Health Related Environmental Quality of Life, Self-rated Health and Usage of Addictive Substances

Abstract

Background: Quality of life has multiple influences on behavioural risk factors of chronic diseases, which are important for carrying preventive activities. The aim of the study is to determine the links of environmental domain of WHO HR QoL 100, self-rated health (SRH) and usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATA). Methods: The study involved 913 males and 1317 females, participants of Kaunas regional Health project investigated by environmental domain of questionnaire WHO HR QoL-100 with SRH scales and items for evaluation of ATA. Results: (1) Women who are more satisfied with their environment and value their health higher, consume alcohol once or more per month, and have never attempted to quit. Men who value their health higher, use alcohol more or less often and have never tried to quit. Men who are more satisfied with their environment, use alcohol once or more times per month. (2) Women, who value their health less, do not smoke and/or never have been smokers. (3) Men and women, who are more satisfied with their environment and value their health higher, are less tending to consult a psychologist compared to those who value their health less and are less satisfied with their environment. Discussion: Findings confirmed the importance of environmental quality of life and SRH for the usage of addictive substances.