Abdulwahab Naser Al-Isa

Social and Health Factors Associated with Physical Activity among Kuwaiti College Students.

Our aim was to explore the social and health factors that are associated with the level of physical activity among Kuwaiti college students. A random sample of 787 students (48% males and 52% females) was chosen and weight and height were measured to obtain body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). Associated social and health factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Those reporting being physically inactive numbered 354 and the remaining 433 were active. Obesity among males was 13% and was 10.5% among females. The social and health factors that were found to be significantly associated with physical activity among the students were gender (P < .001), marital status (P < .05), BMI category (obese or nonobese) (P < .05), last dental and health checkup (P < .01), desiring a higher degree (P < .001), and countries preferred for visiting (P < .01). Males significantly exceeded females in the practice of physical activity. In conclusion, behavioural modifications, intervention studies, and health education touting the benefits of being physically active should be instituted to increase the practice of sports and other physical activities in order to control and decrease obesity-related morbidity and mortality.

Factors associated with overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti elementary male school children aged 6-10 years

Background. Childhood obesity is becoming a global epidemic which may result in increased morbidity and mortality during young adulthood. Objectives. To identify factors associated with overweight and that of obesity among Kuwaiti elementary male school children aged 6–10 years. Methods. Weights and heights of 662 students at a randomly selected school were collected to obtain body mass index (BMI). Results. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the students were 20.2% and 16.8%, respectively. There were a variety of factors associated with overweight and obesity; however, having one or more obese brother, an unemployed father, or a high (>11) number of persons living at home was significantly associated with higher risk of overweight and obesity. Increased age and school level as well as having a chronic disease were associated with the risk of overweight. Conclusion. Health education programs for families should be implemented to help control overweight and obesity in Kuwaiti children.

Nutritional status of Kuwaiti elementary school children aged 6–10 years: comparison with the NCHS/CDC reference population

The objective of this cross-sectional sampling survey was to assess the nutritional status of Kuwaiti elementary school children aged 6-10 years in comparison with the NCHS/CDC American reference population. The study comprised a multistage stratified random sample of 8957 children (4401 males and 4556 females) which amounts to about 12% of the target population. Weights and heights of children were measured. Obesity was defined as weight-for-height (W/H) 2.00 to 5.00 standard deviation (SD) scores of the reference population. Underweight and short stature were defined as weight-for-height (W/H) and height-for-age (H/A) -4.00 to -2.00 and -5.00 to -2.00 SD scores, respectively. The results of this study showed that obesity was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) higher in males (15.7%) than in females (13.8%). Underweight was found to be almost equally prevalent among both genders (3.7% in males and 3.8% in females). Short stature (H/A) -5.00 to -2.00 SD scores) was found to be 7.1% (9.5% in males and 4.6% in females). When compared with an earlier study, changes in W/H were significant across most of the centile categories. However, significant changes in H/A were noted with less frequency than W/H; mostly in the upper centiles for both genders. More significant changes, however, were noted among males than females. In conclusion, Kuwaiti children were found to be heavier and shorter than American children. Moreover, the children were found to be fatter and slightly taller but nonetheless more nutritionally sound than a decade earlier.The objective of this cross-sectional sampling survey was to assess the nutritional status of Kuwaiti elementary school children aged 6-10 years in comparison with the NCHS/CDC American reference population. The study comprised a multistage stratified random sample of 8957 children (4401 males and 4556 females) which amounts to about 12% of the target population. Weights and heights of children were measured. Obesity was defined as weight-for-height (W/H) 2.00 to 5.00 standard deviation (SD) scores of the reference population. Underweight and short stature were defined as weight-for-height (W/H) and height-for-age (H/A) -4.00 to -2.00 and -5.00 to -2.00 SD scores, respectively. The results of this study showed that obesity was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) higher in males (15.7%) than in females (13.8%). Underweight was found to be almost equally prevalent among both genders (3.7% in males and 3.8% in females). Short stature (H/A) -5.00 to -2.00 SD scores) was found to be 7.1% (9.5% in males and 4.6% in females). When compared with an earlier study, changes in W/H were significant across most of the centile categories. However, significant changes in H/A were noted with less frequency than W/H; mostly in the upper centiles for both genders. More significant changes, however, were noted among males than females. In conclusion, Kuwaiti children were found to be heavier and shorter than American children. Moreover, the children were found to be fatter and slightly taller but nonetheless more nutritionally sound than a decade earlier.

Folate, vitamin B12 and total homocysteine levels in Arab adolescent subjects: Reference ranges and potential determinants

BACKGROUND & AIMS Elevated circulating fasting total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration is associated with an increased risk of occlusive vascular disease in adults. Important determinants of tHcy levels are folate, vitamin B(12) and vitamin B(6). This study aimed to investigate age, gender, and body mass as determinants of folate, vitamin B(12) and tHcy levels in Arab older children and adolescents and to propose population, gender and age-specific reference ranges for these biomarkers. METHODS & RESULTS 774 (316 boys, 458 girls) healthy 10-19 yr olds attending secondary schools in Kuwait were assessed for anthropometry and fasting blood levels of Hcy, folate and vitamin B(12). The mean (95% CI) serum levels of tHcy, folate and vitamin B(12) were respectively 6.57 μmol/L (6.42-6.73), 16.0 ng/ml (15.6-16.3) and 354.3 pg/ml (343.0-365.7). Boys had significantly higher tHcy and folate concentrations than the girls, although vitamin B(12) levels were greater in the latter. Folate and vitamin B(12) levels decreased significantly with age, while correspondingly, tHcy levels increased, with mean values (μmol/L) for boys (6.71; 8.25) and girls (5.36; 6.67) aged 10-14 yr and 14-19 yr respectively. Bivariate and multivariate analyses with adjustment for confounders such as age, gender, need for dietary control and socio-demographic variables indicated that the independent determinants of levels of tHcy were age, gender and body mass. CONCLUSION There is an age-related increase in tHcy in adolescents reflecting decreased levels of folate and vitamin B(12), with the suggestion that age-related reference ranges for these biomarkers be used. These observations may have implications for prevention of future atherogenic disease.

Factors Associated With Overweight and Obesity Among Kuwaiti Men

Obesity is a global epidemic and has become a critical issue in Gulf countries such as Kuwait. The objective of this study is to assess the factors that are associated with overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti adult men. Weights and heights of a random sample of 464 men and their companions were collected to obtain body mass index (BMI). The overall levels of overweight and obesity were 48.5% and 19.8%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of significantly associated factors revealed that factors contributing to risk of overweight and obesity included increasing age, having an obese mother or brother(s) and/or other obese relatives, having a lower grade point average, not being physically active, and being in poor health. Having a higher income and feeling tired were risk factors for obesity only. Family history is an important predictor of overweight and obesity in Kuwaiti men; however, this study identified several modifiable factors. It is recommended that factors that contribute to the development of overweight and obesity in Kuwait be targeted with behavioral change and/or health education interventions.

Anthropometric measurements and dietary habits of schoolchildren in Qatar.

Introduction Very little is known about the anthropometric measurements and dietary habits of children in the Arabian Gulf in general, and in Qatar in particular. Objectives To conduct anthropometrics measurements on schoolchildren in Qatar and to explore their dietary habits. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out, targeting 271 (124 male and 147 female) primary school students. Results Using the body mass index as the index of adiposity, 54.8% and 23.1% of Grade One male and female children were underweight, 3.2% and 8.8% were overweight, and 1.6% and 5.4% were obese, respectively. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were eaten by 65%, 86%, and 87% on a daily basis. Anthropometric measurements differed significantly (P < 0.05) between genders and the other children of the National Center for Health Statistics population. Conclusion schoolchildren in Qatar may be considered as having less overweight and obesity occurrence than most children in the Gulf.

Determinants of blood levels of some thrombogenic biomarkers in healthy Arab adolescent subjects

Abstract Background: Acute coronary syndromes present clinically as a consequence of plaque rupture and thrombosis possibly related to altered homeostasis of thrombogenic factors. It is speculated that this vulnerability in adults should be predictable from blood levels of thrombogenic biomarkers in children and adolescents. This study aims to examine the determinants and blood levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], fibrinogen (FBG) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in healthy adolescents stratified according to age group, gender and body mass. Methods: A total of 774 (316 males 458 females) healthy adolescent Arab subjects aged 10–19 years and attending secondary schools in Kuwait were interviewed by a validated questionnaire for variables relating to socio-demographic variables, diet and physical activity. They also had anthropometry, BP measurement and determination of fasting blood levels of Lp(a), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B, PAI-1 activity and FBG. Results: The median (interquartile range, IQR) plasma levels of PAI-1 activity, FBG, Lp(a) and apoB were respectively 1.59 (0.58–3.78) U/mL, 296 (190–417) mg/dL, 10.0 (4.8–21.0) mg/dL and 0.72 (0.60–0.85) g/L. Boys had significantly higher PAI-1, FBG and apoB concentrations than the girls, although Lp(a) levels were greater in the latter. The overweight and obese subjects tended to have higher levels of LDL, apoB, FBG and PAI-1 but not Lp(a). Furthermore, the younger adolescent males and females (age <14 years) consistently had higher FBG levels than the older ones (age >14 years). Lp(a) and PAI-1 levels did not appear significantly influenced by this age stratification. Bivariate and multivariate analyses with adjustment for putative body mass index (BMI) confounders indicated that the independent determinants of these biomarkers were (i) Lp(a): apoB, gender; (ii) PAI-1: BMI, apoB, diet; (iii) FBG: BMI, gender, age, family income; and (iv) apoB: BMI, gender and PAI-1. Conclusions: The blood levels of the prothrombotic biomarkers ;ibLp(a), PAI-1, and FBG;ic in healthy Kuwaiti adolescent subjects are variably influenced by age, gender, body mass and socio-demographic factors.

Panretinal Photocoagulation Versus Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Patient-Centered Outcomes From a Randomized Clinical Trial

WE READ WITH INTEREST THE ARTICLE BY BEAULIEU AND colleagues regarding patient-centered outcomes in the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Both proliferative and advanced nonproliferative retinopathy may cause significant loss of peripheral vision and visual acuity (particularly in dim light situations or night driving). New therapeutic options are available to treat and effectively manage diabetic retinopathy and help enhance quality of life. However, aggressive use of modern treatment for diabetic retinopathy potentially would improve vision in most patients, but it is a challenge that many patients still do not achieve reading and driving vision. Beaulieu and colleagues report that differences in work productivity and driving-related outcomes are slightly more favorable with ranibizumab over laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for PDR. But this difference is not statistically significant. The study sample included 216 adults with PDR, visual acuity 20/320 or better, and no history of PRP receiving ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) vs PRP. However, this study found that patient-centered outcomes were mostly similar following treatment with ranibizumab or PRP. Other related study results suggest that 12 months after initiating ranibizumab for vision impairment from center-involved diabetic macular edema, patients not driving at initiation of treatment are more likely to report driving and have driving-eligible visual acuity of 20/40 or better in the better-seeing eye than those treated with sham or laser. A recent UK-based study shows that the patients who underwent bilateral PRP for PDR met the visual field standard for holding a car or motorcycle license in the United Kingdom 6 months after treatment. A major limitation of this study is that it was based on a small sample of 38 patients at the 6-month follow-up. In summary, all 3 study results are promising, as driving is a primary mode of personal travel in North American and most European countries. Driving is linked to health and well-being of senior adults. Previous research has demonstrated that driving cessation and transportation challenges are associated with increased likelihood of depression, placement into long-term care, and overall poor health.

Multiple factors contribute to obesity among Kuwaiti college women

There is a need to understand gender-dependent lifestyle habits of different ethnic groups in order to comprehend the risk factors associated with the development of obesity. It has been suggested that diet and physical exercise are two primary determinants of health. We examined the dietary habits and physical activity levels of Kuwaiti college women in order to understand these gender-specific factors contributing to obesity. A total of 304 female students were grouped as obese or non-obese as defined by their body mass index (BMI). Our study identified three factors that contributed to obesity: 1) consumption of more calories; 2) having obese parents and relatives; and 3) engagement in activities that consume less energy. Therefore, individually targeted weight management programs including healthy eating and active lifestyle interventions with a specific focus on female-friendly physical activity should be promoted within university settings inKuwait.