Assessing Eating Habits, Physical Activity, and Nutritional Knowledge among Female Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Studies on the health and nutrition of the Saudi population, especially those of children and adolescents, are limited. Assessing Saudi adolescents in relation to essential nutrition concepts is needed. This study examined nutrition related variables and evaluated factors influencing the eating habits of Saudi adolescent girls. It compared nutrition and lifestyle between two distinct locations in Saudi Arabia. A validated dietary questionnaire was given to 291 adolescent females students (aged 14-18 years) attending intermediate and high schools. The mean age for the sample was 14.6 ± 3.5 years. The majority of females were considered within normal weight (60%). Eating habits were significantly healthier among Al-Khobar females compared to Riyadh females (P = 0.028). Similarly, females from Al-Khobar reported being more physically active (P = 0.002) with higher self-efficacy (P = 0.049) compared with females from Riyadh. No significant differences were found among BMI categories. Bivariate correlation analyses found that eating habits were correlated with self-efficacy (P < 0.001) and knowledge of healthy dietary habits (P = 0.001) but were not associated with nutrition knowledge (P = 0.09). A linear regression model demonstrated that predictors—location (P = 0.028), self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and knowledge of healthy dietary habits (P = 0.008)—explained 12.8% of the variance. Location, self-efficacy, and knowledge of healthy dietary habits were significant predictors relating to eating habits. Educational strategies to improve nutrition and physical activity are needed to help female adolescents achieve lifelong healthy eating and active lifestyle behaviors.