Mr Mohammed Abdullah Al Balooshi, a fifth-year medical student at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), took part in a student research team at the 2025 High Risk and Critical Care Obstetrics Conference. The event was recently held at Le Royal Méridien Place Vendôme, Lusail, in the Qatari capital Doha, with the participation of experts, researchers and specialists in healthcare from across the globe to explore the latest advances in obstetrics, gynaecology and the management of high-risk pregnancies and childbirth.

During his participation, Mr Al Balooshi presented the findings of a study in a research poster entitled: “The Association between Snacking Behaviours and Stress among Adults”. The study revealed that snacking is a common behaviour among Omani adults, with 43.4% of participants reporting consuming snacks more than once daily, particularly in the evening (77.3%) and at night (53.4%).

The findings indicated that fruits and vegetables were among the most preferred healthy options, while Omani sweets were among the most popular traditional snacks. The study also showed high levels of stress among participants, with 66.1% reporting moderate stress and 11.8% reporting high stress. Financial pressures were identified as the most common cause of stress (58.6%).

The study found a clear association between higher stress levels and increased frequency of snacking. Individuals who consumed snacks more than once a day were 57.6% more likely to report high stress. These findings highlight the importance of raising health awareness, encouraging the adoption of effective stress management strategies and committing to healthy dietary choices.

The study was supervised by Dr Adel Al Sayyad, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health and Head of Disease Control at the Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health. The research team was led by student Ms Lama Khalid Al Balooshi, and included Ms Amina Al Nofli, Ms Malak Al Abri, Ms Qabas Al Yahmadi, Ms Thuraya Al Harrasi, Ms Aseel Al Anqoody, Ms Wasan Al Abdulsalam, Ms Roaa Al Hatali, and Mr Khalid Al Madhani.