Young Saudi Women Research Articles

Investigating the beliefs of Saudi females regarding physical activity: a qualitative exploration

ABSTRACT Purpose Saudi women have been deprived of equal access to and opportunities for an active lifestyle due to sociocultural restrictions. Using the theory of planned behaviour, this elicitation study aimed to explore the salient beliefs of young Saudi women aged 18–35 regarding physical activity (PA). Methods A descriptive qualitative methodology was utilized using a semi-structured interview. A total of 25 transcribed interviews were coded. Content analysis was used to identify the salient beliefs and to rank-order the beliefs using an adaptation of Burnard’s model. Findings Thirty-five salient beliefs were identified as dominant factors in the decision to engage in PA. The salient beliefs about PA are classified as positive (related to advantages, social approval, and enabling) and negative (related to disadvantages, social disapproval, and barriers). These included behavioural beliefs (concerning physical/psychological well-being and social opportunities), normative beliefs (concerning family, community, international and local media influencers’ expectations), and control beliefs (concerning personal, social, natural, and built environment enablers as well as constraints). Conclusions Due to the elicited beliefs, young women may be able to adopt more active lifestyles and change their inactive behaviour. Addressing negative beliefs can help change their inactive behaviour. Strengthening positive beliefs and facilitators is also beneficial.

Dissonance-based prevention of eating pathology in non-Western cultures: A randomized controlled trial of the Body Project among young Saudi adult women

The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of an adapted version of the Body Project for young Saudi women, and to determine the impact of compliance (i.e. adherence to homework and attendance) on outcomes. A randomized controlled trial was used, allocating Saudi undergraduate females (N = 92; mean age = 20.48 years; SD = 2.28) to either a culturally-adapted version of the Body Project or a health education control condition. Participants completed self-report measures of eating pathology, body image, depression and social anxiety before and following the interventions and at three-month follow-up. Interaction terms showed that, relative to the control group, the intervention group had significantly reduced levels of eating concerns, body dissatisfaction and depression, but social anxiety did not change significantly in either group. Levels of session attendance and homework completion did not influence outcomes. Thus, the Body Project was effective for Saudi women in reducing eating pathology, body image dissatisfaction, and depression, though not social anxiety. This outcome indicates the value of the Body Project as a prevention tool when adapted to non-Western cultures.

Towards sustainable transportation: The development of hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia aims to achieve the principles of sustainable development goals (SDG) in all aspects of life in accordance with its ambitious vision 2030, especially in the field of sustainable passengers and freight transportation. Hyperloop technology can be considered as an excellent sustainable solution for the future of transportation in Saudi Arabia as a result of the availability of auxiliary ingredients, such renewable energy resources and the necessary infrastructure required enhancing the future mobility technology. Hyperloop can reduce the travel time between Saudi cities at a cost equivalent to ticket prices compatible with forms of mass passenger transportation. Accordingly, the Hyperloop technology can be more efficient in terms of energy consumption through the application of renewable energy resources, which makes this technology very attractive to the Saudi Arabia. The present paper discusses the feasibility of Hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia in technical and economic perspectives including basic performance and cost analysis. Moreover, the integration of different renewable energy recourses, such as solar and hydrogen energy is also discussed. Three major energy systems were reviewed in depth: electrical energy derived from typical fossil fuels and two renewable energy systems based on solar energy, which can be utilized as a primary source of energy or to produce green hydrogen. The overall estimated cost of the three distinct power supply systems was compared using 2022 prices as a benchmark. In comparison to the electrical system and the solar-hydrogen system, the overall cost of the Hyperloop-hydrogen system is the most expensive power supply system. It is expected that the use of Hyperloop technology in Saudi Arabia will be a motivating factor in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the transportation sector and as a catalyst for high technology through its requirements for artificial intelligence programs and computer-based operational systems. It can also achieve a significant increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing jobs and opportunities for young Saudi men and women in the high-technology sector.

How socio-cultural transition helps to improve entrepreneurial intentions among women?

