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Burahmah E, Shanmugam S, Stansfield B. Full-Day Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Levels of Typically Developing Children and Adolescents in the Middle East: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6940. [PMID: 37887678 PMCID: PMC10606092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206940] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) are important components of physical behaviour associated with long-term health outcomes. Environmental and cultural factors may influence physical behaviour. To explore full day PA and SB in children and adolescents (2-18 years old) in the Middle East, a systematic literature review was performed including 183 journal articles. A wide range of PA and SB outcomes were reported, in some cases making synthesis of results difficult. As a consequence, results were generally reported narratively (MVPA time, total PA, SB time). Meta-regression of daily step count revealed females took 4600 fewer steps than males, with 3000 fewer steps on weekdays than weekends, and overweight individuals taking 2800 fewer steps/day. Steps decreased with age. Meta-regression for TV viewing time demonstrated an increase by 0.04 h per year of age. Even though environmental and cultural conditions may be different, PA and SB of children and adolescents in the Middle East were largely comparable to those of Europeans and North Americans. The wide range of data collection instruments used (both self-report questionnaire and body-worn devices) and heterogeneity of data made synthesis of reported data across studies very difficult, suggesting a need for greater standardisation of data collection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ben Stansfield
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.B.); (S.S.)
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Noorwali EA, Aljaadi AM, Al-Otaibi HH. Change in Growth Status and Obesity Rates among Saudi Children and Adolescents Is Partially Attributed to Discrepancies in Definitions Used: A Review of Anthropometric Measurements. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1010. [PMID: 37046938 PMCID: PMC10094271 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropometric measurements are the first step in determining the health status in children and adolescents. Clinicians require standardized protocols for proper assessment and interpretation. Therefore, this study aims to review the literature of international and Saudi national guidelines and studies previously conducted in Saudi children and adolescents to provide recommendations to establish Saudi guidelines in line with the Saudi 2030 Vision. Systematic search was conducted in several databases: Medline, PubMed, Saudi Digital Library and Google Scholar from January 1990 to January 2021. Further, 167 studies measured anthropometrics in Saudi children/adolescents; 33 of these studies contributed to the establishment/adjustment of Saudi growth charts or specific cutoffs or studied the trend of growth in representative samples or adjusted the international curves to be used in Saudis. This review warrants updating growth charts and establishing the standard cutoffs of Saudi adolescent anthropometrics to avoid over/underreporting. This review provides insights and recommendations regarding the resources that can be used to establish national guidelines in anthropometric measurements for Saudi children/adolescents. This review will help policymakers and the Ministry of Health to establish standardized protocols to be used in Saudi Arabia for anthropometric measurements that may assist in detecting malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essra A. Noorwali
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer M. Aljaadi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala H. Al-Otaibi
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Bahathig AA, Abu Saad H, Md Yusop NB, Mohd Sukri NH, El-Din MME. Sociodemographic Characteristics, Dietary Intake, and Body Image Dissatisfaction Among Saudi Adolescent Girls. PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.47836/pjst.31.3.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake and body image dissatisfaction (BID) among Saudi adolescent girls. A total of 399 girls ages 13-14 were randomly selected from intermediate schools in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Data on anthropometric measurements, sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake and body image (BI) were collected. Multiple linear regression was used to predict the association between variables. Most adolescents had a normal weight based on their body mass index (BMI), normal waist circumference (WC), and normal waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Fried chicken and Kabsa rice were the most frequently consumed foods; most girls consumed excessive fat. Most girls had BID (81.5%), and 51.4% desired to lose weight. BMI was positively correlated with age and current BI (p<0.001) and negatively associated with dairy product intake (p=0.004) and desired BI (p<0.001). WC had a positive association with age (p=0.001) and current BI (p<0.001) and a negative association with dairy product intake, cereal and grain intake (p=0.001) and ideal BI (p<0.001). WHtR was positively associated with current BI (p<0.001) and negatively associated with cereal and grain intake (p=0.005), dairy product intake and desired BI (p<0.001). Although most participants had a normal weight, they consumed excessive fat and were dissatisfied with their BI, which are significant predictors of obesity. Saudi adolescent girls require nutritional interventions to help them transition to a healthy diet, positive BI and healthy lifestyle.
