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

Knowledge, attitude, and behavior among Saudis toward cancer preventive practice

To examine self-reported knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices on cancer among Saudis. Data was collected from Saudis aged 15 years or more, who attended one of the randomly selected 20 Primary Health Centers [PHC] or the four major private hospitals located in the Riyadh region, either as patients or their escorts. The association between the variables was evaluated by the Chi square test. The study population consisted of 618 males and 719 females. Among the female respondents 23.1% reported that they practiced breast self-examination [BSE]; 14.2 and 8.1%, respectively, had clinical breast examination [CBE] and mammography. However, 10.0 and 16.1% of the females, aged 40 years and older, reported having had mammograms and CBE, respectively. The BSE performers were more educated, knew someone with cancer, and had heard of the cancer warning signal. Both educational level and 'heard of cancer warning signal' were significantly related to CBE. Cancer information was received from television / radio by 65.1% and from the physician by 29.4%. Even though 69.4% believed that cancer could be detected early, a vast majority [95.8%] felt early detection of cancer was extremely desirable and 55.1% said their participation was definite in any screening program. A majority of the respondents [92.6%] insisted on the need for physician recommendation to participate and 78.1% expected that any such program should be conducted in the existing hospitals / clinics. Culturally sensitive health education messages should be tailored to fulfill the knowledge gap among all population strata. Saudis will benefit from partnerships between public health educators and media to speed up the dissemination of cancer information

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