Post on 09-Dec-2020
Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University
Core Curriculum: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Writing and research
Section :(103)
Instructor: Dr. Mohamed Elgeddawy
Student name: Muath Alzahrani
ID: 201800238
1- Abstract
2- Introduction
3- Review of literature
4- Research methodology
5- Results and discussion
6- Limitation
7- Significance of study
8- Concluding remarks
9-References
1. ABSTRACT
The main goal behind this study is to investigate the extent to which technological
advancements such as PC, Mobile, elevators, new innovations, and applications
increase the prevalence and rates of obesity in developed and developing countries
with more focus on Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the independent variable is technological
advancements and the dependent variable is the prevalence of obesity. I have decided
to use a mixed method to conduct this research. Therefore, both qualitative and
quantitative data were collected throughout a survey and an interview.
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 Background of the Study
Since we are living in the information age period and things become easier and easier
for us, that's an advantage would not prevent global issues such as wars, poverty and
climate change from occurring. I am not going to speak or explore these problems or
crisis I am going to talk about something that is related to our health. Obesity rates are
getting higher every day in developing and developed the country. There is a constant
and remarkable increase since the last 30 years. Some people might say it is not a big
deal to have extra fat but actually, it is. According to the National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, obesity can cause and increase the risk of many
serious health issues such as cancers, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure,
fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, and pregnancy problems (ALNohair S. 2014).
2.2 Purpose of the Study
Below you find the objectives and purposes behind this research:
1-To investigate the relationship between the technological advancements and obesity
rate in Saudi Arabia.
2-To explore and investigate the impact of new inventions on the physical participation
in Saudi Arabia.
3-To investigate the extent of the technological advancements on changing the food
culture of Saudi Arabia.
4-To suggest servals recommendations and tips to reduce the prevalence of this issue.
Since obesity is energetically linked with an increased risk of developing several types
of cancer, I decided to investigate what are the reasons behind the prevalence of this
disease. Both developed and developing countries have been facing an issue of the
constant increase in the obesity rate for the last 30 years. Moreover, In Saudi Arabia,
obesity considered a growing health concern. Therefore, this study will focus on the
factors that lead to overweight and obesity, especially in Saudi Arabia. Also, the study
will investigate whether technological advancements play a huge role in this epidemic or
not.
3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
3.1 Introduction
Obesity has been considered as an epidemic disease. The obesity rate is increasing
dramatically especially in developed countries population. So, let’s begin by saying what
does obesity mean. , it has been pointed out that the World Health organization
classifies any person as obese once he gets body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 with
an extravagant accumulation of fat, and also it considered obesity as a visible health
issue (WHO,2014). There is no ideal way to measure obesity, however, there is two
effective way. First, BMI is one of the common and easiest measurement. Basically, it is
dividing the person weight in Kg by his height in m2. The other way or tool is waist
circumference, it works by measuring the male and female waist (OAC, 2011). Obesity
does not have a single genetic cause, there are many factors that can influence the
human being weight. This is a reason why scientists consider obesity as a multifactorial
disease. Socioeconomic, physical activities and food are some factors that once they
interact can cause some health issues (Yu Cheng Chooi,2014). In this research, we will
go through some studies conducted believe that technological advances play a huge
role in increasing obesity rates in many developed and developing countries, with a
focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Using a thematic approach.
3.2 Developed Countries
When we say developed countries we mean those countries who enjoy high
living standards, developed and sustainable infrastructure and a lot of
industrial activity (Cambridge). Living in such a country will have it is
advantages and disadvantages. But we will focus on one issue that has been
getting bigger and bigger. Obesity so knew what does this word mean lets
why it is a big deal in the last previous decades. During the last 30 years, the
prevalence of obesity has
Figure (1)
Doubled as a result almost a third of the world's population is
Considered as overweight, so it is an epidemic disease. In the above figure (1), the
graph illustrates the obesity prevalence and rates since 1980. Moreover, from first
glance, we could say the developed countries or nations are in the top three places.
First the United States Of America than Europe afterward the Middle East. The
theological advances have decreased the human participation in a variety of activities
such as walking around and taking the stairs. Instead of walking we can use self-
balancing scooter. Most people prefer taking elevators rather than stairs. Therefore, this
research will demonstrate how development can affect our weight. There are many
factors that can increase our weights. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public
Affairs Research has found various reasons behind the increasing rates of obesity in the
United States of America.
Figure (2)
The survey has been conducted in the United States of America with a participation
1,010 Americans adults, it has measured how the public perceives the causes and
awful aftereffect of obesity and diabetes. 75% considered being obese is a highly
dangerous health condition. Moreover, the participants were asked for their opinions
about the factors that cause the constant increasing of the obesity rates. 82% agreed
that watching too much TV is the main factor that leads to overweight. Another study
about screen time activities such as video games and television and how it has a
significant impact on the body mass index. The study was conducted in two of the cities
in Pakistan and there were 305 people participated between 17-19 years. These people
were from two different schools and their data were analyzed by SPSS which is a
statistical analysis software. The results are 17 % were overweight and 9% were
Obese. 73% is the percentage of females who watches TV and 60% who uses the cell
phone. Furthermore, 63% of the male were found playing video games and 72% using
the computer. The majority of them stated that they use e-technology in order to
entertain themselves. Furthermore, the upsurge of technology has decreased the
people participating in the day to day activities.
