A Comparison of Objective Biomarkers With a Subjective Health Status Measure Among Children in the Philippines

Abstract

Large health surveys use subjective (self-reported) and objective (biomarkers) measures to assess heath status. However, the linkage or disparity of these measures has not been systematically studied in developing countries. Method: Using data from the Philippine Quality Improvement Demonstration Study, QIDS, this study evaluated the associations between General Self-Reported Health Status (GSRH) and height, weight, hemoglobin, red blood cell folate, C-reactive protein, and blood lead levels. The authors modeled each biomarker as a function of GSRH controlling for socioeconomic status and selection effects. Changes in biomarkers and GSRH in children who had previously been hospitalized were also examined. Results: GSRH independently predicted hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, stunting, and wasting. GSRH did not vary significantly with folate deficiency and blood lead levels. Conclusions: In addition to being a measure of overall child health status, GSRH may be a useful and inexpensive screening tool for identifying children that need further health testing.