PurposeThe current research proposes a model that integrates certain psychological and demographic factors in developing and strengthening young Saudi women's perceptions of entrepreneurial resourcefulness, which eventually may lead to the development and enhancement of their entrepreneurial intentions. The study also examines the ways in which changing socio-cultural norms and values may augment investments and/or efforts to enhance cognitive enablers, including entrepreneurial resourcefulness, and thereby build and strengthen entrepreneurial intentions among female entrepreneurs (i.e. human capital) in a transitioning society. Saudi Arabia is a relevant research context because the Saudi government has invested enormous resources to develop the country's human capital, particularly Saudi government intends to enhance Saudi women's participation in entrepreneurial spheres to be enhanced significantly. Saudi Arabia is undergoing a radical socio-cultural transition, and the kingdom seeks to capitalise on this ongoing transformation to further encourage women to tap into their under-utilised potential. This study seeks to corroborate such moderation effects.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilise the intellectual capital (IC) framework and theory of planned behaviour (TBP) to propose the conceptual model in this study. Using a sample of 628 young female respondents – potential entrepreneurs studying at various universities in Saudi Arabia, the authors test the hypothesised associations through partial least squares (PLS)-based path modelling.FindingsThe authors found a significant positive impact of psychological factors, such as perceived behavioural control, attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, on the development and enhancement of perceived entrepreneurial resourcefulness. In addition, demographic factors, including family income, family background, family business experience and entrepreneurship education, play a significant positive role in enhancing individuals' entrepreneurial resourcefulness perceptions. The authors further found that enhanced perceptions of perceived entrepreneurial resourcefulness develop and enhance entrepreneurial intentions among female entrepreneurs. However, the transformation in social and cultural norms significantly moderates this cause and effect relationship.Originality/valueThis study is among the first of its kind to investigate the moderating effects of social and cultural transformation on efforts and/or investments to enhance intellectual capital (more specifically, human capital) and thereby promote entrepreneurship. The study is also valuable for its focus on a unique context, i.e. female entrepreneurship in the Middle East and, more specifically, Saudi Arabia. The study offers useful insights and implications both for theory and practice, particularly for policymakers seeking to augment their intellectual capital formation efforts through an effective orchestration of socio-cultural transformation, which seeks to empower female entrepreneurs to succeed in the face of significant socio-cultural impediments.

Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Perception and Its Relation to Personal Lifestyle Among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

IntroductionRisk perception is the key component of many health behavior changes. This study identified the deliberative sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk perception among young females during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its implication on their willingness to lifestyle change in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. This cross‑sectional study using self‑administered online questionnaires was conducted to reach a total of 797 female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.ResultsEighty-six percent of participants showed moderate SCD risk perception, with a mean score of 20.4±4.4. Ninety-six percent of participants had ≥1 established SCD risk factor. A family history of cardiovascular disease and SCD was the most commonly reported risk factor (75.5%), followed by physical inactivity (75.4%). Nearly 60% of participants showed a high willingness to change personal lifestyle behaviors, however, the presence of risk factors did not significantly enhance their willingness tochange in order to control these risk factors.ConclusionsThis study identifies the deliberative SCD risk perception among young Saudi women and raises the need for preventive health care programs that enhance healthy behaviors among students at high risk, to minimize cardiovascular diseases and fatalities.

