Analysis of Socio-demographics, Self-rated Health, Social Capital, and Happiness in a Medium-Sized Healthy City, Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND This study explores the relationships between social capital, self-rated health, and happiness and suggests ways to improve the happiness level of a community. METHODS The survey was conducted with 445 people using stratified random sampling in a medium-sized city in Korea. Collected information included socio-demographic characteristics, social capital, self-rated health, and happiness. RESULTS Among the demographic characteristics, age had a statistically significant association with happiness level. People in their 40s (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.13-0.88) and 50s (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06-0.57) were less happy than people of other ages. Married people (OR = 4.58, CI = 1.99-10.53) were more likely to have a high happiness level compared to unmarried people. Cognitive social capital (OR = 1.34, CI = 1.19-1.51) and self-rated health (OR = 2.22, CI = 1.59-3.09) were positively associated with happiness. CONCLUSION The results suggest that social capital and level of health are determinants of subjective happiness. Public policies and programs for improving social capital are needed to support happiness among community residents.