Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “United Arab Emirates”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Colposcopy services in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a young country with a population of 3 million, an abundant oil wealth, and a high standard of living. There is no organized cervical screening program, but the authorities are planning to introduce one soon. OBJECTIVE: To study the availability and quality of colposcopy services. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of all gynecologists in the major government and private hospitals in the country. RESULTS: Twenty government hospitals offer obstetrics and gynecology services, 11 governments and 4 private hospitals have colposcopy services. Of the 52 specialists performing colposcopy, 8 had adequate training, 3 had formal recognition, and 3 had long-term experience. The number of cases seen per doctor varies from 10 to 100 a year, with a mean and median of 28 and 15, respectively. Three units had the required basic colposcopy equipment for diagnosis and treatment. Only 1 unit performs audit. CONCLUSIONS: Colposcopy service is widely available in many hospitals in the United Arab Emirates, but substantial variation exists in clinical standards and needs more organization and standardization.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1999

Immunisation coverage at a well-baby clinic in the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates Survey of Immunisation Coverage by UNICEF in 1990 showed that the coverage for UAE infants up to one year of age was 60%. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with attendance and immunisation uptake at a well-baby clinic. A birth cohort of 665 infants were selected and their records examined to determine the factors such as gender, distance of housing area from clinic and access to other primary health care facilities. Only 22% attended all the scheduled visits and 54.3% of the sample completed the immunisation program within the correct time. The distance the infant lived from the clinic was the only factor significantly affecting immunisation uptake. The identification and targeting of groups at high risk of delayed completion of the immunisation program is a necessary risk factor in improving future surveillance.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Maternal-child health system and perinatal mortality in the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates has witnessed extensive social and economic development during the past 2 decades. Significant demographic changes have also taken place mainly as a result of the continuous flow of expatriates. The development of the health care delivery system resulted in the reduction of the infant mortality rate by 25% (10.93 per thousand live births by 1992), but the perinatal mortality rate has remained almost unchanged. Although maternal and child health care has improved dramatically, its limited impact on perinatal mortality can be attributed to underutilization of maternal health centers, absence of screening programs for mothers at high risk, absence of regionalization of perinatal care centers, poor maternal and neonatal transport facilities, absence of effective referral and cooperation and interaction between hospitals and health centers, the limited number of nursing and medical staff, and, finally, underutilization of available information to support and enhance research. The national perinatal mortality survey may address and seek appropriate solutions to such problems.

Child Health Services↗
PubMed1995

Behaviour disorders in primary school children in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

A multi-stage random sample of primary school children in central Al Ain city, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates was screened in January 1993 with the Rutter B2 Scale to estimate the prevalences of behaviour disorders, and to determine whether and how these were associated with the age, gender, nationality, grade and scholastic performance of the children. Of 2100 boys and girls aged between 5.4 and 16.6 years, 13.5% showed some form of behaviour disorder. The overall prevalence of disorders was significantly higher in boys than in girls (16.3% v 10.2%). Emotional, conduct and undifferentiated disorders were noted in 4.8%, 6.9% and 1.8% of all children, respectively. Conduct disorder was significantly commoner in boys than in girls (9.3% v 4.1%). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, different disorders were significantly associated with gender and/or grade and/or scholastic performance with the odds being the lowest in girls, in children in grades 3 to 6, and in children with excellent or very good scholastic performance. Nationality was not significantly associated with behaviour disorders in the children studied. A considerable proportion of young children in Al Ain manifest signs of behaviour disorders in primary school. Primary school children in Al Ain and comparable areas should be screened for behaviour disorders, and those found positive by screening tests should be assessed by health professionals to confirm the presence or absence of behaviour disorders which need expert care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The prevalence and correlates of anaemia among young children and women of childbearing age in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

During 1992 and 1993, 309 children aged 1-22 months (mo) and their mothers visiting an immunization facility in Al Ain city, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates, were studied to (1) define blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels; (2) estimate the prevalence of anaemia; (3) examine the role of iron deficiency in causing anaemia; (4) identify the correlates of anaemia prevalence; and (5) assess the acceptability to parents of an anaemia screening test for their young children. The levels of Hb in all subjects and the levels of serum ferritin in anaemic (Hb < 11 g/dl) children aged > or = 6 mo and in non-pregnant women with Hb < 11 g/dl were determined by a HemoCue Photometer and an enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Each woman was interviewed to obtain pertinent data. In children, anaemia was detected in 3% of those aged 1-2 mo (Hb < 9 g/dl), in 8% of those aged 3-5 mo (Hb < 10 g/dl), and in 25-39% of those aged > or = 6 mo (Hb < 11 g/dl). Of 19 children tested, ten (53%) were iron-depleted (serum ferritin < 12 micrograms/l). After multivariate adjustment, the only significant positive correlate of anaemia in children was older age (1-5 mo vs 6-22 mo; odds ratio [OR]: 9.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.92-23.08). Anaemia was detected in 14% of pregnant women (Hb < 11 g/dl) and 16% of non-pregnant women (Hb < 12 g/dl).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Public awareness and attitudes towards epilepsy in the United Arab Emirates.

