Full library
Culture, language and self- assesments of future health: Anglophones and Francophones in Quebec’s Eastern Townships
Resource type
Journal Article
Authors/contributors
- Stout, Dale (Author)
- Charpentier, Claude (Author)
- Chiasson, Myriam (Author)
- Filion, Emmalie (Author)
Title
Culture, language and self- assesments of future health: Anglophones and Francophones in Quebec’s Eastern Townships
Abstract
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.
Publication
Journal of Eastern Townships Studies
Date
2009
Issue
34
Pages
7-30
Language
en
Citation
Stout, D., Charpentier, C., Chiasson, M., & Filion, E. (2009). Culture, language and self- assesments of future health: Anglophones and Francophones in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Journal of Eastern Townships Studies, 34, 7–30. https://sante-closm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Stout-D.-Charpentier-C.-Chiasson-M.-et-Filion-E..pdf
Theme
Minority language group(s)
Study population
Country
Canadian provinces or territories
Research type
- Quantitative
Link to this record