Sociodemographic status and self-reported BMI-related morbidity in Koreans

This study examined whether the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the morbidity of chronic diseases differs by marital status, education, and income level.

From a nationally representative sample of 5,526 adults from the third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005), data regarding measured height and weight to classify BMI category (< 23, 23-24.9, > or = 25), self-reported sociodemographics (marital status, education, income, age, sex, and residence area), health behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, exercise, sleep, stress perception, and depression), and morbidity from at least one chronic disease were collected.

Education, income, and marital status were significantly associated with morbidity regardless of adjustment for BMI and health behaviors. After adjusting for BMI, other sociodemographic factors, and health behaviors, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of morbidity was 2.9 (2.4-3.7) for those in the married group and 2.9 (2.1-4.0) for those in the separated/divorced/widowed group, 2.0 (1.6-2.5) for those in the lowest education group, and 1.3 (1.2-1.6) for those in the lowest income group. When the BMI category and sociodemographic factors were combined, the odds ratios were elevated for those in the combination group with higher BMI and lower sociodemographic position.

Korean subjects who were married, in the lowest education group, or in the lowest income level had a higher risk of morbidity in relation to BMI.