What does attitude towards risk tell us about the adoption of good health behaviours? Results from a telephone survey

Background The literature shows that the adoption of good health behaviours is positively linked to individual factors, such as educational or socioeconomic levels. In this study, we aim to explore the link between an individual’s attitude towards risk and the adoption of positive health habits (e.g., being sporty, not smoking or having a normal Body Mass Index – BMI –). Methods We analysed survey data collected by phone from 2,666 individuals selected at random from a population of French health insurees. In addition to the individual’s socioeconomic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, number of children, level of education, financial difficulties) and health status, we specifically analysed the role of his/her score for risk taking, measured using the 30-item self-report DOSPERT scale, in the adoption of each good health behaviour, using logistic models. Results Among the 2,666 respondents, 58.0% reported participating in sports regularly, 71.6% did not smoke, and 61.8% reported having a normal BMI. The logistic models show a strong significant association ( p < 0.01) between the respondent’s DOSPERT risk score and his/her health habits; however, the sign depends on the behaviour considered. Conclusion Our results reveal the complexity of the relationship, which is not unequivocal, between an individual’s attitude towards risk and the adoption of these good health behaviours. Health-conscious individuals do not exhibit a uniform pattern of behaviour: their choices regarding diet, physical activity and smoking, reflect distinct and sometimes inconsistent trade-offs.