The descriptive pattern of physical activity in Saudi Arabia: analysis of national survey data

Abstract

Background: Over recent decades, there has been a dramatic transformation in mechanization reaching all aspects of people's lives in Saudi Arabia. In the light of this, there was a significant change in physical behavior in the community. The aim of the current study was to investigate the national and regional distribution of physical activity practice among adults aged ≥15 y across Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Data from the Bulletin of Household Sports Practice National Survey were used to determine the physical activity practice distribution. A total of 26 000 families from 13 administrative regions across Saudi Arabia were surveyed.

Results: The proportion of the total Saudi population who were practitioners of physical activity (i.e. ≥150 min per week) among Saudi adults aged ≥15 y was 17.40%, while the proportion of non-practitioners was 82.60%.

Conclusion: This study found a low level of physical activity among Saudi adults who meet physical activity guidelines. These findings suggest that interventions and promotional programs should be developed to increase physical activity among the Saudi population.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; physical activity; sedentary behavior; sport.