Sport practice among private secondary-school students in Dubai in 2004

• Published in: Eastern Mediterranean health journal Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 704 - 714
• Main Authors: Wasfi, A S, El-Sherbiny, A A M, Gurashi, E, Al Sayegh, F U
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Egypt 01.05.2008
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior - ethnology; Attitude to Health - ethnology; Chi-Square Distribution; Educational Status; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Needs and Demand; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Nutritional Status; Obesity - ethnology; Obesity - prevention & control; Parents - education; Private Sector - statistics & numerical data; Psychology, Adolescent; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Sex Distribution; Sex Factors; Smoking - ethnology; Sports - education; Sports - psychology; Sports - statistics & numerical data; Students - psychology; Students - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; United Arab Emirates - epidemiology; United Arab Emirates
• ISSN: 1020-3397

A study was made of sport practice and of knowledge, attitude and practice towards sport among 1475 private secondary-school students in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2004. UAE students practised sport more than non-UAE students (33.9% versus 18.7% had good levels of activity) but there was no significant difference in positive attitudes towards sport practice (87.1% and 86.2% respectively). A good level of sport (vigorous exercise > or = 3 times per week for 20 min) was higher among males (26.0%) than females (14.7%). There was a significant association between overweight and obesity as well as tobacco smoking and low levels of sport practice. Health education intervention is needed to improve sport practice among young people.