Ali Bushra, Evans Tim, Cohen Rhonda, Elliott Anne
Department Science and Technology, London Sports Institute, Middlesex University London, London, United Kingdom.
Business and Political Economy, Middlesex University London, London, United Kingdom.
Front Public Health. 2025 Aug 22;13:1477025. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1477025. eCollection 2025.
The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS), driven by rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes. In Dubai's diverse population, where expatriates constitute 85% of residents, understanding perspectives on physical activity (PA) is essential for effective prevention strategies. This qualitative study explored stakeholder experiences and views on PA as a preventive measure for MetS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 stakeholders, including policy officials, gym owners, trainers, gym members, and inactive individuals, recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Hofstede's cultural framework to examine cultural influences on PA behaviors. Results indicated broad recognition of PA's importance in managing MetS but identified significant cultural and environmental barriers to participation. Key themes included cultural perceptions shaping engagement with PA and infrastructure challenges. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions and multisectoral collaboration to promote active lifestyles in Dubai's multi-ethnic context. This research offers valuable insights to guide public health initiatives aiming to reduce the burden of MetS through culturally sensitive approaches suited to this unique urban environment.
由于快速城市化和生活方式的改变，阿拉伯联合酋长国面临着日益加重的非传染性疾病负担，尤其是代谢综合征（MetS）。在迪拜的多元化人口中，外籍人士占居民的85%，了解人们对体育活动（PA）的看法对于制定有效的预防策略至关重要。这项定性研究探讨了利益相关者对将体育活动作为代谢综合征预防措施的体验和看法。通过目的抽样和滚雪球抽样，对20名利益相关者进行了半结构化访谈，这些利益相关者包括政策官员、健身房老板、教练、健身房会员和不运动人群。使用主题分析和霍夫斯泰德文化框架对数据进行分析，以研究文化对体育活动行为的影响。结果表明，人们广泛认识到体育活动在管理代谢综合征方面的重要性，但也发现了参与体育活动存在的重大文化和环境障碍。关键主题包括影响参与体育活动的文化观念和基础设施挑战。这些发现凸显了在迪拜的多民族背景下，需要进行文化定制干预和多部门合作，以促进积极的生活方式。这项研究提供了宝贵的见解，以指导公共卫生倡议，通过适合这一独特城市环境的文化敏感方法，减轻代谢综合征的负担。
