scholarly journals Obesity in Saudi Arabia in 2020: Prevalence, Distribution, and Its Current Association with Various Health Conditions

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Rasha A. Almubark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Colon Diseases

The global prevalence of obesity is increasing. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases and health conditions. This study aims to estimate the current prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia and described the current national-level status of the association between obesity and various health conditions. This study is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted over phone-interviews in June 2020. In this study, a proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Weight and height were self-reported, and the obesity was determined as BMI ≥ 30. Logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was used for exploring current associations between obesity and health conditions. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 participants responded and completed the interview with a response rate of 75.48%. Of them, 50.1% were female, the mean age was 36.4 ± 13.5 (Range: 18–90), and the median age was 36. The national weighted prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 24.7%, and the prevalence in the sample (unweighted) was 21.7%. Obesity was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes [Odd ratio, (OR) = 1.52], hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.69), hypertension (OR = 1.61), lung diseases (OR = 1.69), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.57), sleep apnea (OR = 1.82), colon diseases (OR = 1.31), and thyroid disorders (OR = 1.8). This study provides an update on the recent prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. It also shows the variation in prevalence rates between different regions, which might be explored further. Although obesity shows a decreasing trend, almost one-quarter of this study sample were obese. Obesity is currently associated with many health conditions that can affect the individuals’ quality of life, impose stress on the healthcare system and impose an economic burden on the country. This evidence highlights the need for action to focus more on obesity in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Self-Reported Food Allergies and Their Association with Other Health Conditions among Adults in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 347
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Nasser F. BinDhim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Gender

Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening health issue, and few studies have determined their prevalence throughout Saudi Arabia. The main objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of self-reported food allergies, and explore their association with other health conditions among adults in Saudi Arabia. This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June 2020. A proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants by age and gender across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Self-reported food allergy, height, weight, health conditions, mental health status, and demographic variables were collected. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 (75.48%) participants responded and completed the interview. Furthermore, 50.1% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.5 years (18–90 years). The prevalence of food allergies was 19.7%. The most self-reported food allergies were egg, shellfish and shrimp, and peanuts, with a prevalence of 3.7%, 3.1%, and 3.0%, respectively. There was an association between the presence of food allergies and reported bariatric surgery, asthma, colon disease, and being at risk of depression. Bariatric surgery was significantly associated with lower likelihood of self-reported allergy (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.34, p = 0.002). This study revealed, for the first time, a high prevalence of self-reported food allergies among adults in Saudi Arabia in a large nationwide sample, and food allergy association with bariatric surgery, asthma, colon disease, and being at risk of depression. This information is valuable for clinicians and policymakers, particularly in terms of food allergen labeling.

Psychiatric disorders and social characteristics among second-generation Moroccan migrants in Belgium: An age–and gender–controlled study conducted in a psychiatric emergency department

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Fossion ◽  
Y. Ledoux ◽  
F. Valente ◽  
L. Servais ◽  
L. Staner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Second Generation ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Psychiatric Emergency ◽  
Social Characteristics ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
And Gender

SummaryPurpose.Clinically, one of the most consistent clinical findings among migrant patients is an increase in the rate of psychosis. The aim of the present study was to confirm this finding in Belgium by comparing second-generation Moroccan migrant patients with Belgian patients, matched for the variables of age and gender.Subjects and method.We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 272 patients admitted in a psychiatric emergency unit during the year 1998. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to compare the two subgroups.Results.Multivariate analyses showed that migrant patients lived more often with their parental family and that they presented a higher rate of admission for psychotic disorders and a lower rate of employment.Discussion.Our findings add to the growing body of results showing increased incidence of psychosis among immigrants to European countries, but several factors have to be taken into account, particularly with regard to selection biases and differences in help-seeking behaviour and in family perception of the mental illness.Conclusion.Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that unemployment is a contributing factor in the risk for psychosis among migrant groups. Further studies would be needed to better explain some of our results, particularly the role played by the families of migrant patients.

scholarly journals Prevalence of obesity and overweight among urban adults in Bulgaria

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1407-1410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lumdila Ivanova ◽  
Plamen Dimitrov ◽  
Jocilyn Dellava ◽  
Daniel Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Disease Risk ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Information ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Gender Groups

