ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3880-1896
Current Organisations
King Saud University
,
University of Adelaide
,
Penn State College of Medicine
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Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 13-08-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYG.2021.707921
Abstract: Background: Social media became an integral part of the lives of people because it encourages social relations and shares interests, activities, and real-life connections. As quarantine and lockdown orders are prolonged, many people, as well as those physically active in iduals, typically responded to this stressful condition by using social media platforms. Objective: This study aimed to examine the level of physical activity of physically active in iduals and their attitudes toward social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among physically active in iduals in Saudi Arabia between June 2020 and July 2020. An online survey was employed among eligible participants who completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered reasons for physical activity and attitudes toward social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Of these 323 participants, 29.1% were in the age group of 18–24 years, 66.6% were women, and 67.8% were single. The proportion of participants whose metabolic equivalent of tasks-min/week from vigorous activity & ,680 was 31.9%, and all of the participants follow people or pages in social media related to sports teams and fitness models. The average number of hours spent on social media per day was 2.95 ± 0.90 h. The majority of the participants showed positive attitudes toward social media used for exercise and physical activity. Of the eight variables, age, level of physical activity, and the average of hours spent on social media emerged as significant predictors of attitudes toward the use of social media ( P & 0.05). Conclusions: The present survey results indicate adverse consequences of home quarantine as reflected by a small proportion of participants who had differences in levels of vigorous activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Social media appears to be a key avenue to promote and disseminate health interventions to promote physical activity during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-05-2022
DOI: 10.3390/HEALTHCARE10060958
Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the level and associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and dietary habits among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 12 fitness centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 460 participants answered a two-part survey self-administered questionnaire, which included information about the demographic characteristics and lifestyle. The analysis found significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, weight, BMI, and combined prevalence of being overweight and obese. Compared with less active females, high active females showed significantly more favorable dietary habits (p 0.05). Significantly higher values were observed for the total physical activity energy expenditure in METs-min/week (p = 0.028). Moreover, females with high screen time ( h per day) were younger, less active, slept longer, and had higher intakes of fast foods and chocolates/candy intake (p = 0.001). Overall, the participants were highly active, exceeding the recommended physical activity needed to enhance health. The analysis also showed sufficient sleep duration ( h/night) was significantly associated with the diet and nutrition of the participants. Health education programs are needed to reduce the risks of sedentary behavior, sleep problems, and dietary habits.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2020
DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S255628
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 28-10-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FSPOR.2022.985476
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the relationship between body image perception and demographic factors among physically active (men and women) during the COVID-19 lockdown in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed among physically active in iduals in Saudi Arabia between June and July 2020. Eligible participants completed a 19-item self-administered questionnaire that covered three areas: demographic questions, reasons for physical activity, and role or perceptions of body image during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. A total of 323 physically active in iduals participated in this study. The majority of the participants were female ( N =217, 72.7%), were married (66.6%), and living in the Middle region of Saudi Arabia ( N = 268, 83%). The analysis shows that majority of the participants were dissatisfied with their current body shape. The analysis also showed a significant association between participants' educational attainment and BMI and body dissatisfaction ( p = 0.001). The strongest predictor was BMI level, recording an odds ratio (OR) of 5.99 (CI: 2.15 – 10.54, p =0.001) in obese and an OR of 4.55 (CI: 1.31 – 9.35, p =0.001) in overweight, indicating that compared with normal weight, obese and overweight participants were more likely to be dissatisfied by five and four times, respectively. This study indicates that physically active in iduals are greatly influenced by the confinement period. Programs that promote physical activity in their house or during lockdown may help to encourage, lessen their anxiety, and maintain their health. This may also decrease the anxiety of in iduals, particularly those active ones.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2015
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 14-07-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2022.893978
