Health Behaviors in Ireland and Their Impact on Well-Being
Author Information
Author(s): Mary C Conry, Karen Morgan, Philip Curry, Hannah McGee, Janas Harrington, Mark Ward, Emer Shelley
Primary Institution: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Hypothesis
This study examines the clustering of health behaviors in a nationally representative sample of Irish adults and explores the association of these clusters with mental health, self-rated health, and quality of life.
Conclusion
Healthier clusters reported higher levels of energy vitality, lower levels of psychological distress, better self-rated health, and better quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Six health behaviour clusters were identified: Former Smokers, Temperate, Physically Inactive, Healthy Lifestyle, Multiple Risk Factor, and Mixed Lifestyle.
- Healthier clusters reported higher levels of energy vitality and lower levels of psychological distress.
- Men aged 18-29 years in lower social classes were most likely to adopt unhealthy behaviour patterns.
- Women from higher social classes aged 65 years and over were most likely to be in the Healthy Lifestyle cluster.
- Identification of these patterns is important for understanding their relationship with mortality and morbidity.
Takeaway
The study found that people in Ireland have different groups of health behaviors, and those who live healthier lives feel better and are less stressed.
Methodology
TwoStep Cluster analysis using SPSS was carried out on the SLÁN 2007 data, examining patterns of smoking, drinking alcohol, physical activity, and diet.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to inaccuracies due to social desirability bias.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, meaning it cannot establish causal relationships, and relies on self-reported data which may be subject to social desirability bias.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 51% women, with 56% aged between 18 and 44 years, and a majority from social classes 1-2 and 3-4.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website