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Published in: International Journal of Public Health 5/2014

01-10-2014 | Orginal Article

Health-related determinants of happiness in Korean adults

Authors: Su Yeon Kye, Keeho Park

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2014

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Abstract

Objectives

Happiness has been associated with a range of favorable health outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between happiness and health behaviors, stress, and environmental aspects of exercise in a Korean national representative sample.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using multiple-stratified random sampling on the Korea Census of 2005. In October 2009, investigators conducted 15-min face-to-face interviews with 1,530 South Korean volunteers aged between 30 and 69 years. The questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic factors, perceived stress, smoking, drinking, healthy diet, exercise, exercise environment, and happiness levels.

Results

The multivariate analysis revealed that middle-aged participants were less likely to be happy than younger and older participants, and higher happiness was associated with being part of a couple, higher income, lower stress, healthy diet, exercise, and certain exercise environments (e.g., mountain trails).

Conclusions

Besides individual-level sociodemographic conditions, such as income or psychological status, community-level conditions, such as environment, should be considered when national and community public welfare policy is established.
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Metadata
Title
Health-related determinants of happiness in Korean adults
Authors
Su Yeon Kye
Keeho Park
Publication date
01-10-2014
Publisher
Springer Basel
Published in
International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2014
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0588-0

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