•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a potential modifiable factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. There is a dearth in the knowledge on PUFA knowledge and dietary intake among Saudis.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess PUFA knowledge and dietary intakes among Saudi Arabian adults with CVD risk factors. Furthermore, the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors related to PUFAs knowledge were investigated, shedding light on the factors associated with PUFAs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 211 adults. The level of PUFAs knowledge was assessed using six close-ended questions, and a correct answer was worth one point. PUFAs intake was quantified using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire consisting of 12 rich food items.

Results: 50.71% of the participants were aged between 20 and 39 years, and 83.41% were females. Smokers accounted for 9%, and 30.33% were physically active at least 3 times/week. The mean PUFAs knowledge score was 3.07 ± 2.10, and the factors positively associated with a higher knowledge score were education and the use of nutritional supplements (P < 0.05). For PUFAs consumption, the mean daily intake (grams) was 9.44 ± 14.07, and the factor positively associated with higher consumption was physical activity (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Limited knowledge and low intake were identified among the study population. Education, the use of nutritional supplements, and physical activity were positively associated with knowledge and intake, respectively. Increased efforts are needed to raise awareness of PUFAs in relation to CVD prevention among Saudis.

First Page

23

Last Page

34

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Download

Share

COinS