The aim of this paper is to obtain an initial estimate of people awareness, attitudes and understanding towards epilepsy and to provide a basis for international comparisons. A cross-sectional study conducted during 1995 in Al-Ain City, Dubai and Sharjah Emirates, United Arab Emirates (UAE). We used a simple questionnaire following a two-stage sampling technique. A total of 1050 subjects aged 15 years and above were selected randomly. Of these a total of 892 individuals (86.4%) responded to the study. Seventy-five percent of respondents (665 people) had heard or read about epilepsy. Males and females were similarly familiar with the concept of epilepsy. The age group and education had a positive significant effect on awareness of epilepsy (p < 0.001). Thirty-four percent had occasionally seen a seizure. Nineteen suggested that there is not treatment. Those acquainted with a person with epilepsy were more likely to know that there is treatment. Among those familiar with epilepsy 18.5% believed in cautery and 40% believed in faith healing. A small percentage (7%) of respondents had objections to allowing their children associating with a person with epilepsy at school or in the playground; 68% objected to their children marrying an epileptic person; 10% believed that epileptic people should not be employed in jobs as other people are. In conclusion, unfortunately, knowledge, awareness and attitudes towards epilepsy in the UAE were less compared with surveys conducted in Western countries. The majority lacked information about the causes, nature and treatment of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Diabetes, obesity and hypertension in urban and rural people of bedouin origin in the United Arab Emirates.

In the United Arab Emirates, coronary heart disease has emerged as the leading cause of mortality over a 20-year period of rapid socioeconomic development. CHD risk factors of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), obesity and hypertension were investigated by community based survey among a bedouin-derived Emirati population sample of 322 subjects (> or = 20 years). Diagnosis of diabetes was based on a random capillary blood glucose level > or = 11.1 mmol l-1. Overall diabetes prevalence was 6% (11% in male and 7% in female subjects aged 30-64 years). Urban residence was associated with higher blood glucose levels (P = 0.000), and with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) values (P = 0.002): 27% of all urban residents were obese (BMI > or = 30). The Shamsi were positively associated with higher blood glucose levels compared with other tribal groups (P = 0.000). Female gender was associated with higher BMI values (P = 0.000). Between 19 and 25% of all subjects (male or female; urban or rural residents) have systolic hypertension (> 140 mm Hg). Male gender was associated with raised diastolic BP (P = 0.023). Diabetes was associated with higher mean systolic (P = 0.0274) and diastolic (P = 0.0132) BP levels. Differences in lifestyle between urban and rural residents are becoming blurred with further socioeconomic development and it is expected that the incidence of these CHD risk factors will continue to rise. Further studies are needed to specify changes associated with urbanization. Tribal influence also merits further study given the tradition of consanguinity in the UAE and the genetic basis to NIDDM.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Development of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for use in United Arab Emirates and Kuwait based on local foods.

BACKGROUND: The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is one of the most commonly used tools in epidemiologic studies to assess long-term nutritional exposure. The purpose of this study is to describe the development of a culture specific FFQ for Arab populations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait. METHODS: We interviewed samples of Arab populations over 18 years old in UAE and Kuwait assessing their dietary intakes using 24-hour dietary recall. Based on the most commonly reported foods and portion sizes, we constructed a food list with the units of measurement. The food list was converted to a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) format following the basic pattern of SFFQ using usual reported portions. The long SFFQ was field-tested, shortened and developed into the final SFFQ. To estimate nutrients from mixed dishes we collected recipes of those mixed dishes that were commonly eaten, and estimated their nutritional content by using nutrient values of the ingredients that took into account method of preparation from the US Department of Agriculture's Food Composition Database. RESULTS: The SFFQs consist of 153 and 152 items for UAE and Kuwait, respectively. The participants reported average intakes over the past year. On average the participants reported eating 3.4 servings/d of fruits and 3.1 servings/d of vegetables in UAE versus 2.8 servings/d of fruits and 3.2 servings/d of vegetables in Kuwait. Participants reported eating cereals 4.8 times/d in UAE and 5.3 times/d in Kuwait. The mean intake of dairy products was 2.2/d in UAE and 3.4 among Kuwaiti. CONCLUSION: We have developed SFFQs to measure diet in UAE and Kuwait that will serve the needs of public health researchers and clinicians and are currently validating those instruments.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The age and symptomatology of natural menopause among United Arab Emirates women.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the median age of natural menopause in United Arab Emirates women, the factors affecting that age and the prevalence of climacteric symptoms amongst those women. METHODS: A population-based survey was conducted on a community sample of United Arab Emirates women who had had natural menopause defined as cessation of menstruation for at least 6 months at the end of reproductive years. A total of 742 women aged 40 years and above were recruited from both urban and rural areas of the country using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and face to face interviews and included a number of familial, reproductive and life-style variables. RESULTS: The median age of the menopause in the United Arab Emirates is 48 years (mean = 47.3 +/- 3.29, range 40-59). This is significantly lower than the median age reported from the West (50.3 years). The subject median age of the menopause was significantly related to that of the mother (P < 0.001), older sister (P < 0.001), parity (P < 0.0001) and the previous use of oral contraceptive pills for more than 1 year (P < 0.001). Hot flushes were the commonest feature of the menopause occurring in 45% of women. CONCLUSION: The age of natural menopause in United Arab Emirates women, as in other developing countries, is less than in Western women and may be influenced by genetic factors, parity and previous use of oral contraceptives. Climacteric symptomatology, however, is similar in the different patient groups.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders in the United Arab Emirates measured by raised TSH levels.

