Childhood Obesity and Family Influence on Children's Nutrition

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Childhood Obesity and Family Influence on Children's Nutrition CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND FAMILY INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN’S NUTRITION INTAKE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS, AND BMI Z-SCORES IN OMAN Basma Al Yazeedi A dissertation submitted to the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Nursing. Chapel Hill 2018 Approved by: Diane Berry Jennifer Leeman Jamie Crandell Jada Brooks Amanda Thompson ©2018 Basma Al Yazeedi ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii ABSTRACT Basma Al Yazeedi: Childhood Obesity and Family Influence on Children’s Nutrition Intake, Physical Activity Patterns, and BMI z-scores in Oman (Under the direction of Diane C. Berry) Childhood Obesity is a public health problem. It poses a significant health risk, which has been demonstrated to track into adulthood and decreases children’s physical and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between weight status, nutrition intake, and physical activity patterns of Omani middle age children and explore the familial factors that influence them. The sample of the study consisted of 204 Omani mother-child dyads. The mean age of children was 7.74 years (SD ± 1.16). Among examined children, 17.4% were either overweight or obese, and more than 72% of mothers were found to be overweight or obese. Weak associations between children’s nutrition and physical activity pattern and obesity were found. Main familial factors that showed influence on children’s nutrition intake were parental education level, family income, and family nutrition and physical activity patterns. Children’s physical activity patterns as reflected by moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time, and sleep time were found to be influenced by maternal BMI, parental education level, and working status, as well as family nutrition and physical activity patterns. Interestingly, the results of the study indicated that child’s BMI z-score were strongly associated with maternal BMI and parental education level, particularly the mothers’. iii This dissertation work is dedicated to my parents, Mohammed and Laila, whose prayers for my success never stopped. They are my source of power for my achievements. This work is also dedicated to my beloved husband, Yahya, who has been a continued source of support. I am thankful for having him in my life. This work is also dedicated to my children, Elias and Azzam, who are a great blessing and source of joy in my life. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am so grateful to Dr. Diane Berry, my advisor and dissertation committee chairperson, for efficiently supporting me through my academic and research journey in the PhD program. This work could not be completed without her continued guidance, support, and feedback. I am also grateful to Dr. Jamie Crandell for supporting me through the analysis of the study results in such a short period of time. I highly appreciated her statistical feedback and guidance. I am also thankful for having Dr. Jennifer Leeman, Amanda Thompson, and Jada Brooks as members of my dissertation committee. Their research expertise had added a lot to my dissertation work. I would also like to acknowledge my sponsor, Sultan Qaboos University, for offering me a full scholarship to pursue my PhD degree. I am ready to go back to Oman and serve as a faculty member with all intentions to give back as much as possible. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................... xi LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................. xvi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................. xvii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................ 1 Definition of Childhood Overweight and Obesity ............................................................ 2 Prevalence of Childhood Obesity..................................................................................... 3 Targeting Middle Childhood for Obesity-Related Research ............................................. 3 Etiology of Childhood Obesity ........................................................................................ 4 Genetic Factors......................................................................................................... 4 Perinatal and Postnatal Factors ................................................................................. 5 Environmental Factors .............................................................................................. 6 Nutrition Intake and Physical Activity Pattern in Children in Oman ................................ 8 Home ..................................................................................................................... 10 Community ............................................................................................................ 11 Purpose of the Study...................................................................................................... 16 Research Questions ................................................................................................ 16 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................. 17 Parenting Styles and Family Characteristics ........................................................... 19 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................... 19 Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................... 20 vi CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................... 