Association of dietary habits with levels of physical activity and screen time among adolescents living in Saudi Arabia

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 204-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Al-Hazzaa ◽  
H. I. Al-Sobayel ◽  
N. A. Abahussain ◽  
D. M. Qahwaji ◽  
M. A. Alahmadi ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Nisreen M. Abdulsalam ◽  
Najla A. Khateeb ◽  
Sarah S. Aljerbi ◽  
Waad M. Alqumayzi ◽  
Shaima S. Balubaid ◽  
...  

The World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic in March 2020. Global efforts have been made to prevent the disease from spreading through political decisions and personal behaviors, all of which rely on public awareness. The aim of our study was to examine the effect of dietary habits on weight and physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed using social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp) and email communication. A total of 472 adults (age range, 18–59 years), over half of the study population (68.0%) being females, 55.5% being between 19 and 29 years old, 15.0%—between 30 and 39 years old, and 11.2%—older than 50 years old, participated in the study. Our results indicated that the overall body weight was slightly increased among the 50+ age group (47.2%, p > 0.05), but it highly increased among the 30–39-years-old age group (32.4%, p > 0.05) as compared to before the pandemic lockdown period. Therefore, our results show that a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found for all the assessments: weight status, physical activity patterns, hours spent on screen time, homemade meals, and changes in dietary habits before and during the full COVID-19 curfew period. This study demonstrated that changes in eating habits were commonly reported among the participants who represented the full COVID-19 curfew period and that changes in eating habits and decreased physical activity led to weight gain.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
Gabriela Cárdenas-Fuentes ◽  
Clara Homs ◽  
Catalina Ramírez-Contreras ◽  
Charlotte Juton ◽  
Rafael Casas-Esteve ◽  
...  

Evidence has identified unhealthy lifestyle behaviors as the main contributors to obesity in children, so it is essential to identify factors that could influence children’s lifestyles. The objective of the present study was to analyze the association of baseline maternal educational level with child’s physical activity, screen time, and dietary habits at follow-up. This community-based cohort study was carried out between 2012 and 2014 and included 1405 children aged 8 to 10 years old. Maternal educational level was used as an indicator of child’s socioeconomic status. Physical activity, screen time, and dietary habits were assessed by validated questionnaires. The odds of having commercially baked goods for breakfast [OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.10)], going more than once a week to a fast-food restaurant [OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.20 to 2.26)], and taking sweets and candys several times a day [OR 3.23 (95% CI 2.14 to 4.87) were significantly higher among children whose mothers had a lower educational level compared to their peers whose mothers had a higher level. These associations held for taking sweets and candy several times a day after additional adjustment for the corresponding dietary behavior at baseline. Maternal educational level was inversely associated (p < 0.001) with child’s screen time at follow up and being in the lowest maternal educational category was associated with an increased odds of surpassing the maximum recommended time of screen time of 120 min per day (OR (95% CI) 1.43 (1.07 to 1.90), p = 0.016). Maternal education is a predictor for unhealthy dietary habits and high screen time in children.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257904
Author(s):  
Shaima A. Alothman ◽  
Abdullah F. Alghannam ◽  
Alaa A. Almasud ◽  
Arwa S. Altalhi ◽  
Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa

Introduction COVID-19 pandemic cautionary measures have affected the daily life of people around the globe. Further, understanding the complete lifestyle behaviors profile can help healthcare providers in designing effective interventions and assessing overall health impact on risk of disease development. Thus, this study aims to assess the complete spectrum of lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, distress, social support, dietary habits, and smoking) prevalence and its association with fear of COVID-19 in people living in Saudi Arabia. Methods Self-administered survey consisted of seven sections was used to collect data on fear of COVID-19 using Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), physical activity and sedentary behavior using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), psychosocial distress using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), social support using the MOS social support survey, and dietary habits using a short version of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The online survey was distributed via social media platforms during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic (May–June 2020). Each section consisted of validated questionnaire examining one of aforementioned lifestyle behaviors. Associations were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results A total of 669 individuals attempted to complete the online survey, 554 participants completed at least 2 sections of the survey (82.8%), and 41.3% (n = 276) completed the whole online survey. The majority of the sample were female (83%), not smokers (86.5%), had sufficient sleep duration (7.5 hrs ± 2.1), and only indicated mild level of distress (21.4 ± 8.9); they also reported high level of sedentary behavior (7.7 hrs ± 4.5), poor sleep quality (5.4 ± 2.4), were not engaged in healthy eating habits, and moderate level of perceived social support (62.0% ± 27). Only physical activity results indicated that about half of the sample were engaged in moderate to vigorous level of physical activity (54.3%). Further, being female (β = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.45, 2.94) and married (β = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.3, 2.63) were associated with fear of COVID-19 level (β = 0.21; 95% IC: 0.05, 0.19) with a confidence interval level of 95%. In addition, distress was associated with fear. Conclusion The trend of lifestyle behaviors measured during lockdown period changed from previously published rates. Future research needs to establish the short-term and long-term effect of lifestyle behaviors complete profile on physical and mental health.


