Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41034750›Full record

ArticleBMC public health2025

Assessing physical activity literacy and practices among adults in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study.

Rifah Anwar Assadi, Afreen Abdul Rahim Sanaullah, Sathyapriya Nandagopal, Shahnaz Mohamed Wazil, Priya Pardasani, Meenadarsini Dhamothiran, And Ozyigit, Jagat Gopinath, Ans Ahmed Mahmood, Maryam Almarzooqi and 3 more

Abstract read
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Article in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Rifah Anwar AssadiGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4416-6937
Afreen Abdul Rahim SanaullahGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Sathyapriya NandagopalGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Shahnaz Mohamed WazilGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Priya PardasaniGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Meenadarsini DhamothiranGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
And OzyigitGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Jagat GopinathGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Ans Ahmed MahmoodGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Maryam AlmarzooqiGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Bibi Morsal SayedyGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Elham RiyazGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Jayakumary MuttappallymyalilGulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. dr.jayakumary@gmu.ac.ae.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPhysical inactivity among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a growing public health concern, contributing to chronic diseases and increased healthcare burdens. Understanding physical activity literacy (PAL) and behaviour, along with associated sociodemographic factors, is essential for designing effective interventions.

methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 630 adults in UAE, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The tool assessed knowledge of physical activity and its health benefits, engagement in physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics. Knowledge scores were categorized as 'good' (≥ 6) and 'poor' (≤ 5). Data were analysed using SPSS version 28, for associations between literacy, behavior, and demographic factors were analyzed using chi-square tests, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.

resultsMost participants (95.2%) demonstrated good knowledge of physical activity benefits, though misconceptions persisted regarding its effects on HIV/AIDS (32.4% incorrect) and blood pressure (28.9% incorrect). A high proportion (97.3%) reported engaging in physical activity, with 61% moderately active (3-5 times/week) and 19% highly active (6-7 times/week). There was no statistically significant association between knowledge level and physical activity performance (p = 0.192; odds ratio = 0.359, 95% CI: 0.078-1.647). Significant associations were observed between literacy level and gender (p = 0.001) as well as employment status (p = 0.002), with females and unemployed individuals more likely to have higher literacy. Physical activity engagement was not significantly associated with any sociodemographic variable.

conclusionsAlthough both knowledge and participation levels are high among adults in UAE, targeted educational interventions are needed to address persistent misconceptions, especially regarding specific health outcomes. Tailoring these interventions based on gender and employment status may improve their effectiveness and promote sustained physical activity engagement across different population groups in the UAE.

Indexed as

ExerciseHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHealth LiteracyAdolescentAdultAgedCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesUnited Arab EmiratesYoung AdultExercise behaviourHealth literacyPhysical activitySociodemographic factorsUAE adults

Identifiers

PMID41034750
PMCPMC12487248

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.