Determinants of Weight-Related Behaviors in Male Saudi University Students

A Qualitative Approach Using Focus Group Discussions

Bibliographic Data

ID15512942
AuthorsAbdulaziz Balhareth (0000-0003-2226-5985, University Medical Center, corresponding author), Mohammed Jafer (0000-0003-2263-7187, Jazan University), Ester F C Sleddens (0000-0002-9421-6712, Mondriaan GGZ), Ester van der Borgh-Sleddens (Mondriaan Mental Health Center, 6419 XZ Heerlen, The Netherlands), Stef Kremer (0000-0002-7406-2779, University Medical Center), Stef Kremers (Department of Health Promotion, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands), Ree M Meertens (0000-0001-8424-9142, University Medical Center), Ree Meertens (Department of Health Promotion, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue7
Pages3697-3697
Publication date2021-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18073697
PMID33916237
OpenAlexW3139566865
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited22

Obesity is a serious public health concern in the Gulf States. Students are exposed to many unhealthy weight-related behaviors due to college life. However, research that gives insight into regional and culture-specific aspects and determinants of weight-related behaviors in students is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential determinants of weight change, eating behaviors, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep behaviors in Saudi university students. Five semi-structured focus group discussions guided by Social Cognitive Theory were conducted, consisting of 33 male university students 20 to 22 years old. The data were transcribed, coded, and organized according to themes. The students reported weight gain due to personal, social, and environmental factors related to university lifestyle, such as unhealthy eating behaviors, low physical activity, high sedentary behaviors, and inadequate sleep. Both eating behaviors and physical activity shared similar personal aspects found in other studies, such as knowledge, stress, lack of time, and lack of motivation. However, there were some unique social and environmental factors in the region, such as the social norms, cultural aspects, weather conditions, passive transport dependency, and khat consumption, compared with studies worldwide. Such differences are key factors to developing effective interventions in the future

Cognition · Developmental psychology · Focus group · Obesity · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Social cognitive theory · Health and Lifestyle Studies · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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