Psycho-social problems of obesity among male students in Qassim university in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Introduction:Studies have shown that overweight and obese persons face psycho-social problems. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Qassim university to explore the psycho-social problems faced by male obesestudents. Objectives: To determine the types of psycho-social problems, and find their prevalence among Qassim University overweight and obese students. Research Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was designed and pretested. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding age, college, social background and social problems that they encounter. An open ended question was also included so that the study subject may identify some social problems that they encountered which the questionnaire may have failed to list. The participants of the study were selected by convenient sampling. The sample size was 65. Results: In studied overweight and obese studentssample, 58(89%) were unhappy about their weight and 52(80%) tried to follow weight reduction program. Fifty-six students (86.2%) considered overweight and obesity as a disease and 44(67.7%) had positive family history. Mood swing and social pressure were reported by 37(56.9%)and 30(46.2%); respectively. low self-esteem and effect on social life reported by 24(36.9%) and 13(20%); respectively. Reporting overeating due to anger, sadness and boredom was 9(13.8%), 11(16.9%) and 37(56.9%); respectively. Conclusion and recommendations: Our study showed a substantial proportion ofpsycho-social problems among overweight and obese students. The finding of the study cannot be generalized to all Saudi adolescent, since the sample is small and not representative of all Saudi adolescent therefore we recommend that a larger study on the topic should be undertaken to estimate more accurately the magnitude of the problem.Copy Right, IJAR, 2016,. All rights reserved.