Understanding the Interrelationship between Education, Income, and Obesity among Adults in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To examine the association of sociodemographic variables with the odds of being obese among adults in Saudi Arabia, and to examine whether or not the association between the educational level and the odds of being obese among adults in Saudi Arabia is modified by the income level. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 3,925 participants were recruited for this cross-­sectional study. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected using standardized procedures. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were examined, with a dichotomous obesity status variable as the outcome. Furthermore, an interaction term for income level with educational level was tested and appeared significant. Thus, additional regression models were run in order to examine the association between educational level and obesity status separately among the low- and higher-income groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared to participants with a college degree or higher, illiterate participants and those with an elementary education had higher odds of obesity (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.81–4.22, and OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.89–3.82, respectively). However, participants with a low income had lower odds than participants who had a higher income (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.70–0.99). Examining the association between educational level and obesity while stratifying by income revealed that a negative association between education and obesity exists among both income groups. However, the magnitude of the ORs was higher among participants with higher income, suggesting a stronger association between education and obesity among wealthier individuals. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Individuals in the highest income bracket with lower levels of education may have greater odds of obesity. Targeting them in intervention programs is warranted.

Prevalence, risk factors, and interventions for obesity in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review

“…The findings on the association between income and obesity are conflicting, which again may represent a nonlinear “u‐shaped” association or differences in study design. In four cross‐sectional studies ( n = 28,065), the prevalence of obesity was highest among high‐income participants, 13,17,34,37 whereas in two other studies ( n = 660), the prevalence of obesity was highest among the low‐income group 29,35 …”

“…Of note, in a cross‐sectional study with over 3000 participants, the relationship between educational level and obesity based on income was explored; in the high‐income group, the odds of obesity among those with only middle or high school education was 2.15 (95% CI: 1.48–3.11) compared with 1.24 (95% CI: 1.01–1.50) in those with a college degree or higher. Further, participants with an elementary school education level were 2.12 (95% CI: 1.32–3.39) times more likely to have obesity in the low‐income group compared with 4.29 (95% CI: 2.35–7.84) in the higher income group 34 …”

“…However, one study by Azzeh et al ( n = 2548) reported higher waist circumference and visceral fat in men 22 . Being married, especially for women, was associated with an increased risk of obesity in 8 cross‐sectional studies with more than 38,000 participants 14,19,25,27–30,34 …”

Data Analysis and Computational Methods for Assessing Knowledge of Obesity Risk Factors among Saudi Citizens

“…A variety of studies addressed the topic of obesity and its causes, which provided statistical data that show its prevalence and the associated factors. Among these studies is a study by Mosli et al [ 5 ], which discovered the association between educational level and income level with odds of being obese among adults in KSA. In contrast to participants with advanced education or higher, ignorant participants and those with rudimentary schooling had higher chances of corpulence.…”

Association between preventable risk factors and metabolic syndrome

“…In a later study, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults visiting primary care settings in the Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia was found to be 38.3 and 27.6%, respectively [ 30 ]. Mosli et al [ 31 ] observed that individuals in the highest income bracket with lower levels of education have greater odds of obesity. The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia increased from 22% in 1990–1993 to 36% in 2005, and future projections of the prevalence of adult obesity in 2022 was estimated to be 41% in men and 78% in women [ 32 ].…”