Longitudinal evidence of the influence of early life circumstances, family characteristics, social ties and psychological distress on healthy behaviours of Brazilian adults: The Pro-Saude cohort study

Background: This study examined the influence of early life circumstances, family characteristics, social ties and psychological distress in adulthood on adult’s health-related behaviours. Methods: A cohort study (Pro-Saúde Study) involving technical and administrative civil servants at university campuses in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data from 2155 adults were collected at baseline (1999) and after a 13-year period (2012–13). Family characteristics at 12 years of age were assessed retrospectively in 1999. Gender, marital status, living situation, social support, social networks of relatives and psychological distress were also measured in 1999. Data collection in 2012–13 included information about marital status, social networks of relatives, cigarette smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical exercise. A conceptual model testing the relationships between variables was assessed through structural equation modelling. Results: Female gender (β = 0.043), better social networks of relatives in 1999 (β = 0.053) and 2012–13 (β = 0.069) and low psychological distress (β = -0.048) directly predicted less smoking. Better social networks of relatives in 2012–13 was directly linked to higher consumption of fruits (β = 0.045) and vegetables (β = 0.051) and being physically active (β = 0.070). Low psychological distress directly predicted higher fruit consumption (β = -0.040). Family characteristics at 12 years-old, marital status and living with other people were linked indirectly with health behaviours through social networks, social support and psychological distress. Conclusions: Adults with better early life family and social circumstances, and those who were married reported positive health behaviours through indirect pathways. Stronger social ties and lower psychological distress represented the pathways by which early life circumstances and relationship status influenced positive health behaviours.