# Self-rated health habits, mental health, emotional intelligence, and impulsivity across the Baltic States

## TL;DR

This study compares health habits and mental well-being across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, finding differences in BMI, sleep, activity, and emotional intelligence.

## Contribution

The study provides a comparative analysis of health and mental health indicators across the Baltic States, identifying key determinants of perceived health.

## Key findings

- Obesity is most common in Estonia, while Lithuanians report the highest subjective health and lowest impulsivity.
- Emotional intelligence is higher in females across all countries, and vigorous physical activity is positively linked to emotional intelligence.
- Perceived health is inversely related to age, stress, depression, and BMI across the Baltic countries.

## Abstract

The study aims to compare physical activity, sleep, body mass index (BMI), subjective health, stress, depression, impulsivity, and emotional intelligence across the Baltic countries while identifying key health determinants.

We interviewed men and women (18–64 years) in Estonia (n = 1,503) Latvia (n = 1,563) and Lithuania (n = 2,358) via an online survey.

Obesity is most common among individuals in EE, both males and females, while the highest rates of overweight are observed in EE females and LT males. Sleep duration is comparable across the different countries, with women generally sleeping longer than men (p < 0.05). Sedentary behavior is shortest among LT females and LV males, although in all countries, females tend to sit more than males (p < 0.05). Moderate physical activity (MPA) levels are similar among males, but they are highest among EE females. In contrast, vigorous physical activity (VPA) is most prevalent in LV males and females. Emotional intelligence (EI) is lowest among LV females and EE males, while females consistently exhibit higher EI than males across all countries. Lithuanians frequently rate their health as “excellent” and show the lowest levels of impulsivity. Additionally, depression and stress are lowest in EE females and LV males. Estonians are more likely to eat breakfast regularly and tend to overeat less than their counterparts in LV and LT.

Our research clearly shows that perceived health among the Baltic countries is significantly inversely related to age, perceived stress, depression, and Body Mass Index (BMI). In contrast, we found positive associations between vigorous physical activity (VPA) and emotional intelligence (EI).