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Al-Haifi AR, Bumaryoum NY, Al-Awadhi BA, Alammar FA, Ashkanani RH, Al-Hazzaa HM. The influence of gender, media, and internet usage on adolescents' fast food perception and fluid intake. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:77. [PMID: 37533123 PMCID: PMC10398999 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00426-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the factors that influence adolescent's perception of fast food and their fluid consumption is crucial for designing effective nutrition education programs tailored to this population. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of sex and the use of media and the internet with adolescents' perception of fast foods and the amount of fluid consumption. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted on school adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 years in Kuwait, using a multistage stratified random sampling method (N = 706 adolescents; 343 boys and 363 girls). A pre-tested and specifically designed self-report questionnaire covering several measures such as: (a) types of foods that are considered fast foods; and (b) participant's fluid consumption. Body weight and height were measured using calibrated medical scales. Body mass index (BMI) was computed. The adolescents were stratified by sex into two groups: boys and girls, for the purpose of analysis. RESULTS Seven out of 14 food choices showed significant sex differences (p values ranged from 0.016 to < 0.001) in the adolescents' responses to whether they perceived such food choice as fast food or not. Although differences were found between sexes, the majority of the listed fast foods were correctly recognized as fast foods by the adolescents. In addition, there were significant differences between males and females in the amount of daily drinks (ml/week) consumed from full fat milk (males = l197.1 ± 27,652.1 and females = 1662.8 ± 2221, p = 0.013), sugar-sweetened beverage (males = 2350.8 ± 3324.3 and females = 3088.9 ± 3701.1, p = 0.004), and energy drinks (males = 429.5 ± 1117.2 and females = 267.6 ± 733.8, p = 0.037). Compared to adolescents who seldom or do not watch TV or use the internet, those who engage in these sedentary activities are less likely to classify pizza (aOR (95% CI) = 0.660 (0.440-0.990), p = 0.045), grilled meat (aOR (95% CI) = 0.674 (0.477-0.954), p = 0.026), fried egg sandwiches (aOR (95% CI) = 0.617 (0.425-0.894-0.189), p = 0.011), and rice (aOR (95% CI) = 0.598(0.409-0.875), p = 0.008) as fast foods. CONCLUSION The influence of TV and internet use on adolescent's ability to accurately identify fast foods has been observed. Findings indicate the need for increased fast food nutrition education programs that are tailored towards adolescents. The study recommends further research to enhance consumer awareness of foods and drinks among adolescents in the State of Kuwait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Al-Haifi
- Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Health Sciences, PAAET, Showaikh, Kuwait
| | - Nayef Y Bumaryoum
- Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Health Sciences, PAAET, Showaikh, Kuwait
| | - Balqees A Al-Awadhi
- Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Health Sciences, PAAET, Showaikh, Kuwait
| | - Fahad A Alammar
- Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Health Sciences, PAAET, Showaikh, Kuwait.
| | - Rasha H Ashkanani
- Department of Home Economics, Basic Education College, PAAET, Showaikh, Kuwait
| | - Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alhowikan AM, Alsharqawy NE, Alazmaa NN, Saeed AI, Alhazzani YA, Alhowaish NY, Yahya AFB, Alhozaimi ZA, Aleid NE, Alhussain MH. Lifestyle habits and obesity indices among male adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12099. [PMID: 37495635 PMCID: PMC10372041 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity among adolescents is a global health apprehension which requires early prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the association between lifestyle habits including physical activity, sedentary behaviors and eating habits with obesity indices of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) among male adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We randomly selected 471 secondary school male adolescents aged 14-18 years. A pre-validated self-reported questionnaire was used to record the data on physical activity level, sedentary behaviors, sleep duration and eating habits. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cutoff values for adolescents under 18 years of age were used to define overweight and obesity. Total energy expenditure was calculated using metabolic equivalent-minutes per week. Anthropometry including weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, waist/height ratio (WHtR), were assessed. 53.7% and 48.4% of the adolescents were overweight/obese and had abdominal obesity; respectively. Those with overweight and obesity or above 50% of WHtR were much less active in terms of METs-min/week from vigorous-intensity sports, sum of all METs-min/week from all vigorous-intensity physical activity, total METs-min/week from all physical activity compared with non-obese adolescents and below 50% of WHtR. The present study identified the lifestyle habits that were associated with obesity and may represent valid targets for the prevention and management of obesity among Saudi adolescents. Knowledge of the factors that contribute to obesity could be used in preventive programs for the control of obesity among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abdullah Ibrahim Saeed
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Zeyad Ahmed Alhozaimi
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Eid Aleid
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha H Alhussain
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Cardiometabolic deaths attributable to poor diet among Kuwaiti adults. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279108. [PMID: 36520822 PMCID: PMC9754186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition transition towards a Western diet is happening in parallel with the rapidly increasing rates of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in Kuwait. The cardiometabolic deaths attributable to poor diet have not been quantified among Kuwaiti adults. METHODS Using a Comparative Risk Assessment model that incorporated dietary intake data from Kuwait's first national nutrition survey, number of cardiometabolic deaths from the World Health Organization, and estimated associations of diet with cardiometabolic deaths from the Global Burden of Disease project, we estimated the number and proportion of cardiometabolic deaths attributable to suboptimal intake of 10 dietary factors among Kuwaiti adults ages 25+ years, and by population subgroups. FINDINGS An estimated 1,308 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 1,228-1,485) cardiometabolic deaths were attributed to suboptimal diet, accounting for 64.7% (95% UI = 60.7%-73.4%) of all cardiometabolic deaths in Kuwait in 2009. The low intake of nuts/seeds was associated with the highest estimated number and proportion of cardiometabolic deaths (n = 380, 18.8%), followed by high intake of sodium (n = 256, 12.6%), low intake of fruits (n = 250, 12.4%), low intake of vegetables (n = 236, 11.7%), low intake of whole grains (n = 201, 9.9%), and high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (n = 201, 9.9%). The estimated proportions of cardiometabolic deaths attributable to suboptimal diet were higher in men (67.7%) than women (57.8%) and in younger adults aged 25-34 years (84.5%) than older adults aged ≥55 years (55.6%). CONCLUSION Suboptimal dietary intake was associated with a very substantial proportion of cardiometabolic deaths among Kuwaiti adults in 2009, with young adults and men experiencing the largest proportion of diet-associated cardiometabolic deaths in Kuwait.
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ALKATAN MOHAMMED, ALSHARJI KHALED, AKBAR ABDULLAH, ALSHAREEFI AMAL, ALKHALAF SANABEL, ALABDULJADER KHOLOUD, AL-HAZZAA HAZZAAM. Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among active college students in Kuwait relative to gender status. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2021; 62:E407-E414. [PMID: 34604581 PMCID: PMC8451337 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.2.1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the prevalence of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SB) and sleep duration and the associations between those variables among Kuwaiti Physical Education (PE) College students. Methods A total of 418 participants (220 females) were randomly selected from the Basic Education College in the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training in Kuwait. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A validated questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle behaviors. Results Based on BMI classification, the prevalence of overweight or obesity among males (34.9%) was significantly higher than that of females (16.7%). However, the mean (SD) of body fat percentage using bioelectrical impedance analysis was 21.3 (9.0) for males and 32.3 (7.7) for females. The proportions of highly active (> 1,200 METs-min/week) males (85.9%) and females (64.3%) were significantly (p < 0.005) different. The participants exceeding 3 hours of screen viewing time/day and insufficient sleep duration (< 7 hours/night) were 76.8% and 65.1%, respectively, with no gender differences. Logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, showed that highly active PE students had a higher proportion of SB. However, neither sleep duration nor body fat percentage exhibited any significant difference relative to PA. Conclusions Despite having high PA, Kuwaiti PE College students had a high prevalence of SB and insufficient sleep. Gender differences were found in PA but not in screen time or sleep duration. Efforts toward reducing SB and insufficient sleep among Kuwaiti PE College students are needed to reduce unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and promote health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- MOHAMMED ALKATAN
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Kuwait
| | - KHALED ALSHARJI
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Kuwait
| | - ABDULLAH AKBAR
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Kuwait
| | - AMAL ALSHAREEFI
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Kuwait
| | - SANABEL ALKHALAF
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Kuwait
| | - KHOLOUD ALABDULJADER
- Department of Physical Education & Sports, College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education & Training, Kuwait
| | - HAZZAA M. AL-HAZZAA
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa, Head, Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Science Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia - E-mail:
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Zafar TA, Alkazemi D. Correlates of food intake and mealtime behaviors among Kuwaiti adolescents. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2021; 34:19-30. [PMID: 34293836 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2021-0005] [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: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Eating meals with the family improves the food choices of adolescents. Studies conducted on Kuwaiti adolescents have reported suboptimal dietary intake; however, it is unclear what meal-related behaviors and family dynamics influence dietary choices in young Kuwaiti adolescents. This study explored the food intake and meal-related behaviors of young adolescents in relation to their mother's educational level, parental employment, and family size and to identify meal-related behaviors associated with poor dietary choices. CONTENT A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a modified and validated version of the International Health Behavior in School Children questionnaire recruiting 774 adolescents aged 14-16 years from all six governorates of Kuwait. SUMMARY A higher level of the mother's education was associated with higher odds of eating fruits and breakfast. A stay-at-home mother was associated with higher odds of consuming milk and home-made desserts. Larger family size was associated with higher odds of eating fruits, and a higher frequency of family meals was associated with higher odds of consuming vegetables and whole grain bread. All unhealthy snacks, including sweets, potato chips, french fries, home-made desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages, were associated with higher odds of watching TV during mealtime. OUTLOOK A higher level of mother's education level, large family size, and family meals encouraged consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, milk, and breakfast, but consuming empty calorie snacks is very common. Family involvement in developing healthy meal-related behaviors is imperative for shaping healthy eating habits of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasleem A Zafar
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait
| | - Dalal Alkazemi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait
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Jalal SM, Beth MRM, Al-Hassan HJM, Alshealah NMJ. Body Mass Index, Practice of Physical Activity and Lifestyle of Students During COVID-19 Lockdown. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:1901-1910. [PMID: 34321887 PMCID: PMC8311005 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s325269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Several factors influence the student's physical activity and lifestyle. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown has restricted student's activity and altered their routine lifestyle. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the significant changes in body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and lifestyle of the students including diet, sleep, and mental health before and during COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS The study participants were 628 students studying bachelor's degree programs, between 18 and 30 years of age, both genders from the university of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The lockdown began on 23 March and ended on 21 June 2020 in Saudi Arabia. The students were interviewed before (March 2020) and during (June 2020) lockdown. The structured tool included baseline information of the students, anthropometric data, global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ), dietary recall, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and perceived stress scale (PSP). Chi-square tests were used to associate the baseline information with BMI changes during the lockdown. RESULTS BMI of the students showed that 32% increased their weight, 22% lost their weight and 46% maintained the same weight during COVID-19 lockdown. The physical activity significantly decreased and sedentary time increased (p = 0.0001). Regarding the lifestyle components, fast and fried food consumption decreased, and calorie intake increased significantly (p = 0.001). Stress level (p = 0.001) significantly decreased, and sleep level (p = 0.001) increased during lockdown. The variables associated with weight changes were the level of students (p < 0.05) and time spent on social media per day (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Though half of the students maintained the same BMI during the lockdown, students who increased BMI were associated with physical activity and lifestyle. Hence, health awareness on weight maintenance, active physical activities, and a healthy lifestyle must be created among the students, which help in creating and implementing policies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahbanathul Missiriya Jalal
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mini Rani Mary Beth
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nuriya Mousa Jafar Alshealah
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Ajja R, Wikkeling-Scott LF, Brazendale K, Hijazi R, Abdulle A. Accelerometer measured physical activity patterns of children during segmented school day in Abu Dhabi. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:182. [PMID: 33865344 PMCID: PMC8053284 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02639-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overwhelming majority of United Arab Emirates (UAE) school-aged children do not meet the 60 min per day recommendation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Understanding the different school day segments contribution to children reaching this goal is a crucial step toward developing successful strategies to promote school day MVPA levels. This study aimed to objectively measure children's' physical activity levels and to examine the difference in physical activity levels between high active and low active children during the school day in Abu Dhabi. METHODS A total of 133 school children (56% boys; mean age 10.5 years; grades 4-7) from two elementary schools in Abu Dhabi wore accelerometers (ActiGraph GT9X Link) for up to 5 non-consecutive days during spring 2019. Children's' MVPA was estimated during the following school segments: class time, lunch, recess, physical education (PE), and whole school day. Children were stratified as "high active" meeting the ≥30 min/day MVPA school time guideline or "low active" accumulating < 30 min/day MVPA. RESULTS On average children accumulated 21.8 ± 22.6 min/day of MVPA on PE days and 22.4 ± 15.9 min/day of MVPA on non-PE days. Only 19% of children met the 30 min or more of school day MVPA recommendation, with higher proportion of boys (27%) meeting such recommendation compared to girls (8%). High active boys, spent the highest percent of time in MVPA during PE (28%), followed closely by lunch (27%). In compression, high active girls spent the highest percent of time in MVPA during lunch (14.2%) followed by recess (9.1%). High active children accumulated 15.06 more minutes of MVPA during PE (p < 0.001), 2 more minutes during recess (p < 0.001), 3 more minutes of MVPA during lunch (p < 0.001) and 5 more minutes of MVPA during class time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The overwhelming majority of school children did not meet the recommended 30 min /day MVPA during school time. Girls substantially accumulated less MVPA and more sedentary minutes across all segments during the school days compared to boys. Further research is needed to investigate school day segments contribution to children MVPA in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma Ajja
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, P.O. Box 144534, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ludmilla F Wikkeling-Scott
- Department of Public Health, All Saints University College of Medicine, Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| | - Keith Brazendale
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Florida, USA
| | - Rafiq Hijazi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdishakur Abdulle
- Public Health Research Center, New York University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Nutrition Knowledge among College of Basic Education Students in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Nutr Metab 2021; 2021:5560714. [PMID: 33833873 PMCID: PMC8016582 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5560714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of nutrition knowledge may contribute to poor dietary practices. Schools are an ideal environment to address this issue and to start the process of nutrition education. Therefore, teachers should be equipped with adequate nutrition knowledge. This study was designed to evaluate the level of general nutrition knowledge and demographic variations in knowledge in a sample of students attending the College of Basic Education in Kuwait. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a modified and validated revised version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ-R) for UK adults. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between various factors and nutrition knowledge score. A total of five hundred and ninety-seven students completed the questionnaire. Most respondents (84.1%) had a poor level of nutrition knowledge using original Bloom's cutoff points. Sex, BMI, cooking habits, and who is responsible for preparing food in the household were the main determinants of nutrition knowledge score at p < 0.05. The mean score of the students was 40.06 ± 9.89 out of 84 points. Females scored significantly higher than males, at 41.10 ± 9.29 and 38.72 ± 10.48, respectively (p = 0.007). Students with a BMI of ≥30 achieved significantly greater scores (mean 42.30 ± 9.41) than those who were underweight, normal, or overweight (p < 0.001). Students who stated that they always cook their own food achieved significantly greater scores (mean 43.69 ± 9.58) than those who did not (p = 0.025). Students who stated that they depend on the housekeeper for food preparation achieved significantly lower scores (mean 38.86 ± 10.13) than those who prepare their own food or depend on their relatives to prepare food (p = 0.042). Poor nutrition knowledge was found among prospective teachers studying in the College of Basic Education. This must be rectified for the effective implementation of nutrition education programs in schools.
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Alhuwail D, AlSharrah S, Coffee NT, Al-Refaei FH, Daniel M. Place and health infrastructure in the Gulf Cooperation Council: A systematic scoping review of GIS applications in health. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2020; 15. [PMID: 33461280 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2020.887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The rising burden of non-communicable diseases is taxing health systems globally. Using data science and information systems is necessary to support public health practices. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are key to inform and help guide public health policies related to place (i.e. location or where one lives) and how it affects health. Despite the increasing use of GIS for public health globally, its applications to health in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states remains largely unknown. This systematic scoping review aimed to uncover how GIS has been used in the GCC states to understand "place" and "health". A comprehensive search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded, ScienceDirect, Embase, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library during June 2020. All journal articles involving the use of GIS for human health applications in the GCC states published in English in peerreviewed scientific journals were considered. After removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, qualitative content analysis was performed for 24 of 630 studies. GIS uses in the GCC states were categorized as health access and planning (n=9), health risk analysis (n=8), disease surveillance (n=6) and community health profiling (n=1). The majority of the uncovered evidence in this study focused on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results of this study indicate a deficiency of published evidence regarding the use of GIS in support of public health in other GCC states. This stands to compromise planning and strategic decision making in health risk analysis, disease surveillance, community health profiling, health services provision and health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dari Alhuwail
- Department of Information Science, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University; GeoHealth Lab, Dasman Diabetes Institute.
| | - Saad AlSharrah
- GeoHealth Lab, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait; UC Health Research Institute, University of Canberra,.
| | - Neil T Coffee
- GeoHealth Lab, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait; UC Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Australia.
| | | | - Mark Daniel
- GeoHealth Lab, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait; UC Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, Australia.
