인구통계학적 요인 및 나트륨 섭취와 건강관련 삶의 질 간의 연관성: 경주지역 성인을 중심으로

Abstract

Sodium intake has been associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined the demographicfactors related to HRQoL and whether there is an association between sodium intake and HRQoL in adults residing in ruralareas. A total of 1,980 adults (aged ≥20 years) were selected from a cross-sectional study conducted between December2013 and February 2014 in Gyeongju, South Korea. The sodium intake and HRQoL were measured using a validated foodfrequency questionnaire and the EuroQol Five-Dimension (EQ-5D) (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, andanxiety/depression), respectively. The education levels (<5 years) were inversely associated with all five dimensions ofHRQoL. Men had better EQ-5D scores for each of the five components examined. Adults living with spouses had betterscores related to usual activities and anxiety/depression, whereas widowers had decreased scores of mobility and self-care. Unlike older adults aged 70-79 years, adults aged <60 years were more likely to have greater scores related to mobility,usual activities, and pain/discomfort. The income levels were also inversely related to the scores for self-care, usual activities,pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Sodium intake was positively associated with the HRQoL related to self-care, usualactivities, and pain/discomfort, but it was negatively associated with anxiety/depression. In conclusion, these findings suggestthat the demographic factors and sodium intake were independently associated with HRQoL. The results highlight the needto provide tailored, targeted policies and interventions that consider personal characteristics and dietary intake to improvethe overall HRQoL in adults residing in rural areas.