Determinants of Weight-Related Behaviors in Male Saudi University Students: A Qualitative Approach Using Focus Group Discussions.

Abdulaziz Balhareth,Mohammed Jafer,Stef Kremers,Ester Van Der Borgh-Sleddens,Ree Meertens

doi:10.3390/ijerph18073697

Abstract

Obesity is a serious public health concern in the Gulf States. Students are exposed to many unhealthy weight-related behaviors due to college life. However, research that gives insight into regional and culture-specific aspects and determinants of weight-related behaviors in students is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential determinants of weight change, eating behaviors, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep behaviors in Saudi university students. Five semi-structured focus group discussions guided by Social Cognitive Theory were conducted, consisting of 33 male university students 20 to 22 years old. The data were transcribed, coded, and organized according to themes. The students reported weight gain due to personal, social, and environmental factors related to university lifestyle, such as unhealthy eating behaviors, low physical activity, high sedentary behaviors, and inadequate sleep. Both eating behaviors and physical activity shared similar personal aspects found in other studies, such as knowledge, stress, lack of time, and lack of motivation. However, there were some unique social and environmental factors in the region, such as the social norms, cultural aspects, weather conditions, passive transport dependency, and khat consumption, compared with studies worldwide. Such differences are key factors to developing effective interventions in the future.

Highlights

During the last four decades, overweight and obesity rates have increased in the GulfStates to an epidemic level [1]
The results of the focus groups are presented by the themes that were discussed: weight change, eating behaviors, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleeping behaviors
Students thought that the transition to college life was related to factors that lead to weight gain, such as unhealthy eating behaviors, low physical activity, high sedentary behaviors, and inadequate sleep

Summary

Introduction

During the last four decades, overweight and obesity rates have increased in the GulfStates to an epidemic level [1]. During the last four decades, overweight and obesity rates have increased in the Gulf. Overweight prevalence among adults in Saudi Arabia has surged from 38.1% in 1975 to 69.7% in 2016 [1]. Over 20,000 people die every year from diseases associated with overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia alone [2]. The Saudi government spends over EUR 4.5 billion per year fighting the burden of these diseases [3]. Emirates) share similar increasing rates of overweight prevalence and its associated health care costs [1]. Overweight and obesity can be partly prevented through investing in health promotion interventions that aim to change unhealthy behaviors and promote healthy ones. Environments and communities should be structured to make the choice of healthy

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Discussion

Conclusion