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Almansour FD, Allafi AR, Zafar TA, Al-Haifi AR. Consumer prevalence, attitude and dietary behavior of online food delivery applications users in Kuwait. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:e2020178. [PMID: 33525272 PMCID: PMC7927546 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i4.8543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to estimate the prevalence, attitude and dietary behavior of online food delivery application users in Kuwait. A survey of 1045 participants found that 87.6% of them have ordered food online by mobile app. Talabat was the most common food delivery application used among participants in Kuwait. Fast food was the most commonly ordered category followed by sweets and pastries. The most important attribute of electronic ordering is speed of delivery followed by ease of ordering. Around 73.6% of the participants use food apps to order dinner, and 76.4% order fast food at late night. The majority of online food delivery application users in Kuwait have unhealthy dietary practices. The results emphasize a serious need for implementing a suitable intervention for stimulating healthy eating behaviors among food delivery application users in Kuwait. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Nouriyengejeh S, Seyedhoseini B, Kordestani-Moghadam P, Pourabbasi A. The Study of Relationship between Nutritional Behaviors and Metabolic Indices: A Systematic Review. Adv Biomed Res 2020; 9:66. [PMID: 33457349 PMCID: PMC7792874 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_12_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic indices are the wide range of characteristic factors, which can be changed during several medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome. Nutrition and related behaviors are one of the main aspects of human lifestyle which recent investigations have recognized their roles in the development of metabolic disorders. According to the spread of risky nutritional habits/behaviors due to the changes in lifestyle, and its importance in the prevalence of metabolic disorders, the authors attempted to summarize these evidences in a systematic review. The present study is a systematic review that encompasses those studies investigating the association between metabolic indices and nutritional/dietary behaviors published in two international databases in recent 11 years. Twenty-nine related articles were considered and their data were extracted. The relation between food choices and metabolic indices is more frequent in studies. While, inhibition and abstinent and eating together were two behavioral sets with the smallest share of research. Anthropometric indices have the highest rate in the evaluations. Finding the links between nutritional behavior and metabolic indices will be the key point in selecting the different types of interventions. These results will guide therapists to the accurate recognition of metabolic effects in targeting behavior for their intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nouriyengejeh
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahare Seyedhoseini
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ata Pourabbasi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Al Yazeedi B, Berry DC, Crandell J, Waly M. Lifestyle-Related Determinants of Obesity Among Omani Children. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2020; 20:e279-e286. [PMID: 33110642 PMCID: PMC7574793 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2020.20.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) z-scores and lifestyle-related factors including nutrition, physical activity, screen time and time spent sleeping in 6-10-year-old Omani children. Methods This cross-sectional study included mother-child dyads that were recruited from five provinces in Oman. Children's BMI measurements and questionnaires on nutrition intake, physical activity, screen time and time spent sleeping and a single-day dietary recall were collected. Results A total of 197 dyads were included in this study. The children's mean age was 7.7 ± 1.6 years and 53% were female. In this study, 17.4% of the children were classified as overweight or obese. No significant relationship was found between the children's BMI z-scores and nutrition intake, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time or screen time (P ≥0.05). Increased time spent sleeping at night was positively associated with childhood obesity (P <0.05). Conclusion The relationship between obesity and caloric intake, physical activity and screen time among children younger than 10 years seems to be moderated by certain factors that need to be investigated. Qualitative studies and questionnaires that are culturally sensitive are therefore needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Al Yazeedi
- Department of Maternal & Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Diane C Berry
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Jamie Crandell
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Mostafa Waly
- Department of Food Science & Nutrition, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Kerkadi A, Sadig AH, Bawadi H, Al Thani AAM, Al Chetachi W, Akram H, Al-Hazzaa HM, Musaiger AO. The Relationship between Lifestyle Factors and Obesity Indices among Adolescents in Qatar. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224428. [PMID: 31766192 PMCID: PMC6888352 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and an unhealthy diet are factors that may increase weight and general and/or abdominal obesity. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between general and abdominal obesity and lifestyle factors among adolescents in Qatar. Methods: The study data are based on the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS). The target population consisted of 1184 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years old (563 boys and 621 girls), randomly selected through multistage sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyle indicators. Anthropometric indicators, which included body weight, height and waist circumference (WC), were measured according to standardised procedures. International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) reference values were used to define overweight and obesity. Abdominal obesity was defined by the 'waist-to-height ratio' (WHtR > 0.5) and by sex- and age-specific WC cutoff values. Results: Females were more inactive than males (63.7% vs. 36.3%; p < 0.001). The proportion of adolescents who reported screen time of over 2 h per day was 82.5%. Females engaged in more sedentary behaviour than males (53.4% vs. 46.4%, p = 0.009). Being male (OR: 1.3; CI: 1.0-1.7) and skipping breakfast (OR: 1.5; CI: 1.2-2) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. In contrast, high intake of fast food, fries, sweets and cake were negative predictors of general and abdominal obesity. Conclusions: The findings revealed the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits among adolescents in Qatar and indicated relationships between certain dietary habits and obesity. The findings of this study may help in advocating for the implementation of an intervention that includes lifestyle changes targeting adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhamid Kerkadi
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Science, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (A.H.S.); (H.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4403-4806; Fax: +974-4403-4801
| | - Abdelmonem H. Sadig
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Science, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (A.H.S.); (H.B.)
| | - Hiba Bawadi
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Science, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (A.H.S.); (H.B.)
| | | | - Walaa Al Chetachi
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha 42, Qatar; (A.A.M.A.T.); (W.A.C.); (H.A.)
| | - Hammad Akram
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha 42, Qatar; (A.A.M.A.T.); (W.A.C.); (H.A.)
| | - Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa
- Paediatric Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
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14
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Leptin rs7799039 polymorphism is associated with multiple sclerosis risk in Kuwait. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 36:101409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.101409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Hashem R, Rey-Lόpez JP, Hamer M, McMunn A, Rowlands A, Whincup PH, Owen CG, Ding D, Powell L, Stamatakis E. Associations between objectively assessed and questionnaire-based sedentary behaviour with body mass index and systolic blood pressure in Kuwaiti adolescents. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:588. [PMID: 31533859 PMCID: PMC6751576 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Kuwait has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. This study examined the associations between sedentary behaviour (objectively measured and self-reported), adiposity and systolic blood pressure in a sample of adolescents residing in Kuwait. Data was obtained from the Study of Health and Activity among adolescents in Kuwait (2012–2013). The sample included a total of 435 adolescents (201 boys). Outcomes were age- and sex specific body mass index Z-scores and systolic blood pressure. Exposures were total sedentary behaviour measured by accelerometry and time spent in some sedentary behaviours (television viewing, video games, computer use and total screen-time). We used multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, governorate, maternal education and physical activity, to examine associations between sedentary behaviour and adiposity and systolic blood pressure. Results Only 2 statistically significant associations were found between sedentary behaviour and the study outcomes: body mass in boys was directly associated with higher sedentary time [β (95% CIs) 0.003 (0.00 to 0.06)]; body mass index was inversely associated with videogames in both sexes [girls: β (95% CIs) − 0.17 (− 0.48 to − 0.04); boys: − 0.24 (− 0.57 to − 0.12)]. In this sample of Kuwaiti adolescents, sedentary behaviour showed limited deleterious associations with adiposity and systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan Hashem
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Juan Pablo Rey-Lόpez
- Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Hamer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.,School of Sport Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Anne McMunn
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alex Rowlands
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit, Leicester, UK.,Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute for Health Research, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Peter H Whincup
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Christopher G Owen
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Ding Ding
- Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren Powell
- Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Stamatakis
- Charles Perkins Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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16
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Kurschner S, Madrigal L, Chacon V, Barnoya J, Rohloff P. Impact of school and work status on diet and physical activity in rural Guatemalan adolescent girls: a qualitative study. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1468:16-24. [PMID: 31361343 PMCID: PMC7317776 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In low‐ and middle‐income countries, gender norms and access to energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods are well‐studied determinants of food and physical activity choices for adolescent girls. However, most work has been done in urban and school settings. In many settings, a large proportion of the adolescent population is rural or not enrolled in school. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 20 adolescent girls (ages 15–19) in Tecpán, Guatemala, a rural, largely indigenous Maya community. Interviews were coded and themes analyzed for insights into eating habits, food choices, and physical activity. Twelve participants were enrolled in school and eight were employed and not in school. Girls enrolled in school had more disrupted eating schedules and consumed more energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor foods. Girls not enrolled in school had fewer opportunities for physical activity and were more sedentary. To our knowledge, this study is the first in a low‐ and middle‐income country to consider diet and physical activity of adolescent girls enrolled and not enrolled in school. Key implications include (1) the need to reduce exposure to nutrient‐poor foods and promote healthy eating schedules in schools, and (2) the need to create community‐based opportunities for the activity for girls no longer enrolled in school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kurschner
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, Tecpán, Chimaltenango, Guatemala
| | - Luisa Madrigal
- Unidad de Cirugia Cardiovascular de Guatemala, Guatemala and Fundación Aldo Castaneda, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Violeta Chacon
- Unidad de Cirugia Cardiovascular de Guatemala, Guatemala and Fundación Aldo Castaneda, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Joaquin Barnoya
- Unidad de Cirugia Cardiovascular de Guatemala, Guatemala and Fundación Aldo Castaneda, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Peter Rohloff
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq
- Maya Health Alliance, Tecpán, Chimaltenango, Guatemala
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Shaban L, Alkazemi D. Trends in Fast-food Consumption among Kuwaiti Youth. Int J Prev Med 2019; 10:44. [PMID: 31143418 PMCID: PMC6528418 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_480_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed fast-food consumption including frequency, type, and reasons among college students from the Kuwait University, and whether there were any key sex differences. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January-March 2016 with 421 students (297 women, mean age = 20.99 ± 3.14 years). Students completed self-administered fast-food questionnaires and weight and height measurements were obtained. RESULTS Most (81.4%) consumed fast food more than twice per week and more men than women were overweight or obese (54.8% vs. 38.7%, respectively; P = 0.002); however, there were no differences in the fast-food frequency per body mass index or sex. Taste was the most reported motivator to consume fast food (46.7%) and women were significantly more likely to value taste as compared to men (49.8% vs. 38.9%, respectively; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Fast food is a key part of college students' diet in Kuwait; therefore, students should be educated on the negative effects of frequent fast-food consumption. University health promotional activities should include nutrition education on healthier fast-food options and how to prepare easy-to-cook meals at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemia Shaban
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, 13060 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Dalal Alkazemi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, 13060 Safat, Kuwait
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18
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Al-Sheyab NA, Alomari MA, Hayajneh AA, Shah S. Attitudes and perceived barriers toward healthy lifestyle behaviors in Jordanian adolescents: a developing country perspective. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2019; 10:39-47. [PMID: 30992686 PMCID: PMC6445189 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s181001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is an urgent need to address the role of healthy diet and behaviors promoting health among school adolescents in order to tailor appropriate interventions in Jordanian schools. This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of Students As LifeStyle Activists (SALSA) survey alongside Jordanian adolescents' attitudes and perceived barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. METHODS This study uses baseline data from a randomized controlled trial recruiting school students from 29 male and 27 female public high schools that have grades 7 and 8. Cronbach's alpha and principal components analysis/factor analysis were used to check reliability and validity. Numbers, percentages, and chi square were used to explore healthy diet and physical activities preferences among Jordanian school students and determine gender differences for all evaluated items. RESULTS The Arabic version-SALSA survey has acceptable Cronbach's alpha values (>0.78) for most of its scales. Five scales were derived from the Arabic version-SALSA survey using principal components analysis/factor analysis (factors loading above 0.3). A higher proportion of female students agreed that "healthy food makes you more comfortable" compared to male students (44% vs 36%, P<0.05). Few Jordanian high school students held positive attitudes toward healthy food. This study identified both social and personal barriers to exercise among Jordanian adolescents, including lack of skills for physical activity, easy access and low cost of fast food, scarce opportunities for physical activity, and lack of peers and friends. CONCLUSION Interventions should be tailored to health attitudes and beliefs of Jordanian school students in parallel with improving physical resources and enhancing peer and/or friend support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihaya A Al-Sheyab
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan,
- Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan,
| | - Mahmoud A Alomari
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Audai A Hayajneh
- Adult Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Smita Shah
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Alhuwail D. Understanding health information management practices in public hospitals in Kuwait. Health Inf Manag 2019; 49:127-136. [PMID: 30894029 DOI: 10.1177/1833358319837247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health information technology (IT) solutions can aid healthcare reform efforts, but without proper information management, these efforts are futile. In this study, we used Kuwait as an example of a high per-capita gross domestic product country that faces information management challenges to draw insights that can be generalised to other developed countries. OBJECTIVE (i) to uncover the status quo of information management practices in public hospitals and (ii) to offer recommendations to improve them. METHOD This study analysed qualitative and quantitative accreditation-related data pertaining to the compliance with the information management standard at all secondary care public hospitals over two accreditation cycles. RESULTS Overall, public hospitals had made positive progress in their compliance with the information management standard. However, issues still existed with (i) developing and implementing an information management plan, (ii) involving the appropriate stakeholders in selecting health IT solutions and (iii) access to the Internet by staff and patients. CONCLUSION Evidence underscored the importance of proper information management driven by clear centralised strategic plans. IMPLICATIONS With the rapid adoption of digital health systems, the role of health information management leaders should not be undervalued. Embracing health IT solutions with strong information management practices can aid healthcare reform efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dari Alhuwail
- Kuwait University, Kuwait; Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait
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20
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Al Yazeedi B, Berry DC. Childhood Overweight and Obesity is Increasing in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Review of the Literature. J Transcult Nurs 2019; 30:603-615. [DOI: 10.1177/1043659619829528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A review was conducted to examine the prevalence and risk factors of developing overweight and obesity in children residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Method: PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases using PRISMA guidelines were searched from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2017. The inclusion criteria were (a) studies written in English, (b) clinical trials that examined risk factors of childhood overweight or obesity, (c) studies involving children 5 to 10 years of age, and (d) studies conducted in GCC countries. Results: Three main types of childhood obesity risk factors were identified (individual, familial, and lifestyle behavioral factors). The dietary, physical activity, and screen time lifestyle behavior risk factor findings were inconclusive. Discussion: Childhood obesity is increasing in GCC countries. Lifestyle behavior risk factors are still unclear. Researchers need to use instruments that have been psychometric tested and culturally acceptable. A follow-up review should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diane C. Berry
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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21
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Prevalence of obesity among school-age children and adolescents in the Gulf cooperation council (GCC) states: a systematic review. BMC OBESITY 2019; 6:3. [PMID: 30637108 PMCID: PMC6323696 DOI: 10.1186/s40608-018-0221-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have among the highest prevalence of adult obesity and type 2 diabetes in the world. This study aimed to estimate the recent prevalence of obesity among school-age children and adolescents in the GCC States. Methods The literature search for obesity prevalence data was carried out in July 2017 in Google Scholar, Physical education index, Medline, SCOPUS, WHO, 2007-2017, and updated in November 2018.In addition, 22 experts from the GCC were contacted to check the search results, and to suggest studies or grey literature which had been missed. Eligible studies were assessed for quality by using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for prevalence studies. Conduct of the systematic review followed the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews Tool (AMSTAR) guidance. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Results Out of 392 studies identified, 41 full-text reports were screened for eligibility; 11 of which were eligible and so were included, from 3 of the 6 GCC countries (United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia). Surveillance seems good in Kuwait in compared to other countries, with one recent national survey of prevalence. Quality of the eligible studies was generally low-moderate according to the JNBI tool: representative samples were rare; participation rates low; power calculations were mentioned by only 3/11 studies and confidence intervals around prevalence estimates provided by only 3/11 eligible studies; none of the studies acknowledged that prevalence estimates were conservative (being based on BMI-for-age). There was generally a very high prevalence of obesity (at least one quarter-one third of study or survey participants obese according to BMI-for-age), prevalence increased with age, and was consistently higher in boys than girls. Conclusions The prevalence of obesity among school-age children and adolescents appears to have reached alarming levels in the GCC, but there are a number of major gaps and limitations in obesity surveillance in the GCC states. More national surveys of child and adolescent obesity prevalence are required for the GCC states. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42017073692.
