Abstract
Objective: We analyzed similarities in lifestyle and lifestyle-related diseases in married couples living together.
Methods: Our subjects were 570 married couples aged between 40 and 74 years who visited our center from April 2008 to March 2012. Husbands and wives were divided into 3 groups each according to the number of unhealthy habits in 6 daily behavior categories (exercise, breakfast, eating between meals, sleeping, smoking, drinking) they had. Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, weight change and frequency of lifestyle-related diseases were compared among the 3 groups. We also compared another 3 groups composed of the corresponding spouses of the males and females classified into the 3 groups above. Furthermore, concordance between husband and wife was evaluated by odds ratios.
Results: The more unhealthy habits a person had, the greater his (her) weight, waist circumference and frequency of lifestyle-related diseases. Similar results were obtained in the corresponding spouse groups. Thus, the more unhealthy habits someone had, the more unhealthy habits their spouse had too. When a husband had an unhealthy lifestyle, the odds ratios for his spouse to have an unhealthy lifestyle were more than 2 in all 6 daily behavior categories. Odds ratios were higher for the group of husbands over 60 years old than for those under 60.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that the lifestyles of married couples are closely related and similar. To provide health check-up examinees with effective health guidance, health check-up institution staff should be aware of the potential influences between husband and wife and recommend them to take health consultations together.
