Background. This study examines inequalities in health in Laos. Because perception of health might
affect ratings, we used both a global and a relative self-rated health (SRH) question. Methods. The
study was based on the fourth Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey, 2007-2008. The study
population consisted of 24 162 individuals 20 years or older. Two single-question measures of
SRH were used: a global with no reference point and a relative with age group reference. Results.
Significant associations were found with age, sex, illiteracy, ethnicity, remote location, health measures,
nutrition, and household poverty. Worse health was reported using SRH questions with
reference points by the young rather than the old. Conclusion. In Laos, poor SRH is associated with
illiteracy, inaccessibility, Mon-Khmer ethnicity, age, being a woman, and being poor. More factors
were found to be associated with global rather than relative SRH.