Abstract P3-12-32: Long-term outcomes among young Saudi women with breast cancer

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) represents 30.1 % of all cancers reported in Saudi females with median age at diagnosis 50 years. BC in young women (≤ 40 years ) accounts for 20% of all female BCs, and is histologically more aggressive as compared to the one seen in wome above 50 years of age. Differences with regard to tumor biology, presentation, genetics and molecular subtypes may contribute to poor prognosis among younger age group. BC in young Saudi women is a crucial problem and limited information exists regarding its pathologic characteristics and long term outcome. Purpose: This study investigated the long-term disease outcomes among young (≤ 40 years) Saudi BC patients as compared to older ones (>40 years), as well as assessed the clinicopathological parameters differeneces among the two groups. Methods: This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 694 female BC patients over a 10-year period (January 2007 to December 2017). Demographic and clinicopathological data was collected. Disease presentation, disease characteristics. Cox regression analysis was performed and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess overall survival. Cross tabulation was used to assess the difference in clinicopatholgical parameeters among the two age groups. Results: Among the included BC cases, 17.1% (N=119) were ≤ 40 years old . The mean survival time was 5.0 ± 2.6 years. ER, PR expression, molecular subtype, tumor grade, and N stage were variables significantly among the two age groups (p= <0.001, 0.002, 0.002, 0.003 and 0.038, respectively). More ER positive cases in older age group compared to the younger (76.2% vs 61.3%). PR was mainly positive in older age group (64.2% vs 49.6%), in contrast, Comparatively greater number of cases were Luminal A in older age group (33% vs 21%) while triple negative cases were more prevalent among the younger age group (23.5% vs 13.5%). Majority of the patients in younger age group had grade 3 tumors (56.3% vs 38.5%). The Nodal stage N2 was significantly more prevalent. among the younger age group (26.9% vs 16.3%). Although not statistically significant, stage 3 & stage 4 were more common among younger age group (22.7% vs 15.6% and 18.5% vs 15.6% respectively), while stage 1 was more common among the older age group (16.7% vs 10.9%). Age did not influence the local therapy in the study cohort. The younger age group was more likely to develop metastasis in comparison to the older group (37.8% vs 24.3%; p=0.002). Recurrence and disease progression were more likely to occur in younger patients, compared to the older ones (12.6% vs 6.3% and 29.4% vs 18.2% respectively), while complete clinical remission was achieved more in older patients compared to the younger ones (76.7% vs 66.4%). The overall survival was not statistically different among two age groups, however, when stratified using molecular subgroup, Luminal A subtype was statistically significant (p=0.02) indicating a poor over all survival among younger patients. Conclusion: The long term overall survival of BC in younger patients (≤ 40 years) was not significantly worse than older patients. But, younger BC patients with luminal A subtype have a poor overall survival in comparison to older ones. ER and PR expression, molecular subtype, tumor grade, and N stage are significantly different among the two groups which may contribute to significanly more local recurrence and distance metastasis among younger patients. Citation Format: Omalkhair Abdullah Aboualkhair, Ahmad Omair, Emad Masuadi, Ghaida Alamri, Alaa Aljehani, Abdulmohsen Alkushi, Ann Partridge. Long-term outcomes among young Saudi women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-12-32.

Prevalence and Determinants of a Blunted Parathyroid Hormone Response in Young Saudi Women with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among the Saudi population. Increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion is an appropriate homeostatic response to correct the resultant hypocalcemia. However, not all vitamin D deficiency patients have increased PTH levels. This study determined the prevalence of a blunted PTH response to vitamin D deficiency among apparently healthy young Saudi women and assessed anthropometric and biochemical factors associated with this response by performing a secondary analysis of data obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted at the “Center of Excellence for Osteoporosis research.” Overall, 315 women (aged 20–45 years) with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels <30 nmol/L) were included. They were divided into two groups according to the laboratory cutoff value of PTH (<7 or ≥7 pmol/L), and anthropometric and biochemical characteristics of both groups were compared. Women with a blunted PTH response (n = 62, 19.7%) had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001) and smaller waist circumference (P=0.001). They also had significantly higher serum 25(OH)D (P=0.001), corrected serum calcium (P < 0.001), and phosphate (P=0.003) levels than those with an elevated PTH response (n = 253, 80.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that lower BMI (OR = 0.925; 95% CI: 0.949–0.987) and higher 25(OH)D (OR = 1.068; 95% CI: 1.014–1.124) and serum calcium (OR = 8.600; 95% CI: 1.614–45.809) levels were significantly associated with a blunted PTH response (R2 = 0.178). A blunted PTH response to vitamin D deficiency is mainly observed among women with lower BMI. Higher serum calcium and 25(OH)D levels and lower BMI were significant predictors of a blunted PTH response, which may indicate that these subjects are adapting to lower 25(OH)D levels and maintaining normal calcium levels without the need to increase PTH secretion. The mechanisms underlying this adaptation are unclear, and future studies to explore these mechanisms are warranted.

