Comparison of Adolescents' Subjective Health Status, Physical Activity Index, and Perceived Stress Rate: Propensity Matching Analysis of Obese and Non-obese Groups

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the subjective health status, physical activity index, and perceived stress rate of obese children with those of healthy children through propensity matching analysis and to use the results to help manage obese children. Design: Descriptive correlation study. Methods: This study conducted a secondary analysis using raw data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Propensity matching (1:2) was conducted between obese and healthy adolescents. Results:The number of days of physical activity was 1.22 days for the obese adolescent group and 1.01 days for the non-obese adolescent group, which was higher in the obese group (p＝0.003). The subjective health status was 3.43 and 3.81 in the obese and non-obese adolescent groups, respectively, showing a higher difference in the normal group (p＜0.001). No statistical difference was observed in the perceived stress rate (p＝0.871) or strength exercises (p＝0.190) between the two groups. Conclusion:This study suggests the need for development measures to effectively improve youth physical activity, muscle-strengthening programs, stress management, and subjective health status in obese and normal groups.