3.3 Developing countries:
Figure
(2)
According to the Cambridge dictionary, a developing country means a country with low
industrial advancement, economic growth, and incomes (Cambridge.2019). However, in
figure (2) the graph clarifies the prevalence of this epidemic during the last 30 years in
both developed and developing countries. The innovation in agriculture and the
changing in the food system dropped the prices of food in the developing regions. The
advancement of the food industry in the developing region brought by the globalization
and the multinational corporation (Witkowski T. H.2007). However, Technology has a
pivotal role in the current form of business globalization and the growth of the global
market (Witkowski T. H.2007). Furthermore, the globalization has shaped the people
food preference and choices and made the developing country face a continuing
obstacle of undernutrition and changes in physical activities patterns of the population.
All of these changes increased the incidence of obesity and coronary heart disease in
developing countries. Moreover, it is a noticeable thing that the local cultures that are
related to food are disappearing.
3.4 Saudi Arabia:
In the past 20 years, the economic prosperity in Saudi Arabia has grown rapidly and the
society has been influenced by the western world. Therefore, the Saudis have changed
their physical activity and diet. It very noticeable that the majority of Saudis shifted their
food preference toward consuming fast food meals instead of eating local health food,
fruits, vegetables(Almotairi, N. 2016).
The changing of culture and the quick development in technology and mechanization
have led to a huge reduction in Saudis participation in activities and eating styles. New
food culture has been around in the past 3 decades in the Saudis lives. American fast
food chains have been pop up quickly and everywhere. They target adults and children
by advertisement and affordable meals.
As you can see the graph illustrate the Saudis preference for food. Clearly, the demand
for burgers and pizza are very high. However, the obesity rate in the central and eastern
regions of the country have higher rates, and it is much lower in the southern regions of
the Kingdom. There are other elements that can influence the prevalence of obesity. A
recent study found out that the income of the partners and the education level has a
significant effect on Saudi dietary habits (Al-Enezy et al. 2014).
A recent study showed that parental education levels and parental working status had a
significant influence on Saudi children's dietary habits. So maternal and paternal
education status are the most leading socio-economic variable that can influence the
person eating habits and health (Al-Enazy et al. 2014). (16) . The existence of drivers
and housemaids among the Saudis family has been related to the existence of obesity.
(Naser, 2011).
4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4. Introduction
The study examines the impact of technological advancements on the obesity rates and
whether it reduces the physical participation of its users. However, the study will focus
on the people of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the participants of the survey and interviews
were resident of Saudi Arabia.
4.1 Rationale of Research
In the literature review, it has been revealed that as the technology keeps rapidly
changing and growing the obesity rates also are increasing. Therefore, the study seeks
to find out a relation between two variables one of the independent and the other
dependent. The independent variable is the technology advancements, where the
dependent variable is the obesity rate. The main theme is developed, developing
countries and Saudi Arabia. Since every culture has it is own way to use the technology
and they have a different food preference, we will investigate the main causes with a
focus on Saudi Arabia. In Figure 3 you can see the conceptual framework
demonstrated.
4.2 Research Design
The research contains more than one data collection methods which will help to answer
the research questions professionally and correctly. Moreover, the study includes
statistical analysis to see to what extent the independent variable has impacted the
dependent variable.
DevelopDevelopiKSA
Figure 3
Obesity rates
Technological
advancement
Dependent
Independent variable
4.3 The Participants
The participants of the survey and interviews were from different cities in Saudi Arabia.
The study focuses on people of all ages, so there are no requirements or restrictions in
order to participate in the survey and the interview. Therefore, the survey has been sent
to a variety of institution and groups. The survey can be completed through google
forms. Moreover, I received about 35 completed surveys from across all cities of Saudi
Arabia.
4.4 The setting
This study was conducted at Prince Mohammed University during the spring semester
of 2019. Prince Mohammed University is one of the largest private university in the
eastern province and also in Saudi Arabia with around 7 campuses in Al Khobar city.
2006 was the establishment date for this institution and it was founded by Prince
Mohammed bin Fahad. The university has tough admission requirements to ensure that
the new students have the required capabilities and skills to be in the job markets. The
admission requirements include IELTS test, Math related subjects test, and interview.
However, the participants of the survey and interviews were from different cities in
Saudi Arabia. The study focuses on people of all ages, so there are no requirements or
restrictions in order to participate in the survey and the interview. Therefore, the survey
has been sent to a variety of institution and groups. The survey can be completed
through google forms. Moreover, I received about 35 completed surveys from across all
cities of Saudi Arabia.
4.5 Data Collection / Instruments The information in the literature review part was collected from a reliable secondary
source such as lectures, books, article, and studies. Since I am conducting mixed
method research, I also have collocated data and information from the primary source.