Knowledge and attitudes about vitamin D and sunlight exposure in premenopausal women living in Jeddah, and their relationship with serum vitamin D levels

BackgroundSaudi women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency because they are fully covered by traditional clothing and because of their indoor lifestyle. The latest national study reported that vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) affects 72% of young Saudi women. Because little information is available regarding knowledge on vitamin D, attitudes toward sun exposure, and the vitamin D status of premenopausal women in Jeddah, more research is necessary in order to develop effective intervention programs. The purpose of this study is to explore how the relationship between knowledge of vitamin D and attitudes about sun exposure affect the serum 25(OH)D levels in premenopausal Saudi women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 257 women aged 20–50 years attending the primary care clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographics, dietary vitamin D intake, attitudes toward sun exposure, and were tested on their knowledge of vitamin D. Serum 25(OH)D was evaluated using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.ResultsAlthough 99% of participants had heard of vitamin D and 91% knew that sunlight exposure is a primary source of vitamin D, they also expressed the feeling of having insufficient knowledge regarding vitamin D sources. Furthermore, the majority of participants had negative attitudes toward sun exposure. High fish consumption was associated with a higher level of knowledge regarding vitamin D. The binary logistic regression indicated that low levels of knowledge about vitamin D were associated with low education levels (odds ratio = 0.397, 95% CI = [0.206, 0.765], p = 0.019) and with being married (odds ratio = 0.522, 95% CI = [0.281, 0.971], p = 0.04). In addition, spending time outside in the sun was significantly associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.006), and the wearing of colored abaya was significantly associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.008).ConclusionSuboptimal vitamin D status and insufficient knowledge of vitamin D intake sources are common in premenopausal women in Jeddah. Based on this data, health professionals could provide medical intervention to the most vulnerable female patients, as well as offer clear guidelines and information to the general public.

How Do Saudi Young Women Express their Aspirations on Social Media Platforms? A Survey Research

The study examines how Saudi young women express their aspirations through social media networks such as Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. It focuses on four areas of interests: 1- Gender equality which includes Saudi young women’s views on equality in job opportunities and employment in government and private sectors; 2- Freedom which includes freedom of lifestyle, traveling and education; 3- Independence which includes identity and the sense of individualism; and 4- Discussion of public issues which includes the right to vote and discuss public issues in society. The survey involves high school and university young women selected randomly and purposively in four cities in Saudi Arabia. The survey results show that that young Saudi women favor social media as a means of expressing their concerns on the four issues under study.

Alterations in manganese level in the biological samples of young obese Saudi women

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the changes in serum manganese levels in the nails of women with obesity. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, KSA. It was conducted in a convenience sample of 30 women with obesity and 40 without obesity. We obtained biological samples of nails from the participants and analysed these samples using a plasma atomic emission spectrometer to estimate the levels of manganese. A standard questionnaire containing items related to demographic features, such as address, age, education, and marital status, was used. In addition, the data on the usual consumption of water, milk, and soft drinks during a day or week, eating habits, and other health information were included in the questionnaire. ResultsThe results of this study show that manganese levels are significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the group with obesity at 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/kg than in the group without obesity at 0.62 ± 0.02 mg/kg. Regular sports activity in a week and consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and water are significant predictors of the levels of manganese in the body. ConclusionThe study demonstrates a significant difference in the levels of manganese in the nails of obese participants compared to non-obese participants. Further studies are needed to determine whether Saudi women are at risk for manganese deficiency.

Plant-based dietary indices and stress in female college students: a cross-sectional study.