21 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 21 Results .......................................................................................................................... 32 Childhood Obesity Prevalence ................................................................................ 32 Children Risk Factors for Obesity ........................................................................... 33 Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 39 Childhood Obesity Prevalence ................................................................................ 39 Childhood Obesity Risk Factors ............................................................................. 39 Summary ....................................................................................................................... 51 CHAPTER 3: METHODS ........................................................................................................ 52 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 52 Aims ............................................................................................................................. 56 Philosophical Assumptions ............................................................................................ 56 Parenting Styles and Family Characteristics That Influence Children’s Nutrition Intake ...................................................................................................... 57 Parenting Styles and Family Characteristics That Influence Children’s Physical Activity .................................................................................................... 57 Design ........................................................................................................................... 57 Institutional Review Board ............................................................................................ 58 Settings ......................................................................................................................... 58 Sample .......................................................................................................................... 59 Sample Size and Power .......................................................................................... 60 Variables and Their Measurement ................................................................................. 61 Anthropometric Measurements ............................................................................... 62 Socio-Demographic Data Survey ............................................................................ 63 Health Behavior Instruments .................................................................................. 63 vii Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 66 School Sites Recruitment ........................................................................................ 66 Participant Recruitment .......................................................................................... 67 Obtaining Mothers Consent and Children Assent .................................................... 68 Data Collection......................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Cop18 Doc. 66
    Original language: English CoP18 Doc. 66 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ____________________ Eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties Colombo (Sri Lanka), 23 May – 3 June 2019 Species specific matters TRADE IN BOSWELLIA SPP. (BURSERACEAE) 1. This document has been submitted by Sri Lanka and the United States of America.* Overview 2. The genus Boswellia is the source of the aromatic resin known as frankincense, a semi-solid, yellow-brown substance derived from the gummy sap of the tree. Also known as olibanum, this resin and resin-derived essential oils and alcohol extracts are widely traded internationally and are incorporated into a variety of healthcare, home care, aromatherapy, cosmetics and toiletries, and dietary supplement products. Bark, extracts of bark, wood products, and live plants of these species may also be traded internationally. Boswellia species provide economic and ecological benefits across their range. However, there is growing concern that increasing demand and unregulated international trade of this high value commodity might threaten the survival of these species. This document provides background information to serve as a background and seek input from Parties and insights from the Plants Committee for further information gathering, review, and discussion to better understand the impact of international trade on these species. The species and their status 3. Boswellia species are the sole source of frankincense, also known as olibanum (Coppen 1995; Hassan Alaamri 2012). The genus includes includes about 18 small to medium tree species that are native to the arid tropical regions of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Passive and Renewable Low Carbon Strategies for Residential Buildings in Hot Humid Climates
    University of Bath PHD Passive and renewable low carbon strategies for residential buildings in hot humid climates Al Shamsi, Yahya Award date: 2017 Awarding institution: University of Bath Link to publication Alternative formats If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact: [email protected] General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 11. Oct. 2021 University of Bath PHD Passive and renewable low carbon strategies for residential buildings in hot humid climates Al Shamsi, Yahya Award date: 2017 Awarding institution: University of Bath Link to publication General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research.