The data were collected directly from participants. The tools that were utilized are
survey and interview. The survey consists of 12 closed questions about the three main
themes, where the interview had open-ended questions.
4.6 Procedures
I have made 15 quotations for the survey and then the survey was sent to the PMU
social club and in twitter to make sure that the participants are using any type of
technology. The Likert scale has been implemented which is a scale from 1 to 5 where
5-To a very high extent, 4-To high extent, 3-To a little extent, 2-To a very little extent 1-
Not at all. The three questions for the interviews were at the bottom of the survey.
4.7 Data Analysis
I have decided to conduct a mixed methods research. Therefore, both quantitative and
qualitative data analysis methods have been involved. I have used Google forms to
gather and analyze the survey data. The quantitative results have been evaluated and
analyzed through IBM SPSS software. The survey is consisting of 12 questions. In the
spring term 2/20/2019, the survey has been released on the internet. After two weeks of
3/25/2019, the survey data were collected. Moreover, the data and result are crucial to
determine and measure the extent of the technology advancements in increasing
obesity rates in Saudi Arabia.
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5. Introduction
After receiving the data from the survey and the interview, I did statistical analysis using the
SPSS software in order to evaluate the impact of technological advancements on obesity rates
in developed and developing countries with more focus in Saudi Arabia.
5.1 The technological advancements and its impact on developed countries.
After analyzing the first four questions, the total grand mean is 75.34 %. Which mean that 75
percent of the participants agree that technological advancements increase the obesity rates in
developed countries. Moreover, 51.5% percent of the participants have agreed that the food
culture of Saudi Arabia has been changed by the influence of technology. Also, 33.3% of the
participants believed that new delivery apps encourage them to eat from fast food restaurants.
(Figure 1.1)
(Figure 1.2)
5.2 The technological advancements and its impact on developing countries.
In this part you can notice some questions about developing countries. Some of the participant's
home country considered to be a developing country .Therefore, The participants were asked for
their opinion and thoughts on how technological advancements have impacted the food culture
of developing countries.42% percent of the participants have agreed that in some way the
technological advancements changed the food culture. Furthermore, 39% of the participants
believe that the technological advancements play a huge role in the daily basis activities.
(Figure 2.1)
(Figure 2.2)
5.1 The technological advancements and its impact on Saudi arabia .
In this section you will get a better idea on how technological advancements impact the obesity
rates in Saudi Arabia. 33.33% of the participants believed that technological advancements have
decreased the physical activities in Saudi Arabia. Also, 45% percent of the participants think that
technological advancements have changed the Saudis food preference.
(Figure3.1)
(Figure3.2)
5.4 Interview questions :
1- In what way does technological advancements impact the obesity rates in the developed countries ? .
2- In what way does technological advancements impact the obesity rates in the developing countries ? .
3- In what way does technological advancements impact the obesity rates in the KSA ? .
After I have collected the answers to the questions and analyzed them. The answers to the
three questions were similar. Most participants have agreed that the technological advances
impact the prevalence of obesity rates in the developed, developing countries and KSA. Some
of the participants were living in Europe and the USA for more than three years. According to
those who experienced living out abroad, they didn't see any difference in how technological
advances affect their daily routine. The phones and video games will decrease their physical
participation no matter where they are. In addition, many participants have agreed that the
delivery application such as Uber eats, Marsoal and Hungeration have a huge impact by
attracting them to eat from fast food chains.
5.5 Summary of Results and Discussion
The results of this study reveal that technological advancements such as Phones, video games,
apps, and new invitation lead to an increase in the prevalence of obesity in the world . All the
countries whether it is developed or developing will face an increase in the obesity rate. As the
technology and innovations emerge, a decline of physical activities will occur. Furthermore, the
consumption of fast food meals rates will continue to increase dramatically as the farm factories
keep adopting new technologies to enhance their production.
6. LIMITATIONS
The research has proved that technological advancements have a huge role in the escalation of
obesity in the developed, developing and KSA societies. However, there are some limitations
have occurred during conducting this research. First, there was not enough time to obtain more
information about the relation of technological advancements and the prevalence of obesity.
The four months of the spring semester were not enough to reach a large group of the
population.
7. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study has confirmed the obvious relationship between the technology advances and the
prevalence of obesity in the developing, developed countries. Moreover, there was an
illustration of how new apps have shaped the food culture in Saudi Arabia. After collecting data
from Saudis participant, It was approved that technological advancements have a negative
influence on their food choices. Therefore, as the usage of technology increases, the obesity
rates increase as well. Not only this but also people will be less active, which will lead to terrible
consequences.
8. CONCLUDING REMARKS
No doubt there are so many benefits and advantages that we can gain from technology.
However, we really need to know what is the bad side of technology. Also, how can we be wise
about using our devices such as mobile, PC and other technologies? Otherwise, we might face
some serious problems physically and mentally. Thus, conducting studies that illustrate the
serious consequences of technology, will enhance social awareness and prevent them from
facing any health issue in the future. These fun-time killers and apps can make us happier, but
also it will ruin our routine and health. Furthermore, based on this study, many students have
blamed technology because it impacts the students lives by getting bad habits that hard to
break.
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