A BSTRACT Introduction: Certain occupations and cultural backgrounds may influence health behavior. Additionally, workers in certain occupations, such as university staff, may act as role models for the general community. This study aims to assess gender-related lifestyle behaviors among university staff from Saudi Arabia and explore variations in these behaviors according to body mass index (BMI). Methods: This investigation is a cross-sectional study that targeted Jazan University employees via multistage sampling. Data collection was performed during personal interviews utilizing a questionnaire that measured staff demographics, their self-reported body weight and height, and lifestyle choices, including physical activity, eating behavior, smoking, and khat chewing. Split analysis was conducted to assess the association between lifestyle choices and the presence of excess body weight among male and female participants separately. The gender differences in measured variables were tested using either a Chi-squared test or a t -test. Results: A total of 1126 participants were involved in the study. The mean age of the sample was 41 years, and 53% were female. The recruited group was highly educated, with 45% holding a postgraduate degree and 50% having a bachelor’s degree. Excess body weight was prevalent among the sample, with 62% being either overweight or obese. Male participants were less likely to adhere to physical activity guidelines compared to their female counterparts ( P < 0.05). Additionally, female participants reported a higher frequency of selecting low-fat products, while their male counterparts reported higher consumption of low-fat meats ( P < 0.01). Consumption of fruits and vegetables was low among both genders. A higher percentage of women were categorized as obese. However, women who were categorized as overweight or obese exhibited higher adherence to physical activity guidelines compared to overweight or obese men. Additionally, men with excess body weight were more likely to report unhealthy practices such as smoking and khat chewing than women. Conclusions: Although the recruited sample was highly educated, the prevalence of excess body weight was high. A higher frequency of obesity was detected among female university employees. However, the coexistence of low physical activity, smoking, poor dietary habits, and excess body weight among aging male university staff is particularly alarming. Healthcare services on university campuses should incorporate targeted lifestyle promotion programs while considering the varied lifestyles associated with demographics and BMI.
Gosadi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: