scholarly journals AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG MALE MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES AT MAJMAAH UNIVERSITY, SAUDI ARABIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1669-75
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asad Farhan ◽  
Syed Yousaf Kazmi ◽  
Abdul Irfan ◽  
Waqas Sami ◽  
Ali Faraz ◽  
...  

Objective: To probe the level of awareness and practice of the WHO recommendation for physical activity among male medical undergraduates at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia from Oct to Dec 2018. Methodology: The study was conducted amongst 150 undergraduate medical students using a self-validated questionnaire. Results: A total of 53 (35.33%) participants were found to be physically inactive while only 18 (12%) participants were adherent to WHO recommendations of physical activity for health benefits. Only 31 (20.66%) participants were correctly aware of the WHO guidelines for physical activity with health benefits. Football (n=47) and table tennis (n=20) were the sports played by the majority i.e., in 67 (44.66%) participants. The physically active participants encouraged peers for physical activity and preferred social media as a mean of spreading awareness about physical activity. Conclusion: The awareness and the level of adherence of our male medical undergraduate students of physical activity according to the WHO’s guidelines are at par with the results of the national studies but much lower than the developed countries like the USA.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-225
Author(s):  
C Suvarna Devi ◽  
T. Sharmila Krishna ◽  
M Harini ◽  
E Venkata Rao ◽  
R Viswakumar

The burden of obesity and its related disorders is growing to an epidemic form, particularly among young adults, both in the developing and developed countries. Pursuing medical education is considered stressful throughout the course of the training. Stress leading to disordered eating habits along with lack of physical activity tend to make medical students more prone to obesity related disorders. The present study was carried out to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its association with stress among medical undergraduates.This cross-sectional study was conducted at Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. After obtaining approval from the Institutional ethics committee, both male and female students were invited to participate. Data on age, gender, type of diet, physical activity, consumption of junk food and other habits were collected. Cohen’s perceived stress score questionnaire was used to quantify the level of stress. Among 170 students, about 18.2% (n=31) of students were obese and 8.2% (n=14) were overweight. The mean stress score was 17.2 (± 4.72) and about 78% (n=133) reported to have stress with scores > 13. There was a significant association between BMI and consumption of junk food and a mild positive correlation existed between BMI and perceived stress score index(PSSI) among first year medical undergraduates.Obesity and stress remain a common problem among medical undergraduates. The causality can be established with more robust study designs. Encouraging proper eating habits combined with daily physical activity, yoga and body weight management programs might help curbing the problem.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asirvatham A. Robert ◽  
Mohamed A. Al Dawish

From last few years, the pervasiveness of diabetes mellitus (DM), in Saudi Arabia, is growing at a frightening rate. Overall, one-fourth of the adult population is affected by DM, which is further predicted to rise to more than double by the year 2030. The most alarming is possibly the escalation propensity of diabetes, in recent years, where a nearly ten-fold increase has been witnessed over the past thirty years in Saudi Arabia. However, the number of research arbitrations on the prevalence and incidence of DM is woefully inadequate, as compared to developed countries. Apart from this, most of the existing research data carried out in Saudi Arabia is cross-sectional, with small sample sizes, which most often involve only certain parts of the country. Consequently, the present scenario demands more multidimensional and multisectoral research to strengthen the evidence base and to accumulate greater knowledge as a basis for measures and programmes to confront diabetes and its complications. Thus, the present report makes an attempt to depict the current trend of diabetes as well as intends to put forward essential measures for controlling diabetes in Saudi Arabia.


