The Correlation of Built Environment on Hypertension, and Weight Status amongst Adolescence in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The prevalence of hypertension is becoming more common in children and adolescents than ever before. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between the built environment on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, waist circumference, and health amongst adolescents in Saudi Arabia. A systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate and waist circumference of 380 boys and girls aged between 15–19 years old (male = 199 and females = 181) were measured. The International physical activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess the physical activity levels and time spent sitting. The statistical analysis conducted were means and standard deviation, 2-way and 3-way of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni post hoc tests, Chi-squared distribution and Pearson’s correlations. Among males, 16.75% were classified as hypertensive, 12.69% as pre-hypertensive, and 70.56% as normal whereas, females, 23.20% were classified as hypertensive, 12.15% as pre-hypertensive and 64.64% as normal. There were significant differences (F1,379 = 16.50, p < 0.001) between males and females waist circumference. Pearson’s correlation also revealed significant positive relationships in sedentary time (r = 0.123, p < 0.016), WC (r = 0.104, p < 0.043), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.110, p < 0.032). The results revealed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure are significantly related to multiple measures of weight status, and sedentary behaviour. The results also highlight that active youth had lower resting heart rate compared to inactive peers. The present findings provide a foundation of knowledge for future research and highlight the major need for research and policy interventions, to address the concerning health habits of Al-Ahsa youth and broader Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Factors Influencing Saudi Youth Physical Activity Participation: A Qualitative Study Based on the Social Ecological Model

“…For instance, females were reported to be less active than males, and participants from rural desert locations were also reported to be less active compared to other geographical areas. The current findings align with previous studies of a similar nature [8,42,53]. Furthermore, results regarding social ecological determents to Al-Ahsa youth participating in PA were interesting.…”

“…For instance, the social influence is interlinked with positively or negatively affecting people's participation in PA. People are more likely to engage in PA or sports in countries where PA is considered to be important for health and wellbeing compared to locations where PA is not a social norm [41]. Furthermore, the social influences towards PA and environmental differences were also postulated as explanations for British participants being more active compared to counterparts in Saudi Arabia [7,42]. Moreover, the environmental influence characteristics also play a role in youth PA and sport participation.…”

Association between Young People’s Neighbourhoods’ Characteristics and Health Risk Factors in Saudi Arabia

“…The KSA has witnessed transformation and significant lifestyle changes during the last three decades, including digitalisation and diversification of various sectors. Thus, health risks, including hypertension, physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, and the ever-increasing rate of obesity, have become prevalent in this society [ 38 , 55 ]. The present study shows that geographical areas impact PA and weight status.…”

“…Studies previously conducted focused on the impact of the built environment on PA and health. However, most of the existing research was conducted in developed countries, especially in the Western world, mainly in the USA and UK [ 1 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Studies focusing on neighbourhood characteristics and their impacts on health among youth in Saudi Arabia are limited in number.…”