Dietary habits and physical activity levels in Jordanian adolescents attending private versus public schools.

The present study examined differences in dietary habits and physical activity levels between students attending private and public high schools in Jordan. A total of 386 secondary-school males and 349 females aged 14-18 years were randomly recruited using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling technique. Dietary habits and physical activity level were self-reported in a validated questionnaire. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among adolescents in private (26.0%) than in public schools (16.7%). The frequency of breakfast intake was significantly higher among adolescents in private schools, whereas French fries and sweets intake was significantly higher in public schools. Television viewing showed a significant interaction with school type by sex. A higher rate of inactivity was found among students attending private schools. Despite a slightly better overall dietary profile for students in private schools, they had a higher rate of overweight and obesity compared with those in public schools.

Association of dietary habits with levels of physical activity and screen time among adolescents living in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the inter-relationships between lifestyle factors in youth is important with respect to the development of effective promotional programmes for healthy eating and active living. The present study aimed to explore the associations of dietary habits (DH) with physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) among Saudi adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years of age relative to gender. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study, a school-based multicentre lifestyle study conducted in 2009/2010 in three major cities in Saudi Arabia. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling technique was used. The number of participants with complete data for DH and PA was 2886 and the respective number for DH and ST was 2822. Assessment included weight, height, body mass index, total daily ST (television viewing, video/computer games and Internet use), PA and DH using self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: Females were significantly more sedentary and less active than males (P < 0.001). Two-way analysis of covariance, controlling for age, showed significant (P < 0.05) gender by PA and gender by ST interactions for several DH. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations of higher PA with a higher consumption of fruit, vegetables, milk, French fries/potato chips and energy drinks, whereas higher ST was significantly associated with a higher consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, fast foods, cake/doughnuts and energy drinks. CONCLUSIONS: Healthful dietary habits were associated mostly with PA, whereas sedentary behaviours, independent of PA, negatively impacted upon eating behaviours. The low PA levels and high sedentary levels of Saudi females represent a great concern. The results reported in the present study have important implications for both youth public health policies and intervention programmes.

Lifestyle correlates of self-reported sleep duration among Saudi adolescents: a multicentre school-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors are important determinants of adequate sleep among adolescents. However, findings on sleep duration relative to lifestyle factors are conflicting. Therefore, this study examined the association of self-reported sleep duration with physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits among Saudi adolescents. METHODS: A multicentre school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three major cities in Saudi Arabia. The sample included 2868 secondary-school students (51.9% girls) aged 15-19 years, randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. In addition to anthropometric measurements, sleep duration, physical activity, sedentary behaviours and dietary habits were assessed using self-reported questionnaire. RESULTS: Several lifestyle factors were associated with sleep duration in adolescents. While controlling for some potential confounders, the findings showed that high screen time [>5 h/day; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.505, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.180-1.920, P = 0.001] and low (aOR = 1.290, 95% CI = 1.064-1.566, P = 0.010) to medium (aOR = 1.316, 95% CI = 1.075-1.611, P = 0.008) physical activity levels were significantly related to daily sleep of 8 h or longer. Furthermore, having low intake of breakfast (<3 day/week compared with 5 days or more per week) decreased the odd of having adequate sleep duration by a factor of 0.795 (95% CI = 0.667-0.947, P < 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Short sleep duration (<8 h/day) among Saudi adolescents 15-19 year olds was significantly associated with several lifestyle factors. Intervention programs aiming for improving sleeping habits among adolescents need to consider such potential association of lifestyle variables with sleep duration.

Dietary habits and physical activity levels in Jordanian adolescents attending private versus public schools

تتناول هذه الدراسة الفوارق في العادات الغذائية ومستوى النشاط البدني بين التلاميذ في المرحلة الثانوية في المدارس الخاصة وفي المدارس العامة في الأردن.وقد شملت الدراسة 386 طالبا و 349 طالبة في المرحلة الثانوية تراوح أعمارهم بين 14 و 18 عاما، وتم إدراجهم في الدراسة عشوائيا باستخدام تقنية أخذ العينات العنقودية المطبقة والمتعددة المراحل. وتم الإبلاغ ذاتيا عن العادات الغذائية ومستوى النشاط البدني باستخدام استبيان تم التحقق من صحته. واتضح أن معدل انتشار البدانة أعلى بمقدار يعتد به إحصائيا بين المراهقن في المدارس الخاصة [26.0 %]مما هو عليه في المدارس العامة [16.7 %]. وأن تكرار تناول طعام الإفطار هو أعلى بمقدار يعتد به إحصائيا بين المراهقين في المدارس الخاصة، بينا معدل تناول البطاطس المقلية والحلويات أعلى بمقدار يعتد به إحصائيا لدى المدارس العامة. كما اتضح أن مشاهدة التلفزيون تؤدي إلى تفاعل ذي أهمية إحصائية مع نمط المدرسة والجنسين. واتضح وجود مستوى أعلى من الخمول البدني بين طلاب المدارس الخاصة. ورغم أن المرتسم الإجمالي للنظام الغذائي لدى طلاب المدارس الخاصة يبدو أفضل قليلا مما هو عليه في سواها، فإن لدى هؤلاء نسبة أعلى من فرط الوزن والبدانة مقارنة بطلاب المدارس العامة

