prevalence of physical activity and its socioeconomic correlates in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional population-based national survey

To determine the levels of physical activity in the Saudi population and to assess its socio-demographic correlates. The data were part of a cross-sectional representative national survey of 4758 participants conducted in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design was used. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ] version 2.0. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the determinants and were adjusted in relation to various factors. Overall, physical inactivity was found to be 66.6% [95% C.I.: 65.3%-68%], 60.1% [95% C.I.: 58.1% - 62.1%] for males and 72.9% [95% C.I.: 71.1%-74.7%] for females. Leisure time physical inactivity was found to be 87.9%, 85.6% for males and 90.2% for females. The northern and central regions reported the highest prevalence of no physical activity at work, leisure and transportation. Gender, geographical location and employment status exhibited a statistically significant correlation. There is a high level of physical inactivity in various regions and population groups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Population interventions are greatly needed, especially those focusing on physical activity in their leisure time

Comparative study of physical activity of hypertensives and normotensives: a cross-sectional study of adults in Saudi Arabia

quantify the magnitude of the disease and its risk factors. The patterns of physical activity have not been studied in terms of their being a risk factor or a predictor of hypertension in Saudi Arabia. This was a community-based cross-sectional study using the STEP-wise approach of adults and Q a multistage, stratified, cluster random sample. Data were collected using a questionnaire which included sociodemographics, blood pressure, patterns, levels and duration of physical activity. Of a total DC of 4758, 1213 [25.5%] were hypertensives. Hypertension was significantly negatively associated with total Vl. levels and duration of physical activity in leisure, transport, and work. Significant predictors of hypertension Q] included lower levels of work involving a moderate physical activity for 10 min, walking/cycling for 10 min

Prevalence and associated factors of cigarette smoking among medical students at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence of smoking among medical students at the medical college at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, and assess the association between smoking and socio-demographical factors, smoking contacts, reasons for smoking and attempts to quit. Cross-sectional survey in which anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was used to survey the cigarette smoking habits of the first-and second-year medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City in June 2009. Overall 39.8% of the investigated students [153] had smoked before, and 17.6% were current smokers. The mean age of initiating smoking was 15.8 +/- 3.3]. There were significantly more males than females. The most important reasons for smoking were leisure, imitation of other people and a means of relieving psychological pressure. Reasons for not smoking were mostly health and religion-based. Smokers tended to have friends who smoked. Cigarettes smoking is highly prevalent among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City. Contact with smokers particularly friends are the major risk factors for the initiation of the habit. Health and religious considerations are important motives for not smoking, quitting or attempting to quit. These findings can be of help in designing future intervention strategies

Pilgrims satisfaction with ambulatory health services in Makkah, 2008

The main objective of this study was to assess the level and correlates of patients' satisfaction with ambulatory health services provided for pilgrims during Hajj period in 2008. This was a facility-based, cross-sectional study conducted in the Makkah region during the Hajj season in December 2008. A two-stage technique was used to select 500 patients from those who attended the ambulatory health services. One hundred subjects were selected by systematic random sampling [every fifth] from each of the five hospitals included in the study and asked to fill in a pilot-tested self-administered questionnaire. A total of 487 questionnaires were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and t-test, Mann Whitney test and ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test was used as appropriate after checking for normality. Level of significance level was set to be <0.05 throughout the study. From 478 subjects analyzed, 390 [81.6%] were man, 345 [72.2%] were married, 28.9% had either intermediate or high secondary school education, and 2.4% were skilled laborers. The total satisfaction score for health facilities was 20.45 +/- 4.03 of 25. The satisfaction scores were 20.15 +/- 4.7 of 25 for patient satisfaction with physicians and 21.35 +/- 4.5 for patient satisfaction with paramedical personnel. The overall satisfaction score was 61.5 +/- 4.5 of 75 points. There were significant relations between total satisfaction of health facilities with education level and with occupation [P = 0.012, 0.001, respectively]. The total satisfaction of patients with physicians was significant only with education level. The overall satisfaction score had a significant relation with occupation [P = 0.03], but a borderline relation with the education level [P = 0.056]. Satisfaction with ambulatory Hajj health services is acceptable. Some physicians and waiting area services need special attention to improve satisfaction levels with ambulatory health in the subsequent Hajj seasons