2020 ◽  
pp. 026010602096086
Author(s):  
Souad Benaich ◽  
Slimane Mehdad ◽  
Zineb Andaloussi ◽  
Saber Boutayeb ◽  
Meryem Alamy ◽  
...  

Background: University life is a crucial period when dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours are formed and may have long-lasting effects on the development of obesity and related chronic diseases. Aim: To investigate the association of overweight/obesity with dietary habits, physical activity, screen time and sleep duration among university students. Methods: A total of 438 students aged 18–26 years were recruited from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Anthropometric measurements were assessed using standardized equipment. Data regarding dietary habits, physical and sedentary activities were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 14.8% and 1.6%, respectively. Students who reported frequent consumption (>3 times/week) of fast food, fried potatoes and sugary drinks were more likely to be overweight/obese than peers who did not. Similarly, odds of being overweight/obese were slightly higher among females who reported non-daily intake of fruits and milk or dairy products and among males who ate vegetables less frequently (<7 times/week). Approximately 26% of students were physically inactive, with a higher proportion of females (35.8%) than males (10.7%). Both short and long sleep durations were associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity in males. In contrast, physical inactivity and increased screen time were associated with a slightly reduced risk of overweight/obesity, particularly in females. Conclusions: Overall, unhealthy dietary habits were associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity. A similar trend was also observed between abnormal sleep duration and overweight/obesity in males. Interventions to promote healthy dietary and lifestyle habits and prevent overweight/obesity in this population are needed.


Author(s):  
Adel A. Alhusaini ◽  
Ganeswara Rao Melam ◽  
Syamala Buragadda

Background: The current study was done to assess the cross-cultural difference in physical activity and sedentary behavior among girls from culturally, environmentally, and geographically diverse countries residing in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted among expatriate girls (N = 275), aged 9–16 years. Participants were from India (n = 65), Pakistan (n = 88), Egypt (n = 50), Sudan (n = 49), and other nationals (n = 23). They were randomly selected from different schools in Riyadh and their Body Mass Index (BMI) and screen time was assessed. Physical activity (PA) and leisure-time activity was assessed using Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) respectively. Results: Out of 275, 65.8% were active and 34.2% were insufficiently active as per the GSLTPAQ, and half of them were moderately active and only 22.2% were extremely active as per PAQ-C. No statistical significant differences in their BMI status, screen time, or the levels of PA among expatriate girls. Conclusions: This study shows that the expatriate female school children in Saudi Arabia demonstrated a similar pattern in their BMI, sedentary time spent, and PA levels.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2447
Author(s):  
Edyta Łuszczki ◽  
Anna Bartosiewicz ◽  
Iwona Pezdan-Śliż ◽  
Maciej Kuchciak ◽  
Paweł Jagielski ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge changes in people’s lifestyle, health, and social relationships. This situation has had an impact on children and adolescents, affecting their health, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. The survey aimed to compare eating behaviors, level of physical activity (PA), hours of sleep, and screen time among Polish children and adolescents aged 6–15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We obtained self-reported data from 1016 participants at two measurement points before and during the COVID-19 lockdown in Poland to examine the influence of the lockdown and the distance learning on PA, dietary habits, sleep, and media usage of children and adolescents aged 6–15 years. The study identified dietary differences and changes in daily activity patterns (reduced sleep duration with higher sleep quality and reduced physical activity). Additionally, the increase in general media usage was observed during the pandemic alongside a reduction in smartphone usage. Together, the findings indicate increased sleep, physical activity, and reduced media usage and screen time among Polish children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 680-680
Author(s):  
Zainab Rabeeah ◽  
Nida Shaikh ◽  
Solveig Cunningham