AbstractObjectiveThe prevalence of obesity is increasing in transitional countries, but extensive data on some countries, such as Bulgaria, are still lacking. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity, relative to gender and income, among adults in Sofia, Bulgaria.DesignCross-sectional survey to collect data on diet, health, BMI and income using a brief questionnaire on diet and income. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance to determine differences within and between income and gender groups.SettingSofia, Bulgaria.SubjectsAdults living in the city of Sofia, Bulgaria.ResultsFor adults 30–60 years of age, 35·1 % were overweight and 6·2 % were obese. The proportion of overweight and obesity was higher among men than women (44·8 % v. 32·4 % and 6·0 % v. 4·7 %, respectively). With respect to income, BMI decreased as income increased. For men, BMI was highest for the lowest and highest income groups, whereas for women lower income was associated with a higher BMI.ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity appears to be an emerging problem in some sectors of Bulgarian society, based on our data from the largest urban area of the country. These data provide new information on the divergence in health and disease risk in a country that is still economically challenged and may be facing the nutrition transition.

scholarly journals The sociocultural and behavioural characteristics that patients want in psychiatrists: cross-sectional survey of patients’ views

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Richard Laugharne ◽  
Stefan Priebe ◽  
Agnes Chevalier ◽  
Catherine Paton ◽  
Rajaei K. Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Social Background ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Behavioural Characteristics ◽  
Sociocultural Characteristics ◽  
And Gender

Aims and method There appears to be no research to date investigating patients’ preferences for sociocultural characteristics or behavioural qualities of psychiatrists. We aimed to assess which are most important to patients. Patients (132) in community mental health teams across two sites (East Cornwall, East London) completed a questionnaire ranking the importance of different sociocultural characteristics and behaviours of psychiatrists. Results Patients cared more about age and gender than other characteristics. Four preferences (from a choice of ten) regarding behavioural qualities were clearly identified as important: explaining things clearly, dedication to personal treatment, being friendly and polite, and being up to date with medical knowledge. Clinical implications Patients are fairly unconcerned about the age, gender, religion and social background of psychiatrists. Characteristics they care about most include communication skills, competence, dedication to personal treatment and friendliness. Explaining things clearly is particularly important. This indicates specific areas of improvement for training and further research.

scholarly journals LEVETIRACETAM USE, AVAILABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF TOXICITY AMONG EPILEPTIC PATIENTS AND THEIR CARE GIVERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN KING SALMAN ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL TABUK SAUDI ARABIA

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Olayan Alatawi ◽  
Faisal Alzahrani ◽  
Nasrin S Saiyed
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Epileptic Patients ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is a well-known second-generation anti-epileptic drug (AED). The study was aimed to addresses Levetiracetam use, availability and knowledge of toxicity among epileptic patients and their care givers in King Salman Armed Forces Hospital Tabuk Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (KSAFH) in Tabuk city in Saudi Arabia. The study participants were epileptic patients and their care givers, selected from different outpatient departments using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using an Arabic self-reported questionnaire consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions to facilitate study participants. Altogether, 381 persons answered the full questionnaire. The data were entered into SPSS version 26.0 for Windows, cleaned and managed before analysis. Results: Participants age ranged from 18 to 63 years, with a mean 29.6 years and standard deviation 5.8 years. 47.0% (n= 179) were male and 53.0% (n= 202) female. Six out of ten participants lived in the urban area (67.7%). Majority of the participants had knowledge about seizures (96.9%). About 31.0% of the participants and/or patients had seizures (epilepsy) since more than 20 years. Nearly 28.0% participants and/or patients had family history of seizures (epilepsy). Majority of the participants had Levetiracetam at home and aware of the correct usage of it. However, about 11% of the participants felt that Levetiracetam is used to help sleep. Eight out of ten of the participants reported “Sleepiness” as the side effect of Levetiracetam (79.3%). Half of the participants reported “Headache” as the side effect of Levetiracetam. About 94.0% of the participants knew that someone could take enough Levetiracetam to harm themselves. Conclusion: The study population used Levetiracetam, they demonstrated basic awareness of Levetiracetam use including the potential consequences of overdosing. Participants' knowledge regarding the toxicity of Levetiracetam is adequate. Special awareness programs for parents of children with epilepsy may be needed to reduce the knowledge gaps in the management of epilepsy and to ensure compliance and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

scholarly journals A Mental Health Surveillance System for the General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Multiwave Cross-sectional Survey Study

10.2196/23748 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e23748
Author(s):  
Nasser F BinDhim ◽  
Nora A Althumiri ◽  
Mada H Basyouni ◽  
Asem A Alageel ◽  
Suliman Alghnam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Status ◽  
National Level ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Gender

