Sense of coherence, lifestyle choices and mortality

J Epidemiol Community Health. 2008 Sep;62(9):829-31. doi: 10.1136/jech.2007.066464.

Abstract

Background: Based on data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer, Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) study, we have previously shown a strong sense of coherence (SOC) to be associated with a reduced rate of all-cause mortality.

Objectives: To investigate the extent to which the SOC mortality association can be explained by socioeconomic status and lifestyle choices.

Design and setting: Prospective population-based cohort study.

Participants: 18 287 study participants aged 41-80 years who reported no pre-existing chronic disease at baseline and who completed an assessment of SOC.

Results: Based on 1599 deaths during a mean follow-up of 8.3 years, a strong SOC was associated with a 20% reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Measures of lifestyle choice (cigarette smoking, physical activity, dietary intakes of fruit, vegetables and fibre) and socioeconomic status (social class and education) explained 23% of this association.

Conclusions: The SOC concept embraces multiple sets of chronic disease risk factors that include lifestyle choices and those associated with socioeconomic status, and is a potential aid in understanding differences in health outcomes in similar individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data
  • England / epidemiology
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Life Style*
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Concept
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Social Class