Young Saudi Adults Research Articles

Association of the body mass index with the overall stability index in young adult Saudi males.

ObjectivesStudies have focused on obesity-induced balance instability in the older population, which has been understudied in young adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of obesity on dynamic balance in young adult Saudi males.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 704 young adult males aged between 18 and 35 years from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA, was performed. The obesity-induced balance was evaluated with a Biodex Balance System apparatus with a movable platform, and the overall stability index (OSI) was measured as an indicator of dynamic balance. Participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 were considered obese.ResultsThe mean age and BMI of the participants was 20 years and 25.6 kg/m2, respectively. The mean OSI of the entire sample was 0.9, and the OSI values increased significantly (p < 0.001) with increasing BMI. The adjusted correlation between OSI and BMI was 0.487 (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that for each one-unit increment in BMI, there was an expected rise of 0.115 units in the OSI value. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the optimal threshold of the weight and BMI cutoff points that optimized the OSI values were 18.8 kg/m2 and 54.5 kg, respectively, with high sensitivity and specificity values. In addition, BMI affected approximately 23% of the total variability on balance (partial eta squared = 0.227, p < 0.001).ConclusionObesity has a clear impact on dynamic balance in the selected young males. Weight management programs for obese subjects should be encouraged to optimize BMI and weight, which can attenuate balance stability.

Mapping the gendered city: investigating the socio-cultural influence on the practice of walking and the meaning of walkscapes among young Saudi adults in Riyadh

Walking is a mode of perceiving the city which also contributes to health and social benefits. This paper studies the influence of the socio-cultural aspects on the practice of walking and the meaning of walkscapes in Riyadh, one of the most auto-dependent and gender-segregated cities on the Arab Peninsula, where socio-cultural values and restrictions regulate men and women’s use and access to public spaces. The methodology used is a combination of movement tracking data using GPS technology and map-based workshops where participants can reflect on their walking behaviour and spatial preferences. The results of mapping where the respondents walk show a city consisting of gender-specific walkscapes. Indoor environments, such as shopping malls, function as ‘urban shelters’ for women, so they use such spaces for walking. On the other hand, young men mainly walk in urban streets, which provide greater opportunities for gender interaction. However, streets are socially conceived as men’s walkscapes, which limits women’s presence, especially at certain times of the day. This paper reveals how walking experience, tempo-rhythm, sense of place and range of walkscapes are not only determined by ‘universal’ spatial qualities but also influenced by socio-cultural settings.

Attitudes towards mobile phone usage in public places among young Saudi adults

Attitudes towards mobile phone usage in public places among young Saudi adults

Attitudes towards mobile phone usage in public places among young Saudi adults

This study investigates young Saudis' attitudes towards social acceptance of mobile phones in public places and how these attitudes affect their usage. A survey was conducted among young Saudi adult mobile phone users and the sample consisted of 727 respondents. A structural equation model was developed to test the hypotheses in this study. Collectively, the results indicate that it is neither acceptable for someone to accept a mobile call while praying in mosque or in class nor answer a mobile phone if it were to ring at both places. However, attitudes towards mobile phone use in other public places depend on intra-cultural variations within Saudi Arabia. Further, these attitudes significantly affect the usage frequency of mobile phones. Usage frequency in turn is affected by gender and work status. Practical implications are also discussed.

THE EFFECT OF ENERGY DRINKS ON TEETH HYPERSENSITIVITY

Background: Considering the current high consumption of energy drinks among university students, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between increased energy drinks consumption and teeth hypersensitivity by studying the influence of energy drinks in removing the smear layer and exposing dentinal tubules on root surfaces.Materials and Methods: Self-administered questionnaire were distributed to investigate the two most commonly consumed types of energy drinks in the community of Saudi Arabia then to study the effect of these two drinks on teeth structures. PH value were determined by pH –meter, titratable acidity was measured as described in A.O.A.C., total sugars and identity sugars were also detected by HPLC for the selected energy drinks. 72 teeth specimen were randomly distributed into 3 main groups. Code Red® and Bison® were evaluated, while distilled water was used as a control. Specimens were immersed for 5 minutes, 3 and 12 hours before micrographs were taken by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: The most commonly consumed types of energy drinks among Saudi young adults were Code Red® and Bison® with a percentage of 68.6% and 37.8%, respectively. Both energy drinks tested were low-acid products, as indicated by comparatively low pH-values; (3.28 ± 0.036) and (2.72± 0.073) for Code Red® and Bison®, respectively. Also, both energy drinks have very low percent of total acidity. They recorded (0.057 ± 0.008) for Code Red® and (0.040 ± 0.006) for Bison®. However, the non-reducing sugars in Code Red® were markedly higher than in Bison® (6.95% in Code Red® vs. 0.97% in Bison®). Cod Red® hence showed stronger erosive potential on teeth surfaces and complete removal of smear layer at CEJ level when compared to Bison® as confirmed by the SEM results. No direct significant correlation between energy drinks consumption and teeth hypersensitivity had been proved, yet; significant results of associated teeth hypersensitivity was found in younger age group students who smoke during drinking energy drinks with a p-value of 0.006.

