Background: The growing improvement in urbanisation, modes of transportation and the expansion of sedentary behaviour, both at work and home, have resulted in declining rates of physical activity (PA) worldwide. Nearly one-third of the global population aged 15 and over are insufficiently active. The negative effect of physical inactivity has been evidenced and ranked fourth as the lethal cause of death globally. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the factors influencing PA participation among youths from different geographical locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Sixteen focus groups (males = 8 and females = 8) were conducted with a total of 120 secondary school students (male = 63 and female = 57) aged between 15 and 19 years. The focus groups were analysed to identify key themes through the process of thematic analysis. Results: Results from the focus groups indicated that a lack of time, safety, parental support, policies, access to sport and PA facilities, and transportation, as well as climate were reported as barriers to PA participation. Discussion and conclusion: The current research contributes to the scarce literature focused on the multidimensional effects on Saudi youth PA behaviour from different geographical locations. This qualitative approach has provided the participants a voice, and the overall study offers valuable evidence as well as invaluable information to policymakers, public health departments, and local authorities for PA intervention based on the environment and the community.

The prevalence of hypertension is becoming more common in children and adolescents than ever before. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between the built environment on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, waist circumference, and health amongst adolescents in Saudi Arabia. A systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate and waist circumference of 380 boys and girls aged between 15–19 years old (male = 199 and females = 181) were measured. The International physical activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess the physical activity levels and time spent sitting. The statistical analysis conducted were means and standard deviation, 2-way and 3-way of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni post hoc tests, Chi-squared distribution and Pearson’s correlations. Among males, 16.75% were classified as hypertensive, 12.69% as pre-hypertensive, and 70.56% as normal whereas, females, 23.20% were classified as hypertensive, 12.15% as pre-hypertensive and 64.64% as normal. There were significant differences (F_1,379 = 16.50, p < 0.001) between males and females waist circumference. Pearson’s correlation also revealed significant positive relationships in sedentary time (r = 0.123, p < 0.016), WC (r = 0.104, p < 0.043), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.110, p < 0.032). The results revealed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure are significantly related to multiple measures of weight status, and sedentary behaviour. The results also highlight that active youth had lower resting heart rate compared to inactive peers. The present findings provide a foundation of knowledge for future research and highlight the major need for research and policy interventions, to address the concerning health habits of Al-Ahsa youth and broader Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: A neighbourhood’s environmental characteristics can positively or negatively influence health and well-being. To date, no studies have examined this concept in the context of Saudi Arabian youth. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between a neighbourhood’s environmental characteristics and health risk factors among Saudi Arabian youth. Methods: A total of 335 secondary-school students (175 males, 160 females), aged 15–19 years old, participated. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference measurements were taken, and physical activity (steps) was measured via pedometer. The perceived neighbourhood environment was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module (IPAQ-E). Results: Significant differences were found between the youths from urban, rural farm, and rural desert locations in terms of BMI, waist circumference, daily steps, accessibility, infrastructure, social environment, household vehicles, safety, and access to facilities (p < 0.001). Rural desert youths were less active, and males (26.43 + 8.13) and females (24.68 + 5.03) had higher BMIs compared to the youths from other areas. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference (χ²₁ = 12.664, p < 0.001) between the genders as to social-environment perceptions. Males perceived their neighbourhood as a social environment more than was reported by females (68.39% and 50.28%, respectively). Pearson’s correlation revealed negative significant relationships between steps and both safety of neighbourhood (r = −0.235, p < 0.001) and crime rate (r = −0.281, p < 0.001). Discussion: Geographical location, cultural attitudes, lack of facilities, and accessibility impact youth physical-activity engagement and weight status; this includes environmental variables such as residential density, neighbourhood safety, household motor vehicles, and social environment. Conclusions: This is the first study examining associations with neighbourhood environments in the youths of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Significant associations and geographical differences were found. More research and policy interventions to address neighbourhoods’ environmental characteristics and health risk factors relative to Saudi Arabian youth are warranted.

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased over the last three decades, becoming a major public health concern. This issue is particularly pressing in terms of the impact it has on the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Thus, the aim of this research was to explore the nutritional and lifestyle habits of youth in the Al-Ahsa region of the KSA. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 1270 secondary-school boys and girls (15–19 years) from all five of the Al-Ahsa Governorate districts. BMI and waist circumference measurements were recorded using anthropometric measurements, and the lifestyle–Arab Teens Lifestyle Survey (ATLS) was used to measure sedentary and eating habits. Results: Chi-square analysis revealed that a higher proportion of females (90.68%) than males (79.18%) exceeded two hours of daily sedentary time. Frequent sugary drink consumption (>3 times per week) was similar in males (67.40%) and females (66.11%). Students from different geographical locations showed significant differences in exceeding cut-off scores for fast food (χ² = 24.503, p < 0.001), cakes/doughnuts (χ² = 8.414, p = 0.015), sweets/candy (χ² = 19.613, p < 0.001), and energy drinks (χ² = 21.650, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Al-Ahsa is the largest governorate in the KSA. It has some of the largest health risks regarding obesity and poor lifestyle habits. This study highlights the major need for future research and policy interventions.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a serious public health problem. Diet-focused approaches and physical exercise can be used to complement other ADHD management techniques. To determine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms among preschoolers in nursery schools and to evaluate the educational interventions toward nutrition and physical exercise in mothers and their preschoolers with ADHD symptoms. A two-phase sampling method was employed. First, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in four nursery schools (400 preschoolers aged between 3 and 6 years). Second, an intervention study (a quasi-experimental research design with one group completing the pre-test and the post-test) was performed on 36 preschoolers having ADHD symptoms and their mothers by using the educational intervention for mothers and photos and games about nutrition and physical exercise for the preschoolers with ADHD; mothers of four children out of the 40 refused to participate in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences between the groups. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Of the 400 preschoolers, 10% had high ADHD symptoms. The mean score of mothers' knowledge of nutrition and physical exercise improved after the implementation of the program (p = 0.01). In addition, preschoolers with ADHD enjoyed the session with photos and games (p = 0.01). Educational intervention significantly improved the knowledge of the mothers. Moreover, preschoolers with ADHD symptoms enjoyed the session with photos and games. This intervention appears to be feasible and promising for further investigation of its effects.