Comparison of health behaviors among single- and multiple-member households

Am J Health Behav. 2007 Sep-Oct;31(5):514-25. doi: 10.5555/ajhb.2007.31.5.514.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the differences in health behavior between multiple-member and single-member households by gender.

Methods: Face-to-face household survey interviews were conducted. The relationship between health behaviors and living arrangement was assessed by adjusting for SES.

Results: Women living alone exercised more and ate less food high in fat. More highly educated men were less likely to exercise 5 or more times a week than high school or less educated men.

Conclusions: By analyzing local data, a profile can be established to develop and implement appropriate public health programs aimed at these various target communities for effective intervention and healthy change in the community.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / psychology
  • Educational Status
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Family Characteristics*
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Factors
  • Single Person / psychology*
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Social Environment*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Texas