Public Awareness and Perceptions of Longevity Determinants in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study (2024-2025)

Introduction: Longevity is increasingly recognized as the result of modifiable lifestyle, environmental, and social factors rather than genetics alone. While global interest in healthy aging is growing, public awareness of these determinants remains understudied in the Middle East. This study aimed to assess public awareness and perceptions of longevity-related factors among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 targeting residents of Saudi Arabia aged 18 and above. A researcher-validated questionnaire explored awareness across various domains, including lifestyle, environment, genetics, sleep, and religious beliefs. Perceptions were assessed using a series of items measuring beliefs about the influence of lifestyle, environmental, technological, and cultural factors on health and longevity. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze responses from 395 participants. Results: The sample included 395 participants, with 67.8% females and more than half (51.4%) aged 18-25 years. The participants exhibited high awareness of key lifestyle factors; greater than 88% acknowledged the role of sleep, and more than 90% recognized the importance of exercise and nutrition. However, fewer were aware of environmental (72.2%) or social determinants, and nearly half believed that genetic factors exert a primary influence on longevity. Higher awareness was significantly associated with behaviors like regular exercise (p = 0.004), dietary supplement use (p = 0.002), and recognition of the importance of sleep (p < 0.001). Younger adults showed higher awareness than older adults, while there were no significant differences in regards to gender, education, and income. Support for incorporating religious themes into health campaigns was also linked to greater awareness. Insurance status and chronic illness were not associated with awareness levels. Conclusions: While awareness of lifestyle-related longevity factors is strong, gaps remain in understanding broader influences such as environmental and social determinants. Culturally grounded public health strategies that integrate religious framing and emphasize actionable, evidence-based behaviors may enhance community engagement and support healthy aging across Saudi Arabia.