Health related practices and chronic illness in Korea

This research was carried out to determine the degree of association between health related practices and chronic illness and to identify their cumulative effects on physical health status among Koreans using data collected through a nationwide sample survey. The sample consisted of 5,021 adults aged 20-59 selected through a stratified cluster random sampling method. The response rate was 99%. The survey was conducted from 30 October through 9 December 1989. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression procedures were employed for analyses. This research corroborates studies carried out in Alameda County, California which demonstrated that desirable health related practices are positively related to physical health status. The relationships of these practices were indicated to be cumulative and independent.