An econometric analysis of self-assessed health: what does it mean and what is it hiding?

摘要: Self-assessed general health (SAH) is the most frequently employed measure in economics research; however, it poorly understood. In this paper we answer two questions: (i) what components of does SAH measure? and (ii) use conceal important effects? To first question, a detailed instrument linear, logit dynamic fixed-effects models to estimate drivers SAH. second effects income on disaggregated measures using instrumental-variables models. We find that some A¢â‚¬â€œ especially vitality are very an individual when they assess their health, while others inconsequential. also fact partially responsible for why econometrically-sound studies weak socioeconomic gradients Regression results show near-zero, even though strongly affects several components.