Lifestyle habits and well-being among primary health physicians in western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the lifestyle habits and well-being of primary healthcare physicians working at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in western Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the primary healthcare centers affiliated with the National Guard Health Affairs in western Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was applied. The questionnaire included the demographic information, medical history, physical activity, and food and smoking habits. The stress level was assessed using the 10-cm visual analog scale. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: Participants’ mean (± SD) age was 39.3 ± 12.3 years, and 51.9% of them were female. More than half of the studied physicians were either overweight or obese. In the past 6 months, 40.6% of the participants had followed a diet to reduce their weight and 35% practiced sports 3–4 days/week. Reported chronic diseases were hyperlipidemia, hypertension, bronchial asthma, and diabetes. General health was identified as fair by 15.6%, good by 54.4%, and excellent by 30% of the participants. A moderate-high stress level was perceived by 77.5% of the participants. Conclusion: Health and well-being promotion programs should be established for physicians in primary care centers coinciding with regular check-ups and screenings for early detection and intervention to reduce the burden of lifestyle-associated diseases among primary care physicians.