Correlates and Levels of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index Among Saudi Men Working in Office-Based Jobs

Involvement of Single Nucleotide Variants in the Klotho Gene Among Obesity Individuals with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Saudi Population

Purpose

Aging is characterized by the gradual physiological changes and alterations that accumulate over time in the human body. The combination of obesity and ageing can lead to an increased risk of serious health issues or death. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the Klotho gene were commonly studied, including that in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the possible effect of SNVs in Klotho on the obese population in Saudi Arabia using middle-aged participants with and without T2DM.

Methods

This study consists of 100 controls and 100 obesity patients, in which 50 had T2DM and the remaining 50 were obese without T2DM. Genotyping was performed with PCR, and Sanger sequencing analysis was used to validate the molecular association.

Results

In this study, rs1207568 (p = 0.001-0.003) and rs9527025 (p = 0.001-0.00004) SNVs were associated with obesity cases. However, none of the genotypes or allele frequencies showed a positive association with the rs564481 SNV (p = 0.344-0.881). The multiple linear regression model showed that waist and hip were associated (p = 0.01-0.02). ANOVA analysis showed age (p = 0.04), hip (p = 0.002), SBP, and TC (p = 0.02) were associated. Finally, SNV (rs1207568 and rs95270250) and obesity (p < 0.001) associations were confirmed through gene multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis with gene-gene interaction, dendrogram, and graphical depletion method.

Conclusion

This study concludes that rs1207568 and rs9527025 SNVs are associated with obesity in the Saudi population. Additional genetical statistics showed significant association between dependent and independent variables. SNVs in Klotho play a role in the Saudi population's susceptibility to obesity.

The State of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia: Barriers, Facilitators, and Policy Implications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical public health issue in Saudi Arabia, where it is the leading cause of death. The economic burden of CVD in the country is expected to triple by 2035, reaching $9.8 billion. This paper provides an overview of CVD in Saudi Arabia and its risk factors, impact on healthcare, and effects on patients' quality of life. The review emphasizes the potential of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in addressing the CVD epidemic. CR programs have been shown to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmissions while improving patients' cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, these programs are underutilized and inaccessible in Saudi Arabia. The paper highlights the urgent need for CR programs in the country and suggests key strategies for implementation. These include increasing patient referrals, tailoring programs to individual needs, enhancing patient education, and making CR accessible through home-based options. Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and developing tailored guidelines for Arab countries can further enhance the impact of CR programs. In conclusion, this review underscores the vital importance of comprehensive CR programs in Saudi Arabia to combat the rising CVD burden, improve patient quality of life, and align with the goals of the Saudi 2030 Vision for a healthier society.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Physical inactivity has been identified as a major factor in developing and progressing chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranks high worldwide in rates of obesity. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, public health measures have been enforced. These included social distancing, masking, reduction of workplace daily hours, prevention of social gatherings, and home quarantine measures. These ultimately restricted the ability to perform regular physical health activities. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity among adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Saudi population. An online survey was sent through social media to gather data regarding individual physical activity before and after the start of the COVID-19 restrictions. The data were collected from March 20, 2021, until May 20, 2021, and analyzed using chi-square and paired t-test using the SAS software version 9.4.

Results

In total, 433 participants completed the survey. There were 183 (42.3%) males, and the majority of the participants were Saudi nationals (284, 65.6%). Most of the participants (181, 41.8%) were in the age group 25-35 years and 253 (58%) had bachelor’s degrees. Although the results did not show a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-COVID-19 respondents in terms of physical activity, married participants, participants from the eastern province, and participants who did not exercise regularly were all significantly impacted by lack of exercise compared to their counterparts (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is essential. Nonetheless, recommendations should be sought for physical activity during lockdowns, and large-scale research should be conducted to better understand what causes the exaggeration of sedentary lifestyles during lockdowns and how to prevent them. Further studies need to be conducted, and national guidelines should be made available in case of a future lockdown.

Differences in Overweight and Obesity Prevalence in Middle-Aged Men from Twelve Middle Eastern and Asian Countries Living in Saudi Arabia

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine differences in overweight and obesity prevalence and the associated sociodemographic variables among middle-aged men from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. The study sample was chosen randomly using a stratified clustered sampling technique. The weight and height of 1800 middle-aged men (36 to 59 years) from twelve Middle Eastern and Asian countries living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were measured using standardized methods. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather sociodemographic information from participants.