Abstract: Menu calorie labeling is a useful means to encourage consumers to be informed about healthy eating and food choices. It is projected as an innovative method that will change the food environment and increases consumers' awareness of calories. This study aims to determine the consumer's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward menu calorie labeling in Saudi Arabia. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 435 consumers in Saudi Arabia. The participants filled out an online electronic survey questionnaire that assesses the demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers toward menu calorie labeling. Logistic regression was performed to determine the predictor of attitudes of consumers toward menu calorie labeling. Of those 435 consumers, 50.1% were men, 33% were in the age group of 30–39, and 49.4% had a bachelor's degree. The majority of the participants reported that they can understand the calorie labels that were presented on the menus of the restaurants ( N = 365, 83.9%). A high percentage of participants reported that calorie labeling encourages them to choose foods with a smaller number of calories ( N = 387, 89%) and supported the posting of calorie content next to the price of the food items on the menus ( N = 405, 93.1%). Barriers to using calorie labels were time-consuming and low-calorie food items are usually costly. Gender and educational attainment were found significantly associated with consumers' knowledge while marital status and BMI level were found significantly associated with attitudes and practices to using calorie labels ( p & 0.05). Overall, the participants had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes about menu calorie labeling in Saudi Arabia. Menu calorie labeling may be a useful policy tool for promoting healthy eating habits and appropriate caloric consumption.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-12-2022
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to map the characteristics and the predominant components of clinical physical activity (PA) counseling in Saudi Arabia for adult patients and outline evidence of outcomes and prevalent barriers to its implementation. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of four online databases: Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and The Cochrane Library. Each study was assessed and evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for methodological quality. Results: A total of 120 studies were screened, and 47 studies were sought for retrieval. In total, 25 articles were eligible and were subjected to extensive review. After a detailed evaluation, only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. All included were quantitative studies that compiled descriptive and numerical data on physical activity counseling. Four studies described PA counseling information in Saudi Arabia or prescription as lifestyle modification and program structure. The programs used various techniques to motivate patients to adhere to PA protocols. In general, practitioners indicated a high perceived competence in helping patients meet PA guidelines. The most frequently stated barrier was a lack of time for PA discussions with patients, followed by a lack of training in PA counseling, and a lack of patient compliance. Significant improvements in clinical parameters and smoking, food, and exercise habits were detected in experimental trials with respective intervention programs. Conclusion: This review provides preliminary insights into the delivered intervention and standard care content, its outcomes, and clinicians’ perceived competence and barriers regarding current PA counseling approaches in Saudi Arabia. Despite the small number of studies included, this review contributes to the limited understanding of current PA counseling practices in Saudi Arabia and serves as an informational source for clinicians and policymakers and a starting point for further research.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-07-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-023-16068-X
Abstract: COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed people’s lifestyles and daily routines around the world. This study aimed to investigate changes in daily step counts – as an indicator of physical activity – before, during, and after the pandemic among university students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and to identify regional and gender factors that may have influenced physical activity during these periods. A total of 1273 university students from Egypt (Assiut University and Zagazig University) and Saudi Arabia (Taif University, King Faisal University, and Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University) provided valid data on their daily step counts recorded by a smartphone application (iPhone Health App) from January 2019 to December 2021. The data was ided and averaged based on three periods: the pre-pandemic year (January to December 2019), the first pandemic year (January to December 2020), and the second pandemic year (January to December 2021). The results showed a significant decrease in daily steps from pre-pandemic to the first pandemic year, followed by an increase in the second pandemic year. However, daily step counts did not fully recover to pre-pandemic levels in male Egyptian and marginally in male Saudi participants. In both nationalities, female participants did not show a significant difference in daily steps between the pre-pandemic and second-pandemic years. Female Egyptian participants had significantly lower daily step counts than male Egyptian participants, and a gender difference in daily steps was also observed in Saudi female participants in the pre-pandemic and the second pandemic year but not during the first pandemic year. These findings outline the need for strategies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior, especially among young women, to mitigate the negative consequences of COVID-19 and meet physical activity guidelines.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-07-2023
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2023.1236287
