Descriptive epidemiology of physical activity among Omani adults: the Oman World Health Survey, 2008

There is an increasing burden of obesity and obesity-related noncommunicable diseases in Guif Cooperation Council countries, including Oman. This descriptive, epidemiological study assessed physical activity among2977Omani adults using a population-based household survey in 2008. Overall, 54.2% of men and 41.6% of women were physically active; the rate was higher in younger cohorts and varied significantly by region of residence. Physical activity related to the transportation [walking and cycling] domain was higher than in the leisure or work domains. Unmarried men aged 30-39 years were twice as likely to be physically active [OR 2.25] and unmarried women aged 40+ years were half as likely to be active [OR 0.58] than their married counterparts. Young women not working were less active [OR 0.18] than working women. Higher education was significantly associated with leisure activity for men aged 30+ years and women aged 40+ years. Further research to understand regional variations and to identify culturally appropriate strategies to promote physical activity is required

Body fat distribution and the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Omani population

Anthropometric measures of overall and central obesity as predictors of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] risk were studied. Data for 4728 Omanis were taken from the 1991 National Diabetes Survey. Diabetes mellitus was assessed using a 2-hour post glucose load. After adjusting for age, sex, family history of diabetes, physical activity and blood pressure, body mass index [BMI] was positively associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Controlling for BMI and other potential confounders, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were positively associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Waist measurement [alone or with hip circumference] is a simple and independent tool for assessing the risk of NIDDM