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

Socioeconomic predictors of unconstrained child growth in Muscat, Oman

We conducted a study to identify socioeconomic factors associated with unconstrained growth among preschoolers in Muscat, Oman. A sample of children born in 1995 and aged 28-43 months was drawn from the Child Health Registers of 2 health care centres. Sociodemographic data were collected by oral interview and maternal and child anthropometry measured. Regression analysis was used to identify socioeconomic indicators and cut-offs associated with unconstrained growth. Children from households with a monthly income > or = 800 Omani rials and mother's education > or = 4 years attained height-for-age levels comparable to the current international growth reference. By screening using this criterion, we could obtain a suitable sample for the World Health Organization Multicentre Growth Reference Study in Muscat