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Alhakbany MA, Alzamil HA, Alabdullatif WA, Aldekhyyel SN, Alsuhaibani MN, Al-Hazzaa HM. Lifestyle Habits in Relation to Overweight and Obesity among Saudi Women Attending Health Science Colleges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2018; 8:13-19. [PMID: 30859782 PMCID: PMC7325814 DOI: 10.2991/j.jegh.2018.09.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study examined the associations between lifestyle habits and overweight/obesity among Saudi females attending health science colleges. A total of 454 female students were randomly recruited from five health science colleges at King Saud University, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. All participants answered a validated questionnaire to assess physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SB), sleep duration, and dietary habits. Results showed that the prevalence of overweight (21.4%) plus obesity (8.1%) among female participants was 29.5%. There was no significant difference between overweight/obese and nonoverweight/nonobese females in PA, screen time, sleep duration, or dietary habits. Overall, 50.4% of the participants were physically inactive (activity energy expenditure was <600 metabolic equivalent minutes per week). Active females showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher intakes of vegetables and fruits, lower chocolate/candy consumption (p = 0.05), and higher proportion of sufficient sleeping duration (>8 hours per night) (p < 0.001). It was concluded that half of the Saudi females in this study were physically inactive. Although PA positively impacted some of the lifestyle habits of college females, overweight/obesity was not associated with PA, SB, sleeping time, or dietary habits among the participants. Future research should attempt to elucidate the key factors involved in such relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hana A. Alzamil
- Physiology Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa
- Lifestyle and Health Research, Health Science Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia
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Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:639. [PMID: 29776343 PMCID: PMC5960209 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical inactivity is associated with excess weight and adverse health outcomes. We synthesize the evidence on physical inactivity and its social determinants in Arab countries, with special attention to gender and cultural context. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Popline, and SSCI for articles published between 2000 and 2016, assessing the prevalence of physical inactivity and its social determinants. We also included national survey reports on physical activity, and searched for analyses of the social context of physical activity. Results We found 172 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Standardized data are available from surveys by the World Health Organization for almost all countries, but journal articles show great variability in definitions, measurements and methodology. Prevalence of inactivity among adults and children/adolescents is high across countries, and is higher among women. Some determinants of physical inactivity in the region (age, gender, low education) are shared with other regions, but specific aspects of the cultural context of the region seem particularly discouraging of physical activity. We draw on social science studies to gain insights into why this is so. Conclusions Physical inactivity among Arab adults and children/adolescents is high. Studies using harmonized approaches, rigorous analytic techniques and a deeper examination of context are needed to design appropriate interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5472-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Al-sheyab NA, Alomari MA. Unhealthy eating habits among adolescent waterpipe smokers in Jordan: The Irbid-TRY study. Tob Induc Dis 2018; 16:19. [PMID: 31516419 PMCID: PMC6659496 DOI: 10.18332/tid/89976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between waterpipe smoking and eating habits among adolescents has not been investigated, thus the aim of the current study was to compare eating habits among adolescent cigarette-only, waterpipe-only, dual smokers versus non-smokers. We hypothesize that adolescent smokers practice unhealthy eating habits with worse habits among waterpipe smokers and dual smokers. METHODS Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, self-reporting patterns of waterpipe, cigarette smoking and eating habits were collected from a random representative sample of 1720 boys and girls in grades 7-10 in Northern Jordan. RESULTS A total of 6.9%, 23.2% and 26.2% reported cigarette-only, waterpipe-only, and dual smoking, respectively. After controlling for gender, family income and education level of the mother and father, subsequent post hoc ANCOVA analyses revealed the following: mean (±SD) weekly breakfast consumption was greater in non-smokers (3.9±2.4) than waterpipe-only smokers (3.5±2.5, p=0.040) and dual smokers (3.2±2.5, p<0.000). Mean soda consumption frequency was lower in non-smokers (3.6±2.3) versus waterpipe-only (4.2±2.3, p=0.004) and dual smokers (2.7±2.2, p<0.000). Mean vegetable consumption was less in waterpipe-only (4.5±2.0, p=0.026) and dual smoking (4.4±2.0, p=0.013) smokers versus non-smokers (4.8±1.8). Mean consumption of energy drinks was the highest among dual smokers (1.2±1.9) versus non-smokers (0.5±1.4, p<0.000), cigarette-only (0.6±1.4, p≤0.01), and waterpipe-only (0.6±1.4, p<0.000) smokers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, both waterpipe and dual smoking are associated with several unhealthy eating habits in adolescents. Given the growing epidemic of tobacco smoking in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, especially adolescent waterpipe smoking, and its association with unhealthy eating habits, public health actions and enforcing policies to decrease uptake of waterpipe smoking as well as improving food choices in schools among youth are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihaya A. Al-sheyab
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud A. Alomari
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Akhtar S, Al-Abkal J, Al-Hashel JY, Alroughani R. Age-Period-Cohort Modeling of Multiple Sclerosis Incidence Rates in Kuwait: 1980-2014. Neuroepidemiology 2017; 49:152-159. [PMID: 29161697 DOI: 10.1159/000484318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system with undefined etiology. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors play an imperative role in MS causation and its sustained increasing burden worldwide. This study examined the age, period, and cohort effects on MS incidence rates in Kuwait. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, data on MS cases diagnosed between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 2014 and registered in National MS Registry and reference population were obtained. Age-period-cohort (APC) analysis was conducted using a loglinear Poisson regression model to supplement the descriptive and graphical presentation. Descriptive statistics were complemented with APC parameters' estimates including net drift, local drift, age at onset curve, and longitudinal age trend. Age effect was presented as incidence rates (per 105 person-years), whereas period and cohort effects were presented as adjusted relative rates. RESULTS A total of 1,131 cases were diagnosed in 1,385,923 person-years. Overall age-standardized MS incidence rate was 64.5 (95% CI 52.4-79.8). An estimated annual percentage change revealed 7.4% annual increase in MS incidence rate during the study period (Net drift = 7.4%; 95% CI 4.1-10.8%). APC "fitted" age-at-onset curve showed a bimodal pattern with peaked incidence rates at 20-24 years and 45-49 years of age. Compared with the referent period (1980-1984) and cohort (1970-1974), MS incidence rates progressively and significantly (p < 0.001) increased during subsequent time periods and in successive cohorts. Results of APC analysis are descriptive in nature and specific etiological hypotheses were not evaluated. However, the findings of this study substantiated the notion of multiplicity of genetic and/or environmental risk factors' contributions. CONCLUSION A substantial increase in MS incidence rates was recorded, which significantly varied in all 3 temporal dimensions during the study period. Future studies may contemplate biological basis for recorded temporal increase in MS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Akhtar
- Department of Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | | | - Jasem Y Al-Hashel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuwait, Jabriya, Kuwait.,Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Raed Alroughani
- Division of Neurology, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait.,Neurology Clinic, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
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Badr HE, Lakha SF, Pennefather P. Differences in physical activity, eating habits and risk of obesity among Kuwaiti adolescent boys and girls: a population-based study. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2017. [PMID: 28628476 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2016-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess gender differences among Kuwaiti adolescents in healthy living choices that impact the risk of obesity. A cross-sectional multistage cluster design was employed with a representative sample of 2672 students aged 13-15 years who completed a self-administered Global School-based Student Health (GSHS) survey. The study found that around 48.0% of adolescents were overweight and obese. More boys than girls were obese (28.2% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.0001). However, boys were more likely than girls to report healthy food choices regarding fruit (38.1% vs. 33.2%), and vegetables (21.8% vs. 16.7%). Only 20.7% of adolescents reported physical activity for more than 60 min/day, predominately by boys rather than girls (30.8% vs. 10.5%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, skipping breakfast and physical inactivity were significantly correlated with the risk of overweight and obesity among adolescents. These results suggest that lifestyle education for promoting healthy body masses targeting adolescents should take gender into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan E Badr
- Department of Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923 Safat, Kuwait city, 13110 Kuwait, Phone: (965) 2463 6576, Fax: (965) 2533 8948
| | - S Fatima Lakha
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Pennefather