ABSTRACT The present study examined differences in dietary habits and physical activity levels between studentsattending private and public high schools in Jordan. A total of 386 secondary-school males and 349 females aged14–18 years were randomly recruited using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling technique. Dietary habits andphysical activity level were self-reported in a validated questionnaire. The prevalence of obesity was significantlyhigher among adolescents in private (26.0%) than in public schools (16.7%). The frequency of breakfast intake wassignificantly higher among adolescents in private schools, whereas French fries and sweets intake was significantlyhigher in public schools. Television viewing showed a significant interaction with school type by sex. A higher rateof inactivity was found among students attending private schools. Despite a slightly better overall dietary profile forstudents in private schools, they had a higher rate of overweight and obesity compared with those in public schools

RÉSUMÉ La présente étude a examiné les différences dans les habitudes alimentaires et les niveaux d'activitéphysique entre les élèves des écoles publiques et ceux des écoles privées en Jordanie. Au total, 386 garçonset 349 filles fréquentant des établissements d'enseignement secondaires âgés de 14 à 18 ans ont été recrutésaléatoirement au moyen d'une technique d'échantillonnage en grappes, stratifié à plusieurs degrés. Leshabitudes alimentaires et le niveau d'activité physique ont été autodéclarés à l'aide d'un questionnaire validé.La prévalence de l'obésité était significativement plus élevée chez les adolescents des écoles privées (26,0 %)que chez ceux des écoles publiques (16,7 %). La prise d'un petit-déjeuner était nettement plus fréquente chezles adolescents des écoles privées, tandis que la consommation de frites et de sucreries était beaucoup plusimportante chez les élèves des écoles publiques. Le nombre d'heures passées à regarder la télévision était trèsdifférent entre les élèves des écoles privées et ceux des écoles publiques en fonction du sexe. Un taux d'inactivitéplus élevé a été observé chez les élèves des écoles privées. En dépit du profil diététique légèrement meilleurdes élèves des écoles privées, leurs taux de surpoids et d'obésité étaient supérieurs à ceux des écoles publiques.

Obesity among adolescents in five Arab countries; relative to gender and age.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in five Arab countries, relative to age and sex. METHODS: A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select the secondary school students from five Arab countries (Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Syria and United Arab Emirates). The total sample was 3302 (1584 males, 1718 females). Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was used to calculate the proportion of overweight and obesity based on the International Obesity Task Force standard (IOTF). RESULTS: Kuwaiti adolescents showed the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among both males and females, compared to their counterparts in other countries. There was no trend in the proportion of overweight and obesity by age in any of the countries included in the study. CONCLUSION: Adolescent obesity has reached a critical level in the Arab countries. Therefore there is an urgent need to establish programs to prevent and control obesity among schoolchildren in these countries.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in five Arab countries, relative to age and sex. Methods: A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select the secondary school students from five Arab countries (Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Syria and United Arab Emirates). The total sample was 3302 (1584 males, 1718 females). Weight and height were measured, and body mass index was used to calculate the proportion of overweight and obesity based on the International Obesity Task Force standard (IOTF). Results: Kuwaiti adolescents showed the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among both males and females, compared to their counterparts in other countries. There was no trend in the proportion of overweight and obesity by age in any of the countries included in the study. Conclusion: Adolescent obesity has reached a critical level in the Arab countries. Therefore there is an urgent need to establish programs to prevent and control obesity among schoolchildren in these countries.

The Food Dome: dietary guidelines for Arab countries.

Dietary guidelines are important tool for selection a healthy diet. There is no special dietary guidelines for Arab people. Health Institutes are mainly using the Western dietary guidelines, such as American Food Pyramid. The objective of this paper therefore, was to summarize the steps taken by Arab Centers for Nutrition to establish "Food Dome", the dietary guidelines for the Arab countries. The development of Food Dome was done in eight steps as: 1) Identification of the current nutrition problems, 2) Identification of current food consumption patterns, 3) Identification of food groups used in the region, 4) Identification of specific foods within each group, 5) Estimation of nutritional profile for each group, 6) Identification the serving sizes for each group, 7) Incorporating physical activity into the food guidelines, 8) Identification of the pictorial illustration for the food guidelines. This Food Dome provides dietary guidelines for the Arab people to prevent the risk of diet-related diseases. It is also a useful tool for nutrition education. However, more testing in the target population is needed to evaluate the understanding of messages delivered by this Food Dome.

Body weight perception among adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

This study investigated the body image perceptions among adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 661 adolescents (324 males; 337 females) aged 12-17 years selected from government schools using a multistage stratified random sampling technique. A pretested validated questionnaire was employed to determine the perception of adolescents toward their weight status. A nine figure silhouette illustration was used to measure perceptions of their ideal body image and how it compares with their current body weight. The results revealed that overweight (18.5%) and obesity (27.2%) were higher among males than in females (13.1% and 20.5% respectively). A high proportion of overweight males and females considered themselves as average (45.0% and 52.3%, respectively). Similarly, 56.9% of obese male and 46.4% of females considered themselves as average weight. Of non-overweight/obese males and females, 27.6% and 39.3% respectively, were pressured by parents to gain weight (p > 0.000). In general overweight and obese adolescents were more likely to face pressure from their parents and teased by friends than non-overweight/obese adolescents. Compared to their current body image, overweight and obese adolescents chose a significantly lighter figure as their ideal (p < 0.000). It is suggested that the current health education curriculum should include information related to healthy body weight and appropriate diet and lifestyle so as to minimize risk of developing distorted body image concerns in adolescence and beyond.

Anthropometric characteristics and obesity among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.

Anthropometric measurements and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were studied in 661 adolescents aged 12-17 years from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mean values for height and weight increased steadily with age in both sexes. Mean values for waist circumference ranged from 70.8-76.6 cm in males and 64.0-68.8 cm in females. Hip circumference varied from 84.8-91.2 cm in males and 84.9-91.2 cm in females. Body mass index was generally higher in males than in females (range 21.9-23.6 kg/m2 and 19.8-24.1 kg/m2 respectively). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.3% and 21.6% in males and 12.3% and 19.5% in females. This study confirms the high incidence of overweight and obesity in Dubai adolescents.

Anthropometric characteristics and obesity among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates

Anthropometric measurements and the prevalence of overweight and obesity were studied in 661 adolescents aged 12-17 years from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mean values for height and weight increased steadily with age in both sexes. Mean values for waist circumference ranged from 70.8-76.6 cm in males and 64.0-68.8 cm in females. Hip circumference varied from 84.8-91.2 cm in males and 84.9-91.2 cm in females. Body mass index was generally higher in males than in females [range 21.9-23.6 kg/m[2] and 19.8-24.1 kg/rn[2] respectively]. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.3% and 21.6% in males and 12.3% and 19.5% in females. This study confirms the high incidence of overweight and obesity in Dubai adolescents

Dietary habits associated with obesity among adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

AIM: to study the association between the dietary habits and behavioural factors with the increased risk of obesity amongst adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 661 adolescents (324 boys and 337 girls) aged 12 to 17 years selected by means of a multistage stratified random sampling technique. RESULTS: The highest percentage of obesity was observed at 14 years of age in boys (30.5%) and at 13 years of age in girls (35.4%). There was a significant association between the frequency of eating breakfast (P =0.048), snacking between breakfast and lunch (P = 0.044), and obesity in girls but not in boys. A high risk of obesity was associated with eating breakfast at school in both boys (OR = 3.0; CI 1.1-8.3) and girls (OR = 3.4; CI 1.6-7.4). Fast foods showed a significant association with obesity in girls (P = 0.007), but not in boys (P = 0.745). The risk of obesity was higher in boys who ate fast foods at home (OR = 1.3; CI 0.5-3.2) but less in girls (OR = 0.2; CI 0.1-1.0). CONCLUSION: Intervention programs focused on promoting changes in lifestyles, food habits and increasing physical activity need to be implemented at the earliest.

