A randomised controlled school-based nutritional intervention in five Middle Eastern countries: Ajyal Salima improved students' dietary and physical activity habits.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the Ajyal Salima school intervention on nutrition and physical activity outcomes in children aged 9–11 years.

Design: The study was a 1-year cluster-randomised controlled trial. Ajyal Salima used a multi-component approach including classroom activities, family programme and food service adaptation.

Ajyal Salima a novel public-private partnership model for childhood obesity prevention in the Arab countries.

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity among children is on the rise around the world. Meanwhile, comprehensive multi-sectorial approaches have been found to be effective in improving nutritional status among children. Ajyal Salima is a public-private partnership (PPP) school-based nutrition and physical activity intervention program implemented in six Arab countries.

Assessment of Dietary and Lifestyle Responses After COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Selected Arab Countries.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been consistently associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and dietary practices. This study aimed to assess the dietary and lifestyle behaviors of adults after COVID-19 vaccine availability and their attitude toward the vaccine in selected Arab countries.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted between October 2021 and December 2021 using Google Forms ( = 2259).

Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life: Is there any effect? A cross-sectional study of the MENA region.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020.

Assessment of eating habits and lifestyle during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa region: a cross-sectional study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread globally, forcing countries to apply lockdowns and strict social distancing measures. The aim of this study was to assess eating habits and lifestyle behaviours among residents of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study among adult residents of the MENA region was conducted using an online questionnaire designed on Google Forms during April 2020.

Impact of a Three-Year Obesity Prevention Study on Healthy Behaviors and BMI among Lebanese Schoolchildren: Findings from Ajyal Salima Program.

Most school-based obesity prevention programs in low- to middle-income countries are of short duration, and few undertake follow-up analyses after the termination of the project. The aims of the current study are to investigate (1) the long-term effects of a school-based intervention program when implemented over two years on body mass index (BMI), healthy dietary behaviors, and physical activity (PA); and (2) whether the effects are sustained after one-year washout. The study is a cluster-randomized trial; 36 public and private schools were randomized into either intervention or control groups.

Impact of a one-year school-based teacher-implemented nutrition and physical activity intervention: main findings and future recommendations.

Background: The aim of the current study is to describe the effectiveness of a school-based intervention when delivered by a non-nutrition specialist (trained schoolteachers) as compared to an expert in nutrition.

Methods: Two trials of the same school-based intervention using the same intervention package were delivered, one by nutritionists and another by trained schoolteachers. The intervention focused mainly on dietary behaviours, as well as physical activity.

First Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Youth in Lebanon.

: Evidence on physical activity (PA) indicators for children and youth at a national level is necessary to improve multilevel support for PA behaviors. Lebanon's first Physical Activity Report Card for children and youth (2018) aimed to fill this gap. : In line with the recommended methods of "Global Matrix 3.

Time to act: lessons learnt from the first pilot school-based intervention study from Lebanon to prevent and reduce childhood obesity.

Today, childhood overweight and obesity are serious public health problems that the world faces. Obese children suffer from both short-term and long-term health consequences, and poorer adult health. Despite the rising prevalence of childhood obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including Lebanon, no intervention research studies have been undertaken.

Promoting healthy eating and physical activity among school children: findings from Health-E-PALS, the first pilot intervention from Lebanon.

Background: In Lebanon, childhood obesity doubled during the past decade. Preventive measures should start early in life and Schools are considered an important environment to promote energy balance health behaviours. School-based programmes promoting healthy lifestyles are lacking.