Evaluating Anxiety Levels and Physical Activity Among the Population of Saudi Arabia

• Published in: Medicina
• Main Authors: Anwar A. Sayed, Ghaida Ghassan Alsisi, Amjad Faisal Aljohani, Manal Salman Aloufi, Samiyah Saleh Alhejaili, Reem Mebrek Almatrafi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
• Subjects: anxiety; GAD-7; general anxiety disorder; GPAQ; physical activity; Saudi Arabia
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/5/862
• ISSN: 1010-660X; 1648-9144

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Anxiety is widely recognized as a common mental health issue. Extensive research highlights the benefits of adopting healthier lifestyle habits in improving both physical and mental wellbeing. This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety and physical activity, and if associations exist, among the population of Saudi Arabia. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: The study included a sample of 244 participants, who responded to an online survey containing demographic information, the Arabic versions of the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) as assessment tools. <i>Results</i>: The study participants had a median age of 31 years and most of them were females (64.7%). Almost three quarters of the participants had received a higher education (73.5%) and were nonsmokers (94.1%). Assessing their physical activity levels, moderate or low-intensity physical activities, particularly walking and cycling, were common. Participants’ anxiety levels, measured by the GAD-7, were higher in females, students, and employees. Physical activity, especially walking or cycling, was linked to lower anxiety, while sedentary behavior, characterized by less than three hours of daily activity, was also associated with reduced anxiety. Interestingly, the duration of physical activity had no significant impact on anxiety levels. <i>Conclusions</i>: This study examined how lifestyle factors, including physical activity and sedentary behavior, influence anxiety levels among a cohort in Saudi Arabia. It emphasizes the need to encourage moderate-intensity activities and limit sedentary time, especially among high-risk groups, like students and women, to help alleviate anxiety.