Healthy Habits Factors and Stress Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life in a Peruvian Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Healthy habits contribute to the prevention of diseases and, therefore, improve the health-related quality of life of people. However, stress is one of the main risk factors associated with serious health problems in the individual. Therefore, the literature suggests a relationship between healthy habits, stress, and health-related quality of life.

Objective

To assess the factors of healthy habits and stress associated with health-related quality of life in a Peruvian adult population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 540 Peruvian citizens aged between 18 and 60 years. A questionnaire was applied on the Google Forms platform to be completed online, using the “Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire” and the PSS-4 to assess healthy habits and stress, respectively. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the EuroQol-5D.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, stress was the most associated factor with quality of life. Physical activity, drug consumption, tobacco consumption, rest habits, and a balanced diet were healthy habits associated with quality of life.

Conclusion

Physical activity, rest habits, and a balanced diet improve health-related quality of life, while drug or tobacco consumption and stress are associated with a lower health-related quality of life.

Keywords:

• adults
• healthy habits
• health-related quality of life
• stress
• Peru

Data Sharing Statement

Data supporting the conclusions of this research will be made available in coordination with the corresponding author.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Open access funding provided by Universidad Señor de Sipán (DIRECTORY RESOLUTION N 015-2023/ PD-USS) and Universidad Peruana Unión (Grant 041- 2023/SA).