Association of health asset value with subjective well-being, depression, health management strategy and habits in South Korea

This study aims to measure the monetary value of health asset based on the self-reported health status and rate of health asset value (HAV), and to evaluate its application to the subjective well-being and health competency of a representative sample of South Korea. From March to April 2021, 1000 participants were randomly sampled nationwide in South Korea and administered questionnaires including self-reported rate of health asset value and health status, the Subjective Well-Being Index (SWBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Smart Management Strategy for Health Assessment Tool (SAT), and 11 health habits. In multiple stepwise logistic regression model adjusted for basic demographic variables (age, sex, region, monthly income level, and comorbidity), current HAV was independently associated positively with SWBI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.32; confidence interval [CI] 2.27–8.23) and negatively with PHQ-9 (aOR 0.68; 95% CI 0.51–0.90). Core (aOR 1.66; CI 1.25–2.19), Preparation (aOR 1.79; CI 1.24–2.59), and Implementation Strategy scores of SAT (aOR 1.79; CI 1.26–2.55) were independently associated positively with current HAV. All 11 health habits were independently associated positively with current HAV (aOR range from 1.80 to 3.19). The HAV approach offers a new monetary value of health that can be used in making individual or political decisions of improving health or reducing health inequity.