Culture, language and self- assesments of future health: Anglophones and Francophones in Quebec’s Eastern Townships

This study examines subjective ratings of health (SRH) by Francophones and Anglophones living in the Eastern Townships. Global self-ratings of health are regarded as sensitive predictors of future health states, mortality, functional decline and disability, and utilization of the health-care system. Yet despite their pragmatic value, SRH are poorly understood. Along with a spontaneous monitoring of present health states, culture and language are listed as determinants of SRH. Few studies exist, however, that clearly delineate the direction and degree of effect that culture and language have on SRH. Adopting a temporal assessment of SRH, we asked 358 Anglophones (N=176) and Francophones (N=171) from the Eastern Townships, aged 18 to 95, to rate their health in the past, present, and future. To isolate culture and language effects we also asked participants to rate their future health if they “remained in Quebec”. Results revealed a significant interaction between age and temporal ratings of health (SRH). Turning to the effects of location (unspecified or “in Quebec”) on future health ratings, there was a significant interaction with language. Post hoc tests revealed no significant differences in Francophones’ future health ratings (unspecified or “in Quebec”) but a significant ratings drop was noted for Anglophones if they “remained in Quebec”. After controlling for bilingualism, this interaction remained statistically significant.