RESUMO
Background: Khat has a stimulating and addictive effect and can induce consequences on the health and socioeconomic status of khat chewers. Objectives: This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of khat chewing among parents in Jazan and its consequential effect on their children. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via a web-based, self-administered questionnaire measuring demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning khat chewing. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to assess factors associated with khat chewing among parents and its consequential effect on their children. Results: A total of 724 parents were included. The sample had an overall good knowledge about the health hazards of khat chewing and an attitude against khat chewing. Nonetheless, the number of parents who reported that they had ever tried khat chewing was 200 (27.6%) and 106 parents (14.6%) confirmed that their children were khat chewers. Additionally, 98 (13.5%) parents declared that they practiced khat chewing in front of their children. Higher frequencies of parents who reported providing khat to their children were identified among parents with higher attitude levels that favor khat chewing (P value = 0.04). Conclusions: Efforts should be made to develop targeted preventive and educational strategies to reduce khat chewing among parents who have favorable attitudes toward khat chewing.
RESUMO
Purpose: Assess adolescents' body mass index (BMI) profile and the association between BMI category and social determinants. Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted adolescents aged between 12 and 19 from Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via an online self-administered questionnaire during 2023. The tailored questionnaire measured items related to student demographics, their history of diagnosed chronic conditions, their familial history of chronic diseases, and their eating behavior. A standard chi-square test investigated the relationship between BMI category and social determinants. Results: Five hundred and seventy students completed the study's questionnaire. The mean age of the sample was 16 (SD: 1.9), and most of the respondents were female (60%). Among the recruited sample, 107 students (20%) are categorized as underweight, while 121 students (22%) are classified as either overweight or obese according to their age. The respondents' eating behavior indicated that the most frequently consumed meal was dinner, and the majority skipped breakfast some days of the week. Nearly one-third of the sample exhibited emotional eating. Low consumption of healthier food options, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat products, and whole grain products among the adolescents was noted. An assessment of BMI level distribution among the respondents according to their demographic characteristics indicated a higher frequency of overweight and obesity among male adolescents, students in the secondary level, students living with a lower number of siblings, and students with a parental history of diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia (p values < 0.05). Conclusion: A high frequency of BMI abnormality among adolescents was detected. Dietary behavior among the respondents suggests the presence of several unhealthy behaviors. The results of the current study detected an important influence of the family on weight status among these adolescents.