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Bajamal E, Robbins LB. Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Appl Nurs Res 2023; 69:151660. [PMID: 36635015 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2022.151660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for becoming overweight or obese and developing chronic conditions that lead to an increase in mortality globally. Inadequate physical activity (PA) has been a problem among Arabic-speaking populations, including female adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, psychometrically sound measures to assess PA among female adolescents in Saudi Arabia are lacking, indicating that a reliable, valid and feasible self-report measure is urgently needed for use with this young Arabic-speaking population. METHODS A cross-sectional study approved by a university institutional review board was conducted with 383 Saudi female adolescents, 13-18 years of age, who were recruited from 10 all-female public schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physical activity was measured via the PAQ-A, which assesses the level of PA engagement during the school year for 7 days. Internal consistency was estimated. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the measure's construct validity and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess convergent validity. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.11 to 0.61. Both EFA and CFA indicated a single-factor. The scale was significantly correlated with other cognitive and affective variables that reflected the physical activity perceptions among the female adolescents, such as enjoyment of PA, PA self-efficacy and social support for PA. CONCLUSIONS The Arabic version of the PAQ-A is reliable and valid measure for assessing PA among Arabic-speaking female adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Bajamal
- College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Mail Code 6565, P.O. Box 9515, Jeddah, 21423, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC).
| | - Lorraine B Robbins
- College of Nursing, Michigan State University, 1355 Bogue Street, C-245, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Alanazi YA, Sousa-Sá E, Chong KH, Parrish AM, Okely AD. Systematic Review of the Relationships between 24-Hour Movement Behaviours and Health Indicators in School-Aged Children from Arab-Speaking Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8640. [PMID: 34444388 PMCID: PMC8391650 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Australian and Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for children and youth synthesized studies in English and French or other languages (if able to be translated with Google translate) and found very few studies published in English from Arabic countries that examined the relationship between objectively measured sedentary behaviour (SB), sleep and physical activity (PA) and health indicators in children aged 5-12 years. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the relationships between 24-hour movement behaviours and health indicators in school-aged children from Arab-speaking countries. Online databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTdiscus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched for English, French and Arabic studies (written in English), while Saudi Digital Library, ArabBase, HumanIndex, KSUP, Pan-Arab Academic Journal, e-Marefa, Al Manhal eLibrary and Google Scholar were searched for Arabic studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of evidence for each health indicator. A total of 16 studies, comprising 15,346 participants from nine countries were included. These studies were conducted between 2000 and 2019. In general, low levels of PA and sleep and high SB were unfavourably associated with adiposity outcomes, behavioural problems, depression and low self-esteem. Favourable associations were reported between sleep duration and adiposity outcomes. SB was favourably associated with adiposity outcomes, withdrawn behaviour, attention and externalizing problems. PA was favourably associated with improved self-esteem and adiposity outcomes. Further studies to address the inequality in the literature in the Arab-speaking countries to understand the role of 24-hour movement behaviours and its positive influence on health outcomes across childhood are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazeed A. Alanazi
- Early Start and School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (E.S.-S.); (K.H.C.); (A.-M.P.); (A.D.O.)
| | - Eduarda Sousa-Sá
- Early Start and School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (E.S.-S.); (K.H.C.); (A.-M.P.); (A.D.O.)
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CIDEFES—Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física e Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Kar Hau Chong
- Early Start and School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (E.S.-S.); (K.H.C.); (A.-M.P.); (A.D.O.)
| | - Anne-Maree Parrish
- Early Start and School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (E.S.-S.); (K.H.C.); (A.-M.P.); (A.D.O.)
| | - Anthony D. Okely
- Early Start and School of Health & Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (E.S.-S.); (K.H.C.); (A.-M.P.); (A.D.O.)
