Journal of Emerging Trends in Economics and Management Sciences: Home

Article Title:
Lifestyle Behaviour: A Qualitative View of Health Related Behavior Change among Residents in Dubai Silicon Oasis
by Theophilus Kofi Gokah, PhD and Apollos Bitrus Goyol, PhD

Abstract:
Studies on lifestyles, health and wellbeing have been reported from different perspectives; our focus is on Dubai Silicon Oasis, a newly developed district with a sprawling population. A noticeable feature among residents in this newly created district is outdoor and indoor health-related activities made possible by availability of facilities in common or open spaces. These, the authors argue, are indirect interventions in empowering and promoting health and wellbeing of the population in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This is significant because not many communities benefit from appropriate indoor and outdoor infrastructure aimed at promoting health and wellbeing. We acknowledge that health empowerment and wellbeing are the subject of on-going academic discourse and at the same time admit that many other interventions are available for ensuring or promoting health and wellbeing in different settings. The researchers interest however was to understand resident?s rationalization for changing lifestyles and their health. Although the scope of this study is limited, we (researchers) observed that the benefits derived by respondents in this study were self-motivating and empowering. The individuals claimed they felt fitter and healthier as a result of constant exercising. Some also claimed relief from previous ailments and other malignant conditions. At the end we offer some recommendations for health policy and practice to Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSO).

Keywords: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Lifestyle, Health, Self-Regulation Theory, Motivation

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