Author(s): ABDULRAHMAN, D., Institution: JEDDAH UNIVERSITY , Country: SAUDI ARABIA, Abstract-ID: 2361

Background:

There is limited research specifically examining the effects of physical activity and body weight on mental well-being during Ramadan fasting. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether total physical activity and sedentary time predict mental well-being among Ramadan-observant women as well as the role of body mass index, age, and health status in this association.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional survey conducted during Ramadan, 325 adult women were enrolled. There were two questionnaires administered to participants: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF). The amount of time spent sedentary and physically active was calculated in minutes per week. As additional covariates, body mass index, age, smoking status, and chronic disease status were included. The models were multivariate linear regressions with robust standard errors.

Results:

A mean age of 29.1 years was found to be 11.3. The average amount of physical activity was 210 minutes per week, and the average amount of sedentary time was 2,520 minutes per week (360 minutes per day). Despite adjustment, physical activity did not independently predict mental well-being (B = 0.01, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.04, p = 0.83). The amount of time spent sedentary showed a negative relationship with overall well-being (B = 0.008, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.001, p = 0.058) and with psychological well-being subscale scores (B = 0.012, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.003, p = 0.012). There was a positive correlation between mental well-being and age (B = 0.40, 95% CI 0.25–0.56, p = 0.01). Those who did not experience chronic diseases had higher MHC scores (B = 7.4, 95% CI 1.4–13.4, p = 0.019).

Conclusion:

Mental well-being is more strongly associated with age and health status than with total physical activity during Ramadan. Nevertheless, reducing sedentary time may improve psychological well-being to a modest degree. Those who practise Ramadan fasting may benefit from interventions targeting sedentary behaviour and health status.