Papers by Mezna AlMarzooqi, MPH, PhD
BMC Geriatrics
Background Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) demographics are also changing with the increase in life... more Background Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) demographics are also changing with the increase in life expectancy in the country and the rise in the number of older Saudi Arabians. Saudi Arabia has a higher rate of physically inactive people, and most of them are between the ages of 55–64. Walking is one of the most prevalent forms of physical activity in Saudi Arabia and the study showed that most people prefer walking for recreational and health benefits. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed study is to compare the effects of supervised group-based walking and non-supervised individual-based walking interventions on frailty, cognitive function and quality of life among inactive older adults in Saudi Arabia. Method This study will apply a three-group (2 intervention groups and 1 control group), double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effect of different forms of walking interventions on Saudi Arabia older adults’ frailty, cognitive function and quality of life...
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Background Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is one of the most popular strategies... more Background Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation is one of the most popular strategies used by the general population and athletes to reduce muscle soreness and accelerate the recovery process of muscle damage biomarkers after an intense exercise or training session. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of BCAA supplementation on muscle damage biomarkers and muscle soreness after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Methods The systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials was conducted using seven databases, up to September 13th, 2022. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were as follows: studies performed on healthy active participants, using BCAA at least once, controlled with a placebo or control group, performing resistance or endurance exercises, and followed up at least once post-EIMD. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the “SIGN RCT checklist”. Random-effects meta-analyse...
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BMC Public Health
Background COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed people’s lifestyles and daily routines aroun... more Background COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed people’s lifestyles and daily routines around the world. This study aimed to investigate changes in daily step counts – as an indicator of physical activity – before, during, and after the pandemic among university students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia and to identify regional and gender factors that may have influenced physical activity during these periods. Methods A total of 1273 university students from Egypt (Assiut University and Zagazig University) and Saudi Arabia (Taif University, King Faisal University, and Imam AbdulRahman Bin Faisal University) provided valid data on their daily step counts recorded by a smartphone application (iPhone Health App) from January 2019 to December 2021. The data was divided and averaged based on three periods: the pre-pandemic year (January to December 2019), the first pandemic year (January to December 2020), and the second pandemic year (January to December 2021). Results The results showed ...
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Frontiers in Public Health
ObjectiveThis study aimed to review health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies and initia... more ObjectiveThis study aimed to review health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies and initiatives introduced in Saudi Arabia (SA) since 2016 and identify the gaps in their design and implementation.MethodsA combination of methods was used, including semi-structured interviews with key informants from relevant entities (such as those from the ministries of health, education, sports, tourism, and other regulatory bodies) and a review of policy/initiative documents provided by them. Stakeholder mapping led by local experts and snowball sampling supported the identification of key informants. Three existing frameworks—the World Health Organization’s HEPA Policy Audit Tool, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (PA) Policy Inventory, and the European Monitoring Framework for PA Indicators—were used to develop data collection instruments.ResultsThe review identified 44 policies/initiatives from different sectors. The Saudi Sports for All Federation is the leader in PA promotio...
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Research Square (Research Square), Mar 7, 2023
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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the relationship between body image perception and demogra... more ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the relationship between body image perception and demographic factors among physically active (men and women) during the COVID-19 lockdown in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia between June and July 2020. Eligible participants completed a 19-item self-administered questionnaire that covered three areas: demographic questions, reasons for physical activity, and role or perceptions of body image during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.ResultsA total of 323 physically active individuals participated in this study. The majority of the participants were female (N=217, 72.7%), were married (66.6%), and living in the Middle region of Saudi Arabia (N= 268, 83%). The analysis shows that majority of the participants were dissatisfied with their current body shape. The analysis also showed a significant association between participants' educational attainment and B...
