A Descriptive Study to Assess the Prevalence of Obesity amongFemale Bachelor Nursing Science Students

Abstract

Background of the Study: Over the past decades, Saudi Arabia has become more and more westernized and is now one of the highest peaks in the prevalence of obesity and overweight.

Aim: The Aim of the Study was to assess the prevalence of obesity among female Bachelor Nursing Science students at Northern Border University (NBU).

Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey design with proportionate stratified random sampling techniques was used in this study. The College of Nursing, Female Section, NBU, was the setting of this study. Bachelor Saudi Nursing Science Students of the College of Nursing (Female Section) at NBU were the sample, with a sample size of 220. Ethical approval was obtained from NBU, and written consent was obtained from all participants in this study.
A structured questionnaire was the research tool used for data collection.

Results: 63.2% of the subjects had a normal body mass index (BMI), but the prevalence rate of overweight is 17.3%, and obesity I and II contribute to 14.8%. The majority (88.5%) of the participants had a family history of obesity. 27.3% of the subjects were not doing any physical activity, whereas 74% of them were always taking fast food. 87.4% of the participants were always watching TV or using a smart phone. 91% of the participants were between 18 to 23 years old.

Recommendations: To prevent obesity through healthy eating behaviors, regular physical activity, reduce television and screen time, and other “Sit time, reduce stress and improve sleep.

Conclusions: Help our young generations to develop good health habits like regular physical exercise, healthy lifestyle and healthy eating behaviours’ for maintaining normal BMI and in order to overcome the global crisis of obesity.