Background: Over the past two decades, Saudi Arabia has made significant
improvements in its population’s health standards. These improvements have been
coupled with an increase in risk factors related to non-communicable diseases (NCD)
and a dramatic shift in the burden of disease profile. This study aims to provide empirical
evidence on the socio-economic and demographic correlates of NCD risk factors among
adults in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The data used for this study is secondary data derived from the Saudi
Health Interview Survey (SHIS) conducted in 2013. The SHIS used a cross-sectional
survey design to derive a multistage representative sample of adults to estimate the
prevalence of NCD risk factors. Risk factors considered for analyses in this study
were; current tobacco use, low fruit and vegetable consumption, low physical activity,
overweight/obesity and hypertension. The survey covered all regions in Saudi Arabia
using probability proportional to size measures. A total of 10,735 adults aged 15
years and above completed the survey questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was
conducted to examine the socio-economic and demographic correlates of NCD risk
factors among adults in Saudi Arabia.
Results: The prevalence of NCD risk factors were as follows: current tobacco
use, 12.1%; low fruit and vegetable consumption, 87%; low physical activity, 94.9%;
overweight/obesity 65.1%; and hypertension, 37.5%. The multivariate analysis results
indicate that significant correlates of overweight/obesity and hypertension were being
female, a government employee, income level, and education levels. On the other hand,
current tobacco use and low fruit and vegetable consumption were generally associated
with age, self-employment and being a student. For lifestyle factors, overweight/obesity
was high among individuals who reported low fruit and vegetable consumption, while
hypertension was high among current tobacco users and overweight/obese adults. All
comparisons were statistically significant at p < 0.05.
Conclusions: This study’s findings indicate a high prevalence of chronic NCD risk
factors in Saudi Arabia’s adult population. This study implied that there is a need for
a reduction in life-damaging behaviors among the adults through the adoption of healthy
Al-Hanawi and Keetile NCD Risk Factors in Saudi Arabia
lifestyles such as physical activity and nutritious diets. Moreover, a reduction in the
prevalence of chronic NCD risk factors among different socio-economic groups in Saudi
Arabia through healthy lifestyles will have far-reaching results.

Keywords: adults, correlates, NCD risk factors, Saudi Arabia, socioeconomic

Projects

Currently no objects available

Currently no objects available