1. Obesity and related behaviors among adolescent school boys in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.
- Author
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Mahfouz AA, Abdelmoneim I, Khan MY, Daffalla AA, Diab MM, Al-Gelban KS, and Moussa H
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Feeding Behavior, Humans, Life Style, Logistic Models, Male, Obesity etiology, Obesity prevention & control, Overweight etiology, Overweight psychology, Prevalence, Public Health trends, Risk Factors, Saudi Arabia epidemiology, Social Class, Surveys and Questionnaires, Urban Population statistics & numerical data, Adolescent Behavior, Epidemiologic Methods, Obesity epidemiology, Overweight epidemiology
- Abstract
Using stratified sampling technique 2696 adolescent school boys (aged 11-19 years) in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia were interviewed and examined for weight and height using standardized techniques. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight in the present study amounted to 16%. Using logistic regression analysis, lack of exercise practice in the previous week in general [aOR = 1.352, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.066-1.941] or in the class (aOR = 1.446, 95% CI = 1.083-1.931) were significantly associated with obesity. The present study showed that obesity among adolescent school boys in Abha City is a public health problem. There is a need for a national program in the country to prevent and control obesity among adolescents. The program should incorporate: dietary management of obesity, promotion of physical activity, health education campaigns and consideration of the possibility of providing facilities for practicing physical activity and exercise in the community.
- Published
- 2008
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