Saudi Arabia, undergoing rapid socioeconomic transformation, faces escalating rates of lifestyle-related illnesses, underscoring the urgent need to understand exercise participation among its residents.
This study aims to identify key sociodemographic and health-related predictors of exercise engagement in this unique context, thereby informing targeted public health strategies.
This cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to July 2023 across 48 primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. A total of 14,239 adults (aged ≥ 18) completed an electronic, interview-based questionnaire.
Our findings underscore the complex interplay of sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and existing health conditions ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT ARTICLE IN PRESS ARTICLE IN PRESS in shaping exercise participation in Saudi Arabia. The significant influence of male sex, employment, insurance coverage, and the intriguing relationships with smoking, fast-food consumption, and specific health conditions, provide crucial insights. These results highlight key areas for developing tailored public health strategies and interventions to enhance exercise participation in Saudi Arabia.
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