Prevalence and correlates of university students' perceived stress in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT: The university period can be stressful for most students. It may be due to exposure to various stressors. Objectives: To establish the prevalence and factors associated with high perceived stress among university undergraduates in south-western Saudi Arabia.A self-administered survey was conducted among a representative sample of King Khalid University students through a cross-sectional study. Data obtained included socio-economic, academic characteristics, and grade point average (GPA) scores. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale.This study included 2467 students. The average Perceived Stress Scale score was 19.13 ±â€Š6.56, which was notably higher (P = .02) among health care undergraduates (19.45 ±â€Š6.49) compared to others (18.85 ±â€Š6.61). High perceived stress prevalence rate was 12.7% (13.6% in health care institutions and 12.0% in non-healthcare institutions). Multivariable analysis revealed that high perceived stress was considerably greater among females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval:167-3.30), smokers (aOR = 1.65), those with an unsatisfactory income (aOR = 3.10), and healthcare students (aOR=1.33). In contrast, it was negatively associated with the GPA score (aOR= 0.77).High perceived stress is a substantial problem among university students. Female students and healthcare students are at a greater risk. High stress is correlated with smoking, lower GPA scores, and perceived insufficient family income.

Life style and nutrition and their impact on health of Saudi school students in Abha, Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the life style and dietary habits of school students and the prevalence of some nutritional problems. METHODS: We conducted this study in Abha city during the scholastic year 2000. A two-stage random sample was used to select the students. The sample consisted of 767 male and female students in different grades of education. A designed questionnaire was used to collect data regarding life style practices and dietary habits. Weight, height, and body mass index were obtained. RESULTS: Diets were rich in carbohydrates, and deficient in fiber. Breakfast was a regular meal for 72% of primary school students compared to 49% of secondary school students. Milk was consumed daily by 51.5% of the sample; fast food consumption was low (2.0 +/- 1.7 times/month). Physical exercise was practiced significantly longer by males than by females; 8.6% and 5.8% of males in intermediate and secondary grades were smokers. Sleeping hours during school days were adequate (7.4 +/- 1.7 hours/day), but relatively higher (9.5 +/- 2.3) during vacation. Underweight (18.9%), obesity (15.9%), and overweight (11%) were prevalent. Overweight and obesity were significantly more prevailing among females of primary and secondary grades. CONCLUSION: Health education and physical education programs in the schools are recommended to promote healthy life styles and dietary habits. School feeding programs may be required to achieve some of these goals.