SELF-REPORTED KNOWLEDGE AND PATTERN OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG MALE SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR TEACHERS IN AL KHOBAR, SAUDI ARABIA

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine self-reported knowledge and practice of physical activity among male school students and their teachers in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Al Khobar area, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The target population consisted of third grade intermediate and all three grades of male secondary school students. A multistage stratified self-weighting sampling design was adopted. All students, a total of 1240, in the selected classes as well as their teachers (142) in the selected schools were included in the sample. Two sets of self-administered questionnaires were used: one for male students and the other for teachers. The questionnaire contained demographic data and data on knowledge and practice of physical activity. RESULTS: The majority of male students knew that physical activity was protective against diseases in general ((92.8%) and was helpful in the prevention of obesity (74.4%). Teachers had significantly better knowledge about the benefits of physical activity. Both students and teachers had poor knowledge about the role of physical activity in the prevention of diabetes mellitus and hypertension (36.6% and 28.8% for students vs. 43.0% and 46.5% for teachers respectively). The frequency and duration of practice of effective physical activity were significantly better than their teachers (45.6% and 71.3% for students vs. 23.1% and 36.6% for teachers respectively). Age and the knowledge that exercise protects from obesity were the main determinants of practice of physical activity among male students. Youthfulness was statistically significantly associated with practice of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Teachers had significantly better knowledge about the benefits of physical activity than their students. Both students and teachers had poor knowledge about the role of physical activity in the prevention of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Health education should concentrate on clarifying this area. Students practiced effective physical activity significantly more than their teachers. Programs to increase regular physical activity were suggested.