Sammanfattning
Aims: The aim of this study was to explore differences in self-rated health and physician-
diagnosed disease across geographical regions in Iceland to better understand regional
requirements for health services. Methods: Data on self-rated health and diagnosed disease from a
2007 national health survey (n=5909; response rate 60.3%) across geographic regions were
analysed. Area of residence was classified according to distance from the Capital Area (CA) and
availability of local health services. We used regression models to calculate crude and multivariable
adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of self-rated health
and diagnosed diseases by area of residence. Models were adjusted for age, gender, education, civil
status, and income. Results: Residents in rural areas with no local health service supply rated their
physical health worse than residents of areas with diverse supply of specialised services (aOR 1.40,
95% CI 1.21–1.61). Residents outside the CA rate both their physical (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.23–1.50) and
mental (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06–1.30) health worse than residents in the CA. In contrast, we observed a
lower prevalence of several diagnosed chronic diseases, including cancers (aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–
0.99) and cardiovascular disease (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.95) outside the CA. Conclusions: These
findings from a national survey of almost 6000 Icelanders indicate that self-rated health is related to
regional healthcare supply. The findings have implications for national planning of health services
aiming at equality both in health and access to health services.