Background. Anthropological theory suggests that expatriate workers progress through a sequence of adaptive stages during their adjustment to a new environment. The psychological and physiological effects of this adaptation process may be reflected in changes in self-rated general health. Aims. To explore the relationship between self-rated general health, duration of expatriate assignment and two health-related behaviours: physical exercise and cigarette smoking. Method. A self-administered questionnaire recorded the demographics, self-rated general health, exercise and smoking behaviours of the adult non-Saudi residents of an expatriate compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results. The mean self-rated general health of the study group was better than comparable UK and New Zealand population norms. Self-rated general health was not associated with duration of assignment, but was associated with physical exercise, including a dose-response effect. Middle Eastern expatriates had lower self-rated health scores and a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking than other expatriates. Conclusions. While the sampling frame limits generalization, physical exercise may promote expatriates' general health. Middle Eastern expatriates may be a target group for smoking health education. © Society of Occupational Medicine 2004; all rights reserved.

Exercise General health Saudi Middle Eastern Expatriate smoking

physical activity Short Form 36 Spouses exercise dose response human middle aged Middle East Cigarette Smoking health status priority journal Time Factors Humans Saudi Arabia smoking male female questionnaire self concept prevalence scoring system Article major clinical study adult health education Emigration and Immigration occupational health