Abstract: This study aimed to review health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies and initiatives introduced in Saudi Arabia (SA) since 2016 and identify the gaps in their design and implementation. A combination of methods was used, including semi-structured interviews with key informants from relevant entities (such as those from the ministries of health, education, sports, tourism, and other regulatory bodies) and a review of policy/initiative documents provided by them. Stakeholder mapping led by local experts and snowball s ling supported the identification of key informants. Three existing frameworks—the World Health Organization’s HEPA Policy Audit Tool, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (PA) Policy Inventory, and the European Monitoring Framework for PA Indicators—were used to develop data collection instruments. The review identified 44 policies/initiatives from different sectors. The Saudi Sports for All Federation is the leader in PA promotion and community sports development. However, there is a lack of multisectoral agenda and governance structures for PA promotion. The overlap between initiatives by different key informants results in duplication of efforts, including initiatives to promote PA among the general public led by competitive professional sports and community-based sports. The study findings indicate that several policies/initiatives have been implemented in SA since 2016. However, there is a need to focus on the challenges or barriers that affect the sustainability of policies/initiatives. A system-based approach can help build on sectoral synergies, thereby accelerating progress in engaging the Saudi population with PA.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-01-2022
DOI: 10.3390/HEALTHCARE10020257
Abstract: (1) Background: ESports is a new trend of sports, which has gained considerable popularity worldwide. There is a scarcity of evidence that focuses on the lifestyle of ESports players (eSP) particularly on symptoms of nomophobia, level of anxiety, sleep quality, food consumption and physical activity. (2) Objective: to determine the prevalence and relationship between symptoms of nomophobia, psychological aspects, insomnia and physical activity of eSP in Saudi Arabia. (3) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 using a convenient self-selection adult s le. A total of 893 (216 eSP vs. 677 non-eSP (NeSP)) participants aged over 18 years were included. All participants answered a seven-part validated questionnaire that included: (i) sociodemographic questions (ii) a symptoms of nomophobia questionnaire (iii) general anxiety disorder questions, (iv) an insomnia severity index, (v) an Internet addiction scale, (vi) the Yale food addiction scale 2.0 short form and (vii) an international physical activity questionnaire. (4) Results: Among the entire population, the prevalence of moderate to severe nomophobia, anxiety, insomnia, Internet addiction and low physical activity were 29.8%, 13.9%, 63.3%, 27% and 2.8%, respectively. The eSP and NeSP differed significantly in nomophobia scale, anxiety and insomnia values. Compared to NeSP, eSP had a higher level of severe nomophobia
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 11-02-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPSYG.2021.611472
Abstract: To examine body image perception and the associations of body dissatisfaction (BD) with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh. Saudi females aged 16 years and older were recruited from 12 randomly selected fitness centers in Riyadh, using stratified clustered s ling technique ( n = 460). Height and weight were measured to calculate actual body mass index (BMI). A previously validated instrument was used to collect socio-demographic and lifestyle variables including physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, sleep and dietary habits. Stunkard Figure Rating Scale silhouettes were used to assess perceived and desired body shape. The participants had a mean (SD) age of 29.2 (8.2). The majority were not married (57%), with no children (66%) and had college degrees (78%). While 63% were overweight or obese, nearly 40% of women underestimated their perceived body shape. The majority of respondents (87%) were dissatisfied with their body shape including 68% of normal weight women. Females who had BD were significantly older, had higher BMI, reported more weight loss attempt and had expended less time in vigorous ( p = 0.033) and total ( p = 0.042) PA than those who were satisfied with their body shape. However, when adjusting for socio-demographic variables, logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations of BD with higher BMI, shorter membership duration of fitness club, and reduced dairy products and energy drinks consumption. Except for BMI and decreased dairy products and energy drinks consumption, many lifestyle behaviors did not associate with BD among Saudi females attending fitness centers. The findings can inform healthcare providers when intervention strategy is implicated for females with BD. Future studies should compare the associations of BD with lifestyle behaviors between males and females attending fitness centers and seeking weight loss.
Publisher: Medknow
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-03-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-018-03099-X
Abstract: Pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) have similarities with other lung cancers, but their precise relationship has remained unclear. Here we perform a comprehensive genomic ( n = 60) and transcriptomic ( n = 69) analysis of 75 LCNECs and identify two molecular subgroups: “type I LCNECs” with bi-allelic TP53 and STK11 / KEAP1 alterations (37%), and “type II LCNECs” enriched for bi-allelic inactivation of TP53 and RB1 (42%). Despite sharing genomic alterations with adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, no transcriptional relationship was found instead LCNECs form distinct transcriptional subgroups with closest similarity to SCLC. While type I LCNECs and SCLCs exhibit a neuroendocrine profile with ASCL1 high / DLL3 high / NOTCH low , type II LCNECs bear TP53 and RB1 alterations and differ from most SCLC tumors with reduced neuroendocrine markers, a pattern of ASCL1 low / DLL3 low / NOTCH high , and an upregulation of immune-related pathways. In conclusion, LCNECs comprise two molecularly defined subgroups, and distinguishing them from SCLC may allow stratified targeted treatment of high-grade neuroendocrine lung tumors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-09-2023
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 14-11-2018
Publisher: Medknow
Date: 2021
Location: United States of America
No related grants have been discovered for Mezna A. AlMarzooqi.