title: Non-random mating and convergence over time for alcohol consumption, smoking, and exercise: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study.
abstract: Spouses tend to have similar lifestyles. We explored the degree to which spouse similarity in alcohol use, smoking, and physical exercise is caused by non-random mating or convergence. We used data collected for the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study from 1984 to 1986 and prospective registry information about when and with whom people entered marriage/cohabitation between 1970 and 2000. Our sample included 19,599 married/cohabitating couples and 1,551 future couples that were to marry/cohabitate in the 14-16 years following data collection. All couples were grouped according to the duration between data collection and entering into marriage/cohabitation. Age-adjusted polychoric spouse correlations were used as the dependent variables in non-linear segmented regression analysis; the independent variable was time. The results indicate that spouse concordance in lifestyle is due to both non-random mating and convergence. Non-random mating appeared to be strongest for smoking. Convergence in alcohol use and smoking was evident during the period prior to marriage/cohabitation, whereas convergence in exercise was evident throughout life. Reduced spouse similarity in smoking with relationship duration may reflect secular trends.
authors: Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. heas@fhi.no
authors: Helga
authors: H
authors: Ask
authors: Kamilla
authors: K
authors: Rognmo
authors: Fartein Ask
authors: FA
authors: Torvik
authors: Espen
authors: E
authors: Røysamb
authors: Kristian
authors: K
authors: Tambs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D018454:Spouses; D055815:Young Adult