Personality is an important indicator of health besides family medical history and smoking habits, according to a Duke University study.

Researchers said that by analyzing a patient's personality, medical professionals can determine how well a young adult can look after themselves, helping them avoid serious health problems later in life.

"The best health care is one that treats the whole person including how their personality traits impacts their attitudes and behaviors vis-à-vis their health," APA Executive Director Norman B. Anderson, PhD, said in a press release.

The scientists said that 'attention to detail' or cautiousness was the most important character trait among the 'Big Five' in determining future health of a person. Besides conscientiousness, the Big Five include extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism and openness to experience.

For example, people who are conscious about their health are less likely to develop health problems than their careless counterparts.

Conscientious participants aged 26 were more likely to be in good shape at age 38 than people who had a bad personality trait. These people are more likely to lead active lifestyles, maintain healthy diets, exercise better self-control and are less likely to smoke or engage in alcohol and drug abuse.

"Among the least conscientious, 45 percent went on to develop multiple health problems by age 38, while just 18 percent of the most conscientious group developed health problems," said lead author Salomon Israel, PhD, of Duke University and Duke University Medical Center. "Individuals low in conscientiousness were more often overweight, had high cholesterol, inflammation, hypertension and greater rates of gum disease."

For the study, the researchers analysed data from a New Zealand health and development study involving 1,037 people born between April 1972 and March 1973. The participants were assessed every two years from their birth until 38 years of age.

At age 26, the participants nominated a person (a parent, spouse or friend) to describe their character. Researchers also gathered information from clinics that included data about their income, education levels, smoking habits, weight, illnesses and family medical history.

At age 38, the participants were examined for abnormalities of the liver and kidney functions, blood pressure, heart and lung fitness, vascular inflammation and periodontal disease.

Israel said that personality traits of patients provide reliable information on a person's ability to fight a disease. Besides considering their family history, medical professionals will benefit from knowing their personality traits while prescribing treatment for chronic age-related diseases.