Biopsychosocial factors of quality of life among middle-aged adults living alone in South Korea: a secondary data analysis using the 2017 Korea Community Health Survey

Abstract

Background This study aimed to investigate quality of life (QoL) in middle-aged adults living alone and identify comprehensive biological, psychological, interpersonal, and contextual factors related to QoL using the dynamic biopsychosocial model. As a secondary analysis, this study used data from the 2017 Korea Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Methods Among the total 228,381 respondents, 10,639 middle-aged individuals aged 40–64 years from single-person households (5,036 men and 5,603 women) were included in the analysis. QoL was measured using the EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). The EQ-5D descriptive statistics were provided according to biological, psychological, interpersonal, and contextual factors. Considering the data structure of the multistage stratified cluster sampling method, a complex samples general linear model statistic was used to identify the predictors of QoL. Results QoL was lower in those who had undesirable psychological status (e.g., more depressive symptoms, poor subjective health, and higher perceived stress), less engagement in social networking (less frequent contact with friends and less frequent participation in social activities such as religious activities, friendship gathering, and leisure), and lower physical, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. Conclusions This study’s findings indicate that psychological and interpersonal factors should be addressed and prioritized to improve the QoL of middle-aged adults living alone. By providing many opportunities for easily accessible social activities that meet the needs and interests of this demographic, their QoL can be improved through strengthening social support.