Examining the health-related quality of life of middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome based on their stress level

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to identify the factors that affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on their stress level using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: The participants of this study were men aged between 40–64 with MetS who were included in the KNHANES. The main variables of this study were HRQoL, which was measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D); general characteristics, health-related characteristics, and dietary behaviors. Results: The subjective health of the group with less stress was significantly better. Compared to the unhealthy group, the groups perceived as healthy and normal had a higher HRQoL. The economic level, suicidal ideation, and dinner arrangement (presence of family) of the stressed group were significantly associated with their HRQoL. Compared to a low economic level, the high and middle economic levels were more associated with the subjects’ HRQoL. Compared to the group without suicidal ideation, the group that experienced suicidal association had a lower HRQoL. Compared to the group that did not dine with their family, the group that dined with family had a higher HRQoL. Conclusions: The results of this study expand the scientific understanding of HRQoL based on stress among middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome. Since differences in the influence of the factors that affect HRQoL were identified based on the level of stress experienced, the stress level of middle-aged men should be considered when devising an intervention strategy to improve their HRQoL.