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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Health behavior of working-aged Finns predicts self-reported life satisfaction in a population-based 9-years follow-up

Authors: Säde Stenlund, Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen, Lauri Sillanmäki, Hanna Lagström, Päivi Rautava, Sakari Suominen

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have shown positive association between health behavior and life satisfaction, but the studies have mostly been cross-sectional, had follow-up times up to 5 years or focused on only one health behavior domain. The aim of the study was to explore how principal health behavior domains predict life satisfaction as a composite score in a previously unexplored longitudinal setting.

Methods

The present study tested whether a health behavior sum score (range 0–4) comprising of dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity predicted subsequent composite score of life satisfaction (range 4–20). Data included responses from 11,000 working-age Finns who participated in the Health and Social Support (HeSSup) prospective population-based postal survey.

Results

Protective health behavior in 2003 predicted (p < .001) better life satisfaction 9 years later when sex, age, education, major diseases, and baseline life satisfaction were controlled for. The β in the linear regression model was − 0.24 (p < .001) corresponding to a difference of 0.96 points in life satisfaction between individuals having the best and worst health behavior.

Conclusion

Good health behavior has a long-term beneficial impact on subsequent life satisfaction. This knowledge could strengthen the motivation for improvement of health behavior particularly on an individual level but also on a policy level.

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Title: Health behavior of working-aged Finns predicts self-reported life satisfaction in a population-based 9-years follow-up
Authors: Säde Stenlund
Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen
Lauri Sillanmäki
Hanna Lagström
Päivi Rautava
Sakari Suominen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11796-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Health behavior of working-aged Finns predicts self-reported life satisfaction in a population-based 9-years follow-up

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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