Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the dietary-related habits among adults in a Saudi suburban population.
A cross-sectional study was conducted during June and July 2002 in Khashm Al-aan area (a suburban community west of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Out of the ten satellite clinics in this area, five were selected randomly. All consecutive attendees older than 18 years were interviewed using a prepared questionnaire.
A total of 451 people were included. Their ages range from 18 to 77 years (1:2 male to female ratio). The lunch was the most meal people try to be punctual with (91.7%), while breakfast was the meal most skipped. Around half of the participants eat extra meals regularly. More than three quarters (78%) do not take meals from outside, and (84.5%) do not take fast food. Most of participants were skim chicken but did not trim meat. Chicken were the most frequently type of meat, while camel, fish, and beef meat were not served commonly. The quantity of salt, and oil used in cooking were mostly moderate in quantity (59.9%).The type of fat and oil used were mostly of vegetables source (83.9%). Juices were not served at all,by 39.3%, while only 10.3% drank it seven times or more per week.
There is a growing need to study and define knowledge and attitude of this type of community, in order to lead them towards a healthy diet.