Author(s):  
Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman ◽  
Ahmad M. Khalaf ◽  
Fahad B. Bin Abbas ◽  
Omran T. Alanezi

This study was conducted to investigate medical students’ lifestyle habits, including sleep quality, eating and drinking patterns, physical activity, and social status. Method: This research project is part two of a multi-institutional cross-sectional observational study conducted among medical students from six medical colleges in Saudi Arabia between September and December 2019. Results: 675 medical students were enrolled electively into the lifestyle study. About half of this number were male students and the majority were aged 18–24 years. Most students (87.6%) slept between 4–8 h a day and over 44% were dissatisfied with their sleep. Only 28.1% had three meals a day; about 40% of them usually or always skipped breakfast. A total of 44% usually or always ate fast food and 44.7% drank 2 L of water per day. Moreover, male students were significantly consuming more fast food than females, p < 0.001. The majority (63.3%) revealed they usually or always drink black coffee daily. Females were significantly more inclined to regular coffee consumption than males, p < 0.001. Only 4.3% exercised for 30 min or more daily. The majority (65%) of the students were introverted; they had few close friends. Yet, 81% were somewhat satisfied or satisfied with their social life. Male students were significantly more satisfied with their social life than females, p = 0.001. Only 4.6% smoked cigarettes daily whereas 7.1% smoked e-cigarettes daily. In contrast, only 0.3% used shisha (hookah) daily. Male medical students were substantially more inclined to e-cigarette use than females (p < 0.001). The top five leisure activities of a medical student were surfing social media (75.9%), watching movies (61.3%), hanging out with friends (58.1%), spending time with their family (55.4%), and browsing the Internet (53.6%). Female medical students were significantly more inclined to surf social media than male medical students, p = 0.022; also, watching movies was preferred for females compared to males, p = 0.006. Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of these medical students in Saudi Arabia exhibited healthy lifestyles to some extent, and these health-promoting behaviors differed based on sex, especially concerning physical activity and eating patterns. The findings of this study provide relevant information for future actions that will be geared towards effectively decreasing the occurrence of chronic illnesses and improving future doctors’ well-being.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048586
Author(s):  
Mohamad-Hani Temsah ◽  
Mazin Barry ◽  
Fadi Aljamaan ◽  
Abdullah Alhuzaimi ◽  
Ayman Al-Eyadhy ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the perception, confidence, hesitancy and acceptance rate of various COVID-19 vaccine types among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia, a nation with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus experience.DesignNational cross-sectional, pilot-validated questionnaire.SettingOnline, self-administered questionnaire among HCWs.ParticipantsA total of 2007 HCWs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated; 1512 (75.3%) participants completed the survey and were included in the analysis.InterventionData were collected through an online survey sent to HCWs during 1–15 November 2020. The main outcome measure was HCW acceptance of COVID-19 candidate vaccines. The associated factors of vaccination acceptance were identified through a logistic regression analysis and via measurement of the level of anxiety, using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale.ResultsAmong the 1512 HCWs who were included, 62.4% were women, 70.3% were between 21 and 40 years of age, and the majority (62.2%) were from tertiary hospitals. In addition, 59.5% reported knowing about at least one vaccine; 24.4% of the participants were sure about their willingness to receive the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, and 20.9% were willing to receive the RNA BNT162b2 vaccine. However, 18.3% reported that they would refuse to receive the Ad5-vectored vaccine, and 17.9% would refuse the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine. Factors that influenced the differential readiness of HCWs included their perceptions of the vaccine’s efficiency in preventing the infection (33%), their personal preferences (29%) and the vaccine’s manufacturing country (28.6%).ConclusionsAwareness by HCWs of the several COVID-19 candidate vaccines could improve their perceptions and acceptance of vaccination. Reliable sources on vaccine efficiency could improve vaccine uptake, so healthcare authorities should use reliable information to decrease vaccine hesitancy among frontline healthcare providers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-311
Author(s):  
Hafiz A. Makeen ◽  
Saad S. Alqahtani ◽  
Nawazish Alam ◽  
Santhosh J. Menachery ◽  
Rabea M. Ageeli ◽  
...  

