Abstract
BackgroundAs the number of individuals living alone increases, it becomes clear that health disparities vary according to a person’s living arrangement. However, very few studies have investigated the characteristics of individuals who improve or maintain multiple healthy behaviors based on their living arrangements. This study aimed to explore the differing individual characteristics and multiple health behaviors in Korean adults living alone compared to those living with others and to identify the factors significantly associated with these behaviors.MethodsThis study utilized a secondary analysis, using 2013–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, with a cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design (N = 15,934). Multiple health behaviors, based on the comparison of past and present behaviors, included smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight control. The total number of health behaviors was calculated as the sum of each single health behavior. The different numbers of health behaviors were categorized into four levels: from 0, none of the three health behaviors to 3, all three health behaviors. Descriptive statistics and generalized ordinal logistic regression analysis were used.ResultsPeople living alone engaged in fewer healthy behaviors (p < 0.05) and reported lower rates of maintenance of abstinence from smoking and weight control compared to those living with others, but they maintained a status of abstaining from alcohol consumption more than those living with others (p ≤ 0.001). In particular, higher self-rated health statuses (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.03, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.04–3.97), being overweight (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.11–1.92), and having shorter sleep durations per day (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55–0.99) were significantly associated with 0, 1 versus 2, 3 levels of healthy behaviors in those living alone.ConclusionsKorean adults who lived alone had different factors associated with different combinations of multiple healthy behaviors compared to those living with others. Therefore, we need to manage healthy behaviors by considering associated factors for those living alone. Specifically, clinicians should consider the vulnerability of health behaviors in people living alone and provide customized approaches and multidimensional interventions based on their living arrangements.
Highlights
As the number of individuals living alone increases, it becomes clear that health disparities vary according to a person’s living arrangement
The aims of this study were to explore the different characteristics and multiple health behaviors by comparing smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight control behaviors of people living alone and those living with others and to identify factors associated with multiple health behaviors in Korean adults by comparing the two types of living arrangements
In the case of the comparison between the 0 level versus 1, 2, and 3 levels, the magnitude of the Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of being overweight in people living alone had a much higher positive effect than that of those living with others
Summary
As the number of individuals living alone increases, it becomes clear that health disparities vary according to a person’s living arrangement. Very few studies have investigated the characteristics of individuals who improve or maintain multiple healthy behaviors based on their living arrangements. In keeping with international standards [3,4,5], the Korean government developed healthcare guidelines (Health Plan 2020) that aimed to improve modifiable health behaviors regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight control [6]. To accomplish this goal, it is necessary to understand the nature of more vulnerable groups in terms of promotion to improve healthy behaviors using a tailored approach
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