Rawan Abdulaziz Alolayan

Ms. Rawan Abdulaziz Alolayan


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
4 November 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RARawan Abdulaziz Alolayan
Rawan Abdulaziz Alolayan
DDDara disi
Dara disi
SHSyed Danish Hussain
Syed Danish Hussain
NANora Alafeef
Nora Alafeef
Mahmoud AbulmeatyMahmoud Abulmeaty
Mahmoud Abulmeaty
Background: The effectiveness of telehealth in managing obesity in Saudi patients is still under investigation. This study compared the effectiveness of telehealth and in-person obesity management programs for adults. Methods: This clinical trial involved 62 adults, 29 receiving in-person intervention at the clinic and 33 receiving telehealth via videoconference calls. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and dietary and lifestyle habits were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Patients have been educated about goal-setting, healthy eating behaviors, personalized meal plans, and increasing physical activity levels. Results: It showed that 45% and 49% of the in-person and telehealth groups lost more than 5% of their initial body weight. Weight, % body fat, and waist circumference were significantly reduced in the in-person and telehealth groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences between the groups were found in the parameters mentioned above. Within-group analysis showed that light physical activity levels improved in both groups significantly (p < 0.001), and the moderate physical activity level improved significantly among the telehealth group (p < 0.039). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding physical activity level, blood pressure measurement, and biochemical markers, except for the RBC blood level (p = 0.026). The telehealth group had significantly higher attendance rates for counseling sessions (97% vs. 75% for the in-person group, p < 0.01). Participants’ dropout rates were higher for the in-person group 21%, compared to the telehealth group 13%. Telehealth participants’ satisfaction regarding the benefits of the obesity management program in losing weight was higher at 87% compared to the in-person group at 76%. Conclusions: In conclusion, applying a telehealth obesity management program can support patients struggling with obesity who may have limited access to traditional healthcare services, while ensuring that telehealth care replicates the quality of in-person care.