Women's Subjective Health Conditions in Korea

This study, using the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey in Korea, analyzes health conditions of Korean men and women. Results of logistic regression and ANOVA analyses show that socio-demographic variables are important factors in predicting women’s subjective health condition, even after controlling such variables as drinking, smoking, exercise, stress and obesity. Women's subjective health conditions appear to be much poorer than men's. Results also show that the groups with the low socio-demographic status are vulnerable to poor subjective health condition. For instance, women aged 40 and over with a middle or primary school education are more likely to report "bad" and "worst" subjective health condition than the reference group with a university or higher education (odds ratio=6.184, p<.000). Women with the lowest income are more likely to report "bad" and "worst" subjective health condition than the reference group with the highest income (odds ratio=2.157, p<.001). This study recommends that the government increase funding for research on gender and health inequality and enhance education and public awareness for women's health.