Health Beliefs Related to Diabetes Mellitus Prevention among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

abstract:Objectives: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing rapidly in the Saudi population. The purpose of this study was to assess the constructs of the health belief model (HBM) as they relate to T2DM lifestyle and prevention behaviours among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and October 2013 among 426 non-diabetic secondary school students from randomly selected schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An Arabic version of an adapted English language questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitudes related to the severity and prevention of T2DM. A preventative behaviour assessment was also conducted to assess physical activity and dietary habits. Results: The majority of the students (63.4%) had at least one diabetic family member. Obesity was more frequent in males compared to females (P = 0.013). Awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight to prevent T2DM was lower in males than females (P = 0.037), although males engaged in routine exercise more often (P = 0.001). Males were less likely than females to recognise the risks for T2DM, including obesity (P = 0.030), heredity (P = 0.013) and high fat intake (P = 0.001). Conclusion: An alarmingly high number of Saudi students were unaware of T2DM severity and associated risk factors. Female students were more aware of the benefits of T2DM preventative lifestyle behaviours than males, although males engaged in routine exercise more often. Raising adolescents' awareness about the primary prevention strategies for T2DM should be a public health priority in Saudi Arabia. The HBM could inform further research on diabetes prevention among Saudi adolescents.

Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature

“…Some reported reasons were shared with other parts of the world, while others were specific to the Arab region. It is clear that the hot climate of the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf countries limits outdoor physical activity to relatively short seasons and requires special indoor facilities [ 13 , 38 , 44 – 52 ]. In addition in most countries, the built environment, inadequate public transportation systems, and lack of spaces for walkers or joggers discourage exercise [ 15 , 20 , 26 , 31 , 38 , 42 , 46 , 47 , 53 – 68 ].…”

“…In addition in most countries, the built environment, inadequate public transportation systems, and lack of spaces for walkers or joggers discourage exercise [ 15 , 20 , 26 , 31 , 38 , 42 , 46 , 47 , 53 – 68 ]. As in other studies, time constraints were mentioned as barriers [ 15 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 40 – 42 , 46 , 52 , 54 , 67 , 69 – 73 ], in addition to insufficient motivation or interest [ 25 , 26 , 34 , 44 , 46 , 54 , 71 , 73 ], other priorities [ 26 ], and lack of skills [ 26 , 44 ].…”

“…The combination of physical obstacles and low valuations translates into insufficient interest and motivation to exercise, which are documented in multiple countries [ 20 , 46 , 52 , 68 , 90 ]. A number of studies [ 24 , 40 , 71 , 74 , 95 – 101 ] bring out the clustering of health risks within the studied populations, whereby physical activity is one among a set of lifestyle factors that may include energy dense foods, sweet drinks, sedentariness, and unsafe driving.…”

Knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus and its risk factors in Saudi Arabia

“…In a cross-sectional study of 426 non-diabetic secondary school students, the authors found higher obesity rates in males than females ( p =0.013). 20 The male students were also less aware of the risks of T2DM, such as obesity, family history, and high fat intake. The students acknowledged obesity as the most important risk factor, while weight reduction was recognized as the key preventive measure.…”

Patterns of eating associated with the chronic diseases in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

“…Food decisions inclined toward the higher Energy food. 17 There are four causes play the greater part developing chronic diseases, principally absence of physical exercise, poor nourishment, tobacco utilization, and excessive alcohol intake. Chronic diseases can be prevented by following certain dietary habits.…”