Abstract
With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, the proportion of unmet needs is increas-ing. In this study, we investigated the effect of practicing health behaviors on unmet needs among patients with chronic diseases, using data from the Korea Health Panel Survey conducted between 2014–2017. Participants (n = 4069) aged 19 or older, with at least one chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or arthrosis) and with existing follow up data were selected. Health behaviors combined three variables: not presently smoking, not belonging to high-risk drinking group, and indulging in moderate-or high-intensity exercise. Those who met all three criteria were classified as the practicing health behaviors group. Generalized Estimating Equation analysis was performed to consider correlated data within a subject. Of the participants, 23.9% practiced health behaviors. Participants who did not practice health behaviors were significantly more likely to have unmet needs compared with those who did (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10–1.39). Further research would be needed to verify the impact of practicing health behavior on unmet needs.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 7977 |
| Journal | International journal of environmental research and public health |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 15 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 Aug 1 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We would like to thank our colleagues at the Institute of Health Services Research of Yonsei University, who gave valuable advice on the intellectual content.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pollution
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