Only a few studies have investigated the association between psychological stress and the healthfulness of plant-based diets while accounting for variances in age groups and regions. In light of this, this study aimed to identify the food groups that contribute the most to the relationship between the healthfulness of plant-based diets and psychological stress in female students in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study, which included 401 female college students aged 19-35 years, collected data on blood, anthropometric indices, the perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10) and diet using the Saudi food frequency questionnaire. An overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy PDI, and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI) were defined. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to examine the associations between PSS-10 and PDI and hPDI and uPDI. No associations between the PSS-10 score and the overall PDI or uPDI scores were found; however, a six-point higher hPDI score was associated with a 0·16-point lower PSS-10 score (95 % CI, -0·24, -0·08) after controlling for lifestyle factors. Moreover, adjustments for healthy food groups, including vegetables and fruits, attenuated the association between the hPDI and PSS-10. In conclusion, healthy plant-based diets are associated with lower psychological stress in young Saudi women. This finding highlights the importance, especially for female students, of following diets that are not only plant-based but are also healthy and rich in fruits and vegetables.

Young Saudi Women's travel behavior change over 2015/2020

BackgroundThe women in Saudi Arabia rely heavily on private cars in their mobility despite their negative impact on health and the environment. The conservative culture, combined with other factors, had imposed restrictions on using other modes of mobility. Therefore, in 2016, the kingdom launched the Saudi Vision 2030 to promote sustainable travel behavior and a healthy lifestyle specifically for women. PurposeThe study aims to investigate the change in the Saudi young women's travel behavior in the context of the Saudi Vision 2030 and its applied projects during the timeline (2015–2020), before and after releasing the Saudi Vision to examine the possibility of promoting sustainable mobility among young Saudi women. ProceduresThis study has a quantitative-qualitative method. Descriptive analysis for the relevant literature and Saudi statistics for mobility was performed. Additionally, two online surveys were conducted in the timeline (2015–2020) among two different young Saudi women in Jeddah city as a case study. FindingsThe private car remains the primary mode of mobility used by young Saudi women in Jeddah. No statistical change in the population's travel behavior has been shown during the past five years, despite their willingness to transfer to sustainable modes if available. The urban aspect is the most challenging factor that affects their travel behavior. The absence of alternate mobility options and comprehensive mobility network, the city's urban sprawl, and lack of urban cooling elements, all hinder active mobility modes. The evolution of the social aspect during the five years is evident as a positive factor to support the application and use of sustainable mobility modes in Jeddah. ConclusionProviding a women-friendly urban environment includes a sustainable mobility network that is varied, connected, costly, safe, flexible, link their key destinations and amenities, and considers Jeddawi women's culture are essential to promote their sustainable mobility.

Lifestyle changes associated with COVID-19 quarantine among young Saudi women: A prospective study.

BackgroundNegative lifestyle behaviors are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to assess lifestyle changes affecting weight, sleep, mental health, physical activity, and dietary habits prospectively from before COVID-19 to during lockdown.MethodsA total of 297 Saudi women, aged 19–30 years (mean age, 20.7 ± 1.4 years), were interviewed at two time points, before and during the quarantine. The data collected included anthropometrics, sociodemographic data, clinical history, food frequency questionnaire responses, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) responses, and Perceived Stress Scale measures. In addition, during quarantine, COVID-19 and nutrition-related information and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were collected. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the indicators of weight gain and loss from before COVID-19 (baseline) until during lockdown.ResultsAlthough approximately half of the participants did not report a weight change, 30% revealed weight loss and 18%, weight gain. The variables associated with increased weight gain were self-quarantine since COVID-19 started (OR: 5.17, 95% CI: 1.57–17.01, p = 0.007), age (OR: 1.53, 1.03–2.28, p = 0.04), and stress at baseline and during lockdown (OR: 1.15, 1.03–1.29, p = 0.01; OR: 1.10, 1.01–1.19, p = 0.03, respectively). The variables associated with a reduced risk of weight gain were the GPAQ score during lockdown (OR: 0.16, 0.04–0.66, p = 0.01), coffee consumption (OR: 0.36, 0.19–0.67, p = 0.01), and total sleep time (OR: 0.70, 0.51–0.97, p = 0.03).ConclusionWhile most young Saudi women experienced no weight change during the COVID-19 lockdown, one-third lost weight and a significant proportion gained weight. Factors associated with weight, such as stress, sleep hours, physical activity, and coffee consumption, highlight the need to carefully consider those at risk during future circumstances that may require lockdowns. These factors could also aid in implementing policies for future lockdowns and support those most at risk of gaining weight.

