What factors significantly impact Chinese subjective well-being and survival? A longitudinal study using joint modelling

Abstract

Background Well-being is the goal that everyone and every country pursues. However, studies of the dependence between time-varying longitudinal measures of subjective well-being and survival outcomes are still scarce. The aim of this study was to conduct joint model analysis of longitudinal data and survival data to explore the influencing factors of Chinese residents' subjective well-being and survival, and to assess the impact of longitudinal dynamic measurements on survival outcomes. Methods Based on adult data (≥16) from the China Family Panel Studies obtained between 2010-2018, a spatiotemporal analysis of Chinese subjective well-being levels was conducted and joint modelling was used to analyze subjective well-being. In addition, the individual dynamic survival probability was predicted. Results In terms of the demographic characteristics, Han nationality, male, urban living, and married or cohabiting individuals are happier than non-Han, female, rural living, and being single. The older group was happier than the youth group. People with fewer children were happier. In terms of the SES, access to medical insurance, higher education, high social status, high per capita net income of households, large housing area, and ownership of other properties were protective factors for subjective well-being, while being a member in organizations was significantly negative. In terms of the living habits, smokers had worse subjective well-being than non-smokers; Physical exercise could enhance people's subjective well-being and drinking had a positive impact on subjective well-being. In terms of the health status, physical health had a positive impact on subjective well-being, while both hospitalization and chronic diseases had a negative impact on subjective well-being. As regards the survival outcomes, the study demonstrated that each unit increase in subjective well-being was associated with a 13% reduction in the risk of death. Conclusions In general terms, population subjective well-being in China tends to decline over time. This study aims to provide powerful evidence and decision-making support for government-level improvements to the subjective well-being of residents and prolong their lifespan.