    [Show full text]
  • Oman Economic Forum
    Oman Economic Forum Investing in Oman Al Bustan Palace, Muscat March 18th, 2014 Presentation Overview Oman Overview Global and Regional Investment Trends in the Omani Context Investment Incentives in Oman Sectors and Industries Driving Inward Investment Where to Invest in Oman? 2 Oman Overview 3 Deloitte PowerPoint timesaver – March 2011 Oman - Overview Oman is the ideal location for businesses looking for a stable vantage point to access the booming Middle East, African and Asian markets • Continued political stability since 1970- WEF rated top 10 most secure countries • Located on the axis of the GCC, Asia and Africa • Total population of 3.7 million including approx. 1.5 on the Indian Ocean million expatriate • More centrally located than Persian Gulf, 2 days • Strong Economic Growth (GDP growth of 5% in closer than UAE or KSA 2012 and 2013) • Direct trade routes to growing GCC market as • National economy based on the principles of justice well as India and Africa and the free market • Resource abundant (oil, natural gas, copper, Geographic marble, limestone, gypsum, chromium) Political & • Large trends towards privatization, even in public Advantages Economic Stability goods such as utilities • Low public debt (3% of GDP) and low inflation • Ranked above regional average in Economic • $34bn allocated for infrastructure 2011-2016 Freedom, Ease of Doing Business, Transparency • Project spending of $7bn per on average year over the and Economic Competitiveness last decade • 3 Free Zones and 9 Industrial Estates • 4 new airports and 2
    [Show full text]
  • The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
    Dipartimento di International Relations Cattedra Mediterranean Studies The Resilience of Arab Monarchies during the Uprisings of 2011 and 2012: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan RELATORE: Professoressa Francesca Corrao CANDIDATO Uberto Marchesi Matricola 626222 CORRELATORE: Professor Marco Mayer ANNO ACCADEMICO 2015 – 2016 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 4 INTRODUCTION 6 CHAPTER 1: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 10 The Birth and Evolution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 12 Ottoman Rule 13 Conflicting Ideologies: Arab Nationalism and Zionism 14 The First World War: The Role of Diplomacy 17 Transjordan 21 The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 25 The Coronation 26 Legitimacy of the regime 27 The Arab Awakenings in the Middle East and North Africa 32 The Boom of Young People 38 Economic and Social Marginalization 39 The Absence of Political Freedom 40 Regress of National Integration Factors 41 The growing role of Foreign and Regional Forces 42 A Comparative Overview 44 2011 – 2012 Jordanian’s Protests 46 Conclusionary Remarks 55 2 CHAPTER 2: LEGITIMACY 56 Monarchies Today 57 Legitimacy of Arab Monarchies 58 The Hashemite King 67 Abdullah II Bin al-Hussein 70 Conclusionary Remarks 78 CHAPTER 3: STABILITY 80 The eye of the cyclone 81 The Effects of the Arab Awakenings in the Stability of the Country 84 Domestic Level 88 Intermestic Level 91 Refugees and Jordan 91 The Threat of Da’esh 93 International Level 97 Neighbors 98 The Pull of the Gulf Cooperation Council 100 Washington, Amman… and Rabat 103 Conclusionary Remarks 108 CONCLUSION 113 Areas for Improvement and Further Studies 114 ANNEX I: GENERAL TIMELINE 117 ANNEX II: LIST OF CURRENT MONARCHIES 123 REFERENCES 127 3 SUMMARY On January 2013, the Kingdom of Jordan had its first elections according to the new electoral law implemented at the end of the rush of protests that shook Jordan and the Middle East during the two previous years.
    [Show full text]
  • Fuel, Food and Utilities Price Reforms in the GCC a Wake-Up Call for Business Fuel, Food and Utilities Price Reforms in the GCC: a Wake-Up Call for Business
    Research Paper Glada Lahn Energy, Environment and Resources Department | June 2016 Fuel, Food and Utilities Price Reforms in the GCC A Wake-up Call for Business Fuel, Food and Utilities Price Reforms in the GCC: A Wake-up Call for Business Summary • A period of lower global oil prices is enabling oil-exporting Gulf countries to reform heavily suppressed energy, water and food prices at home. While fuel prices in those countries remain well below international market levels, rises of between 60 per cent and 133 per cent have, in some cases, taken place overnight. • Continued reforms will have wide-ranging implications for business and the political economy – particularly in the largest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Saudi Arabia, which is accustomed to some of the lowest fuel and utility bills in the world. • Changes to domestic gas and diesel prices will affect, above all, industry; of particular significance is the separation of the price of ethane from that of sales gas in Saudi Arabia and the prospect of gas contract revision in the United Arab Emirates. • Higher fuel prices should drive increased efficiency in the power and water sectors. However, patterns of allocation and financial transfers within government, in some countries, mean that step changes will be incentivized only through the further unbundling of utilities. • It is worth taking a ‘nexus’ view of price reforms. Transport fuel and water price revisions in Saudi Arabia will affect the logistics sector and agribusiness and these changes will begin to trickle down into retail products, raising the prospect of further inflation and measures to limit it.
