SUN-221 All-cause and Premature Mortality Risks in Single-Person Households: A Comparative Study Using Large-Scale Data from Korean and UK Populations

Abstract M. Kim: None. S. Ko: None. Y. Ahn: None. K. Kim: None. S. Lee: None. K. Song: None. S. Lee: None. J. Yun: None. Background: The rise in single-person households globally has heightened concerns about related health issues. This study investigated the relationship between living in single-person households and the risk of mortality, particularly premature mortality, using large-scale datasets from the UK and South Korea. Methods: Using data from the National Health Information Database (NHID) of Korea (n=2,443,202) and the UK Biobank (n=496,925), this study analyzed the mortality risks associated with single-person households in the middle-aged population. We performed Cox proportional hazards regression analysis for the association between single-person household and all-cause and premature mortality and examined associated factors including diabetes. Causal mediation analyses were conducted on the mediating factors leading to death in these households. Results: Middle-aged individuals living alone exhibited higher risks of all-cause mortality (hazard ratios: 1.25 [95% CI 1.22-1.28] in NHID, 1.23 [95% CI 1.20-1.27] in UK Biobank) and premature mortality (hazard ratios: 1.35 [95% CI 1.31-1.40] in NHID, 1.43 [95% CI 1.34-1.53] in UK Biobank), even after adjusting for factors such as social and lifestyle habits, diabetes, and other major comorbidities including cancer. The duration of living alone was found to significantly impact mortality, whereas multi-person households were associated with a reduced risk of death. For individuals living alone with diabetes, the risk of mortality increased significantly, with hazard ratios of 2.15 and 1.86 compared to non-diabetes not living alone, in each respective cohort. Adherence to favorable lifestyle habits markedly decreased the risks of mortality and premature mortality, particularly among those living alone (P for interaction <0.0001). Income, mental health, and smoking status emerged as key mediators of mortality in single-person households. Interpretation: This research provides insights into the health challenges faced by individuals in single-person households and highlights the need for tailored medical interventions and social support for individuals living alone, particularly those with unhealthy lifestyle habits or low income. Sunday, June 2, 2024