Abstract
Objectives: Few lifestyle factors have been simultaneously studied and reported for Saudi adolescents. However, several local studies reported a rising trend in BMI and a high prevalence of physical inactivity. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to provide reliable population estimates of physical activity patterns and eating habits, the sample design called for a wide geographical coverage of the chosen city (Jeddah, KSA), with careful representation of the population in both public and private high schools in males. Methods: This is a school-based cross-sectional study that was conducted during fall 2010 including ten schools (6 public schools and 4 private schools) in Jeddah city. The participants were 594 secondary-school males aged 15-19 years, randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Measurements included weight, height, television viewing, playing video games and computer use, physical activity using a validated questionnaire and dietary habits. Results: The multiple regression analyses for the prediction of total duration of physical activity, sum of all time in vigorous-intensity and moderate-intensity physical activity were done. For predicting total duration spent in all types of physical activity the significant independent predictors were weight training (with the largest beta coefficient), jogging, martial art, stairs climbing, household, milk consumption and cycling (R-2 = 0.330). The significant predictors of the sum of all moderate-intensity physical activity were households activity (with the largest beta coefficient), jogging and fruits intake (R2 = 0.071). For sum of all vigorous-intensity physical activity, the significant independent predictors were martial art (with the largest beta coefficient), weight training, stairs climbing, jogging, milk consumption, fast food, and cycling (R2 = 0.477). Conclusions: The high inactivity prevalence is of great public health concern. The promotion of active living among adolescents should be a national public health priority. Future research should address the psych-social and environmental determinants of physical activity and inactivity and initiate interventional programs to combat sedentary lifestyle habits among Saudi youth. [Dina M. Qahwaji. Physical activity patterns and eating habits of Male Adolescents. Life Sci J 2012;9(2):1055-1064] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 156