    [Show full text]
  • CURRICULUM VITAE Eg-2011
    CURRICULUM VITAE Name: - Dr. Hassan Talib Mohammed Darwish Al-Lawati Date of birth: - 9 / 8 / 1971 Place of birth: - Qatar Sex: - Male Marital state: - Married (two children) Nationality: - Omani Languages: - Arabic, English and Deutsch (Germany) Address: - Oman - Muscat P. O. Box: 2446, Post Code 112 Ruwi E-mail: - [email protected] Mobil, Fax:- 00968-99317006, 00968-24476193 QUALIFICATION: - 1) Degree of Post Doctorate in Bee Pollen Analysis. Centre of Pharmaceutical Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal (Oct 2010 - Jan. 2011). 2) Ph.D. in Bee Science Länderinstitut für Bienenkunde Hohen Neuendorf Humboldt University Berlin (April 2004 - Dec. 2008) 3) Degree of Master of Science - College of Agriculture in Crop Protection - Sultan Qaboos University (1997-2000), GPA (3.74/4.00 = excellent) 4) Degree of Bachelor of Science - College of Agriculture in Plant Science - Sultan Qaboos University (1990-94), GPA (3.49/4.00 = very good). EXPERIENCES: - 1) Researcher for 5 years in Plant Protection Research Center (PPRC), Department of Research Laboratory of Honeybee (1995-2000). Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) 2) Assistant Head of Bee Science Research Laboratory at PPRC (2000 – 2001) 3) Head of Bee Science Research Laboratory at PPRC (2002 – up to date) 4) Member ship in German Apitherapy Society 1/2008 PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS, COURSES ATTENDED & PUBLICATION: A) Contributions: - In Oman and Arab countries 1) Organizing honeybee rearing courses, training 120 students, writing a manual for training. (July – September 1995). 2) “Tree Day” exhibition held in Al-Sharqiah Region Wilayate Al-Kamil and Al-Wafi (31/10/1995). 3) An official tour with Dr. Nicola Bradbear, from FAO, to different Wilayats to guide and inform about beekeeping in the Sultanate of Oman (23/6 – 3/7 1996).
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Mathematics Teacher Quality on Student Achievement in Oman and Taiwan
    International Journal of Education and Learning ISSN 2684-9240 Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2019, pp. 50-62 50 The Impact of Mathematics Teacher Quality on Student Achievement in Oman and Taiwan Intisar Ambusaidia,1,*, Ya-Fei Yang b,2 a The Pennsylvania State University, State College and 16801, USA b The Pennsylvania State University, State College and 16801, USA 1 [email protected]*; 2 [email protected] * corresponding author ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Following the educational reform trend around the world, Oman and Article history Taiwan emphasize teacher quality to improve student learning. This Received 2019-07-10 study investigated the relationship between teacher quality and eighth- Revised 2019-09-29 graders mathematics achievement in Oman and Taiwan by utilizing Accepted 2019-10-06 TIMSS 2011 data. The research question examined to what extent teacher quality, as defined by the measurable variables (teacher Keywords qualification, teaching practices, and professional development) impacts Teacher Quality student achievement in Oman and Taiwan. The study employed Mathematics Ordinary Least Square (OLS) statistical analysis to examine the TIMSS relationship between teacher quality and eighth-grade student math Student achievement performance in both countries. The results show that teacher quality Educational reform indicators in Oman and Taiwan have a positive impact on eighth- graders' mathematics achievement. However, teacher quality variables that influence student achievement in both countries vary depending on the education context, student characteristics, and school factors. The study findings support policy intervention aimed at improving teacher quality and recommends providing more opportunities for participation in content-focused and pedagogical-focused professional development. This is an open access article under the CC–BY-SA license.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Banana (Musa AAA Cv
    Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Banana (Musa AAA cv. Malindi) in Oman Dissertation presented to the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences Organic Plant Production and Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics BY Khair Tuwair Said Al Busaidi Organicagriculturalsciences U N I K A S S E L University of Kassel 2012 Die vorliegende Arbeit wurde vom Fachbereich Agrarwissenschaften der Universität Kassel als Dissertation zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades eines Doktors der Agrarwissenschaften (Dr. agr.) angenommen Erster Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Andreas Buerkert, Universität Kassel Zweiter Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Rainer Georg Jörgensen, Universität Kassel Prüfer: Prof. Eva Schlecht, Universitäten Kassel und Göttingen Prüfer: Prof. Dr. Anthony M. Whitbread, Georg-August-University Göttingen Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 28. November 2012 This work has been accepted by the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences of the University of Kassel as a thesis for acquiring the academic degree of Doktor der Agrarwissenschaften (Dr. Agr.). Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Andreas Buerkert, University of Kassel Co-supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rainer Georg Joergensen, University of Kassel Examiner: Prof. Dr. Eva Schlecht, Universities of Kassel and Gottingen Examiner: Prof. Dr. Anthony M. Whitbread, Georg-August-University Gottingen Defense day: 28. November 2012 Table of Contents Dedication ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ iv Acknowledgements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    [Show full text]
  • Ranasinghe, Kethakie Piyumi (2015) Migrant Identities and Culture: the Second-Generation Sri Lankan Experience in the Sultanate of Oman
    Ranasinghe, Kethakie Piyumi (2015) Migrant identities and culture: the second-generation Sri Lankan experience in the Sultanate of Oman. PhD thesis. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/6001/ Copyright and moral rights for this thesis are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the Author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the Author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Glasgow Theses Service http://theses.gla.ac.uk/ [email protected] Kethakie Piyumi Ranasinghe, 2013 1 Migrant Identities and Culture: The Second-Generation Sri Lankan Experience in the Sultanate of Oman Kethakie Piyumi Ranasinghe B.A., M.Sc. Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Centre for Cultural Policy Research School of Culture and Creative Arts University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ October 2013 © Kethakie Piyumi Ranasinghe, 2013 Kethakie Piyumi Ranasinghe, 2013 2 Abstract The thesis sets out to examine key aspects of the identity formation of the second- generation of the Sri Lankan professional expatriate community in Oman. Brought up in a multicultural environment, the respondents of the current study live in a contradiction in terms of their identity. Sri Lankan youths found themselves excluded from both cultures. They found themselves challenging the stereotypes produced by the mainstream society within which they lived, while also demanding freedom from the taboos and customs followed by their parents.
