Natalia Martín-María1,2,3, Elvira Lara1,2,3, María Cabello1,2,3, Beatriz Olaya2,4, Josep Maria Haro2,4,5, Marta Miret1,2,3, José Luis Ayuso-Mateos1,2,3. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. 2. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental. CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-Princesa), Madrid, Spain. 4. Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Subjective well-being plays a key role in health. The objectives of this study are to analyse the longitudinal associations between subjective well-being dimensions and healthy behaviours, and to examine gender differences. METHOD: A representative sample of 1,190 Spanish non-institutionalised adults aged 50+ were interviewed over a 6-year follow-up period. The Cantril scale was used to measure evaluative well-being. The Day Reconstruction Method measured experienced well-being. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used, whereas fruit and vegetables, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and sleep quality were self-reported. The Generalised Estimating Equation was calculated. RESULTS: Women show significantly worse subjective well-being than men longitudinally. Higher scores in life satisfaction and positive affect were significantly related to a higher level of physical activity and better-quality sleep for both women and men. Associations between a higher life satisfaction and an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables and being a non-smoker was only found in women (OR = 1.05; 95% IC = 1.00, 1.10 and OR = 1.16; 95% IC = 1.09, 1.23, respectively). CONCLUSION: Subjective well-being levels and frequencies in healthy behaviours are different in women and men. Subjective well-being interventions should take into account these differences in the frequency of healthy-unhealthy behaviours.
INTRODUCTION: Subjective well-being plays a key role in health. The objectives of this study are to analyse the longitudinal associations between subjective well-being dimensions and healthy behaviours, and to examine gender differences. METHOD: A representative sample of 1,190 Spanish non-institutionalised adults aged 50+ were interviewed over a 6-year follow-up period. The Cantril scale was used to measure evaluative well-being. The Day Reconstruction Method measured experienced well-being. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used, whereas fruit and vegetables, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and sleep quality were self-reported. The Generalised Estimating Equation was calculated. RESULTS: Women show significantly worse subjective well-being than men longitudinally. Higher scores in life satisfaction and positive affect were significantly related to a higher level of physical activity and better-quality sleep for both women and men. Associations between a higher life satisfaction and an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables and being a non-smoker was only found in women (OR = 1.05; 95% IC = 1.00, 1.10 and OR = 1.16; 95% IC = 1.09, 1.23, respectively). CONCLUSION: Subjective well-being levels and frequencies in healthy behaviours are different in women and men. Subjective well-being interventions should take into account these differences in the frequency of healthy-unhealthy behaviours.