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Farrag NS, Cheskin LJ, Farag MK. A systematic review of childhood obesity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Prevalence and risk factors meta-analysis. ADVANCES IN PEDIATRIC RESEARCH 2017; 4:8. [PMID: 29354689 PMCID: PMC5773115 DOI: 10.12715/apr.2017.4.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Obesity rates are rising globally, but there is evidence that young people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are at particularly high risk. We systematically searched the literature to map the MENA region for prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, and examine the underlying risk factors and adverse effects associated with obesity in this region. Inclusion criteria were: English-language, non-basic-science focused articles that used any of the standard obesity definitions and were conducted in the MENA countries within the last five years. We searched PubMed using combinations of key terms ((childhood) OR adolescence) AND obesity) AND (MENA or each country) AND ("last five years" [PDat]). Studies demonstrated an increasing prevalence of obesity among many countries in the MENA region, especially in the Gulf area. Notably, in Kuwait, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 25.6% and 34.8% among young males and 20.8% and 20.5% among females. A meta-analysis revealed that physical inactivity, increased screen time, and higher social status were risk factors for childhood obesity. Childhood and adolescent obesity is a major challenge facing countries of the MENA region. Further research is needed to fully investigate the role of nutrition and other specific risk factors and evaluate various interventions to manage this pervasive and growing health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine S. Farrag
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Mansoura University Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Lawrence J. Cheskin
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, and Global Obesity Prevention Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohamed K. Farag
- Epidemiology Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Zimmo L, Farooq A, Almudahka F, Ibrahim I, Al-Kuwari MG. School-time physical activity among Arab elementary school children in Qatar. BMC Pediatr 2017; 17:76. [PMID: 28298199 PMCID: PMC5353889 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-017-0832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent data from a self-administered questionnaire show that approximately 75% of school children in Qatar do not meet the daily recommended levels of physical activity (PA). Since children spend half of their waking hours in school, it is important to understand when and how much PA children accumulate during the school day. This study aimed to objectively assess school-time PA among elementary school children in Qatar and to determine association of PA with age, gender, body mass index (BMI) status, or day of the week. Methods A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in four randomly selected elementary schools in Qatar. Two classes representing grade 1 children (age 5) and grade 4 children (age 9) were randomly selected within each school. A total of 183 elementary school children (86 boys and 97 girls) ages 6–12 years participated in this study. PA was assessed using a three-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph® wGT3X-BT). Participants wore accelerometers on their non-dominant wrist at school (7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) for five consecutive school days during the week. A cutoff points of 818 counts per 5 s was classified as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results The average duration of MVPA in our study was 28.2 ± 13.5 min per day. Only 39% of participated children reach the recommended school-based MVPA of 30 min or more per day. Students spent on average 58.1 ± 8.4% of school time on sedentary activities. MVPA of boys and girls was similar in age 5 while girls age 9 were less active (23.7 ± 1.5 min/day) than boys of the same age (42.7 ± 1.8 min/day), ES = 0.269, P < 0.001. Neither overweight children nor children at risk for being overweight showed any differences in physical activity parameters when compared to children of normal weight. Our results showed, percentage of MVPA on the first (7.7 ± 5.1%) and last (7.1 ± 4.1%) day of the week was generally lower compared to other weekdays (P < 0.001). Conclusion This was the first study to objectively assess PA during school hours among elementary school-children in Qatar. This study found that many of school children do not perform sufficient time being physically active at school. All students in two age categories (age 5 and age 9) spend the majority of school time engaged in sedentary activities. The low participation of girls age 9 in MVPA is a cause for concern and need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Zimmo
- Exercise is Medicine, Aspetar, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Abdulaziz Farooq
- Athlete Health and Performance Research, Aspetar, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fuad Almudahka
- Exercise is Medicine, Aspetar, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Izzeldin Ibrahim
- Exercise is Medicine, Aspetar, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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Elkum N, Al-Arouj M, Sharifi M, Shaltout A, Bennakhi A. Prevalence of childhood obesity in the state of Kuwait. Pediatr Obes 2016; 11:e30-e34. [PMID: 26663908 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity have reached an epidemic in Kuwait, with the highest rate of adult obesity in the region. National estimates of childhood obesity in Kuwait are scarce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children in Kuwait. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 6-18 years old school children, randomly selected from 244 schools in Kuwait. Anthropometric data was measured from 6574 students in September 2012-June 2013. Overweight and obesity have been defined in accordance with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 criteria. RESULTS The prevalence estimate overweight was based on the three different systems (CDC = 17.7%, IOTF = 23.3%, WHO = 21.6%). The prevalence of obesity was (CDC = 33.9%, IOTF = 28.2%, WHO = 30.5%). Boys had a higher percentage of obesity regardless of the classification system used. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of childhood obesity is alarmingly high in the State of Kuwait and exceeds the prevalence rates reported from neighbouring countries and from North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Elkum
- Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Doha, Qatar
| | - M Al-Arouj
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - M Sharifi
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Shaltout
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - A Bennakhi
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Al-Sejari M. Sociocultural Characteristic, Lifestyle, and Metabolic Risk Factors Among a Sample of Kuwaiti Male University Students. Am J Mens Health 2016; 11:308-317. [PMID: 27903953 PMCID: PMC5675283 DOI: 10.1177/1557988316680937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past six decades, the Kuwaiti population has been exposed to rapid transformation in the quality of diet intake, daily activities, and career types. This major socioeconomic shift was accompanied by the introduction of both communicable and noncommunicable chronic diseases afflicting people of all ages. This article aims to detect a relationship between sociocultural characteristics—such as physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking—and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 262 male university students in Kuwait; participants were selected by using a convenient nonrandom opportunistic sample. Associated social and health factors were obtained using a closed-ended questionnaire. BMI and blood tests that include clusters of MetS risk components were drawn from participants in primary health care clinics. More than half of the participants were overweight and obese; 74.4% of the participants reported they did not visit a nutritionist; 69.8% said that they are currently not on a diet; 53.4% of the students were nonsmokers; 42.7% reported moderate to very low daily physical activity. The prevalence of MetS components increased among students with older age, employed, and married (p < .001), higher BMI, higher income, smoking, fewer number of family members living, and belonging to the Shia religious sect (p < .05). The high frequency of MetS among younger students needs to be considered by Kuwaiti community members and the government to highlight the risk factors of MetS on individuals’ well-being, quality of life, and life expectation.
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Shaban LH, Vaccaro JA, Sukhram SD, Huffman FG. Perceived Body Image, Eating Behavior, and Sedentary Activities and Body Mass Index Categories in Kuwaiti Female Adolescents. Int J Pediatr 2016; 2016:1092819. [PMID: 28042301 PMCID: PMC5155084 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1092819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The State of Kuwait has a growing obesity epidemic in both genders and all age groups; however, obesity rates in the young seem to be rising. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 169 Kuwaiti female adolescents attending both private and public schools spanning the six governorates in the State of Kuwait in order to explore female adolescents' self-image, body dissatisfaction, type of school (private versus public), TV viewing, and computer games and their relationship to body mass index. Results. Approximately half the students classified as obese perceived their body image to lie in the normal range. Females in the obese category were the most dissatisfied with their body image, followed by those in the overweight category. Eating behavior, level of physical activity, school type, television viewing, computer/video usage, and desired BMI were not significantly associated with level of obesity. Conclusion. This study was one of the few studies to assess adolescent females' body image dissatisfaction in relation to obesity in the State of Kuwait. The results suggest that including body image dissatisfaction awareness into obesity prevention programs would be of value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemia H. Shaban
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat, 13060 Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Joan A. Vaccaro
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Shiryn D. Sukhram
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd, Office 6S-132, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
| | - Fatma G. Huffman
