A profile of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, sleep, and dietary habits of Saudi college female students

• Published in: Journal of Family & Community Medicine 2019-01, Vol.26 (1), p.1-8
• Main Authors: Alzamil, Hana, Alhakbany, Manan, Alfadda, Nora, Almusallam, Sarah, Al-Hazzaa, Hazzaa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior; College students; Food and nutrition; Food habits; Health aspects; Health risk assessment; Original; Sedentary behavior; Sleep
• ISSN: 2230-8229; 1319-1683; 2229-340X
• DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_58_18

BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported valid comprehensive data on lifestyle habits of Saudi college females. In addition, studies on sedentary behaviors (SBs) and the duration of sleep of Saudi college students are rare. Saudi females appear to be less physically active and therefore, at a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate lifestyle patterns of Saudi college females, including physical activity (PA), SBs, duration of sleep, and dietary habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among females attending health science colleges of King Saud University, using multistage stratified cluster sample (n = 456). Weight, height, PA, SB, sleep, and dietary habits were all assessed using a previously validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Nearly half of the college females were physically inactive. Females exercised mostly at home or alone at no specific time of day. Their activity was for health reasons (43.4%) for weight loss (28.7%); lack of time (71.2%) was the primary reason for inactivity. The majority (>85%) of females spent more time in sedentary activity (>3 h/day) while 95% of females had insufficient sleep (