Abstract Objectives To identify changes in diet, physical activity and BMI after 3–6 months of relocation among international students in Georgia, USA. Methods Data were collected from 74 international students attending 2 urban universities in the Southeast. Students were interviewed within 10 days of arrival in the U.S and again 3–6 months later. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire that included a 26-item food frequency questionnaire, and questions on weekly physical activity, daily screen-time usage, sleep duration, and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, and waist circumference), each measured twice and then averaged. Student t-test, Chi square and ANOVA analysis was done for participants who completed both waves (n = 74). Results Participants reported consistent food consumption within 3–6 months (mean difference &lt; 0.5 times per week). Physical activity frequency remained consistent (mean difference &lt; 0.5), but duration of almost all activities was increased. Participants reported increased hiking frequency and a significant increase in duration (frequency mean 0.05 to 0.09 times/week, 95% CI of (0.02–0.08) to (0.02–0.16), duration mean 21.1 to 117 minutes/week, 95% CI (14.1–28.0) to (94.7–138.5)). Screen time significantly increased (mean 4.2 to 7.0 hours/day, 95% CI (3.6–4.9) to (6.2–7.8)). Mean weight slightly increased (62.7 kg to 62.9 kg, 95% CI (60.5–65.0)), as did mean BMI (22.4 to 22.6, 95% CI (21.6–23.2)). However, around 37% of participants gained &gt; 10% of their baseline weight, while 32% lost &gt; 10% of their baseline weight. Almost half of participants (44.5%) reported that they had gained weight and 77% reported a decrease in their overall health. Conclusions Follow-up data suggests International students’ body weights changed drastically in a short time period which could potentially lead to negative health outcomes. Funding Sources None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Naif Albalawi ◽  
Moath M. Alshehri ◽  
Moshari A. Al-ghamdi ◽  
Mohammed A. Alshehri ◽  
Mohamed S. Abdel-Maksoud ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Community participation in physical activity is considered a major public health preference of WHO. Saudi Arabia in the last decades faced many tremendous economic changes leading to adoption of western dietary habits associated with sedentary lifestyle. AIM: We aimed to study the relationship between both physical activity knowledge and attitude of community to the practice of individuals. METHODS: We used a questionnaire consists of a mixture of closed-ended questions. Participants were recruited through direct meetings in local markets, schools, and workplaces. Seven hundred and sixty six individuals agreed to participate. RESULTS: Overall correct answers to questions about importance of physical activity were 76.58%. The predominance of participants’ attitude was to establish public places for physical activity in each neighborhood (92.1%). Participants acknowledged that they exercise to improve their health (47.5%). Participants mainly perform light exercises (47.2%) on basis of 1–3 times weekly (48.9%). About 90.8% of participants admitted that they like to increase duration of their physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall physical activity practice of participants’ needs encourage overcoming obstacles that prevent individuals from practicing especially lack of time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 784-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atika Khalaf ◽  
Albert Westergren ◽  
Vanja Berggren ◽  
Örjan Ekblom ◽  
Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa

AbstractObjectiveResearch about the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity in the Saudi Arabian female population is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the dietary habits and the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity and associated factors among female university students.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingA university centre for female students in south-western Saudi Arabia.SubjectsThe study involved 663 randomly selected female university students who self-reported their physical activities, nutritional habits and socio-economic factors. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the students’ BMI, dietary variables, underweight and overweight/obesity.ResultsThe majority of the university females were normal weight (56·9 %), but a high prevalence of underweight (19·2 %) and overweight/obesity (23·8 %) occurred. Social factors significantly associated with BMI were the presence of obese parents and siblings as well as physical activity levels, marital status, number of sisters, father’s level of education and more frequent intake of French fries/potato chips (>3 times/week). Several variables were found to correlate with dietary habits, underweight and overweight/obesity. Of special interest is the association between the number of siblings and the participants’ BMI and dietary intake in both negative and positive ways.ConclusionsThe findings of this research have implications for health promotion and prevention of malnutrition among college-aged females. Health-care providers and policy makers need to involve the whole family when promoting females’ physical activity. The study serves as an evidence-based background for planning and implementation of interventions targeting improvement of highly educated populations’ nutritional habits.


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