Body weight perception among Bahraini adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the relationship between actual weight status and perceptions of body weight in Bahraini adolescents. The study also investigates the adolescents' perceptions of parents' and peers' opinions of weight. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 447 Bahraini male and female adolescents aged 12-17 years was conducted. Weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A short questionnaire was used to obtain their attitudes towards their weight status, as well as the attitudes of their parents and friends. The nine figure silhouettes illustration was used to measure perception of ideal body image and how it compares with their current body weight. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant discrepancy between adolescents' perception of body weight and actual BMI. There was a tendency for teenagers to underestimate their weight status, which was especially noteworthy among the overweight and obese. More than half of the girls and about one-third of the boys expressed discontent with their current body weight. One-third (33.5%) and 26.6% of the adolescents thought that their parents and their peers, respectively, would consider them to be overweight or obese. The percentage of adolescents who reported parental or peer underestimation was higher among those classified as overweight or obese than it was among those who were of normal weight. CONCLUSION: The study shows the existence of a distorted body image as reflected by failure of many overweight or obese adolescents to perceive themselves as such. Among Bahraini adolescents weight-related beliefs and attitudes exist at two ends of the spectrum: a tolerance of obesity at one end and an exaggerated concern for its occurrence at the other.

Overweight and obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: can we control it?

Obesity has become an epidemic problem worldwide, and in the Eastern Mediterranean Region the status of overweight has reached an alarming level. A prevalence of 3%-9% overweight and obesity has been recorded among preschool children, while that among schoolchildren was 12%-25%. A marked increase in obesity generally has been noted among adolescents, ranging from 15% to 45%. In adulthood, women showed a higher prevalence of obesity (35%-75%) than men (30%-60%). Several factors, such as change in dietary habits, socioeconomic factors, inactivity and multiparity (among women) determine obesity in this Region. There is an urgent need for national programmes to prevent and control obesity in the countries of the Region.

Overweight and obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: can we control it?

Obesity has become an epidemic problem worldwide, and in the Eastern Mediterranean Region the status of overweight has reached an alarming level. A prevalence of 3%-9% overweight and obesity has been recorded among preschool children, while that among schoolchildren was 12%-25%. A marked increase in obesity generally has been noted among adolescents, ranging from 15% to 45%. In adulthood, women showed a higher prevalence of obesity [35%-75%] than men [30%-60%]. Several factors, such as change in dietary habits, socioeconomic factors, inactivity and multiparity [among women] determine obesity in this Region. There is an urgent need for national programmes to prevent and control obesity in the countries of the Region

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Bahraini adolescents: a comparison between three different sets of criteria.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Bahraini adolescents using three different sets of criteria/standards. DESIGN: Cross-sectional prevalence study. SETTING: Intermediate and secondary schools in Bahrain. SUBJECTS: The study included a population-representative sample of 506 Bahraini students (249 males and 257 females) between 12 and 17 y of age. The sample was selected using multistage stratified random sampling technique. MEASUREMENT: Anthropometric measurements including weight, height and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were taken on the adolescents. Age was verified against school records. To minimize inter-observer error, weight and height were taken by one person while skinfold was taken by two trained persons (one for each sex). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity among Bahraini boys and girls was high, especially in girls. Obesity was highest (21% in males and 35% in females) when the WHO recommended criteria of BMI for age and skinfolds for age percentiles were applied and lowest (15% in boys and 18% in girls) when the age and sex specific BMI cut-off values of Cole et al were used. Compared with those of WHO criteria, estimates of overweight and obesity prevalence obtained with Must et al and Cole et al were generally close. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed a much higher prevalence rate of obesity in the Bahraini adolescent population than was previously reported, especially among girls. The BMI reference values of Must et al and that of Cole et al gave relatively similar estimates and appear to be more practical for use in surveys aimed at estimating the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents than the WHO recommended composite criteria.

Maternal comprehension of home-based growth chart in Bahrain.

The objectives of this study were to assess Bahrain mothers' understanding and interpretation of currently used home-based growth monitoring chart, and how their education effects their comprehension of it. A sample of 472 mothers of children who were less than 6 years old were selected from 18 health centres in Bahrain. About 73% brought the growth chart with them during their visits. The education of the mothers had a significant effect on the comprehension of the growth chart. Highly-educated mothers were more likely to read the information in the growth chart (69%) than middle (52%) and low-educated mothers (16%) (P<0.0001). Also highly-educated mothers got more benefit from the growth chart (P<0.0001) and more of them understood the reason for the colour in the chart (P<0.0001) than other groups. The majority of husbands (85%) showed no interest in reading the growth chart. Of the mothers, 42% did not know at which age the growth chart should be used. It is important, therefore, that the current growth chart should be reviewed and the mothers and health workers should be involved in the process of designing the chart. Suggestions for improvement of the growth chart currently used were provided.

