Physical Activity Promotion in Saudi Arabia: The Potential and Challenges of Outdoor Exercise

Abstract

Physical activity is a gateway to a healthier and more vibrant life, offering multiple physical and mental health benefits. Recent evidence suggests that engaging in outdoor exercise leads to many positive outcomes such as reducing stress, anxiety, & depression, providing Vitamin D and fostering social interactions and that extend beyond the boundaries of engaging in indoor exercise. In addition, the advantages of immersing oneself in nature are numerous and profound. Over the last two decades, research carried out in Saudi Arabia reveals that Saudis exhibit a concerning lack of physical activity. Despite efforts made in the field, there is still a lack of exploration into the factors that influence Saudi adults' involvement in outdoor exercise or strategies to enhance their participation. To fill this knowledge gap, the aim of this thesis is to investigate the possibilities of promoting outdoor exercise in Saudi Arabia. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects related to the aim, three studies were conducted to address specific objectives. In the first study (in Chapter 3), the main objective was to analyse the Saudi government policy regarding the promotion of physical activity. This study employed the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity framework to audit and assess the policy. Official reports and independent sources were examined to provide evidence on progress with implementing the policy objectives. In addition, semi-structured interviews were performed with policy-makers, policy-implementers and independent experts. The results indicated an evidence-based, ambitious policy with several objectives achieved. Greatest progress related to cultural change in permitting women’s sports and general physical activity attitudes and behaviour. Other goals, such as increasing female participation, have met barriers that have hindered progress. In the second study (in Chapter 4), the main objectives were to examine the barriers to exercise that face Saudis and understand the relationship between Saudis physical activity, outdoor environments and wellbeing. A representative sample of Saudi adults completed four standard scales: International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form , Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale, WHO (Five) Well-Being Index and short-form Nature Relatedness Scale. Additional questions related to physical activity contexts. The results of this study indicate that young adults perceive more barriers than other age groups such as challenges related to the exercise environment, time commitments and discouragement from family, and highlighted that males are more likely to exercise outdoors than females. Outdoor exercise and nature relatedness were significant independent predictors of wellbeing, as were social exercise and sporting activities. In the third study (in Chapter 5), the main objective was to explore in depth factors that influence physical activity, and specifically outdoor physical activity. Twenty-two semi- structured interviews with Saudi adults were conducted and qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. Key societal and environmental factors (e.g. discouragement from others, poor facilities, unsafe locations) negatively impacted exercise behaviour, particularly among women. Personal and societal factors were identified as motivations to exercise, such as health or mood improvement and active communities. The findings from the thesis indicate that several factors can impact engagement in outdoor exercise among Saudis. The major barriers included the significant lack of outdoor facilities and the weakness of the government's work towards enabling outdoor exercise. These barriers collectively impact individuals, making them develop a habit of engaging in indoors exercise. On the other hand, engaging in outdoor exercise during childhood, particularly among Saudi males, and seeking health benefits from physical activity are the most noticeable factors that can promote or facilitate outdoor exercise. Knowledge obtained from this thesis can potently help organisations and the Saudi government as a valuable foundation for designing effective interventions and policy modifications to gain the additional benefits of engagement in outdoor exercise.