Self-efficacy in lifestyle management among young Arab adults: a cross-cultural study in the EMRO region

Résumé

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the self-efficacy of lifestyle practices among young adults, including late adolescents aged 18–19 years, across the Arab region. Methods A multinational cross-sectional online survey was conducted using convenience sampling between September 2022 and September 2023 ( n = 2,708) across multiple Arab regions (the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean, but outside African countries). Individuals of both sexes, aged 18–25 years, who could read and understand Arabic and who resided in one of the Arab regions, were included. Sociodemographic data were also collected. A previously validated Arabic questionnaire was used to assess self-efficacy and knowledge of healthy lifestyles. Results Individuals in the Northern Africa region (9.7 ± 3.5) had significantly lower total self-efficacy scores than those in the Arabian Peninsula (11.5 ± 2.8) and Eastern Mediterranean region (11.7 ± 2.7; p < 0.001, F = 132.3). The knowledge score was significantly lower in Northern Africa (5.4 ± 2.3), whereas the Arabian Peninsula had the highest knowledge score (7.2 ± 1.9; p < 0.001, F = 173.2). Knowledge was associated with self-efficacy in the Arabian Peninsula (R 2 = 0.013, p = 0.016). Age and sex were related to self-efficacy in the Eastern Mediterranean region (R 2 = 0.01, p = 0.007). In North Africa, age, sex, and knowledge were related to self-efficacy (R 2 = 0.25, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that regional differences are related to cultural factors such as age, sex, and knowledge. Conclusion Self-efficacy was lower in Northern African countries than in the Arabian Peninsula or Eastern Mediterranean countries. Age, sex, and nutritional knowledge were associated with self-efficacy. These findings may guide culturally sensitive public health interventions in Arab countries. Future research should explore these relationships using longitudinal designs to better understand the causal pathways between culture, knowledge, sociodemographic factors, and self-efficacy.

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