The Patterns Use and Attitudes toward Unconventional Medicine among Saudi Young Adults: Cross Sectional Study

The Patterns Use and Attitudes toward Unconventional Medicine among Saudi Young Adults: Cross Sectional Study

Low bone mineral density among young healthy adult Saudi women

Objectives:To screen for low bone mineral density among young adult Saudi women using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and exploring the high risk groups.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed on 279, 20-36 years old female students and employees of Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January and May 2014. The study included bone status assessed using QUS, a structured self-reported questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and evaluation of bone markers of bone metabolism.Results:The prevalence of low bone mineral density was 9%. Serum osteocalcin was found significantly higher in candidates with low bone mineral density, 20.67 ng/ml versus 10.7 ng/ml, and it was negatively correlated with T-scores. At any given point in time the exposed subjects to low calcium intake and inadequate sun exposure in the population were 11 times and 3 times more likely to have low bone mineral density, (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 11.0; 95%confidence interval [CI]=3.16, 38.34; p=0.001) and (adjusted OR, 3.32, 95%CI=1.27, 8.66, p<0.01).Conclusion:Early detection screening programs for low bone mineral density are needed in Saudi Arabia as it affects young Saudi women specially the high-risk group that includes young women with insufficient calcium intake and insufficient sun exposure. Serum osteocalcin as a biomarker for screening for low bone mineral density could be introduced.

Trends of fast food consumption among adolescent and young adult Saudi girls living in Riyadh

BackgroundSaudi Arabia has passed through lifestyle changes toward unhealthy dietary patterns such as high fast food consumption. Adolescents and young adults, particularly girls, are the main groups exposed to and affected by these adverse eating behaviors.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the trends of fast food consumption among adolescent and young adult Saudi girls living in Riyadh, and to compare between them.DesignIn a cross-sectional survey, 127 adolescent Saudi girls (13–18 years) and 69 young adult Saudi girls (19–29 years) were randomly recruited to participate in this study. Weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured using standardized methods. Twenty-four-hour diet recall and a face-to-face interview food questionnaire were performed.ResultsMost of the participants had adequate intake of protein, riboflavin, iron, and sodium, but exhibited low intake for several other nutrients. Among study participants, 95.4% consume restaurants’ fast food and 79.1% eat fast food at least once weekly. Burgers and carbonated soft drinks were the main kinds of fast food meals and beverages usually eaten by girls. Adolescent girls who usually ate large portion sizes of fast food had significantly higher mean waist circumference and hip circumference. Participants eat fast food primarily for enjoying the delicious taste, followed by convenience. Restaurants’ hygiene and safety standards were the main concern regarding fast food for 62.2% of girls. Finally, international restaurants were preferable by participants to buy fast food compared with local restaurants (70.9% vs. 29.1%).ConclusionOur findings provide evidence on the high prevalence of fast food consumption among Saudi girls, suggesting an urgent need for community-based nutrition interventions that consider the trends of fast food consumption and targeted eating behaviors of adolescent and young adult girls.

