Arwa M Alshangiti, Mohammed S Aldossary, Abdulaziz I Abou-Hussein, Wejdan J Aloufi, Mervat M El Dalatony, Shaker A Alomary
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a significant public health challenge in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with profound impacts on individual well-being and the healthcare system. Recent epidemiological studies have reported variable trends in obesity prevalence within the country. This population-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence, identify behavioral risk factors, and assess comorbidities associated with overweight and obesity using a nationally representative sample in KSA. Findings will inform targeted public health policies, optimize healthcare resource allocation, and support Saudi Vision 2030 goals by promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing chronic diseases.
Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey (KSAWHS), implemented by the Ministry of Health using a nationally representative sample. A stratified, three-stage sampling design based on the 2010 Census was used to select 10,000 households from 13 administrative regions. Data collection included socio-demographic, anthropometric measurements and medical information from consenting individuals. Continuous variables were summarized as mean ± SD, and univariate analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. Logistic regression identified predictors of obesity and overweight, reporting odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analyses were conducted in SPSS (v29).
Results: A total of 7930 adults across different regions in KSA were included in this study. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 20.3% and 38.7%, respectively. Overweight was significantly more prevalent in males (44.4%) than females (35.6%), whereas obesity was more common in females (22.1%) compared to males (18.6%) (p < 0.001). Regional differences were observed with the West region reporting the lowest prevalence of obesity (16.5%) and overweight (37.3%) (p < 0.001). Married individuals exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of both obesity and overweight (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The burden of obesity and overweight in KSA is still alarming due to the associated risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological disorders, affecting both patients and the healthcare system. Urgent interventions, including targeted public health campaigns, lifestyle modifications, and policy-driven strategies, are essential to curb obesity trends and promote long-term health improvements.
期刊介绍：
Global Health Action is an international peer-reviewed Open Access journal affiliated with the Unit of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University, Sweden. The Unit hosts the Umeå International School of Public Health and the Umeå Centre for Global Health Research.
Vision: Our vision is to be a leading journal in the global health field, narrowing health information gaps and contributing to the implementation of policies and actions that lead to improved global health.
Aim: The widening gap between the winners and losers of globalisation presents major public health challenges. To meet these challenges, it is crucial to generate new knowledge and evidence in the field and in settings where the evidence is lacking, as well as to bridge the gaps between existing knowledge and implementation of relevant findings. Thus, the aim of Global Health Action is to contribute to fuelling a more concrete, hands-on approach to addressing global health challenges. Manuscripts suggesting strategies for practical interventions and research implementations where none already exist are specifically welcomed. Further, the journal encourages articles from low- and middle-income countries, while also welcoming articles originated from South-South and South-North collaborations. All articles are expected to address a global agenda and include a strong implementation or policy component.
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