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Mabry R, Koohsari MJ, Bull F, Owen N. A systematic review of physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in the oil-producing countries of the Arabian Peninsula. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1003. [PMID: 27655373 PMCID: PMC5031342 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dramatic rise in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) in the oil-producing countries of the Arabian Peninsula is driven in part by insufficient physical activity, one of the five main contributors to health risk in the region. The aim of this paper is to review the available evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for this region. Based on the findings, we prioritize an agenda for research that could inform policy initiatives with regional relevance. METHODS We reviewed regional evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour to identify the needs for prevention and policy-related research. A literature search of peer-reviewed publications in the English language was conducted in May 2016 using PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. 100 studies were identified and classified using the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework. RESULTS Review findings demonstrate that research relevant to NCD prevention is underdeveloped in the region. A majority of the studies were epidemiological in approach with few being large-scale population-based studies using standardised measures. Correlates demonstrated expected associations with health outcomes, low levels of physical activity (particularly among young people), high levels of sedentary behaviour (particularly among men and young people) and expected associations of known correlates (e.g. gender, age, education, time, self-motivation, social support, and access). Very few studies offered recommendations for translating research findings into practice. CONCLUSIONS Further research on the determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Arabian Peninsula using standard assessment tools is urgently needed. Priority research includes examining these behaviours across the four domains (household, work, transport and leisure). Intervention research focusing on the sectors of education, health and sports sectors is recommended. Furthermore, adapting and testing international examples to the local context would help identify culturally relevant policy and programmatic interventions for the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Mabry
- Office of the World Health Organization Representative, PO Box 476, Al Atheiba, Postal Code 130 Oman
| | - Mohammad Javad Koohsari
- Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
- Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fiona Bull
- Centre for Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health, the University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Neville Owen
- Baker IDI & Heart Diabetes Institute, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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Gasser CE, Mensah FK, Russell M, Dunn SE, Wake M. Confectionery consumption and overweight, obesity, and related outcomes in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016; 103:1344-56. [PMID: 27076575 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.119883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many calorie-rich dietary components contribute to obesity. However, the contribution of confectionery to obesity in children and adolescents has not been well established. OBJECTIVE In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we hypothesized that higher total, chocolate, and nonchocolate confectionery consumption would be associated with higher odds of overweight, obesity, and other obesity-related outcomes [body mass index (BMI), BMI z score, body composition, waist circumference, and percentage body fat] in children and adolescents. DESIGN We searched Scopus, PubMed, and reference lists of pertinent reviews, supplemented by expert contact, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published between 1990 and 31 March 2015, and we conducted separate meta-analyses for categorical and continuous ORs and for total, chocolate, and nonchocolate confectioneries with the use of a random-effects model. RESULTS A total of 19 studies were included in the systematic review, and the cross-sectional results of 11 studies (∼177,260 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis, which examined the combined outcome of overweight and obesity, the odds of overweight or obesity were 18% lower (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.97) for subjects in the highest category of consumption than for a reference category of consumption. Thus, a 1-time/wk or a 1-U increase in consumption was associated with a 13% (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.88) decrease in the odds of overweight or obesity. Associations were similarly inverse for chocolate and nonchocolate confectioneries. In the longitudinal studies and the RCT included in the review, no associations were observed between confectionery consumption and overweight, obesity, or obesity-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Instead of overweight and obese children and adolescents having higher confectionery intakes, this review shows the reverse effect. This result might reflect a true inverse association, reverse causality, or differential underreporting in heavier individuals. Interventions may need to focus on dietary elements other than confectionery to tackle obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine E Gasser
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | - Fiona K Mensah
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa Russell
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | - Sophie E Dunn
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | - Melissa Wake
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Mallat S, Geagea AG, Jurjus RA, Rizkallah A, Oueidat D, Matar M, Tawilah J, Berbari A, Jurjus AR. Obesity in Lebanon: A National Problem. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/wjcd.2016.66017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Fletcher E, Leech R, McNaughton SA, Dunstan DW, Lacy KE, Salmon J. Is the relationship between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic health in adolescents independent of dietary intake? A systematic review. Obes Rev 2015; 16:795-805. [PMID: 26098509 PMCID: PMC4657480 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Screen time, but not overall sedentary behaviour, is consistently related to cardiometabolic health in adolescents. Because of the associations screen time has with dietary intake, diet may be an important factor in the screen time and health relationship; however, evidence has not previously been synthesized. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to explore whether the associations between various sedentary behaviours and cardiometabolic risk markers are independent of dietary intake in adolescents. Online databases and personal libraries were searched for peer-reviewed original research articles published in English before March 2014. Included studies assessed associations between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic markers in 12- to 18-year-olds and adjusted for dietary intake. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. From the 21 studies examining sedentary behaviour and adiposity, the majority found significant positive associations between television viewing, screen time and self-reported overall sedentary behaviour with markers of adiposity, independent of dietary intake. No significant associations between screen time with blood pressure and cholesterol were reported. Sedentary behaviour appears to be associated with adiposity in adolescents, irrespective of dietary intake. However, the variability of dietary variables between studies suggests further work is needed to understand the role of dietary intake when examining these associations in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fletcher
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - R Leech
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - S A McNaughton
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - D W Dunstan
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - K E Lacy
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - J Salmon
- Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Obermeyer CM, Bott S, Sassine AJ. Arab Adolescents: Health, Gender, and Social Context. J Adolesc Health 2015; 57:252-62. [PMID: 25770651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the evidence about adolescent health in the Arab world, against the background of social, economic, and political change in the region, and with a particular focus on gender. For the literature review, searches were conducted for relevant articles, and data were drawn from national population- and school-based surveys and from the Global Burden of Disease project. In some parts of the Arab world, adolescents experience a greater burden of ill health due to overweight/obesity, transport injuries, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, and mental health disorders than those in other regions of the world. Poor diets, insufficient physical activity, tobacco use, road traffic injuries, and exposure to violence are major risk factors. Young men have higher risks of unsafe driving and tobacco use and young women have greater ill-health due to depression. Several features of the social context that affect adolescent health are discussed, including changing life trajectories and gender roles, the mismatch between education and job opportunities, and armed conflict and interpersonal violence. Policy makers need to address risk factors behind noncommunicable disease among adolescents in the Arab region, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, unsafe driving, and exposure to violence. More broadly, adolescents need economic opportunity, safe communities, and a chance to have a voice in their future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Makhlouf Obermeyer
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Sarah Bott
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anniebelle J Sassine
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Al-Haifi AA, AlMajed HT, Al-Hazzaa HM, Musaiger AO, Arab MA, Hasan RA. Relative Contribution of Obesity, Sedentary Behaviors and Dietary Habits to Sleep Duration Among Kuwaiti Adolescents. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8:107-17. [PMID: 26234983 PMCID: PMC4804078 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n1p107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI), eating habits and sedentary behaviours were associated with sleep duration among Kuwaiti adolescents. The study is part of the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS), which is a school-based cross-sectional multi-center collaborative study. A sample of 906 adolescents (boys and girls) aged 14-19 years was randomly selected from 6 Kuwaiti Governances using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. The findings revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 50.5% in boys and 46.5% in girls. The majority of boys (76%) and of girls (74%) fell into the short sleep duration category (6 hours/day or less). Sleep duration were found to be negatively associated with BMI (girls only). Watching television (boys and girls) and working on computers (boys only) were also negatively associated with sleep duration. While the consumption of breakfast (both genders) and milk (boys only) was positively associated with sleep duration (p<0.05). In contrast, the consumption of fast foods (both genders), sugar-sweetened drinks and sweets (boys only) potatoes (girls only) were negatively associated with sleep duration (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the majority of Kuwaiti adolescents exhibit insufficient sleep duration which was associated with obesity measure, a combination of poor eating habits and more sedentary behaviors. The findings also suggest gender differences in these associations. Therefore, adequate sleep is an important modifiable risk factor to prevent obesity and was positively associated with some unhealthy lifestyle habits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hana Th AlMajed
- Applied Medical Sciences Department, College of Health Sciences. Public authority of Applied Education and Training.