Natural and artificial food colors are widely used in a variety of food products. This study was designed to assess the awareness and perception of coloring agents present in food and beverages on children's behavior among people of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on representative samples of 387 married people from different places in Jazan region of Saudi Arabia from August to December 2019. The study utilized a validated questionnaire consisting of 12 questions to gather the information from 387 participants (52.9% males and 47.03% females). Approximately 77% were young adults; belong to age group of 26-45 years (P = 0.000). Majority (40.5%) of them had four or more children (P = 0.000). While significant level of knowledge about the use of foods and beverages containing coloring agent was found in the participants (P = 0.001), they were not aware that it may affect the child's health. Only 24.7% were able to tell the name of a coloring agent (P = 0.001). Significant percentage (88.9%) of parents reported about child hyperactivity after consumption of specific type of food and beverages, particularly fizzy drinks (35.61%), chocolates (31.82%), and sweets and candy (30.3%). Target populations were considered to be aware of presence of coloring agent in food and beverages used by their children regularly but they are not much aware of its harmful effect on long-term use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Joseph ◽  
Ayisha Alfiya ◽  
Megha Khurana ◽  
Maheshwari Divya ◽  
Kritika Gupta ◽  
...  

Background: Menstruation-related symptoms (MRSs) have been observed to result in absenteeism from either work or education, more commonly among women below 21 years than women of any other age group. Despite its high prevalence and associated ill effects, it is generally ignored even by medical students. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the pattern, determinants, and treatment practices of menstrual disorders among undergraduate medical students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 215 female medical students from first to final year. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire. The height and weight of participants were measured using standard procedures. Results: The most common menstrual disorders reported by participants over the past six months were dysmenorrhoea [191(88.8%)] followed by irregular cycles [43(20.0%)]. In multivariable analysis, the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and excessive consumption of coffee was associated with irregular menstrual cycles; the presence of anaemia was associated with menorrhagia, the presence of fibroids and age of participants ≤18 years were associated with polymenorrhoea, excessive chocolate consumption was related to intermenstrual bleeding, excessive chocolate consumption, presence of anaemia, and low body mass index (BMI) were associated with premenstrual syndrome. Self-medication was reported by 15 (42.9%) out of the 35 participants on treatment. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, and premenstrual symptoms were common among participants. They need to limit potential risk factors like excessive consumption of coffee and chocolates. Additionally, screening for anaemia, PCOS, fibroids and low BMI needs to be done. Self-medication practices need to be also dissuaded in the setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2880-2886
Author(s):  
Syed Hussain Raza Zaidi ◽  
Sara Mukhtar ◽  
Rahila Yasmeen ◽  
Rehan Ahmed Khan ◽  
Tayyaba Azhar ◽  
...  

Background: Undergraduate medical studies are tough and require long hours of study and thus can lead to significant stress for the students both physically and emotionally. Stress can affect a student’s mental wellbeing and can lead to anxiety, fatigue and depression. Medical undergraduates report a greater level of perceived stress then general population. We need to understand the stressors affecting the health of our students in order to prevent psychological and emotional consequences. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using the Medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ) was designed to determine the different stressors that a medical student deals with during their educational career at the University College of Medicine (UCM) at University of Lahore (UOL). Student participation in this study was voluntary. 1st, 2nd and 3rd year MBBS students of UCM were included in the study. The questionnaire has 20 questions that determine the academic, interpersonal & intrapersonal, teaching and learning, social, drive and desire, and group activities related stressors. The students were further asked to answer questions related to their gender, study routine and physical activity. They were also asked about family and social support available to them. SPSS software version 23 was utilized for data analysis. Results: Data revealed that the 2nd and 3rd year students regard academic related stressors as the most bothersome for them, whereas the desire related stressors were regarded by them as causing mild to moderate stress. The remaining four domains were rated as causing only moderate stress. 1st year students graded the academic related stressors as the cause of most stress for them, while the teaching and learning related stressors, interpersonal related stressors and social related stressors were rated less than it. Drive and desire related stressors were regarded as causing mild stress. When we compared the data from all three years, we found that group activates related stressors were regarded as least stressful by 3rd year students. 3rd year MBBS students rated the intrapersonal & interpersonal stressors, social related stressors, drive and desire related stressors and group activity related stressors at a level that was lower than the 1st & 2nd year MBBS students. Conclusions: Academic related stressors and teaching and learning related stressors were rated as being most stressful by students of all three years. Institutions should take to make the learning environment less stressful for the students as continued stress can adversely affect the health and mental well-being of the students. Keywords: Undergraduate Medical Students, Stress, Medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ)


