Physical inactivity and unhealthy diets are serious health concerns in Qatar. The 2006 World Health Survey reported that nearly 50% of young adults 18 to19 years of age living in Qatar had insufficient levels of physical activity. Dietary changes, such as the increase consumption of fast foods, has resulted in diets high in fats, salt, and sugar. Physical inactivity and unhealthy diets are important modifiable risk factors for many health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and breast cancer. There is a high incidence of these diseases in Qatar. Our understanding of the factors that influence the physical activity and dietary habits of Arabic adults living in Qatar is limited.
The goals of this two-phase research are:
- to gain a better understanding of the physical activity and dietary practices of Arabic men and women 18 years of age and older living in Qatar,
- to examine their perceptions about physical activity and dietary habit, and
- to elicit their suggestions as to potential strategies to promote active living and healthy diets.
Phase 1 will be a cross-sectional quantitative inquiry using survey instruments to examine participants’ levels of physical activity and dietary habits and their perceptions about physical activity and healthy diet. Phase 2 will be a qualitative inquiry using focus groups to elicit a deeper understanding of the influencing factors and potential strategies to increase active living and healthy diets.