Comparative Study of Repeatability of Phenol Red Thread Test Versus Schirmer Test in Normal Adults in Saudi Arabia

To investigate the repeatability of the phenol red thread (PRT) and Schirmer tests in healthy Saudi adults. Additionally, we compared the PRT mean value with those reported previously because of significant differences between Hong Kong-Chinese, Japanese, and US subjects. Thirty healthy young Saudi adults (7 men and 23 women; 60 eyes) with a mean age of 22.37±2.31 years were recruited. Participants provided consent and completed a McMonnies questionnaire. Dry eye subjects were excluded based on this questionnaire and slit-lamp examination. Both eyes of each subject were examined using the PRT and Schirmer tests. Each test was repeated three times for each eye, five minutes apart. The PRT test was applied first, followed by the Schirmer test 15 minutes later under anesthesia to avoid any inconsistency of the measurements due to reflex tears. The PRT and Schirmer tests both demonstrated good repeatability with no statistically significant differences. There was a poor correlation between the 2 tests (r=0.286). There was no statistically significant difference between OD and OS in the two tests. The mean PRT values in normal Saudi subjects were higher than those reported previously for Hong Kong-Chinese, Japanese, and US subjects. Both the PRT and Schirmer tests displayed good repeatability; however, there was a poor correlation between the tests, as reported previously. The mean PRT value in normal Saudis was higher, when compared with those reported previously for other ethnic groups.

The Impact of Body Mass Index and Body Composition on Cardiac Autonomic Function in Young Adult Saudi Females

This work was carried out to elucidate the impact of body mass index, body fat and its distribution, body water and body muscles on the cardiac autonomic control in healthy young adult female students at King Abdulaziz University during 2012. Heart rate variability parameters were correlated with anthropometric measurements and body composition (fat, muscles and water). Time domain and frequency domain parameters of heart rate variability were decreased as the body mass index and percentage of body fat increase. In addition, these anthropometric measurements revealed significant positive correlations with the ratio of low frequency to high frequency components, pointing to the adverse effect of body fat on sympathovagal balance. Waist circumference, an index of central obesity, was negatively correlated with the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms. The percentage of body water showed a significant negative correlation with low frequency to high frequency ratio. Also, body muscles percentage represented a negative correlation with this ratio, though insignificant. Therefore, this study concluded that high indices of overall and central obesity seem to impair cardiac autonomic balance in healthy adult females. Additionally, increased body water and lean body mass are associated with favorable effects on cardiac autonomic function.

The Impact of Body Mass Index and Body Composition on Cardiac Autonomic Function in Young Adult Saudi Females

The Impact of Body Mass Index and Body Composition on Cardiac Autonomic Function in Young Adult Saudi Females

Clinical presentation and short term outcome of acute coronary syndromes in native young saudi population

Literature about acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in young population in the Middle East is scarce. Moreover, such data in native young Saudi Arabians is lacking. We retrospectively reviewed our data base between January 2006 and May 2009, 924 patients were diagnosed to have ACS. Among them 107 patients (11.6%) met our definition of young [66 (61.7%) male ⩽ 45 years, and 41 (38.3%) female ⩽ 55 years]. The overall age was 42.3±7.9 years. Diabetes mellitus prevalence was 36.4% in males and 63.4% in females, while 30.0% of males and 34.1% of females had hypertension. Active smoking was reported in 40.9% of the males but none of the females. A body mass index ⩾ 25 was found in 30.3% of males and 34.1% of females. Overall 21.5% of the patients had dyslipidemia. Past history of coronary artery disease was documented in 18 patients (16.8%). The discharge diagnoses were ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in 41 (38.3%) patients, non-ST-segment elevation MI in 36 patients (33.6%) and unstable angina in 30 (28.0%) patients. Coronary angiography was performed in 86 patients (80.4%), among them 42 patients (48.8%) had single vessel and 24 patients (27.9%) had ⩾ 2 vessel disease. One patient had in-hospital acute ischemic stroke and more women (29.3%) were discharged with clinical diagnosis of heart failure. Several common cardiovascular risk factors have alarming incidences in native young Saudi adults presented with ACS. This finding necessitates an aggressive approach for population based intervention.

Young Saudi adults and peer group purchase influence: a preliminary investigation

PurposeThe role that peer influence plays in shaping young adult consumers' products purchase decision cannot be overemphasized. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of peer influence in shaping young adult male consumers' product purchase decisions in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachTo measure peer influence in this study, a survey of around 200 university students aged between 16 and 30 was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Constructs were measured using well‐established scales. Hypotheses are tested by investigating and comparing mean levels of the susceptibility of these young adults to peer influence across four product categories.FindingsWith the products studied, the overall preliminary results suggest that the levels of influence were greater in normative influence than in informational situations. The results further provide a sense of the degree to which peer influence on purchase decision could be dictated by culture.Practical implicationsBased on the results of this study, practical implications for marketing strategies are suggested and future research directions proposed.Originality/valueThe paper adds richness to the peer influence theory from a unique culture such as Saudi Arabia, which is also under‐researched.

