A meta-analysis of 22 community-based cohort studies found that self-rated health (GSRH) is strongly associated with mortality risk. Individuals reporting "poor" health had a 2-fold higher mortality risk compared to those reporting "excellent" health. This association remained significant even after adjusting for factors such as functional status, depression, and comorbidity. The relationship was consistent across subgroups defined by gender, country of origin, and follow-up duration. The study highlights the utility of a single-item GSRH question as a simple and effective tool for identifying individuals at higher risk of mortality. Despite some variability in study designs and covariates, the overall findings support the robustness of the association between GSRH and mortality. The results suggest that GSRH can serve as a valuable indicator in risk assessment and healthcare planning, offering a low-cost, easily implemented method for identifying vulnerable populations. The study also notes that while GSRH may not capture all aspects of health, it provides a comprehensive view of health status that is predictive of mortality. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating GSRH into clinical and public health practices to improve risk stratification and care management.A meta-analysis of 22 community-based cohort studies found that self-rated health (GSRH) is strongly associated with mortality risk. Individuals reporting "poor" health had a 2-fold higher mortality risk compared to those reporting "excellent" health. This association remained significant even after adjusting for factors such as functional status, depression, and comorbidity. The relationship was consistent across subgroups defined by gender, country of origin, and follow-up duration. The study highlights the utility of a single-item GSRH question as a simple and effective tool for identifying individuals at higher risk of mortality. Despite some variability in study designs and covariates, the overall findings support the robustness of the association between GSRH and mortality. The results suggest that GSRH can serve as a valuable indicator in risk assessment and healthcare planning, offering a low-cost, easily implemented method for identifying vulnerable populations. The study also notes that while GSRH may not capture all aspects of health, it provides a comprehensive view of health status that is predictive of mortality. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating GSRH into clinical and public health practices to improve risk stratification and care management.