Background The COVID-19 outbreak can potentially be categorized as a traumatic event. Public health surveillance is one of the cornerstones of public health practice, and it empowers decision makers to lead and manage public health crises and programs more effectively by providing timely and useful evidence. Objective This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to identify, track, and monitor trends in the population in Saudi Arabia at risk of major depressive disorders and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study utilizes continuous, cross-sectional, national-level mental health screening via computer-assisted phone interviews, conducted in four waves on a monthly basis (between May and August 2020). Arabic-speaking adults, aged ≥18 years, and living in Saudi Arabia were recruited via a random phone list. This surveillance system used the proportional quota sampling technique to achieve an equal distribution of participants, stratified by age and gender, and region, within and across the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. A sample size of 4056 participants per wave was calculated to achieve enough power to detect changes in mental health status. The questionnaire includes the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to measure depressive symptoms and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to measure anxiety. In addition, it will collect data on sociodemographic variables and potential risk factors. Results Study recruitment began in May 2020. The data analysis was completed in October 2020, and the final report is expected to be published by the end of December 2020. Conclusions Monitoring the population’s mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic will inform decision makers of any potential deterioration in mental health on a national level and among subgroups, including across regions, age groups, and gender groups. It will allow decision makers to recognize issues and intervene sooner. It will also provide valuable scientific data to help understand the effects of epidemics and pandemics on mental health. As far as we know, this is the only study that attempts to monitor the mental health status of the general population on a monthly basis. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/23748

scholarly journals Association between obesity and lipid profile in children 10--12 years of age

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
Ruqoyatul Himah ◽  
Endy P. Prawirohartono ◽  
Madarina Julia
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
And Gender

Background Worldwide prevalence of obesity in children hasbeen increasing. Together with dyslipidemia and hypertension,obesity is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular morbiditylater in life.Objective The aim of this study was to assess associationbetween obesity and occurrence of dyslipidemia in 10-12 yearsold children.Methods We performed a cross sectional study on 53 obese and53 non-obese children matched for age and gender in Yogyakarta.Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) at or above the95th percentile of the CDC 2000 reference. The levels of totalcholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceridewere measured. Dyslipidemia was defined as increased level oftotal cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and decreasedlevel of HDL-cholesterol.Results Obese children had higher risk of increased level oftriglyseride, i.e. RR 2.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 4.4), P<O.OOl anddecreased level ofHDL-cholesterol, i.e. RR 17.8 (95%CI 14.0 to20.1), P=0.003. Overall, relative risk for dyslipidemia in obesechildren was 5.2 (95%CI 4.2 to 5.9), P=0.002, higher than innon-obese children.Conclusion Compared to non-obese children, obese children havehigher risk of dyslipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia andhypo-HDL.

Assessing Smoking Prevalence Amongst School Children in a Health Board Region

2000 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Knight
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
School Year ◽  
Outcomes Measures ◽  
And Gender

The objective of the study was to provide baseline data for Tayside in 1995 on the prevalence of smoking cigarettes in school children, aged 11 to 15 years. The design was a cross-sectional survey of 4675 children, obtained using a random cluster sample of 79 schools, stratified by school year and deprivation category. The main outcomes measures using a structured questionnaire, were the prevalence and level of smoking, by age and gender. The prevalence rate of regular smoking was 9% (95% CI 8.2%–9.8%). The rate rises appreciably for boys between 13 and 14years and for girls between 12 and 13 years. Source of cigarettes was also an outcome measure, most cigarettes were obtained from small shops. Health Boards require a standard method for collecting regional baseline data on the prevalence of smoking among children both for evaluation of targeted health promotion initiatives by age and gender and also for comparison of regional smoking prevalence with national targets.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behaviors and Associations with Obesity among Saudi Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora A Althumiri ◽  
Nasser F BinDhim ◽  
Saleh A. Alqahtani4
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
National Level ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
National Implementation ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background: Worldwide, physical inactivity is ranked as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality. This study aimed to provide an update on the prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among adults in Saudi Arabia and to examine associations with obesity.Methods: This study was conducted as secondary analysis of a national survey that was conducted in Saudi Arabia in 2018. In this study, a proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants (n = 3,699) were recruited mainly via random phone interviews. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations (150 minutes of moderate activity/week or 75 minutes of intensive activity/week) were used to classify physical activity. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity (not meeting the WHO recommendations) ranged between 66.8% and 81.2%. Females and males did not differ in their frequency of physical activity. Participants spent an average of 275 minutes/day watching TV or using phone apps and 267 minutes/day doing office work. Physical inactivity was associated with increased likelihood of obesity (BMI ≥ 30), as compared to those who met the WHO intensive physical activity criteria (odds ratio [OR]: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.23–2.13) and to those who met WHO mixed intensive/moderate physical activity criteria (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.24–1.81), adjusted for age and gender. However, sitting long hours for work or leisure was not significantly associated with obesity.Conclusions: Future research is needed to identify public health interventions that would be most feasible and suitable for physical inactivity and sedentary behavior reduction at the national level for national implementation; and health policies are needed to facilitate sustainability.

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