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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Levels and correlates of physical activity, inactivity and body mass index among Saudi women working in office jobs in Riyadh city

Authors: Nada M. Albawardi, Hoda Jradi, Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Physical inactivity is among the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Saudi Arabia has just begun to address physical inactivity as recent studies have shown an alarming prevalence of insufficiently physically active adults. Saudi women are identified as among the most overweight/obese and least active worldwide. With an increase in the number of women in office based jobs, the risk of physical inactivity is likely to increase. Identifying the level and correlates for high BMI and physical inactivity in Saudi women will help to plan more effective public health strategies.
The aim of this study is to assess the level of physical activity, inactivity and body mass index among Saudi women working in office based jobs in Riyadh city and identify the correlates for overweight, obesity and low physical activity.

Methods

A cross- sectional study was conducted on 420 Saudi women aged 18 to 58 years working in office based jobs in eight worksites in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Body mass index was determined using weight and height measurements and physical activity was assessed based on a validated self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The majority of the subjects were overweight or obese (58.3 %). Overweight/obesity was associated with increased age, lower income and with those working in the public versus private sector. More than half of the sample (52.1 %) were insufficiently physically active. Participants working seven or more hours per day and those working in private versus public sector were significantly associated with low physical activity.

Conclusion

This study identified Saudi women working in office based jobs as a high risk group for overweight, obesity and physical inactivity. As sedentary jobs may compound the risk for obesity and physical inactivity, this may support the use of workplace health programs to reduce sitting time and promote physical activity as a viable public health initiative.
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Metadata
Title
Levels and correlates of physical activity, inactivity and body mass index among Saudi women working in office jobs in Riyadh city
Authors
Nada M. Albawardi
Hoda Jradi
Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-016-0312-8

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