The Association of Multiple Risky Health Behaviors with Self-reported Poor Health, Stress, and Depressive Symptom

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of multiple risky health behaviors (i.e., current smoking, heavy alcohol use, lack of physical activity) and to analyze the association of multiple risky health behaviors with self-reported poor health, stress, and depressive symptom. The study participants were 7,011 men and 9,547 women in the 2007-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nearly 24% of men and 4.6% of women had two risky health behaviors, and 5.5% of men and 0.7% of women had three risky health behaviors. Controlling for individual sociodemographic characteristics and the presence of chronic disease, for both women and men, individuals having two risky health behaviors were more likely to report poor self-rated health (women: OR= 1.74, 95% CI=1.32-2.29, men: OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.05-1.63) compared to individuals without risky health behaviors. Multiple risky health behaviors were also significantly associated with stress or depressive symptom for both men and women. Findings reveal the high prevalence rates of multiple risky health behaviors. This study also suggests comprehensive integrated health prevention, intervention, and treatment programs for individuals with multiple risky health behaviors.