Factors in adult health-related quality of life: a population-based study

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the physical health components (PHC) and mental health components (MHC) of health-related quality of life in adults. It is a population-based study, with household cluster sampling. The dependent variables were the PHC and MHC scores in the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12); the independent variables were social-demographic characteristics relating to health and behaviors. A multiple regression was made by the General Linear Model. Of the 841 interviewees, 31% had PHC adversely affected, and 37.2% had MHC adversely affected; 57% had adverse score in at least one domain. The average scores were 49.9 for the physical health component and 47.1 for the MHC. Higher scores on the PHC were associated with: being male (beta = 1.94), having a car in the family (beta = 0.89), having recently used dental services (beta = 1.86), not having a chronic disease (beta = 4.60), not using any medication (beta = 2.09), not being a smoker (beta = 2.04) and practicing physical activities (beta = 1.73). Higher scores on the MHC were associated with not using medication (beta = 1.91) and not being a smoker (beta = 1.26). There is a need for further studies and policies aimed at maintaining and/or recovery of the physical and mental wellbeing of adults without specific diseases.