Comparison of physical activity patterns among diabetic and non diabetic adults in Saudi Arabia

Quantifying the magnitude and risk factors of Diabetes Mellitus in the community is essential for all intervention strategies. The objective of this study is to assess physical activity as a risk factor of diabetes mellitus by comparing physical activity patterns of diabetics and non diabetics. A community-based cross-sectional study using STEPwise approach among adults using a multistage, stratified, cluster random sample. Data was collected using a questionnaire which included patterns and durations of physical activity, sociodemographics, and history of diabetes, biochemical and anthropometric measurements. Of the total 4657 subjects, 712[15.3%] were diabetic [369[16%] for males and 343[14.6%] for females]. Of all subjects only 12.1, 20.2 and 46.1% were physically active in recreational, work and transport respectively. Diabetes was significantly negatively associated with total level of physical activity .All lower levels of physical activity in leisure, transport and work were significantly associated with increased risk of diabetes .Physical activity at work and walking or cycling for 10 minutes continuously were significant predictors of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus among adults in associated with lower levels of all patterns of physical activity. Specifically tailored and culturally sensitive physical activity interventions, is necessary for preventing, controlling diabetes. Females, elderly and retired persons need special attention

Patients' perspective on factors affecting utilization of primary health care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to assess factors which the patients think can encourage, discourage or have no effect on utilization of Primary Health Care Centers [PHCCs] in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients [n=540] attending the selected PHCCs in Riyadh were asked regarding their views on 21 [factors] items and whether they can encourage, discourage or has no effect on utilization of PHCCs services. Eight PHCCs were randomly selected according to the geographical location, 2 from each geographical zone. Seventy-five subjects were selected systematically, every 10th Saudi aged 15 years and above who visited the selected PHCCs during a one-month period [September 1998]. The data was collected via a self administered pilot tested, internally consistent questionnaire which included patients' sociodemographic characteristics and their response to the 21 items rated as highly encouraging, encouraging, has no effect or discouraging utilization of offered health services. More than 60% of the patients were males, aged 15-39 years, 47% finished secondary school, 5.2% were illiterate, 58% of all patients were married, more than 60% were employees and approximately 60% have a monthly income of less than 4500 Saudi Riyals. Manpower factors particularly the physician, Arabic speaking health team and free service were the most encouraging factors, while overcrowding and geographical location of the PHCCs, particularly location near public services, were the least encouraging factors. Patients' gender, education and occupation were the most important and age was the least important patients' characteristics associated with utilization factors. An experienced physician, Moslem physicians and an Arabic speaking health team offering free service in PHCCs located near patients' homes can augment utilization of services

Attitudes and behavior of physicians towards smoking in Riyadh city

698 physicians in Riyadh city were studied for their smoking habits, attitudes and behaviour. 48% were smokers and 34% are currently smoking. Males smoke significantly more than females for current and pest smoking habit as well as for expected future habit. As age increases smoking prevalence and intensity tend to decrease and quitting periods tend to be longer. More than 60% of the physicians agree that smoking is a major contributing factor in the causation of coronary artery disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis, while less than 20% said the same for bladder cancer and neonatal death. Setting a good example for children was the most important reason for not smoking for all physicans

Epidemiological profile and attitudes of primary care patients attending Farazdak clinic in Riyadh

Epidemiological factors and attitudes relating to 148 new patients visiting the Farazdak primary care clinic in Riyadh were studied during a 2-month period. Of the 148 patients 78% were males; 50% were Yemanis and 35% were Saudi; 65% of the patients were married and 30% were single and about 50% of all patients were unskilled labourers. Abdominal pain and low back pain were the commonest presenting symptoms. Minor conditions of the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems constituted 90% of the diagnoses and this pattern was very similar to that seen in patients who attended the clinic during 1984. Distance was not a limiting factor for the utilization of the service and patients who viewed their conditions as serious or relatively serious kept their appointments. No significant association was found between attendance and non-attendance with respect to age, sex, education or travel distance. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the services provided but requested provision of drugs and investigations in the clinic itself