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Hanna ◽  
Anne Hanley ◽  
Avril Huddy ◽  
Michael McDonald ◽  
Fiona Willer

OBJECTIVE: To assess participation in physical activity and knowledge of general nutrition and current public health messages about the health benefits of physical activity in university dance students, and to investigate differences between first-year and later-year students and between students in dance and dance performance course groups. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 67 participants from dance undergraduate degrees in a university in Australia. Nutrition knowledge was assessed using the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Physical activity participation and awareness of its benefits were assessed using the Active Australia Survey. RESULTS: Results indicate low nutrition knowledge among dance students, with 47% and 52% of responses correct in dance and dance performance students, respectively. Nutrition knowledge did not vary between students in first or later years. Self-reported participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity varied substantially and met or exceeded recommendations based upon duration and frequency for 98% of participants. However, awareness of physical activity messages varied, with dance students more likely to disagree about the level of activity needed for health benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Dance students report varying levels of physical activity that usually met or exceeded recommendations; however, knowledge of general nutrition and physical activity benefits was low. Improved knowledge could contribute to changes in behavior that improve health status in this population.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Syed Meraj Ahmed ◽  
Faisal Alhumaidi Alruways ◽  
Thamer Fahad Alsallum ◽  
Meshal Munahi Almutairi ◽  
Abdullah Saif Al-Subhi ◽  
...  

<span lang="EN-US">Use of social media for patient care is the new frontier in the healthcare indus-try. Sharing of information between the clinicians and their patients is now so much easier. In slowly gaining a foothold worldwide it needs a healthy push to make it universally accepta-ble. Study the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare providers on the usage of social media in their clinical practice.</span><span lang="EN-US">A baseline cross – sectional study was conducted among 200 healthcare professionals from March 2015 to September 2015 on their knowledge, attitude, and practices in the use of social media for patient care in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. A close ended self – administered validated questionnaire was used to gather data which was analyzed by using the SPSS ver. 21.0 software. 55.3% participants used social media for both professional and personal reasons. Some (25.3%) specified using it for patient care while a significant majority (52.9%) opined that it can be successfully used for patient interaction. Nearly 55% agreed that social media should not be banned due to its benefits as an efficient tool for patient communication. </span><span>S</span><span lang="EN-US">ocial media use for pa-tient doctor interaction should be encouraged to improve patient care through effective com-munication.</span>


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mezna A. AlMarzooqi

Background: Social media became an integral part of the lives of people because it encourages social relations and shares interests, activities, and real-life connections. As quarantine and lockdown orders are prolonged, many people, as well as those physically active individuals, typically responded to this stressful condition by using social media platforms.Objective: This study aimed to examine the level of physical activity of physically active individuals and their attitudes toward social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia between June 2020 and July 2020. An online survey was employed among eligible participants who completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered reasons for physical activity and attitudes toward social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Of these 323 participants, 29.1% were in the age group of 18–24 years, 66.6% were women, and 67.8% were single. The proportion of participants whose metabolic equivalent of tasks-min/week from vigorous activity &lt;1,680 was 31.9%, and all of the participants follow people or pages in social media related to sports teams and fitness models. The average number of hours spent on social media per day was 2.95 ± 0.90 h. The majority of the participants showed positive attitudes toward social media used for exercise and physical activity. Of the eight variables, age, level of physical activity, and the average of hours spent on social media emerged as significant predictors of attitudes toward the use of social media (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: The present survey results indicate adverse consequences of home quarantine as reflected by a small proportion of participants who had differences in levels of vigorous activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Social media appears to be a key avenue to promote and disseminate health interventions to promote physical activity during this COVID-19 pandemic.


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