The United Arab Emirates National Screening Programme for Congenital Hypothyroidism was established in January 1998. The programme measures neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels of blood samples collected on filter paper on day 5 by heel prick. The prevalence of raised TSH levels (> 5 microU/mL whole blood) during 1998 and 1999 was used to evaluate the degree of iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD) in the population in different regions. The ratio of TSH profile in the present study and goitre rate in schools in a 1994 study were discrepant, although there was good correlation between the ratio of TSH profile and urinary iodine. The prevalence of raised TSH levels was < 3% in the Emirates overall, which is normal, and IDD varied from mild to normal problems in different regions.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of effectiveness of safety seatbelt legislation in the United Arab Emirates.

Seatbelt legalisation was implemented in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January 1999. This provided the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the legislation in the Eastern District of Abu Dhabi Emirate in the UAE by establishing levels of injury severity from motor vehicle crashes (MVC) before and after the legislation and the rate of compliance with the legislation. Data were obtained from a major hospital in the Eastern District of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE. Subjects were a systematic sample of MVC victims who arrived alive at hospital in either the pre-implementation period (January-June 1998) or the post-implementation period (February-August 2000). The main measures of outcome were injury severity codes, numbers of hospital bed days and rates of admission and discharge at hospital. The analysis of injury severity from MVCs, from the pre- to the post-implementation period, revealed a significant declining trend (chi-square = 77.68, P < 0.001). While the proportion of minor injuries increased from 42% (95% CI: 36-48%) in the pre-implementation period to 77% (95% CI: 71-83%) in the post-implementation period, the proportion of "moderate to fatal injuries" declined from 54% (95% CI: 48-60%) to 17% (P = 0.001) and the median number of hospital bed days declined from 5 days (25% = 2; 75% = 8 ) to 3 days (25% = 1; 75% = 4 ). The rate of seatbelt compliance reported by occupants involved in MVCs in the post-implementation period was 59% (95% CI: 52-67%). The implementation of the seatbelt legislation in the Eastern District of Abu Dhabi Emirate was associated with statistically significant reduction in morbidity in those arriving alive at hospital following MVC, including reduced severity of injury, admission rate to hospital and the duration of hospital stay. More active implementation of seatbelt law would most likely further reduce severity of MVC injuries and fatalities in the Eastern District of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

History and current state of pediatric oncology and hematology in the United Arab Emirates.

There are three oncology centers in the United Arab Emirates, but only one with a dedicated pediatric unit (Tawam Hospital). The unit is 12 years old and is staffed by two pediatric oncologists working with pediatric but not oncology nurses. It handles approximately two thirds of the pediatric cancer cases in the country. Approximately 60% of all cases are either acute leukemia or lymphoma. A large variety of treatment regimens were used in the past for the same diseases, making audit of the unit's work very difficult. In the last 7 years a policy has evolved whereby uniform management protocols are used. A database is in existence, although not yet complete, and diagnostic facilities are continuing to improve. Imaging facilities are modern, and cell surface phenotyping for leukemia is available. There are plans to establish a bone marrow transplant unit.