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Ahmad Bahathig A, Abu Saad H, Md Yusop NB, Mohd Shukri NH, El-Din MME. Relationship between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Anthropometric Measurements among Saudi Female Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168461. [PMID: 34444210 PMCID: PMC8392146 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia and are an emerging cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Lifestyle factors, such as insufficient levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors, are responsible for the increased prevalence of NCDs. This study aimed to determine the association between physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, and anthropometric measurements in Saudi female adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 399 healthy female adolescent students aged 13–14 years in Arar, Saudi Arabia. The participants were randomly selected from different schools and their anthropometric measurements were determined. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ) were used to assess their physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors, and an analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS software version 25. A multiple linear regression model was used to determine the association between the variables. The majority of the participants had a normal body mass index (BMI; 79.4%) and waist circumference (WC; 62.4%). A total of 74.4% had waist to height ratio (WHtR) < 0.5. About 92.7% of the participants were not meeting PA recommendations of 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. The overall mean time spent on sedentary activities was high on both weekdays and weekend days at 357.64 ± 86.29 and 470.51 ± 147.64 min/day, respectively. Moreover, anthropometric measurement (BMI) was positively associated with age and negatively associated with sedentary behavior on weekends, while WHtR was positively associated with age. The multiple linear regression analysis also showed that age and sedentary behavior significantly predicted BMI among the study participants (F (2, 396) = 4.346, p < 0.014) and age was the only significant predictor of WHtR (F (1, 397) = 16.191, p ≤ 0.001). This study revealed that most of the female Saudi adolescents undertook low levels of activity and high levels of sedentary behaviors. Sedentary behaviors were significantly associated with their BMI. Accordingly, an intervention program on healthy lifestyles is important to improve Saudi female adolescents’ lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Ahmad Bahathig
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.B.); (N.H.M.S.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Home Economic, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hazizi Abu Saad
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.B.); (N.H.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nor Baizura Md Yusop
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Nurul Husna Mohd Shukri
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia; (A.A.B.); (N.H.M.S.)
| | - Maha M. Essam El-Din
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, College of Home Economic, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Helwan University, Cairo 11790, Egypt
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Aljassim H, Jradi H. Childhood overweight and obesity among the Saudi population: a case-control study among school children. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2021; 40:15. [PMID: 33827702 PMCID: PMC8025524 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-021-00242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with major consequences. In Saudi Arabia, the percentage of children who are overweight or obese has significantly increased in the past two decades, raising concerns about the physical and psychosocial consequences of this burden. This study aimed at investigating the different risk factors contributing to childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A case-control study was conducted among 492 school children (246 overweight/obese children, and 246 normal weight control children aged 5-9 years). Using valid and reliable instruments, parental and child characteristics, behavioral practices, screen use, and other activities were assessed as risk factors for childhood obesity using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS An unemployed father (OR=11.90; 95% CI: 7.47-18.93), a father with overweight/obesity (OR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.40-2.96), an incorrect parental perception of child's weight status (OR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.75-3.68), cesarean delivery (OR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.56-4.09), daily time in active play for less than 30 min (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.44-3.28), frequent snacking (OR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.05-2.93), and screen time use for more than 2 h per day outside of school (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 1.12-2.34) were all independent risk factors for being overweight or obese among the selected cases. CONCLUSION Efforts to prevent childhood overweight and obesity in this population should focus primarily on the early identification and confrontation of risk factors. Such risk factors include parental characteristics and awareness of the magnitude of the burden obesity poses, behavioral practices such as frequent snacking, screen time use, and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Aljassim
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Health Education Administration, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hoda Jradi
