Personal Well-Being Index (PWI) and its Association with Physical Health, Mental Health and Leisure Activities: Results from the Health and Lifestyle Survey

Abstract

This study examines subjective well-being among individuals in Singapore, explores the factor structure of the Personal Well-being Index (PWI), and evaluates its association with socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental health, and leisure activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary data analysis was conducted using a cross-sectional nationwide survey (n = 5872). Subjective well-being was assessed using the PWI scale, while depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, respectively. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, chronic physical health conditions, leisure time and lifestyle activities were also obtained. Multivariable linear regression was used for analysis. The mean (SD) PWI score in the general population was 71.34 (± 16.29) which is comparable to the findings in other studies. Higher PWI scores were observed among individuals aged 50–65 years old (vs. 15–34 years), of Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese), economically inactive/student (vs. employed/self-employed), and those with an income above SGD$2000 (vs. no income/below SGD$2000). Participants who were male (vs. female), single (vs. married) or separated/widowed/divorced (vs. married), and those with one or more chronic physical health conditions (vs. none) were significantly more likely to have lower PWI scores. Participants with higher PWI scores were less likely to have moderate or severe depressive or anxiety symptoms. Individuals who engaged in physical leisure time activities frequently or sometimes had higher PWI scores compared to those who rarely or never did. The study findings support the significant association between physical and leisure time activities and subjective well-being. Our study results highlight the relevance of adapting the PWI instrument in the population setting to enable the implementation of targeted interventions and holistic programmes for the general population. Additionally, the PWI could be a valuable tool for policymakers to understand the personal well-being of population groups, especially in a multiracial community.