Table 1 Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of poor self-rated health in 2008 according to individual-level multiple regression analysis of explanatory variables derived from 2003–07 (N = 6900)

Generalized trust

Always trusts others

1.0

Intermittent trust

1.42 (1.22-1.67)

Never trusts others

1.87 (1.59-2.19)

Social participation: Membership of local voluntary groups

Always active member

1.0

Intermittent member

1.11 (0.96-1.28)

Never active member

1.12 (0.96-1.31)

Age (years)

16–34

1.0

35–44

1.37 (1.14-1.65)

45–54

1.77 (1.47-2.13)

55–64

1.37 (1.13-1.67)

65 +

1.41 (1.12-1.79)

Gender

Male

1.0

Female

0.76 (0.67-0.85)

Household income -size weighted

Per £1000 increase

1.00 ( 1.00-1.00)

Employment status

Employed

1.0

Full time student

1.16 (0.97-1.39)

Retired

1.85 (1.53-2.25)

Unemployed

3.07 (2.55-3.69)

Highest education achieved

Undergraduate or higher

1.0

Year 13

1.13 (0.94-1.35)

Year 11

1.03 (0.87-1.22)

No formal qualifications

1.60 (1.33-1.92)

Smoking status

Never a smoker

1.0

Intermittent smoker

1.49 (1.24-1.80)

Always a smoker

1.49 (1.29-1.72)