Health consciousness in relation to education in Korea--focusing on seven preventable health risk factors.

This research was carried out to investigate the relationships of a set of several selected sociodemographic variables with a group of health-related practices with special emphasis on educational attainment. The sample consisted of 5,245 adults aged 20-59 selected through stratified cluster random sampling. Univariate, multiple logistic regression and canonical correlation procedures were employed for analyses. It was found that educational attainment was independently associated with at-risk health behavior; the less educated had less desirable health habits than the more educated. Pattern of at-risk health behavior varied with educational level; the significant health-related practice variables among the seven factors were cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, being overweight, and inadequate sleeping. These findings suggested that the less educated should be given higher priority in health education programs for the identified health risk behavior and in the formulation of related health policies.