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alkutbe RB, Alruban A, Alturki H, Sattar A, Al-Hazzaa H, Rees G. Fat mass prediction equations and reference ranges for Saudi Arabian Children aged 8-12 years using machine technique method. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10734. [PMID: 33665006 PMCID: PMC7908871 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The number of children with obesity has increased in Saudi Arabia, which is a significant public health concern. Early diagnosis of childhood obesity and screening of the prevalence is needed using a simple in situ method. This study aims to generate statistical equations to predict body fat percentage (BF%) for Saudi children by employing machine learning technology and to establish gender and age-specific body fat reference range. Methods Data was combined from two cross-sectional studies conducted in Saudi Arabia for 1,292 boys and girls aged 8-12 years. Body fat was measured in both studies using bio-electrical impedance analysis devices. Height and weight were measured and body mass index was calculated and classified according to CDC 2,000 charts. A total of 603 girls and 374 boys were randomly selected for the learning phase, and 153 girls and 93 boys were employed in the validation set. Analyses of different machine learning methods showed that an accurate, sensitive model could be created. Two regression models were trained and fitted with the construction samples and validated. Gradient boosting algorithm was employed to achieve a better estimation and produce the equations, then the root means squared error (RMSE) equation was performed to decrease the error. Body fat reference ranges were derived for children aged 8-12 years. Results For the gradient boosting models, the predicted fat percentage values were more aligned with the true value than those in regression models. Gradient boosting achieved better performance than the regression equation as it combined multiple simple models into a single composite model to take advantage of that weak classifier. The developed predictive model archived RMSE of 3.12 for girls and 2.48 boys. BF% and Fat mass index charts were presented in which cut-offs for 5th, 75th and 95th centiles are used to define 'under-fat', 'normal', 'overfat' and 'subject with obesity'. Conclusion Machine learning models could represent a significant advancement for investigators studying adiposity-related issues in children. These models and newly developed centile charts could be useful tools for the estimation and classification of BF%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab B Alkutbe
- School of Biomedical sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Abdulrahman Alruban
- College of Computer and Information Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hmidan Alturki
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas Sattar
- School of Biomedical sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Hazzaa Al-Hazzaa
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gail Rees
- School of Biomedical sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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Thillan K, Lanerolle P, Thoradeniya T, Samaranayake D, Chandrajith R, Wickramasinghe P. Micronutrient status and associated factors of adiposity in primary school children with normal and high body fat in Colombo municipal area, Sri Lanka. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:14. [PMID: 33407272 PMCID: PMC7786904 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02473-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of obesity and associated risk of chronic diseases are increasing among the paediatric population. The effectiveness of preventive measures and interventions are likely to improve when all factors which associate with obesity in a specific target group are considered. Currently such comprehensive data is unavailable for Sri Lankan children aged 8-9 years. METHODS This paper pertains to the data collected from August-2015 to November-2016 for a case-control study which included cases (high body fat) (N = 160; males-81) and controls (normal body fat) (N = 164; males-80) recruited from primary schools in the Colombo Municipal area. Anthropometry and body composition (Bioelectrical impedance analysis-BIA) were measured. Diet, physical activity and socio-demographic data were collected using validated interviewer administered questionnaires. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, D [25(OH)D], E, folate (serum and red blood cell-RBC), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), ferritin, leptin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed using fasting blood samples. RESULTS Cases were from higher socio-economic strata and spent significantly less time on physical activities, more time on sedentary behaviours and consumed higher energy compared to the controls. Cases from both genders had significantly lower levels of vitamin D [25 (OH)D], Fe and Mg (all p < 0.05) and higher levels of Cu and Ca (all p < 0.01) compared to controls. Higher levels of ferritin and Cr were seen among male (p < 0.001) and female (p > 0.05) cases compared to the controls. However, total serum folate levels were lower in male (p < 0.01) and female (p > 0.05) cases while the RBC folate levels were higher among male (p < 0.01) and female (p > 0.05) cases compared with controls. Vitamins A, E, Se, Mn and Co (p > 0.05) were not significantly different between groups. The inflammatory markers, both hs-CRP and leptin levels were higher among cases (p < 0.001) compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights higher socio-economic status, lower physical activity, more sedentary behaviours, higher energy intake and inconsistent distribution of micronutrients among the children with high body fat when compared with the control group. Increased levels of inflammatory markers indicate the presence of the risk of chronic inflammation in children with high body fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaichelvi Thillan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Pulani Lanerolle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Tharanga Thoradeniya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Dulani Samaranayake
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Rohana Chandrajith
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Pujitha Wickramasinghe
