Exploring Sedentary and Nutritional Behaviour Patterns in Relation to Overweight and Obesity Among Youth from Different Demographic Backgrounds in Saudi Arabia.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased over the last three decades, becoming a major public health concern. This issue is particularly pressing in terms of the impact it has on the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the nutritional and lifestyle habits of youth in the Al-Ahsa region of the KSA.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 1270 secondary-school boys and girls (15-19 years) from all five of the Al-Ahsa Governorate districts. BMI and waist circumference measurements were recorded using anthropometric measurements, and the lifestyle-Arab Teens Lifestyle Survey (ATLS) was used to measure sedentary and eating habits.
Results: Chi-square analysis revealed that a higher proportion of females (90.68%) than males (79.18%) exceeded two hours of daily sedentary time. Frequent sugary drink consumption (>3 times per week) was similar in males (67.40%) and females (66.11%). Students from different geographical locations showed significant differences in exceeding cut-off scores for fast food (χ2 = 24.503, p < 0.001), cakes/doughnuts (χ2 = 8.414, p = 0.015), sweets/candy (χ2 = 19.613, p < 0.001), and energy drinks (χ2 = 21.650, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Al-Ahsa is the largest governorate in the KSA. It has some of the largest health risks regarding obesity and poor lifestyle habits. This study highlights the major need for future research and policy interventions.
期刊介绍：
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) (ISSN 1660-4601) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original articles, critical reviews, research notes, and short communications in the interdisciplinary area of environmental health sciences and public health. It links several scientific disciplines including biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, ecology, engineering, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, oncology, pathology, pharmacology, and toxicology, in an integrated fashion, to address critical issues related to environmental quality and public health. Therefore, IJERPH focuses on the publication of scientific and technical information on the impacts of natural phenomena and anthropogenic factors on the quality of our environment, the interrelationships between environmental health and the quality of life, as well as the socio-cultural, political, economic, and legal considerations related to environmental stewardship and public health.
The 2018 IJERPH Outstanding Reviewer Award has been launched! This award acknowledge those who have generously dedicated their time to review manuscripts submitted to IJERPH. See full details at http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/awards.
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