Promoting the Empowerment of Young Saudi Women through digital art Events in Light of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 2030

This study aimed to investigate the notion of empowerment of young Saudi women to in digital arts activities in light of the development strategy within the framework of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. It investigated building a digital art system that attracts young women’s minds and skills in support of the digital transformation process in the art field to increase the sustainability of specific job opportunities as well as the percentage of women’s participation in governmental and private sectors. The study employed the survey and Delphi methods, and two rounds of questionnaires were conducted as part of the data collection process. The results of this study tend to indicate that young Saudi women can be empowered through the use of digital art, and increasing their efficiency through education while allowing time for the training process.

Adapting the body project to a non-western culture: a dissonance-based eating disorders prevention program for Saudi women.

The main aim of this study was to test the feasibility of an adapted version of the Body Project for young Saudi women as their eating and body issues are comparable to western culture and linked to internalization of westernization. The study also aims to assess predictors of attrition and preliminary effectiveness. The intervention was adapted to local culture in collaboration with a co-director of the Body Project Collaborative. 48 Saudi undergraduate females were recruited, mean age was 19.16years (SD = 1.23), baseline BMI was (M = 24.42, SD = 5.46). Eating pathology, body image, and comorbidities were assessed pre and post the intervention with adapted self-report measures. The Body Project is feasible for young Saudi women. Participants were willing to enrol, they found the intervention useful, understandable, and enjoyable. There was no difference between completers and non-completers. The preliminary effect sizes are similar or higher than other effectiveness trials in other cultures. A cognitive dissonance-based eating disorders prevention can be applicable across cultures where westernization is an influence. The effectiveness is yet to be affirmed. Future research is needed to investigate effectiveness in further robust studies and a bigger sample. Level IV (evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence).

Prevalence and Predictors of Emotional Eating among Healthy Young Saudi Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Emotional eating (EE) is prevalent among women and is associated with obesity. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and mandatory quarantine increased the risk of mental symptoms and, inferentially, emotional eating (EE). We investigated the EE prevalence and predictors during this pandemic. Overall, 638 women, ages 18–39, completed an online survey incorporating the Emotional Eating Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. We asked about nutrition and collected data on weight, height, and pandemic responses. Most respondents (47.2%) reported low EE; 40.4% were “moderate” and 12.4% “high” emotional eaters; 42.8% reported depression, 27% anxiety, 71% moderate stress, and 12.5% severe stress. The main EE indicators/predictors were fat intake (β = 0.192, p = 0.004), number of meals (β = 0.187, p < 0.001), sugar consumption (β = 0.150, p < 0.001), body mass index (β = 0.149, p < 0.001), stress (β = 0.143, p = 0.004), energy intake (β = 0.134, p = 0.04), and fast food intake frequency (β = 0.111, p < 0.01). EE score correlated negatively with increased family income (β = −0.081, p = 0.049). Higher stress correlated with worse sleep, less sleep, and less physical activity. Emotional eating is common among young Saudi women during the pandemic. We recommend healthy food choices and increased physical activity to improve sleep and mitigate stress.

Low Serum Vitamin B12 Levels Are Associated with Adverse Lipid Profiles in Apparently Healthy Young Saudi Women.

