The Relationship of Social Class and Health Behaviors with Morbidity in Korea

Abstract

Objective : To explore the relationship of social class and health behaviors with self-reported morbidity. Methods : The 1995 General Household Survey in Korea was used to investigate self-reported morbidity. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of social class and health behaviors with self-reported chronic disease and perceived general health. Results : For chronic disease and general perceived health, age adjusted odds ratios were higher for manual workers, lower-educated group as well as those in the lower income group; this held true for both men and women. Health behaviours had little effect or the relationship between social class and morbidity. The relationship between health behaviors and morbidity was very weak. The lower social class expressed higher levels of negative health behaviors, although this relationship appeared to be very weak in Korea. Conclusions : This study suggests that an understanding of health differentials that addresses the issue of social inequalities in Korea is required.

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