Weight, height, body mass index and prevalence of obesity among the adult population in Bahrain.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: To determine anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, BMI), and the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on BMI. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A cross-sectional survey of 514 Bahraini native adults aged 30-79 years was selected from households using clustering sampling technique. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Findings indicate that Bahraini adults were shorter but heavier, and have higher mean BMI than their Western counterparts, suggesting a trend to obesity. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.2% and 21.2% for men, while that for women was 31% and 48.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed the data in other Arabian Gulf countries, as obesity is a major public health problem among the adult population. Anthropometrics provided in this study can be used as baseline data for the adult population of Bahrain.

Nutritive value of traditional sweets consumed in the Arab Gulf countries.

Proximate, mineral, fatty acid and cholesterol composition of eight traditional sweets commonly consumed in the Arab Gulf countries were determined. Four sweets were obtained from Bahrain, whereas the other sweets were obtained from Oman. Protein level ranged from 0.2 to 9.0%, while the fat content ranged from 7.9 to 18.0%. In general, the sweets were found to be high in energy content but poor in most minerals. Iron and zinc contents were low (less than 2 and less than 1 mg/100 g for iron and zinc, respectively). Cholesterol was high in four sweets (range from 10.6 to 20.4 mg/100 g), mainly because of the use of animal fat in preparation of these sweets. The fatty acids profiles showed that palmitic and oleic acids were predominant. One sweet (eggbaith) was found to be very high in linoleic (42%) and low in palmitic (9.6%) acids. The study showed that some traditional sweets are nutritious, while others should be consumed with moderation.

Lifestyle patterns in smokers and non-smokers in the state of Bahrain.

The purpose of the study was to compare Bahraini adult male and female smokers with former smokers and non-smokers with respect to several aspects of lifestyle. A simplified general method for cluster-sample survey was used to select 516 subjects aged 30-79 years. Study subjects were interviewed using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking was 32.1 and 20.7% among men and women, respectively. A statistically significant association (p < 0.001) was observed with respect to smoking status and educational level in both sexes. Smoking was associated with less exercise and more television watching. The findings suggest that smokers should be counseled about their unhealthy lifestyle habits in addition to quitting smoking.

Profile of body composition of school children (6-18y) in Bahrain.

OBJECTIVE: To study the body composition of Bahraini school children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional national school survey. SUBJECTS: School children aged 6-18y. The sample comprised 818 boys and 775 girls. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height, arm circumference and skinfold thicknesses were measured. Sum of skinfold thickness, body mass index (BMI), mid arm circumference, percentage body fat, fat weight and lean body weight were then calculated to determine body composition. RESULTS: A significant difference in the sum of skinfold thickness was observed between boys and girls. The girls have almost 50% extra skinfold thickness than boys at all ages. Similar trends were found in BMI, except at ages 9 and 18y. The percentage of body fat was higher in girls than boys. The mean BMI for Bahraini girls aged 13y and above exceeds that of their American counterparts, indicating a trend towards fat accumulation in the Bahraini girls. CONCLUSION: The data obtained are useful for monitoring obesity in school children in Bahrain as well as being usable as reference data for similar countries in the region. The high proportion of body fat among Bahraini school children, especially girls, urges an intervention program to prevent and control obesity in this age group.

Anthropometry of adolescent girls in Bahrain, including body fat distribution.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To determine anthropometric measurements of adolescent Bahraini girls, including obesity and fat composition. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A cross-sectional sample of 584 Bahraini girls aged 12-19 years, were selected from schools using multistage stratified sampling procedure. Fifteen anthropometric measurements were taken (weight, height, circumferences for upper arm, upper forearm, upper chest, chest, waist, hip, thigh and medial calf, triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac). Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio, sum of skinfold thickness and % body fat were also computed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant increase in all anthropometric measurements with increase in age. The mean weights for girls was higher than those reported in 1986 for the same age group, but no difference was observed in the mean heights, indicating a trend toward overweight. Using the 85th and 95th centiles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANESI) BMI distribution to define respectively overweight and obesity, the prevalence of overweight was 38.5% and of obesity was 6.3%. The means for BMI, waist/hip ratio, sum of skinfold thickness and % body fat were higher than those reported in many developed and developing countries. CONCLUSIONS: Bahraini adolescent girls have a higher proportion of body fat than their counterparts in many Western countries. This may contribute to some chronic diseases in adulthood. An intervention programme, therefore, is urgently needed to reduce overweight and obesity at childhood and adolescent stages.