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Kynsey Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Muderedzwa TM, Matsungo TM. Nutritional status, physical activity and associated nutrition knowledge of primary school learners. Nutr Health 2020; 26:115-125. [PMID: 32223502 DOI: 10.1177/0260106020910625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition education has the potential to improve eating habits, physical activity and nutritional status of schoolchildren. AIM This study aimed to determine the nutritional status, physical activity levels and the associated nutrition knowledge of primary school learners aged 9-14 years in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among learners (n = 368) from eight primary schools. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, nutrition knowledge and physical activity data. The weights and heights were measured using World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess association between categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the determinants of wasting and overweight. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Overweight, wasting and stunting affected 25.8%, 6.3% and 3% of the learners, respectively. Only 52.7% of the learners achieved the WHO recommended 60 minutes of physical activity. The mean±standard deviation nutrition knowledge score of the learners was 70.3±10.9%. Stunted children were more likely to be wasted (odds ratio (OR) = 4.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-17.8; p = 0.039). Inadequate dietary diversity score (OR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.22-0.87; p = 0.018) and using non-active forms of transportation (OR = 2.69; 95% CI 1.52-4.76; p = 0.001) were a significant predictor of overweight among the learners. CONCLUSIONS Overweight was the leading form of malnutrition, coexisting with undernutrition, reflecting the presence of a 'double burden of malnutrition'. Therefore, comprehensive and multi-sectoral interventions to improve healthy eating and physical activity are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tavonga M Muderedzwa
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences (IFNFS), University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
| | - Tonderayi M Matsungo
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Family Sciences (IFNFS), University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
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11
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Contribution of Physical Education to the Daily Physical Activity of Schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132397. [PMID: 31284531 PMCID: PMC6651045 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The positive contribution of physical education (PE) to daily physical activity (PA) has been documented in past studies. However, little is known about the contribution of PE to inactive and unfit schoolchildren’s PA. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the contribution of PE to the daily PA of schoolchildren, especially for inactive and unfit schoolchildren. Accelerometers were used to measure the PA of 111 boys (Mage = 13.6 ± 0.8 years) across 7 days. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured during PE classes and on school days with and without PE classes. To measure the time that schoolchildren spent on MVPA, the accelerometer count (i.e., ≥2296 counts/minute) was used. Schoolchildren spent 22% of PE class time in MVPA. Times spent in MVPA were 12.9, 14.7 and 14.8 minutes higher on PE days than on days without PE for all, inactive, and unfit schoolchildren, respectively. Results showed that 40% percent and 24% of the schoolchildren met the recommended levels of PA on PE days and days without PE, respectively. It is concluded that, since PE classes increase daily engagement in MVPA, especially among inactive and unfit schoolchildren, PE classes should be conducted on all school days.
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Al-Hazzaa HM. Physical inactivity in Saudi Arabia revisited: A systematic review of inactivity prevalence and perceived barriers to active living. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2018; 12:50-64. [PMID: 30534044 PMCID: PMC6257875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed enormous economic growth accompanied by undesirable lifestyle behaviors, along with an associated increase in non-communicable diseases (NCD's). This systematic review presents a comprehensive and an updated overview of the status of physical activity (PA) or inactivity among the Saudi population and examines the major barriers and correlates of PA. METHODS A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. The electronic search yielded an initial 434 articles. However, the majority of these articles were eliminated because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining relevant papers were 65 articles that became the bases for this review. RESULTS The majority of Saudi children, youth and adults were not active enough to meet the recommended guidelines for moderate to vigorous PA. Saudi females were disproportionately less active than males, beginning from early school years. The proportions of Saudis who are at risk of inactivity are exceedingly higher than those at risk for other coronary heart diseases. Active Saudi boys tend to have favorable levels of blood lipids and body composition profile compared to inactive boys. Increased urbanization, crowded traffic, extreme weather, cultural barriers, lack of social support, the absence of female school PA program and lack of time and resources, all make PA a difficult choice for the Saudis. CONCLUSION More intensified efforts toward promoting PA and reducing sedentary behaviors among the Saudi population are needed to curtail the risks of NCD's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa
- Lifestyle and Health Research, Health Science Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa, Lifestyle and Health Research, Health Science Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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