Evaluating Well-being at Community Level.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To measure well-being at a community level using a valid instrument.

Patients and methods

Written surveys were mailed to a random sample of residents in Olmsted County, Minnesota, in 2015 and 2019 including the 5-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (0-100; for which 100 is the best imaginable well-being or quality of life). Multivariable hierarchical regression was used to evaluate the association between well-being and demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and environmental factors.

Results

The survey was returned by 1232 of 4000 individuals (response rate, 30.80%). The average well-being score was 70.02. Impaired well-being was identified in 223/1187 individuals (18.79%). Adjusted regression models showed that impaired well-being was independently associated with household poverty, financial stress, reduced access to medical or mental health care, ever having depression diagnosed, living in an unsafe community, or being socially isolated.

Conclusion

One in 5 people in a county in the US Midwest have impaired well-being. Well-being was associated with several modifiable factors. Data provide a rationale for policies that align transportation and housing and create opportunities for community members to connect and interact in a safe environment.

SUBMITTER: Murad AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8488461 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature