Changes in Self-Rated Health Among Korean Men and Women in Their 20s and 30s Over 15 Years: Achievements and Challenges of Policies Promoting Physical Education for Female Students

Background/Objectives: Since the 2010s, Korea has implemented policies to promote physical education for female students. This study aimed to examine changes in self-rated health among Korean men and women in their 20s and 30s over the past 15 years. Methods: This study used data from the Korea Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency from 2010 to 2024. The study population comprised adults aged 20–39 years selected through a two-stage sampling process—probability proportional to size sampling followed by systematic sampling. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, and two-way analysis of variance. Results: First, self-rated health was highest among men in their 20s, followed by women in their 20s, men in their 30s, and women in their 30s across all years. Second, self-rated health showed a positive correlation with year, indicating higher levels in more recent surveys. It also showed a correlation with age, with younger individuals reporting higher levels of self-rated health. Third, men consistently reported higher self-rated health across all years compared with women. Fourth, individuals in their 20s consistently reported higher self-rated health than those in their 30s. Fifth, the difference between men and women remained relatively consistent over the 15-year period. Conclusions: The findings did not show a clear improvement in women’s self-rated health or a substantial reduction in the gender gap. These results suggest the need for a systematic redesign of policies promoting physical education for female students in Korea.