Wegdan Bani-Issa1, Cindy-Lee Dennis2, Hilary K Brown3, Ali Ibrahim4, Fidaa M Almomani5, Lori Maria Walton6, Arwa M Al-Shujairi1. 1. Health Promotion Research Group, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 2. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 4. The American University in the Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 5. Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbed, Jordan. 6. Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract
Introduction: In the United Arab Emirates, an alarming rate of 19% obesity among adolescents, associated with poor lifestyle, is apparent. Diet and exercise self-efficacy could influence adolescents' engagement in healthy behaviors. This study evaluates adolescents' perceptions of diet and exercise self-efficacy and explores the impact of parents and schools on self-efficacy. Method: A cluster sampling approach in cross-sectional design was used to recruit 610 school adolescents (Grades 7-12) over a 6-month period. Information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, parents, and schools was explored. Self-efficacy was assessed using The Eating Habits and Exercise Confidence Survey. Results: Participants reported moderate diet and exercise self-efficacy. Diet self-efficacy was predicted by parental support, eating breakfast and meals regularly at home, and prohibiting soft drinks. School support and frequency of weekly exercise classes predicted exercise self-efficacy; p values ≤.05. Discussion: Cultural knowledge and collaboration are essential to promote self-efficacy in multiethnic adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.
Introduction: In the United Arab Emirates, an alarming rate of 19% obesity among adolescents, associated with poor lifestyle, is apparent. Diet and exercise self-efficacy could influence adolescents' engagement in healthy behaviors. This study evaluates adolescents' perceptions of diet and exercise self-efficacy and explores the impact of parents and schools on self-efficacy. Method: A cluster sampling approach in cross-sectional design was used to recruit 610 school adolescents (Grades 7-12) over a 6-month period. Information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, parents, and schools was explored. Self-efficacy was assessed using The Eating Habits and Exercise Confidence Survey. Results:Participants reported moderate diet and exercise self-efficacy. Diet self-efficacy was predicted by parental support, eating breakfast and meals regularly at home, and prohibiting soft drinks. School support and frequency of weekly exercise classes predicted exercise self-efficacy; p values ≤.05. Discussion: Cultural knowledge and collaboration are essential to promote self-efficacy in multiethnic adolescents in the United Arab Emirates.
Entities:
Keywords:
adolescents; cultural competencies; cultural knowledge; diet and exercise self-efficacy; multiethnicity; obesity; parents; schools