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Alzahrani AA, Gelius P, Bauman AE, Gebel K. Physical activity policies in Saudi Arabia and Oman: a qualitative study using stakeholder interviews. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:111. [PMID: 39160530 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01192-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries in the Middle East have some of the lowest rates of physical activity and some of the highest rates of obesity in the world. Policies can influence population levels of physical activity. However, there is a dearth of research on physical activity policies in the Gulf region. This qualitative study analyses cross-sectoral barriers and facilitators for the development, implementation and evaluation of physical activity policies in Saudi Arabia and Oman, two of the largest countries in the region. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 senior policymakers from the Ministries of Health, Education, and Sport in Saudi Arabia and Oman, and were examined using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified seven themes related to physical activity policies in Saudi Arabia and Oman: leadership; existing policies; physical activity programs related to policies; private sector policies; challenges; data/monitoring; and future opportunities. Both countries have a central document that guides policy-makers in promoting physical activity, and the available policies in both countries are implemented via multiple programs and initiatives to increase physical activity. Compared with Oman, in Saudi Arabia, programs from the non-profit sector, represented by community groups, play a more significant role in promoting physical activity outside the government framework. The private sector has contributed to promoting physical activity in both countries, but interviewees stated that more financial support is required. Policy limitations differ between Saudi Arabia and Oman: intersectoral collaboration in Oman is limited and mainly based on individuals' own initiative, while the health transformation in Saudi Arabia tends to slow down policy implementation in relevant areas. Physical education in Saudi Arabia and Oman is similar; however, increased support and collaboration between government agencies and the private sector for out-of-school sports academies are needed. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses key gaps in analysing physical activity policies in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Our study highlights the importance of increasing financial support, improving collaboration between governmental agencies and between them and the private sector and consolidating efforts to back physical activity policies and dismantle cross-sectoral barriers in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Educational institutions in Saudi Arabia and Oman play a crucial role in promoting physical activity from early childhood to young adults. Our insights assist policy-makers, public health officials and stakeholders in shaping effective physical activity-promoting policies, programs and interventions to prevent non-communicable diseases. Challenges identified in Saudi Arabia and Oman's policies will inform their future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed Alzahrani
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, City Campus, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Peter Gelius
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Institute of Sport Sciences, Quartier UNIL-Centre, Bâtiment Synathlon, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adrian E Bauman
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Klaus Gebel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, City Campus, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Wafi AM, Wadani SN, Daghriri YY, Alamri AI, Zangoti AM, Khiswi AA, Al-Ebrahim EY, Jesudoss HJ, Alharbi AA. Awareness and Knowledge of the Physical Activity Guidelines and Their Association with Physical Activity Levels. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:174. [PMID: 39058065 PMCID: PMC11281195 DOI: 10.3390/sports12070174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity guidelines recommend that adults engage in aerobic exercise and activities that preserve or increase muscle mass. The primary aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of these guidelines among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A secondary objective was to examine the role of awareness and knowledge in the adherence to physical activity guidelines. METHODS In this cross-sectional observational study, 1018 participants were recruited through a self-administered online survey. Participants' awareness and knowledge about physical activity guidelines were assessed using a prompted questionnaire. Physical activity levels and weekly energy expenditures were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS The proportion of the participants who reported being aware of the guidelines was approximately 48%, whereas the proportion of the participants who correctly identified the guidelines for moderate-intensity physical activity was 38%. However, only 23% correctly identified the muscle strength guidelines. Those who were aware of the guidelines were most likely to meet the physical activity recommendations (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.55-2.65). Participants who reported being aware of the guidelines exhibited a significantly higher energy expenditure, measured in MET minutes per week (p < 0.01). Similarly, participants who correctly identified the guidelines had greater energy expenditure (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS We found that adults in Jazan have a moderate level of awareness and knowledge of PA guidelines and that awareness is a predictor of adherence to these guidelines. Individuals who are aware of PA guidelines or have knowledge of them tend to have higher levels of physical activity. These findings suggest that public health campaigns that promote awareness and knowledge of the physical activity guidelines may accelerate the progress in engaging the Saudi population with these guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Wafi
- Basic Medical Science Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saud N. Wadani
- Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali I. Alamri
- Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ayman A. Khiswi
- Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hemachandran J. Jesudoss
- Basic Medical Science Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah A. Alharbi
- Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
