasingly in research and on population health surveys. However, little is known about this item, as there are no literature reviews and few formal validation studies. The aim of this study is to understand what SRMH measures by conducting the first known systematic review of SRMH literature, followed by analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 1.2). Results of the systematic review reveal SRMH has relationships with mental health scales, mental disorders, self-rated health, health problems, service utilization, and service satisfaction. Analysis of CCHS 1.2 data finds SRMH is associated with psychiatric diagnoses, distress, physical health, and sociodemographic characteristics. Both studies conclude SRMH is measuring mental health and more; however, there needs to be more research to understand the specifics of these relationships.