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Makhlouf Obermeyer C. Adolescents in Arab countries: Health statistics and social context. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.5339/difi.2015.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Salameh P, Jomaa L, Issa C, Farhat G, Salamé J, Zeidan N, Baldi I. Assessment of Dietary Intake Patterns and Their Correlates among University Students in Lebanon. Front Public Health 2014; 2:185. [PMID: 25374885 PMCID: PMC4204443 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Unhealthy dietary habits are major risk factors for chronic diseases, particularly if adopted during early years of adulthood. Limited studies have explored the food consumption patterns among young adults in Lebanon. Our study aimed to examine common dietary patterns and their correlates among a large sample of university student population in Lebanon, focusing on correlation with gender and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3384 students, using a proportionate cluster sample of Lebanese students from both public and private universities. A self-administered food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of university students. Factor analysis of food items and groups, cluster analysis of dietary patterns, and multivariate regressions were carried out. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified among university youth namely a vegetarian/low calorie dietary pattern (characterized mainly by consumption of plant-based food while avoiding “western” food, composite dishes, and bread); a mixed dietary pattern (characterized by high consumption of plant-based food, followed by composite dishes, bread, and a low consumption of western type food); and finally, a westernized dietary pattern (characterized by high consumption of white bread and western food, and a strong avoidance of plant food and composite dishes). We observed significant differences between males and females in terms of their reported food intake and dietary patterns. Females were particularly more prone to adopt the vegetarian/low calorie diet than males (ORa = 1.69; p < 0.001), while males were more likely to adopt a westernized diet (ORa = 1.51; p < 0.001), seemingly in private universities (p = 0.053). Students with high income and obese students (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were more likely to consume vegetarian/low calorie diets (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Male university students reported a higher consumption of the westernized dietary pattern as compared to female university students in Lebanon, while the latter reported a higher adoption of a vegetarian diet. Health promotion programs are needed to address the dietary intakes and lifestyle behaviors of young adults in Lebanon to help prevent obesity and other associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Salameh
- Clinical and Epidemiological Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University , Hadath , Lebanon
| | - Lamis Jomaa
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Carine Issa
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University , Fanar , Lebanon
| | - Ghada Farhat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Joseph Salamé
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin University Hospital , Berlin , Germany
| | - Nina Zeidan
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University , Fanar , Lebanon
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, Université Bordeaux Segalen , Bordeaux , France
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Allafi A, Al-Haifi AR, Al-Fayez MA, Al-Athari BI, Al-Ajmi FA, Al-Hazzaa HM, Musaiger AO, Ahmed F. Physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits among Kuwaiti adolescents: gender differences. Public Health Nutr 2014; 17:2045-52. [PMID: 23987909 PMCID: PMC11108717 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980013002218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to assess physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits among adolescents in Kuwait and to compare the differences between genders. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary-school children who participated in the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS), a multi-centre collaborative project. SETTING Secondary schools in Kuwait. SUBJECTS Adolescents (463 boys and 443 girls), aged 14-19 years. RESULTS Nearly half (44·6 %) of the boys and three-quarters (76·0 %) of the girls did not meet the recommended daily physical activity levels (≥2520 MET-min/week, moderate to vigorous intensity). Nearly all (96·3 % of boys and 96·7 % of girls) adolescents reported spending >2 h/d on screen time, with girls found to spend more time per day watching television (P = 0·02) and using a computer (P < 0·001). The large majority of the adolescents reported skipping breakfast and not having milk and milk products, vegetables and fruit daily, while nearly two-thirds of the boys and girls had sugar-sweetened drinks on more than 3 d/week. Compared with girls, boys reported consuming more fruit (3·4 v. 2·8 times/week, P = 0·001), dairy products (4·5 v. 3·6 times/week, P = 0·001) and energy drinks (1·3 v. 1·1 times/week, P = 0·003). CONCLUSIONS The majority of the Kuwaiti adolescents, especially girls, do not perform adequate physical activity, spend more time on sedentary activities and have unhealthy dietary practices. The findings emphasize an urgent need for implementing an appropriate intervention for promoting physical activity, healthy eating and reducing sedentary behaviours among these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Allafi
- Department of Family Sciences, College for Women, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Ahmad R Al-Haifi
- Food and Nutrition Science, College of Health Sciences, Showaikh, Kuwait
| | | | | | - Fahhad A Al-Ajmi
- Food and Nutrition Science, College of Health Sciences, Showaikh, Kuwait
| | - Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa
- Pediatric Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman O Musaiger
- Arab Nutrition Center, Manama and Nutrition and Health Studies Unit, Deanship of Scientific Research, University of Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Faruk Ahmed
- Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Public Health and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
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Manyanga T, El-Sayed H, Doku DT, Randall JR. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and associated risk factors among school-going adolescents in seven African countries. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:887. [PMID: 25168589 PMCID: PMC4158085 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The burden caused by the coexistence of obesity and underweight in Low and Middle Income Countries is a challenge to public health. While prevalence of underweight among youth has been well documented in these countries, overweight, obesity and their associated risk factors are not well understood unlike in high income countries. Methods Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in seven African countries were used for this study. The survey used a clustered design to obtain a representative sample (n = 23496) from randomly selected schools. 53.6% of the sample was male, and participants ranged in age from 11-17 years old. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using age and sex adjusted self-reported heights and weights. Classification of weight status was based on the 2007 World Health Organization growth charts (BMI-for-age and sex). Multivariable Logistic Regression reporting Odds Ratios was used to assess potential risk factors on BMI, adjusting for age, sex, and country. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata with an alpha of 0.05 and reporting 95% confidence intervals. Results Unadjusted rates of being underweight varied from 12.6% (Egypt) to 31.9% (Djibouti), while being overweight ranged from 8.7% (Ghana) to 31.4% (Egypt). Obesity rates ranged from 0.6% (Benin) to 9.3% (Egypt). Females had a higher overweight prevalence for every age group in five of the countries, exceptions being Egypt and Malawi. Overall, being overweight was more prevalent among younger (≤12) adolescents and decreased with age. Males had a higher prevalence of being underweight than females for every country. There was a tendency for the prevalence of being underweight to increase starting in the early teens and decrease between ages 15 and 16. Most of the potential risk factors captured by the GSHS were not significantly associated with weight status. Conclusions The prevalence of both overweight and underweight was relatively high, demonstrating the existence of the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents in developing countries. Several factors were not associated with weight status suggesting the need to explore other potential risk factors for overweight and underweight, including genetic factors and socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jason R Randall
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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Musaiger AO. Consumption, health attitudes and perception toward fast food among Arab consumers in Kuwait: gender differences. Glob J Health Sci 2014; 6:136-43. [PMID: 25363129 PMCID: PMC4825490 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v6n6p136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate gender differences in the fast food intake, health attitudes, and perceptions of fast food among adult Arab consumers aged 19 to 65 years in Kuwait. A total of 499 consumers (252 males, 247 females) were selected at convenience from three shopping malls in Kuwait City. The consumers were interviewed using a specially designed questionnaire. The findings revealed that men were more frequently consumed fast food than women (p < 0.001). Men were significantly more likely to consume “double” burgers (52%) than women (29.9%) (P < 0.001). The great majority of consumers (95%) considered fast food harmful to health. However, the consumers were continued to intake fast food (92%), indicating that health information on fast food not necessarly affects their consumption. Local foods were more likely to be considered fast food if eaten as a sandwich or without a disposal container. It can be concluded that fast food perceptions are influenced by gender, media and socio-cultural factors. Nutrition education programmes should focus on nutritive values of the foods rather than on their “fast food” classification.
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Musaiger AO, Al-Kandari FI, Al-Mannai M, Al-Faraj AM, Bouriki FA, Shehab FS, Al-Dabous LA, Al-Qalaf WB. Perceived barriers to weight maintenance among university students in Kuwait: the role of gender and obesity. Environ Health Prev Med 2014; 19:207-14. [PMID: 24402439 PMCID: PMC4019762 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-013-0377-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the barriers to weight maintenance among university students in Kuwait by gender and obesity. METHODS A sample of 530 students was selected at convenience from four universities in Kuwait (2 public and 2 private). The age of students ranged from 19 to 26 years. A self-reported pretested questionnaire was used to obtain the barriers, which were divided into barriers to healthy eating and barriers to physical activity. Weight and height were based on self-reporting, and the students were grouped into non-obese and obese according to the WHO classification. The response options to barriers were: very important, somewhat important and not important. RESULTS The main barriers to healthy eating for both genders were: "Do not have skills to plan, shop for, prepare or cook healthy foods" and "Not having time to prepare or eat healthy food". In general, there were no significant differences between men and women in barriers to healthy eating. There were highly significant differences between men and women regarding barriers to physical activity (P values ranged from <0.001 to <0.016). "Not having time to be physically active" and "The climate is not suitable for practising exercise" were the main barriers reported. Obese men were more likely to face barriers to healthy eating than non-obese men. There were no significant differences between obese and non-obese women regarding barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. CONCLUSION The findings of this study can be utilized in intervention activities to promote a healthy lifestyle and to combat obesity in Kuwait, and maybe in other Arab countries.
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Perceived barriers to healthy eating and physical activity among adolescents in seven Arab countries: a cross-cultural study. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:232164. [PMID: 24348144 PMCID: PMC3848306 DOI: 10.1155/2013/232164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. To highlight the perceived personal, social, and environmental barriers to healthy eating and physical activity among Arab adolescents. Method. A multistage stratified sampling method was used to select 4698 students aged 15–18 years (2240 males and 2458 females) from public schools. Seven Arab counties were included in the study, namely, Algeria, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Self-reported questionnaire was used to list the barriers to healthy eating and physical activity facing these adolescents. Results. It was found that lack of information on healthy eating, lack of motivation to eat a healthy diet, and not having time to prepare or eat healthy food were the main barriers to healthy eating among both genders. For physical activity, the main barriers selected were lack of motivation to do physical activity, less support from teachers, and lack of time to do physical activity. In general, females faced more barriers to physical activity than males in all countries included. There were significant differences between males and females within each country and among countries for most barriers. Conclusion. Intervention programmes to combat obesity and other chronic noncommunicable diseases in the Arab world should include solutions to overcome the barriers to weight maintenance, particularly the sociocultural barriers to practising physical activity.
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