Results

Overweight and obesity were reported among 51.9% and 14.7% of participants, respectively. Nationality was a predictor of overweight and obesity. Subjects from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia had the lowest (41.0%) and highest (85.1%) rates of overweight and obesity, respectively. Increasing age, staying in Saudi Arabia for a longer period, being single, and earning a high monthly income were associated with a significantly higher risk of overweight and obesity among the participants.

Conclusion

The findings revealed significant differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among participants from different countries living in Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic variables associated with overweight and obesity among participants were identified.

Exploring Female University Students' Participation in Physical Activity in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background

The importance of physical activity in improving physical and mental health has been emphasized in many studies. Researchers in Saudi Arabia have reported an increase in physical inactivity among Saudis, especially among University female population. Current efforts in the field in Saudi Arabia have yet to explore barriers and facilitators that influence female University student's participation in physical activity. This study aims to provide an assessment of the situation regarding physical activity among female University students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This mixed method study preceded a participatory action research initiative. The first part of the mixed method consisted of a cross-sectional survey of 375 female University students in Saudi Arabia who completed the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The second part consisted of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 14 female University students and 16 female exercise trainers.

Results

Results showed that most participants (91%) spent more time in walking activity compared to moderate (66%) and vigorous activity (57%) for at least 10 min at a time over a period of 7 days. Results showed that 70% of participants did not meet the WHO recommendation of 150 min per week of moderate activity, while around 62% of participants did not meet the WHO recommendation of 75 min per week of vigorous activity. Barriers to participation included limited facilities for physical activities, academic workload, gender role, and the need to adhere to cultural standards. Facilitators included valuing positive results, general health concerns, and family support.

Conclusion

Knowledge gained from this study might support organizations and public health authorities to develop physical activity interventions that better address Saudi women's perceived needs. These findings are an important contribution to current knowledge in light of recent advances in women's rights in Saudi Arabia.

Physical Activity Levels of a Multi-Ethnic Population of Young Men Living in Saudi Arabia and Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity

Objective

Regular physical activity is essential for lifelong optimal health. Contrarily, physical inactivity is linked with risk for many chronic diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the physical activity levels and factors associated with physical inactivity among a multi-ethnic population of young men living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study involving 3,600 young men (20–35 years) living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic and physical activity data were collected from subjects by face-to-face interviews. Physical activity characteristics were evaluated by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weight and height were measured following standardized methods, then body mass index was calculated.

Results

Physical inactivity was reported among 24.9% of study subjects. The lowest and highest rates of physical inactivity were reported among subjects from the Philippines (14.0%) and Saudi Arabia (41.5%), respectively. There is a high variation in daily minutes spent on physical activities related to work, transport, recreation, vigorous and moderate-intensity physical activities and sedentary behaviors among study participants based on their nationalities. Nationality, increasing age, longer residency period in Saudi Arabia, living within a family household, having a high education level, earning a high monthly income, and increasing body mass index were significantly associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity among the study participants.

Conclusion

Physical inactivity prevalence is relatively high among a multi-ethnic population of young men living in Saudi Arabia. The findings confirmed notable disparities in the physical activity characteristics among participants from different countries living in Saudi Arabia.

Physical Activity Levels of a Multi-Ethnic Population of Middle-Aged Men Living in Saudi Arabia and Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity

Objectives: This study investigated physical activity levels and factors related to physical inactivity in a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 1,800 men aged 36–59 years old from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia participated. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity levels. The weight and height were measured and used to calculate the body mass index.

Results: Among all participants, 35.3% are physically inactive. The participants with the lowest and highest rates of physical inactivity were from the Philippines (15.5%) and Saudi Arabia (57.8%), respectively. This study suggests that the risk of physical inactivity among participants is positively or negatively affected by various factors, including nationality, residency period in Saudi Arabia, living with/without family, education level, monthly income, and body mass index.

Conclusion: The prevalence of physical inactivity is relatively high among middle-aged men in Saudi Arabia. The findings revealed significant differences in physical activity levels based on nationality, other sociodemographic variables and body weight status.