Glossary: Self-Reported Health

Abstract

The inclusion of self-reported health into cross-country population surveys has contributed to substantial progress in the social science, public health and epidemiology fields. Measuring self-reported health in cross-country population surveys is a cost-effective method to gain information on individual-health status. The self-reported health measurement however is not without flaws. In this glossary we provide a basic definition of self-reported health. Cross-country population surveys that contain self-reported health data are discussed. We highlight the limitations and advantages of using self-reported health measure. Other aspects related to self-reported health are discussed, including the importance of the self-reported health measurement for future long COVID-19 investigations.