Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Wellbeing Among Residents in a Rural Area - 2019 Community Health Survey

Abstract

Objectives: This research attempted to analyze the health-related behavior of rural residents, life satisfaction, symptoms of melancholy, and Health-related quality of life with respect to characteristics of social capital.

Methods: A secondary analysis of the raw data from the 2019 Community Health Survey was conducted, which examined the health behavior, social capital, symptoms of melancholy, life satisfaction, and Health affecting life of residents in a city in Korea.

Results: The effect of education level, marital status, and average income on life satisfaction was explored. Melancholy was higher in female subjects aged 75 or older, with low education and income, and without a spouse. A positive effect on Health-related quality of life was found in subjects with high subjective health levels and no chronic diseases. Religion, friendship, and leisure activities influenced life satisfaction. The higher the social capital, the lesser the Melancholic symptoms level, and the higher the life satisfaction index.

Conclusions: There is a need to develop social welfare programs that can help form social networks and social programs involving economic activities to improve the quality of life of the elderly.