Examining the association of psychosocial and health behaviors with life satisfaction among canadians: a nationally representative study.

Abstract

Background: Given life satisfaction is a key component or indicator of Quality of Life (QoL), previous studies in Canada have made some attempt to analyze its main determinants at population level. However, our knowledge of the association between psychosocial factors (e.g., sense of belongingness) and health behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol intake, and physical activity) and life satisfaction is limited. Understanding the associations between these key variables and life satisfaction is vital for informing interventions and improving well-being. This study aims to address this research gap by examining the relationships between psychosocial factors, health behaviors, and life satisfaction among Canadians aged 12 and above.

Methods: Data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were utilized for this study, encompassing information from a large sample of 113,000 Canadians aged 12 and above. Generalized Ordered logistic regression models were employed to assess the association of psychosocial and physical health behaviors with life satisfaction.

Results: The study revealed significant associations between psychosocial factors, health behaviors, and life dissatisfaction among Canadians. Respondents living in moderately and severely food insecure households have 2.239 times (95% CI: 1.799-2.786) and 5.093 times (95% CI: 4.097-6.332) higher incidences of experiencing life dissatisfaction, respectively, compared to food-secured households. Respondents with a somewhat weak and very weak sense of belongingness had 2.635 times (95% CI: 2.048-3.391) and 6.740 times (95% CI: 5.210-8.717) higher chances, respectively, of falling into the life dissatisfaction category compared to being satisfied. Higher BMI and obesity were linked to increased life dissatisfaction, while physical activity exhibited a positive relationship with life satisfaction. Smoking was associated with higher levels of life dissatisfaction.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of considering both psychosocial factors and physical health behaviors in understanding life dissatisfaction among Canadians. The results suggest that interventions targeting social factors, such as promoting a sense of belongingness and addressing socioeconomic disparities, alongside efforts to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, may contribute to improving subjective well-being and life satisfaction.