    [Show full text]
  • Al-Shabaab and the Myth of “Transcending Clan Politics” Terrorism Monitor Is a Publication by Ahren Schaefer and Andrew Black
    VOLUME IX, ISSUE 40 uNOVEMBER 4, 2011 IN THIS ISSUE: BRIEFS...................................................................................................................................1 THE THREE StRATEGIES BEHIND Iran’s PrOJECTION OF NAVAL POWER By Nima Adelkhah.....................................................................................................4 ISLAMIST MILITANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES RESTRUCTURE TO INTENSIFY THE ANTI-GOVERNMENT JIHAD By Jacob Zenn...........................................................................................................5 Iranian Warship CLAN AND CONFLICT IN SOMALIA: AL-SHABAAB AND THE MYTh of “Transcending CLAN POLITics” Terrorism Monitor is a publication By Ahren Schaefer and Andrew Black.....................................................................7 of The Jamestown Foundation. The Terrorism Monitor is designed to be read by policy- makers and other specialists AL-SHABAAB COUNTEROFFENSIVE IN MOGADISHU THREATENS yet be accessible to the general public. The opinions expressed AFRICAN UNION’S MILITARY GAINS within are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily The cautious consolidation of its control over Mogadishu by the African Union reflect those of The Jamestown Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) encountered a pair of serious setbacks in late Foundation. October as al-Shabaab Islamists ambushed a Burundian patrol on October 20 and mounted a suicide attack on Ugandan troops in their base at the German Unauthorized reproduction or Metal Factory near Mogadishu Stadium. redistribution
    [Show full text]
  • Land Matters in Mogadishu Settlement, Ownership and Displacement in a Contested City RIFT VALLEY INSTITUTE HERITAGE INSTITUTE for POLICY STUDIES
    RIFT VALLEY INSTITUTE heritagE INSTITUTE FoR poLIcY STUdIES Land Matters in Mogadishu Settlement, ownership and displacement in a contested city RIFT VALLEY INSTITUTE hERITAgE INSTITUTE FoR poLIcY STUdIES Land Matters in Mogadishu Settlement, ownership and displacement in a contested city Published in 2017 by the Rift Valley Institute and the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies Rift Valley Institute 26 St Luke’s Mews, London W11 1dF, United Kingdom PO Box 52771 GPO, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Heritage Institute of Policy Studies KM-5, Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia ThE RIFT VALLEY INSTITUTE (RVI) The Rift Valley Institute (www.riftvalley.net) works in eastern and central Africa to bring local knowledge to bear on social, political and economic development. ThE hERITAgE INSTITUTE FoR poLIcY STUdIES (hIpS) The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (www.heritageinstitute.org) is an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit policy research and analysis institute based in Mogadishu, Somalia. ThE RIFT VALLEY FoRUM The RVI Rift Valley Forum is a venue for critical discussion of political, economic and social issues in the Horn of Africa, eastern and central Africa, Sudan and South Sudan. cREdITS EdIToRS: Mahad Wasuge, Cedric Barnes and Tymon Kiepe dESIgN: Lindsay Nash MApS: Abdishakur Hassan and Jillian Luff, MAPgrafix ISBN 978-1-907431-35-7 coVER: General view of Mogadishu skyline looking towards the city centre and central business district of the Somali capital. RIghTS Copyright © Rift Valley Institute 2017 Cover image © AU/UN IST Stuart Price 2013 Text and maps published under Creative Commons License Attribution-Noncommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 Available for free download at www.riftvalley.net Printed copies available from Amazon and other online retailers.
    [Show full text]
  • A Critical Analysis of the Omani Newspapers' Coverage of the 2011
    The Sultanate of Silence: A critical analysis of the Omani newspapers’ coverage of the 2011 protests A thesis submitted to Cardiff University in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Moza Abdullah Said Al-Rawahi Cardiff School of Journalism, Media, and Cultural Studies October 2019 * ii Dedication This thesis is dedicated in loving memory of my parents, Abdullah Al-Rawahi and Maryam Al-Aghbari. This work is in recognition of their dedication and devotion to the advancement of my education. I still remember the day when my mother sold her precious gold necklaces for the sake of my education. This one is for my parents. May their soul rest in peace. v Acknowledgement First and foremost, I would like to express my immense gratitude (shukr) to Allah, who eases my journey in the search for knowledge. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in Oman, who granted me a scholarship to pursue my doctoral studies in journalism. I am deeply indebted to my respected supervisors Dr Stephen Cushion and Dr Arne Hintz for their invaluable guidance, constructive criticism, and passionate encouragement throughout my studies. I have benefited greatly from their extensive expertise and knowledge. I would also like to thank the staff at JOMEC, who gave me the opportunity to contribute to UG student learning by undertaking teaching for the Understanding Journalism module. Special thanks to the Bute Library staff who were always there for me, ready with offers of help. Thanks are also due to my Mum, who died a month before the completion of this thesis: “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” (Abraham Lincoln).
    [Show full text]