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This study sought to evaluate the associations between health conditions and sociodemographic characteristics in relation to quality of life (QoL) in the Brazilian population; as well as to assess the main factors associated with higher chances of a better QoL among diabetics. This is a study with data from a population-based survey conducted in Brazil in 2008. A total of 12,423 Brazilians aged ≥ 20 years were analyzed, of which 935 were diabetic. QoL outcomes were measured using the summary components of the SF-36 instrument. QoL scores were classified as "above" and "below average" to obtain binary outcomes both for the general population and diabetics. Logistic regressions were performed to obtain prevalence ratios adjusted to the odds of above average QoL by adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables. Results indicate that female diabetics aged ≥ 65 years old, with a sedentary lifestyle, belonging to D/E social class and with more morbidities had greater chances of a worse physical and mental QoL. Regarding the general population, in addition to these factors, not having a partner and being illiterate were also responsible for worse QoL. Sedentary lifestyle and D/E social class had greater influence for worse QoL among diabetics when compared to the general population.

Although most studies consider health to be the result of social and economic insertion of the individuals, health may be considered a determining factor of the social opportunities achieved, especially with respect to chances of social mobility. The scope of this article is to understand the magnitude of the concurrent associations that sociodemographic, health and quality of life conditions (SF-36) exercise on chances of intergenerational social mobility on a probability sample of Brazilian homes in 2008. Social mobility was determined by the transition between occupational groups, which were defined using the Ganzeboom scale. Sociodemographic, health and quality of life features were associated with upward social mobility through logistic regression. A high level of schooling was the main determinant of chances of intergenerational social mobility. Women and youngsters ascended more intergenerationally. A positive association was observed between self assessment of health, physical health scores and upward mobility. Social mobility has become established as a multideterminate event. Physical health and perceived health were capable of influencing social transitions.

This study investigates whether occupation, variable that reflects social position, is associated with good quality of life among Brazilians. It is a cross-sectional study based on data obtained from a population-based survey carried out in Brazil in 2008. The sample composed of 12,423 Brazilians, older than 20 years. Physical and mental quality of life were both measured by SF-36 and scores were grouped in "above the mean" and "below the mean" to set binary outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to verify the impact of occupational position on the chances of better physical and mental quality of life, controlling it by socio-demographic and health variables. Results showed that Brazilians included on the labour market have better chances of a good physical and mental quality of life, even if controlled by other variables.