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Objectives: This study aimed to map the characteristics and the predominant components of clinica... more Objectives: This study aimed to map the characteristics and the predominant components of clinical physical activity (PA) counseling in Saudi Arabia for adult patients and outline evidence of outcomes and prevalent barriers to its implementation. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of four online databases: Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and The Cochrane Library. Each study was assessed and evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for methodological quality. Results: A total of 120 studies were screened, and 47 studies were sought for retrieval. In total, 25 articles were eligible and were subjected to extensive review. After a detailed evaluation, only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. All included were quantitative studies that compiled descriptive and numerical data on physical activity counseling. Four studies described PA counseling information in Saudi Arabia or prescription as lifestyle modification and program structure. The pro...
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Frontiers in Psychology, 2021
ObjectiveTo examine body image perception and the associations of body dissatisfaction (BD) with ... more ObjectiveTo examine body image perception and the associations of body dissatisfaction (BD) with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh.MethodsSaudi females aged 16 years and older were recruited from 12 randomly selected fitness centers in Riyadh, using stratified clustered sampling technique (n = 460). Height and weight were measured to calculate actual body mass index (BMI). A previously validated instrument was used to collect socio-demographic and lifestyle variables including physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, sleep and dietary habits. Stunkard Figure Rating Scale silhouettes were used to assess perceived and desired body shape.ResultsThe participants had a mean (SD) age of 29.2 (8.2). The majority were not married (57%), with no children (66%) and had college degrees (78%). While 63% were overweight or obese, nearly 40% of women underestimated their perceived body shape. The majority of respondents (87%) were di...
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Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 2020
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Annals of Thoracic Medicine
The Saudi Public Health Authority recently prepared a Consensus Statement regarding how much time... more The Saudi Public Health Authority recently prepared a Consensus Statement regarding how much time a person should spend engaged in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep to promote optimal health across all age groups. This paper describes the background literature, methodology, and modified RAND Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-ADOLOPMENT approach that guided the development process. A Leadership Group and Consensus Panels were formed, and credible existing guidelines were identified. The Panel identified clear criteria to choose the best practice guidelines for the set objectives after evaluation, based on GRADE table evidence, findings table summaries, and draft recommendations. Updating of the selected practice guidelines was performed, and the Consensus Panels separately reviewed the evidence for each behavior and decided to adopt or adapt the selected practice guideline recommendations or create de novo recommendations. Data related to cultural factors that may affect the studied behaviors, such as prayer times, midday napping or “Qailulah,” and the holy month of Ramadan, were also reviewed. Two rounds of voting were conducted to reach a consensus for each behavior.
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Annals of Thoracic Medicine
BACKGROUND: The goal of the 24-h Movement Practice Guidelines for Saudi Arabia is to provide poli... more BACKGROUND: The goal of the 24-h Movement Practice Guidelines for Saudi Arabia is to provide policymakers, health-care providers, researchers, sports professionals, and members of the public with recommendations on the duration of time they should spend engaged in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep throughout all age groups. METHODS: A modified RAND appropriateness method and the “GRADE-ADOLOPMENT” approach of guideline recommendations were used by a guideline development panel to develop the present recommendations. RESULTS: The recommendations were based on the integrated needs of the following age groups: children (0–2 years), preschoolers (3–5 years), children and adolescents (6–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and older adults (≥65 years). The guidelines also include special considerations for sleep duration in the Saudi culture, such as dawn prayer and Ramadan. CONCLUSIONS: Several research gaps in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep were identified and highlighted by the guideline development panel for potential future research.
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Frontiers in Public Health
BackgroundMenu calorie labeling is a useful means to encourage consumers to be informed about hea... more BackgroundMenu calorie labeling is a useful means to encourage consumers to be informed about healthy eating and food choices. It is projected as an innovative method that will change the food environment and increases consumers' awareness of calories.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the consumer's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward menu calorie labeling in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 435 consumers in Saudi Arabia. The participants filled out an online electronic survey questionnaire that assesses the demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers toward menu calorie labeling. Logistic regression was performed to determine the predictor of attitudes of consumers toward menu calorie labeling.ResultsOf those 435 consumers, 50.1% were men, 33% were in the age group of 30–39, and 49.4% had a bachelor's degree. The majority of the participants reported that they can understand the calorie labels th...
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Frontiers in Psychology
Background: Social media became an integral part of the lives of people because it encourages soc... more Background: Social media became an integral part of the lives of people because it encourages social relations and shares interests, activities, and real-life connections. As quarantine and lockdown orders are prolonged, many people, as well as those physically active individuals, typically responded to this stressful condition by using social media platforms.Objective: This study aimed to examine the level of physical activity of physically active individuals and their attitudes toward social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among physically active individuals in Saudi Arabia between June 2020 and July 2020. An online survey was employed among eligible participants who completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered reasons for physical activity and attitudes toward social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Of these 323 participants, 29.1% were in the age group of 18–24 years, 66.6% were w...
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Healthcare, 2022
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify theoretical frameworks that drive childhood ob... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify theoretical frameworks that drive childhood obesity prevention programs and identify successful components of childhood preventive intervention programs. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases was searched for community, school and home settings obesity interventions with anthropometric measures in children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 12 years from 2004 to 2009. Studies were reviewed by intervention type, duration, outcomes measures and significance of intervention aspects, resulting in a yield of 22 intervention studies. Results: The interventiоnѕ were arranged in аѕсending order by аge group. In total, 22 interventions from around the world were found to tackle the critically important issue of childhood obesity. Among the 22 published studies, ten interventions focused on individual level behavior change and twelve included some nutrition policy changes. With respect to individual behavior, components included...
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Healthcare
This study was designed to investigate the level and associations of physical activity, sedentary... more This study was designed to investigate the level and associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and dietary habits among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 12 fitness centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 460 participants answered a two-part survey self-administered questionnaire, which included information about the demographic characteristics and lifestyle. The analysis found significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, weight, BMI, and combined prevalence of being overweight and obese. Compared with less active females, high active females showed significantly more favorable dietary habits (p < 0.05). Significantly higher values were observed for the total physical activity energy expenditure in METs-min/week (p = 0.028). Moreover, females with high screen time (>3 h per day) were younger, less active, slept longer, and had higher intakes of fast foods and choc...
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Frontiers in Public Health, Nov 14, 2018
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Annals of Thoracic Medicine, 2021
Background: The goal of the 24-h Movement Practice Guidelines for Saudi Arabia is to provide poli... more Background: The goal of the 24-h Movement Practice Guidelines for Saudi Arabia is to provide policymakers, health-care providers, researchers, sports professionals, and members of the public with recommendations on the duration of time they should spend engaged in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep throughout all age groups. Methods: A modified RAND appropriateness method and the “GRADE-ADOLOPMENT” approach of guideline recommendations were used by a guideline development panel to develop the present recommendations. Results: The recommendations were based on the integrated needs of the following age groups: children (0–2 years), preschoolers (3–5 years), children and adolescents (6–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and older adults (≥ 65 years). The guidelines also include special considerations for sleep duration in the Saudi culture, such as dawn prayer and Ramadan. Conclusions: Several research gaps in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep were identified and highlighted by the guideline development panel for potential future research.
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Annals of Thoracic Medicine, 2021
The Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control recently prepared a Consensus Statement regar... more The Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control recently prepared a Consensus Statement regarding how much time a person should spend engaged in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep to promote optimal health across all age groups. This paper describes the background literature, methodology, and modified RAND Appropriateness Method and GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach that guided the development process. A Leadership Group and Consensus Panels were formed, and credible existing guidelines were identified. The Panel identified clear criteria to choose the best practice guidelines for the set objectives after evaluation based on GRADE table evidence, findings table summaries, and draft recommendations. Updating of the selected practice guidelines was performed, and the Consensus Panels separately reviewed the evidence for each behavior and decided to adopt or adapt the selected practice guideline recommendations or create de novo recommendations. Data related to cultural factors that may affect the studied behaviors, such as prayer times, midday napping or “Qailulah”, and the holy month of Ramadan, were also reviewed. Two rounds of voting were conducted to reach a consensus for each behavior.
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Papers by Mezna AlMarzooqi, MPH, PhD