Association of selected health behaviors with perceived health, depressive symptom and fatalism among the aged 50-69 living in Seoul

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate association of depressive symptom, fatalism with selected health behaviors among people aged 50-69 with no physical limitation in Seoul. Methods: In 2012, data were collected using a household based interview survey in Seoul. One person in each selected household aged between 50 and 69 was selected and responded. Data analysis was based on 1,190 subjects who answered they do not have any physical activity limitation. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant association among variables including perceived health, depressive symptom and fatalism scores on some health behaviors. Multiple regression analysis showed that selected health risk behaviors(current smoking, monthly alcohol consumption, no regular health exam in two years) were significantly associated with depressive symptom and fatality scores in addition to demographic variables. The final regression model’s adjusted R square was about 0.235. Conclusion: Demographic variables such as gender, age and socioeconomic status were significant variables in health behaviors and these behavioral factors were associated with perceived health, depressive symptom and fatalistic views. As a conclusion, depressive symptom and fatalism should be monitored and intervened in health education practice.