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Alaqil AI, Del Pozo Cruz B, Alothman SA, Ahmadi MN, Caserotti P, Al-Hazzaa HM, Holtermann A, Stamatakis E, Gupta N. Feasibility and acceptability of a cohort study baseline data collection of device-measured physical behaviors and cardiometabolic health in Saudi Arabia: expanding the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) in the Middle East. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1379. [PMID: 38778331 PMCID: PMC11112840 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18867-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical behaviors such physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep are associated with mortality, but there is a lack of epidemiological data and knowledge using device-measured physical behaviors. PURPOSE To assess the feasibility of baseline data collection using the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting, and Sleep consortium (ProPASS) protocols in the specific context of Saudi Arabia. ProPASS is a recently developed global platform for collaborative research that aims to harmonize retrospective and prospective data on device-measured behaviors and health. Using ProPASS methods for collecting data to perform such studies in Saudi Arabia will provide standardized data from underrepresented countries. METHOD This study explored the feasibility of baseline data collection in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2022 with a target recruitment of 50 participants aged ≥ 30 years. Established ProPASS methods were used to measure anthropometrics, measure blood pressure, collect blood samples, carry out physical function test, and measure health status and context of physical behaviors using questionnaires. The ActivPal™ device was used to assess physical behaviors and the participants were asked to attend two sessions at (LHRC). The feasibility of the current study was assessed by evaluating recruitment capability, acceptability, suitability of study procedures, and resources and abilities to manage and implement the study. Exit interviews were conducted with all participants. RESULT A total of 75 participants expressed an interest in the study, out of whom 54 initially agreed to participate. Ultimately, 48 participants were recruited in the study (recruitment rate: 64%). The study completion rate was 87.5% of the recruited participants; 95% participants were satisfied with their participation in the study and 90% reported no negative feelings related to participating in the study. One participant reported experiencing moderate skin irritation related to placement of the accelerometer. Additionally, 96% of participants expressed their willingness to participate in the study again. CONCLUSION Based on successful methodology, data collection results, and participants' acceptability, the ProPASS protocols are feasible to administer in Saudi Arabia. These findings are promising for establishing a prospective cohort in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman I Alaqil
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Center for Active and Healthy Ageing (CAHA), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5230, Denmark.
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
| | - Borja Del Pozo Cruz
- Center for Active and Healthy Ageing (CAHA), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5230, Denmark
- Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA) Research Unit, University of Cádiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Shaima A Alothman
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matthew N Ahmadi
- Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Paolo Caserotti
- Center for Active and Healthy Ageing (CAHA), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5230, Denmark
| | - Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
- School of Sports Sciences, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Emmanuel Stamatakis
- Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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Alothman SA, Al Baiz AA, Alzaben AS, Khan R, Alamri AF, Omer AB. Factors Associated with Lifestyle Behaviors among University Students-A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:154. [PMID: 38255042 PMCID: PMC10815065 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle behaviors are daily habits influenced by social and environmental factors. This study examined lifestyle behaviors and their associations with sociodemographics, comorbidities, and pain in Saudi university students during the academic year 2021 and 2022. All students received the study invitation via university emails to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included four sections (sociodemographics, health-related information, desired health promotion activities, and a lifestyle behavior assessment) via Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). The associations between study variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression. The study questionnaire was completed by 1112 students. No correlation was found between sociodemographics and lifestyle-behavior-related factors except for students in the College of Science who appeared to have good lifestyle behaviors (an increase in HPLP II total scores of 3.69). Students with mental health issues have poorer lifestyle behaviors and spend more time sitting (p < 0.00). Students without disabilities have lower scores in health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, and stress management, while auditory disability specifically lowers health responsibility (p < 0.00). Pain was not associated with any assessed lifestyle behaviors. This study identified several significant correlations and differences between variables such as age, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, disability status, college major, and lifestyle behaviors among PNU students. These findings provide insights into the factors that influence students' health-promoting behaviors and can help guide interventions for promoting healthier lifestyles on campus. Targeted health promotion strategies at an early age could help in decreasing overall noncommunicable disease incidents later in life. The study results should be interpreted taking into consideration that the collected data were cross-sectional and self-reported. In conclusion, the findings of this study clearly demonstrate the need for specific lifestyle and health-promoting programs that are directed toward university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima A. Alothman
- Lifestyle and Health Research, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Alia Abdulaziz Al Baiz
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abeer Salman Alzaben
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ruqaiyah Khan
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Deanship of Preparatory Year for Health Colleges, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ali Faris Alamri
- King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 13415, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Asma B. Omer
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
