| Abstract |
This study aimed to identify the determinants of health-related quality of life(EQ-5D) among adult asthma
patients, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, obesity(BMI), and physical activity(walking, strength training) using
data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES). Methods: The final analysis
included 190 adults(aged ≥19 years) with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of asthma, after excluding cases with missing
values. Data were analyzed using Jamovi(Version 2.3) via descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA,
ANCOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. For clear group comparisons, physical activity variables were divided into
walking(≤2 days vs. ≥3 days/week) and strength training(≤1 day vs. ≥2 days/week). Results: Analyses of group
differences(t-test, ANOVA) and ANCOVA adjusting for major covariates, revealed that age (F=26.499, p<.001) and body
mass index(F=4.935, p=.028) were significant primary factors affecting health-related quality of life. The final multiple
linear regression analysis (N=190, R²=.214) found that older age(B=-0.002, p<.001), female sex(B=-0.051, p=.004), and higher
BMI (B=-0.005, p=.020) were significantly associated with lower EQ-5D scores. However, the frequencies of walking(≥3
days/week) and strength training(≥2 days/week) had no significant impact on the quality of life(p<.05). Conclusion:
Intensive interventions targeting older adults, females, and obese patients are needed to prevent the deterioration of
quality of life in adult asthma patients. Furthermore, since the frequency of physical activity did not significantly affect
quality of life, tailored respiratory rehabilitation and weight management programs that safely control asthma symptoms
are required, rather than merely recommending increased exercise frequency. |