Obesity and Chronic Disease Burden among Primary Health Care Attendees in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Zainab A. Alsaffar¹, Fairooz M. Boali², Mona M. Mahnshi¹ and Saleh H. Aljaroudi^3,

¹Khobar Health Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Khobar, Saudi Arabia

²Nursing Affairs, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

³Maternity and Child Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Cite this paper:
Zainab A. Alsaffar, Fairooz M. Boali, Mona M. Mahnshi and Saleh H. Aljaroudi. Obesity and Chronic Disease Burden among Primary Health Care Attendees in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. American Journal of Nursing Research. 2025; 13(4):116-122. doi: 10.12691/ajnr-13-4-5

Abstract

Obesity represents a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with increasing rates influenced by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and dietary habits. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated chronic disease burden among clients attending primary health care centers (PHCs) in Al-Khobar and to explore associated demographic and clinical determinants. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2023 using data extracted from the national electronic health record platform (Raqeem). A total of 300 participants from ten randomly selected PHCs in Al-Khobar were included. Data on body mass index (BMI), age, gender, marital status, and comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and thyroid disorders were analyzed. Statistical associations were tested using chi-square analysis. Results: Among the 300 participants (51.7% females and 48.3% males), 32.7% were obese, 22% overweight, and 45.3% within the normal BMI range. Significant associations were found between obesity and age group, marital status, hypertension, type II diabetes, and hypothyroidism (p < 0.01). Females exhibited higher rates across all obesity classes, particularly in Class I and II categories. Conclusion: Obesity is highly prevalent among PHC attendees in Al-Khobar, particularly among women and middle-aged adults. The findings underscore the need for targeted, gender- and age-specific public health interventions and early screening strategies integrated within primary health care services to mitigate obesity-related comorbidities.

Keywords:
Obesity prevalence Diabetes Hypertension Hypothyroidism Primary Health Care Saudi Arabia

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