Dimensions of health-related lifestyle in young adulthood: results from a national population survey.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the underlying structure of health-related behaviours among young adults in Iceland. A number of individual behaviours were considered, including both positive and negative health-related behaviours. A central question was whether distinct underlying health-related lifestyles can be identified in this age group.


METHODS
The study was based on the data from a national health survey entitled 'Health and Living Conditions in Iceland'. The original survey comprised a random sample of 18-75 year olds drawn from the National Register (response rate 69%). The current study used a subsample from the survey, consisting of young adults, age: 18-24 (N = 348). A total of 37 variables pertaining to health-related behaviour were analysed. The 37 variables were factor-analysed using principal component (PC) factor analysis.


RESULTS
The PC analysis yielded four underlying health lifestyle dimensions: (i) physical activity; (ii) unhealthy diet; (iii) substance use; and (iv) healthy diet. The four factors explained 35.3% of the total item variance. The mean Cronbach's alpha for the four factors was 0.69. Correlations between factors were generally weak.


CONCLUSIONS
Distinct health-related lifestyle dimensions underlie the numerous health-related behaviours that young adults engage in. The analysis of positive and negative lifestyle dimensions helps identify vulnerable young adults disproportionally involved in unfavourable patterns of health-related behaviour. Weak factor correlations and high unexplained item variance suggests that individual health-related behaviours need consideration, albeit within a larger framework acknowledging interconnected and sometimes inconsistent behaviours.
Stefansdottir
Ingibjorg Katrin
IK
St Franciskusspítalinn, Stykkishólmur, Iceland. iks@hi.is
Vilhjalmsson
Runar
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015444:Exercise; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders