Dietary fiber intake and physical activity incidence among Saudi University female students

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we assessed the adequacy of dietary fiber intake among female undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was based on a self-reported questionnaire answered by 161 female volunteer undergraduates at Shaqra University (Female Community Colleges, Al-Quwayiyah city). Their fiber intake and physical activity levels were assessed against their body mass index (BMI) and academic levels. Methods and Material: Fiber intake was measured using a short food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. According to the standard scoring, level of physical activity was classified into three categories: low, moderate, and high. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used to characterize variables made focused in this study. Some data were categorical in nature, and frequency counts (f) and percentage (%) highlighted the eventual results including the utilization of the crosstabulation technique which utilized also mean and standard deviation for scale measurements. Accordingly, Kruskal-Wallis H Test was utilized in the treatment of categorical variables while variance analysis was utilized for those with scale measures. Results: It is well documented that fiber is beneficial for health and can prevent various diseases. Therefore, the results show that most participants attended the Humanities College (72.0%), followed by the Community College and Applied Medical Sciences College, with 19.3% and 8.7%, respectively. A proportion of 41.6% of the students were in their second year of college. We showed that most participants engaged in high activity levels. The BMI of 46.0% of the individuals was within normal levels. A proportion of 75.8% of females had a fiber intake of less than 18 g/day, which is considered a low level. Low fiber consumption had positive associations with college affiliation, academic levels, and BMI. Conclusion: Although fiber consumption was poor among the participants, most of them were highly active. This study indicates a need to raise awareness among university students of the adequate levels of fiber intake and the associated health benefits.