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Algahtani H, Shirah B, Hachinski V. Primordial and Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke in Saudi Arabia: A Combination Approach and Evolving Concepts. SAUDI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 12:1-9. [PMID: 38362089 PMCID: PMC10866385 DOI: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_62_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a considerable public health hazard and a significant cause of disability and mortality in Saudi Arabia. Primary prevention strategies in the country are currently limited. With the health sector transformation program that depends on the principles of value-based care and applying the new model of care in disease prevention, aggressive and serious steps for primary stroke prevention are expected to be implemented. This article reviews primordial and primary prevention of ischemic stroke in Saudi Arabia and suggests a combination approach and framework for implementation. We provide a pragmatic solution to implement primordial and primary stroke prevention in Saudi Arabia and specify the roles of the government, health professionals, policymakers, and the entire population. Currently, there are several key priorities for primordial and primary stroke prevention in Saudi Arabia that should target people at different levels of risk. These include an emphasis on a comprehensive approach that includes both individual and population-based strategies and establishing partnerships across health-care providers to share responsibility for developing and implementing both strategies. This is an urgent call for action to initiate different strategies suggested by experts for primary stroke prevention in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bader Shirah
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir Hachinski
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Ibrahim HA, Nahari MH, Al-khadher MA, Ismail NI, Elgzar WT. Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis Knowledge, Health Beliefs and Preventive Behaviors in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. Nutrients 2023; 15:3658. [PMID: 37630848 PMCID: PMC10457756 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease affecting both men and women, but it is more prevalent in women. Promoting a healthy lifestyle among adults, particularly women, is crucial in preventing and reducing the osteoporosis impact. This study aimed to compare the osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs and preventive behaviors among adult male and female in Najran city Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was performed on 516 males and 581 females in Najran City, Saudi Arabia, from January to April 2023. The data collection instrument is a self-reported online questionnaire consisting of basic data, the Osteoporosis Preventive Behavior (OPB) scale, the osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool, and the osteoporosis health belief scale. The results revealed that male participants had a higher OPB (26.70) than females (20.32). However, females have a higher knowledge (10.71), perceive themselves as more susceptible to osteoporosis (20.34) and had higher exercise barriers (20.11) compared to males (9.97, 18.79 and 19.20, respectively). Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between OPB, osteoporosis knowledge (r = 0.26), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.33), severity (r = 0.53), exercise (r = 0.54) and calcium (r = 0.33) benefits, exercise (r = 0.40) and calcium (r = 0.81) barriers and health motivation (r = 0.37). The study concluded significant disparities between males and females regarding osteoporosis-related knowledge, preventive behaviors, perceived susceptibility, severity, and exercise perceived barriers. The results suggest gender-based educational interventions to enhance OPB by addressing osteoporosis-related knowledge, perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, and health motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A. Ibrahim
- Department of Maternity and Childhood Nursing, Nursing College, Najran University, Najran 66441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed H. Nahari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 66441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mugahed A. Al-khadher
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing College, Najran University, Najran 66441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nemat I. Ismail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Nursing College, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt;
| | - Wafaa T. Elgzar
- Department of Maternity and Childhood Nursing, Nursing College, Najran University, Najran 66441, Saudi Arabia;
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Aldhamin RA, Al-Ghareeb G, Al Saif A, Al-Ahmed Z. Health Coaching for Weight Loss Among Overweight and Obese Individuals in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e41658. [PMID: 37565116 PMCID: PMC10411960 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health coaching is an increasingly used strategy to help in adopting lifestyle changes for weight loss. While Saudi Arabia has one of the highest obesity prevalences worldwide, research on lifestyle interventions for weight loss is limited. Aim We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of health coaching for weight loss among the Saudi population in real-world primary healthcare settings. Methods This is a retrospective observational study. Secondary data from the health coach national program in the Eastern Health Cluster were retrieved. Obese and overweight individuals aged 15 years or older with weight-related goals who completed at least 12 weeks of coaching were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes are weight change (kg) and weight change percent (%) of the initial weight. We further compared the weight change% between different follow-up methods (i.e., physical, virtual, and hybrid) and studied the factors associated with -5% weight loss. Results In total, 465 participants were included in the analysis, with a female predominance (66.2%) and a median initial weight of 90 kg (interquartile range (IQR): 77, 101). The median follow-up duration was 127 days (IQR: 101, 157), and the median total number of coaching sessions was three (IQR: 2, 5). The mean weight change was -2.68 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): -3.12, -2.24), p<0.001. Comparing each follow-up group, no statistically significant difference was found when controlling for number of visits (p=0.059). The adjusted means for weight change% were -3.77%, -2.59%, and -2.54% for hybrid, physical, and virtual visits, respectively. Factors that were associated with achieving at least -5% weight loss were male sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.87, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.02), five or more total coaching visits (aOR=5.23, 95% CI: 2.88, 9.50), longer follow-up duration (aOR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.15), and having a weight management goal (aOR=4.5, 95% CI: 1.63, 12.45) as the reason for initial coaching visit. Conclusion We found statistically significant weight change among clients who completed 12 weeks of coaching in primary care settings. The findings in this paper contribute to the importance of lifestyle interventions for weight loss among the Saudi population. However, stronger controlled studies are needed to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmed Al Saif
- Keep Well Unit, Model of Care Department, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam, SAU
| | - Zahra Al-Ahmed
- Keep Well Unit, Model of Care Department, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam, SAU
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