Vitamin D Status among Adult Saudi Females Visiting Primary Health Care Clinics

Vitamin D plays an important role in diverse physiological functions in addition to its role in bone health. Vitamin D deficiency is very common in elderly people, but there are few reports on its prevalence in young adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 465 young adult Saudi females aged 19 to 40 years old who were selected from primary health care centers of King Abdulaziz medical city, Riyadh, KSA. A questionnaire was used to identify socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors such as sunlight exposure and dietary intake. 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone biochemical parameter were measured. The cutoff values for Vitamin D were defined as follows: deficient (<25nmol/L), insufficient (25-75 nmol/L) and normal (≥ 75 nmol/L). Overall, hypovitaminosis D were identified in all participants, with a mean level of 18.34 ±8.2 nmol/L. Of all the participants, 79.1% exhibited severe vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH) D < 25 nmol/L), while 20.9% exhibited vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25(OH) D between 25-50 nmol/L). There was a significant inverse correlation between serum 25 (OH) D concentrations and PTH, where secondary hyperparathyroidism was evident in 61.4% of participants with deficient vitamin D compared to 39.2% of participants with insufficient vitamin D. Despite the abundant sunlight in Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among young healthy Saudi females is 100%. This finding should be considered a public health problem. Case identification, health education and prevention should be encouraged.

Bone Status in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease:

Objectives (background): Both sickle cell disease and vitamin D deficiency are common among Saudi population. The present work asses Parathyroid hormone/Vitamin D axis as well as bone dynamics in young Saudi adults with sickle cell disease.&#x0D; Methods: A case-control study includes forty patients known to have sickle cell disease from the outpatient clinics of North Western Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk were randomly selected for the study. Another 120 healthy individuals were involved as control. Cases and control were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and radiologic and laboratory investigations.&#x0D; Results: Bone image revealed diffuse osteopenia in 16 (40%) of the cases, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 6 (15%), code fish vertebral bodies in 6 (15%) and coarse trabecular pattern in 6 (15%). Laboratory investigations for patients revealed hypocalcemia in 18 (45%), secondary hyperparathyroidism in 24 (60%), non-detectable vitamin D in 30 (75%) and detectable but subnormal vitamin D in 10 (25%). The mean level for serum calcium in cases was significantly less than that for the control (p &lt; 0.001). The mean level for serum intact parathyroid hormone was significantly higher in the patients than the control (p &lt; 0.001). The mean serum level for the Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin was significantly lower in the studied cases than the control. For the serum bone, specific alkaline phosphatase the mean level was significantly higher in case than control (p &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency through a common finding it is more severe in patients with sickle cell disease with subsequent secondary hyperparathyroidism and frequent hypocalcemia.

Bone Status in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease:

Objectives (background): Both sickle cell disease and vitamin D deficiency are common among Saudi population. The present work asses Parathyroid hormone/Vitamin D axis as well as bone dynamics in young Saudi adults with sickle cell disease.&#x0D; Methods: A case-control study includes forty patients known to have sickle cell disease from the outpatient clinics of North Western Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk were randomly selected for the study. Another 120 healthy individuals were involved as control. Cases and control were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and radiologic and laboratory investigations.&#x0D; Results: Bone image revealed diffuse osteopenia in 16 (40%) of the cases, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 6 (15%), code fish vertebral bodies in 6 (15%) and coarse trabecular pattern in 6 (15%). Laboratory investigations for patients revealed hypocalcemia in 18 (45%), secondary hyperparathyroidism in 24 (60%), non-detectable vitamin D in 30 (75%) and detectable but subnormal vitamin D in 10 (25%). The mean level for serum calcium in cases was significantly less than that for the control (p &lt; 0.001). The mean level for serum intact parathyroid hormone was significantly higher in the patients than the control (p &lt; 0.001). The mean serum level for the Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin was significantly lower in the studied cases than the control. For the serum bone, specific alkaline phosphatase the mean level was significantly higher in case than control (p &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency through a common finding it is more severe in patients with sickle cell disease with subsequent secondary hyperparathyroidism and frequent hypocalcemia.