An abnormal lipid profile is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and lipid profile is inconclusive, with most studies conducted in unhealthy populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels and lipid profiles in a cross-sectional study that included 341 apparently healthy Saudi women, aged 19–30 years, from different colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected, including diet and physical activity. Serum vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 level of <148 pmol/L. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was approximately 0.6%. Using multivariable linear regression models, serum vitamin B12 levels were found to be inversely associated with total cholesterol (B = −0.26; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (B = −0.30; p < 0.001), and triglyceride (B = −0.16; p < 0.01) after adjusting for potential confounders, while obesity indices of body mass index, central obesity, and fat percentage showed no association. Therefore, we conclude that low serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with abnormal lipid profiles in healthy young Saudi women. Further interventional studies are needed to determine whether improving serum vitamin B12 levels in a healthy population can improve lipid profiles.

Impact of the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Hypertension Guideline on the prevalence of hypertension in young Saudi women.

The diagnostic criteria for hypertension have recently been redefined by the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Data on the new prevalence of hypertension in different countries are emerging, but none, to date, from Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to determine the impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline on the prevalence and determinants of hypertension in young Saudi women. 518 female college students, 17-29 years of age were prospectively enrolled in a survey during the period from January 1, 2016, to April 15, 2016 at Princess Nourah University. The participants completed a previously validated questionnaire, that assessed their risk factors for hypertension, and their blood pressure, weight and height were measured. Application of the 2017 ACC/AHA diagnostic criteria resulted in approximately 7-fold increase in the prevalence of hypertension, from 4.1% to 27.1% (P < 0.001). At a cut-off value of ≥140/90, hypertension was significantly associated with increased age, increased body mass index (BMI), increased heart rate, history of chronic illnesses, prior diagnosis with diabetes mellitus and family history of hypertension. Whereas, with the ≥130/80 cut-off value, only increased BMI and heart rate were significant predictors (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension markedly increased among young adult Saudi women with the 2017 ACC/AHA classification for hypertension, and the main predictors were increased BMI and heart rate. Further studies on the new prevalence and predictors of hypertension in the Saudi population are warranted. This information is important for healthcare authorities to plan cost effective screening, prevention and control programmes.

VitaminD levels, prediabetes risk and hemoglobin A1c levels in young non-diabetic Saudi women.

Aims/IntroductionVitamin D levels are negatively correlated with prediabetes risk and hemoglobin A1c levels in individuals with prediabetes. The data are, however, scarce and inconsistent among different populations. We aimed to assess the association of vitamin D with prediabetes risk and hemoglobin A1c levels in young Saudi women with normoglycemia and prediabetes.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the data of individuals without diabetes (without diabetes history and hemoglobin A1c <6.4%) from the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University’s non‐communicable diseases student registry. Demographic data, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and hemoglobin A1c and vitamin D results were retrieved and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 345 participants were included in the analysis. The prediabetes status showed no association with vitamin D levels, but it was significantly associated with the participants’ weight and body mass index. Additionally, there was no correlation between the levels of vitamin D and hemoglobin A1c across the whole population, even after correction for body mass index. However, in the body mass index subgroups, when individuals with potentially harmful levels of vitamin D (>125 nmol/L) were excluded, a positive association was detected between vitamin D and hemoglobin A1c levels in the underweight individuals. Hemoglobin A1c values showed a positive correlation only with bodyweight and body mass index.ConclusionsVitamin D levels did not predict prediabetes status and showed no correlation with hemoglobin A1c levels in this population. Vitamin D levels’ effect on the risk of prediabetes might be small compared with other well‐established risk factors, such as obesity.

Exercising Agency

Drawing on verbal interviews with twelve young Saudi women, Erving Goffman’s conception of the “front and backstage,” and Saba Mahmood’s articulation of agency, this paper shows that in a changing authoritarian state, women must navigate spaces that are either controlled by the family or the state and that the behavior of young Saudi women differs depending on the space that they are in. I argue that even amidst changing state policies aimed at altering female behavior in public spaces, familial structures remain the key determinant of female behavior in Saudi Arabia. Despite the recent elimination of sex segregation from public spaces, certain new public behaviors are redefining traditional Saudi patriarchal systems of control within the context of these newly organized sites. Collectively, these arguments demonstrate that the experiences of Saudi women change from one space to another and cannot be reduced to a singular narrative or experience.