Child↗
PubMed2001

The prevalence and determinants of health care-seeking behavior for fecal incontinence in multiparous United Arab Emirates females.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and sociodemographics of fecal incontinence in United Arab Emirates females. METHODS: A representative sample of multiparous United Arab Emirates females aged 20 years or older (N = 450) were randomly selected from the community (n = 225) and health care centers (n = 225). Patients were interviewed about inappropriate stool loss in the past year using a structured and pretested questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-one participants (11.3 percent) admitted fecal incontinence; 26 (5.8 percent) were incontinent to liquid stool and 25 (5.5 percent) to solid stool. Thirty-eight patients (8.4 percent) had double (urinary and fecal) incontinence. Sixty-five patients (14.4 percent) were incontinent to flatus only but not to stools. The association between having fecal incontinence and chronic constipation was significant (P < 0.0001), but there was no significant association with other known risk factors such as age, parity, and previous instrumental delivery, episiotomy, perineal tears, or anorectal operations. Only 21 incontinent patients (41 percent) had sought medical advice. Patients did not seek medical advice because they were embarrassed to consult their physician (64.7 percent), they preferred to discuss the difficulty with friends, assuming that fecal incontinence would resolve spontaneously (47.1 percent) or was normal (31.3 percent), and they chose self-treatment as a result of low expectations for medical care (23.5 percent). Sufferers were bothered by the inability to pray (92.2 percent) and to have sexual intercourse (43.1 percent). Perceived causes of fecal incontinence were paralysis (90.2 percent), old age (80.4 percent), childbirth (23.5 percent), or menopause (19.6 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Fecal incontinence is common yet underreported by multiparous United Arab Emirates females because of cultural attitudes and inadequate public knowledge.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A clinical study of airborne allergens in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: In the past 25 years the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have experienced a socioeconomic boom. The once nomadic Bedouin population of Al Ain, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, now lives in modern air-conditioned accommodation, and huge desalination plants have allowed afforestation and farming. OBJECTIVE: To evidence responsible airborne allergens in an UAE population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 263 UAE Nationals who attended Tawam Hospital (Al Ain, UAE) with a respiratory disease suspected of being of allergic origin, were submitted to SPT and RAST. The choice of pollinic allergens was made in accordance with the local flora and market availability. All patients were SPTed with at least the same battery of 15 pollinic and indoor allergens. Most patients were submitted to at least 4 RAST, viz Cynodon dactylon, Salsola kali, Prosopis juliflora and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. RESULTS: 71.8% patients were positive for at least one allergen. Pollen accounted for 61.6% of positive patients, with 45.2% positive to chenopodiaceae, 33% to gramineae and 23.5% to P. juliflora. Indoor allergens were positive in 30.4% of patients with 17.9% positive to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, 11% to Blatella germanica, 8.3% to Cat fur, 4.9% to Goat hair, 0.7% to Rat hair and Mouse hair and 1.5% to Candida albicans. CONCLUSION: Pollen was the prominent allergen. There is room, however, for further epidemiological studies possibly with new extracts and RAST specifically designed after the species of the Gulf region.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Availability and chemical composition of traditional eye cosmetics ("kohls") used in the United Arab Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah.

This study was undertaken in order to determine the availability and chemical composition of potentially lead-toxic traditional eye cosmetics ("kohls") in six of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thus of especial interest was the percentage of the purchased samples that contained the toxic element lead. A total of 53 observably different kohl samples were found to be available overall in the six emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. It was found that 19 of these samples had been previously analyzed by us in studies covering Oman, Abu Dhabi (city), and Egypt (Cairo). The techniques of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the remaining 34 samples. Overall, for the 53 kohl samples, it was found that 20 (38%) contained a lead compound (galena, PbS) as the main component. The other main components were found to be one of the following: amorphous carbon, calcite/aragonite (CaCO3), goethite (FeO(OH)), hematite (Fe2O3), sassolite (H3BO3), talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), or zincite (ZnO).

Cosmetics↗
PubMed1998

Epidemiology of clinical hyperbilirubinaemia in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

All infants born at Al Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates between 1 January and 30 June 1995 who developed clinically relevant hyperbilirubinaemia defined as jaundice requiring investigation and treatment were prospectively studied. Of the 2300 live births, 85 (3.7%) developed hyperbilirubinaemia. Of these, 22 were premature, 22 had ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn, eight had G6PD deficiency (Mediterranean), seven had breast-milk jaundice, five were born to mothers with diabetes mellitus and one had Rh incompatibility. No specific factor was identified in 20 (24%). Significant differences in the distribution of diagnostic categories were found among the major ethnic groups in the population studied. This first study of the epidemiology of clinically relevant hyperbilirubinaemia in this community identified locally relevant risk factors and highlighted areas of health care which, if modified, might reduce the incidence of hyperbilirubinaemia.

Asia, Western↗
PubMed1998

Food consumption patterns of adults in the United Arab Emirates.

The objectives of this study were to determine the food consumption patterns of Emirati men and women over 20 years of age and to explore the association of age and sex with food intake. A proportional random sample of 1,122 men and 1,090 women was obtained from all the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The findings showed a significant difference in food frequency intake between men and women, and also between young (20-49 years) and old (50 years and above) subjects. In general the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and of milk was low. This is a source of concern as these foods are useful sources of vitamins and minerals. Elderly people were more likely to consume traditional foods such as fish and laban (diluted yoghurt) than young people. Modification of dietary habits should be considered in any nutrition education programme for the public in the UAE.

Adult↗