Challenges to lifestyle modification of chronic disease patients attending primary health care centers in Riyadh

BACKGROUND: The rate of chronic diseases is increasing due to the global pandemic of inactivity and an unhealthy diet. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the dietary habits, physical activities of the participants, and challenges facing them to adapt to a healthy lifestyle. METHODOLOGY: The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study on chronic disease patients attending primary health care centers in Riyadh from January to March 2018. The estimated sample size was 250 patients. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. RESULT: The mean age of the 250 participants was 35.3 years old. The Overweight and obese participants accounted for 67.2% of the sample (mean BMI = 28.0). Two-thirds of the participants depend mainly on rice or pasta for their diet, and 48.4-52.0% eat fruits and vegetables less than three times a week. About 50% of the participants perceived a lack of information, skills, motivation, and family or friends support as a barrier to a healthy diet. Also, (56.4%) of males and (67.8%) of females are physically inactive. Accessibility, cost, and the hot climate were physical activity obstacles in more than 60% of the respondents. Optimal BMI showed a significant association with increased physical activity P = 0.04. CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity and consuming a non-balanced diet are common. So awareness campaigns of the benefit of a healthy lifestyle besides increasing physical exercise facilities, installing environmental changes, and subsidizing sports gyms would encourage people to be more physically active.