Ethnic differences in dentofacial relationships of Turkish and Saudi young adults with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces

The aims of the present study were (1) to determine ethnic differences in craniofacial dimensions between Turkish and Saudi populations and (2) to identify possible gender differences between males and females, based on a sample of untreated young adult subjects with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces. In total, 163 cephalometric radiographs were traced and evaluated to compare untreated adults of Turkish and Saudi ethnicity. The Turkish group comprised 86 subjects; 45 females and 41 males. The Saudi group comprised 77 subjects; 39 females and 38 males. For statistical evaluation, an independent-samples t-test was performed. The Turkish sample had a more retrognathic maxilla and mandible (p<0.001 for SNA and SNB) and a more vertical direction of facial development (p<0.001), with Turkish males having more retrusive lips (p<0.001). Distinctive ethnic differences were found in craniofacial structures between Turkish and Saudi young adults. It is appropriate to consider these aesthetic differences when a Turkish or a Saudi patient is being evaluated during routine diagnosis and treatment planning.

Distribution of chronotypes in a large sample of young adult Saudis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:There are no published data on the chronotypes of young Saudi adults. This study assessed the distribution of chronotypes in college-aged Saudis.DESIGN AND SETTING:Cross-sectional survey of college studentsPATIENTS AND METHODS:A validated abridged version of the original Horne and Ostberg morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQr) was used to assess the chronotype of 759 subjects.RESULTS:Of 540 (71.1%) males and 219 (28.9%) females participated in this study ( age range, 18-32 years), 138 (18.2%) were “morning-types” 417 (54.9%) were “neither-types” and 204 (26.9%) were “evening-types”. There was no significant gender difference in MEQr typology. In Saudis, particularly males, the frequency of morning typology was somewhat higher than that reported for individuals in similar age groups in some Western countries.CONCLUSION:Most Saudi college students had no preference for morningness or eveningness and were classified as “intermediate-type”. Morningness appears to be slightly more common in Saudis, especially males, than in individuals of some Western societies.

Ventilatory function among healthy young Saudi adults: a comparison with Caucasian reference values

Abstract Background: Ethnic differences in lung function are recognized. However, most of the modern lung function equipments are pre-programmed with Caucasian reference values. Objective: Measure spirometric values among healthy Saudi male and female adults and compare with the Caucasian reference values in a standard spirometer. Methods: Thirty healthy Saudi young adults (15 males and 15 females; mean age 25 years) participated in this study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC (%), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were recorded using a portable digital spirometer. Results: Mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC (%) and MVV for the Saudi subjects were significantly lower than the Caucasians predicted values. Conclusion: Interpretation of lung function tests of Saudi subjects based on the Caucasian prediction equations is generally not valid, as the parameters of lung function tests in Saudi subjects are lower than the Caucasian reference values. The present results underline an urgent need for larger studies to develop prediction equations based on normative spirometric values for Saudi population involving subjects of all ages and both genders living in different climates of the country.

Prevalence of Increased Albumin Excretion Rate in Young Saudi Adults

Introduction: Albuminuria is an important risk predictor of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) rate amongst a subgroup of young Saudi army/navy recruits. Methods: 2,000 Saudi military recruits were tested for microalbuminuria by dipstick and 24-hour urine collection for quantitative evaluation. Results: In the whole group studied, the rate of microalbuminuria-positive dipstick testing was 10.3% (n = 206), but decreased on quantitative evaluation of 24-hour urine collection to 6.2% (n = 124). Increased UAE was independently associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), obesity, male gender and hypercholesterolemia. 55 of the 124 (44.4%) were diabetics while 14 (11.3%) were hypertensives. Around 21% of individuals with albuminuria were obese; body mass index for the whole group with albuminuria = 31.15 ± 5.8 kg/m² and showed no gender difference. Increased risk of albuminuria was noted with DM (OR = 5.07 [3.5–7.4], p < 0.0001), obesity (OR = 1.59 [1.0–2.5], p = 0.042) and HT (OR = 1.8 [1.0–3.2], p = 0.046). An estimated glomerular filtration rate of ∼77 ml/min/1.73 m² was present in the whole group with a significantly lower level in macroalbuminuric subjects compared to those with microalbuminuria (p = 0.03). Also, age was higher in the macroalbuminuric group (p = 0.004) with comparable prevalence of DM (47.4 vs. 45.2%, p = NS). Conclusions: This is the first description of increased UAE in a small percentage of young adult Arab subjects from Saudi Arabia detected through a selective screening process carried out on potential army recruits. It highlights the association of albuminuria in the general population with predisposing conditions such as DM, HT and obesity.