Physical Activity amongst Adolescent Boys and Girls attending High School in Riyadh: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is linked with increased risk of physical health problems, risks of preventable non-communicable diseases and poorer mental wellbeing. The aim of the study was to examine the level of physical activity amongst adolescents in a large urban city in Saudi Arabia. 

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to recruit students from a high school in Riyadh. The participants completed a questionnaire on their physical activity frequency and preferences, and other medical and personal information. Participants were also measured for height and weight using the Seca Digital Column Scale. 

Results: A total of 346 high school students participated in the study. A high proportion of adolescents reported engaging in some form of physical activity over the past seven days (78.7%). However, only a third engaged in activity levels of one-hour duration or more per week. Boys were more active than girls, but paradoxically showed greater overweight and obesity problems. Football was the most popular sport amongst boys and walking for girls. 

Conclusions: School-aged children engaged in physical activities, but higher proportions were classified in the ‘less active’ group. Despite insufficient resources for physical activities for girls attending high school in Riyadh, they show lesser issues with overweight and obesity compared to their male counterparts.