Dubai Population Research Articles

The Impact of Inflow Foreign Direct Investment on the Local Human Capital Efficiency with the Role of Financial Deepening as Mediator: A Case of United Arab Emirates

Purpose: This research determines the impact of inflow foreign direct investment inflow foreign direct investment on the expanded concept of social and economic progress in the UAE, such as local human capital efficiency and financial deepening, which needs more clarification, while most of the studies focus on human capital in general.
 Methodology: This study used a questionnaire based survey on a selected sample and used the SmartPLS 4 to analyze the data and conclude the results. With the help of quantitative techniques this data was collected from a sample of 8001 selected employees representing the DUBAI population. Only 376 were taken from those who had working experience in foreign companies in the UAE.
 Findings: The results show that the inflow foreign direct investment has a significant positive relationship with the local human capital efficiency in the UAE. The role of the mediator in this study was significant and partial mediation with inflow foreign direct investment.
 Recommendation: The most important question is about the availability of working in foreign companies. Also, the author mentioned that there is a gap in the human capital development study, and it has been recommended for future study.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AND PRE-HYPERTENSION AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION: FINDINGS FROM THE DUBAI HOUSEHOLD SURVEY, 2019

Objective: Hypertension prevalence has risen over the last decades around the world. The latest estimates showed that nearly one-third of the adult world population is having hypertension (31.1%, 1.39 billion). Minimal data is available on the prevalence and correlates of hypertension (HTN) and pre-hypertension (PHTN) among adults in Dubai. [1,2]. The study aims to measure the prevalence of HTN and PHTN, and the associated socio-demographics, behavioral risk factors and comorbidities among the adult population of Dubai. Design and method: This study used data from the Dubai Household Health Survey, 2019. A cross-sectional population survey based on a complex multistage stratified cluster sampling design. The sample frame of the survey is the population of Dubai. Sampling weights were used for this study to account for sampling design. The total eligible sample included 2,530 adults (include both Emirati and non-Emirati who are 18+). HTN and PHTN were operationally defined according to the diagnostic cut-off points of the WHO criteria [3]. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with HTN and PHTN. Results: The overall prevalence of HTN in adults was 32.5% (38.37% in males and 16.66% in females). PHTN was prevalent in 29.8% of adults in Dubai (28.85% in males and 32.31% in females). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age groups, gender, occupations, and high Body Mass Index of the participants were significantly associated with a higher risk of HTN. Males, obese and participants enrolled in skilled and service works had higher risk of HTN, compared with the reference groups. For the correlates of PHTN in the present analysis, skilled and service workers and overweight individuals were associated with a higher prevalence of PHTN. Conclusions: his study showed a high prevalence of HTN and PHTN among adults in Dubai. Some socio-demographic and behavioral risk factors were identified as correlates of HTN and PHTN. Interventions aiming at increasing public awareness about such risk factors are essential. It is important to reallocate the healthcare services and resources to the groups of higher need among adults in Dubai.

The Improvement of User Satisfaction for Two Urban Parks in Dubai, UAE: Bay Avenue Park and Al Ittihad Park

The population of Dubai has increased dramatically in the last 40 years. Along with social changes, neighborhood parks are becoming increasingly important for enhancing the residents’ quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the physical environment of parks and investigate park users’ satisfaction in neighborhood parks of Dubai. After defining the park and surrounding environment for access, a field survey was performed at Bay Avenue Park and Al Ittihad Park. The data for analysis were collected from the Department of Geographical Information System (GIS) Center at Dubai Municipality. The results show that the standard duration was 60–90 min, and the walking/driving time was 10–20 min. “Children Facility” and “Various Attractions” were low in both parks. The statistical results of multiple regression analysis of the derived factors and satisfaction show that Bay Avenue Park influenced satisfaction in the surrounding environment for access, pedestrian space, park facility, convenience and comfort of the park, and various attractions and activities. Furthermore, Al Ittihad Park influenced satisfaction in pedestrian space, green landscape, surrounding environment for access, park facilities, and safe access. Therefore, factors such as park facilities, surrounding environment for access, and pedestrian space were analyzed to affect satisfaction in both parks. The analysis of the surrounding environment for access factors using GIS would methodologically help determine priorities for future improvements around parks. However, this study is limited by the scope and investigation period of the target parks, and detailed factors related to the surrounding environment for access are also not evaluated.

Prevalence of Depressive Disorders and Associated Factors among Adult Population of Dubai 2019

Background: Globally, depressive disorders are one of the leading causes of ill mental health and disability affecting about 1 in 4 people at some point in their lives. Population-level data on depressive disorders in the region are sparse yet essential for health sectors. This is the first population estimate for the prevalence of depressive disorders and associated factors in Dubai. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders and the associated factors among adults aged ≥18 years in the Emirate of Dubai 2019. Method: This is a complex-design cross-sectional population survey targeting Dubai residents aged ≥18 years. This study was part of the Dubai Household Survey 2019 (DHHS-2019). The total number of participants was 2,244, with a response rate of 91.6%. The design was a 2-stage stratified cluster sample. Trained investigators conducted computer-assisted face-to-face interviews using the World Health Survey questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screening. Analysis was design-based adjusting for weight, primary sampling unit, and stratum. Results: The overall prevalence of depressive disorders was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6%–3.4%). Screening revealed 1.9% (95% CI: 1.2%–2.9%) of participants were positive for depressive disorders, with no prior diagnosis constituting approximately 74% of the depressed. Factors associated with depression were adjusted using logistic regression and revealed significantly higher odds of depressive disorders among the following: unmarried (single, divorced, and widowed) comparing to married (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–6.3) and smokers than nonsmokers (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4–8.0). Employment was found to be a protective factor and reduced the odds of having depressive disorders by 80% comparing to unemployed (OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.7). Moreover, those suffering from health conditions had higher odds for having depressive disorders, such as chest pain (OR: 20.2, 95% CI: 5.5–74.8), history of tuberculosis (TB) (OR: 12.6, 95% CI: 2.1–76.8), and history of stroke (OR: 22.5, 95% CI: 6.8–74.2). Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive disorders was relatively low in Dubai compared to most countries. However, approximately 74% of individuals with depression were undiagnosed, indicating the need for screening programs. The odds of having depressive disorders were significantly higher among unmarried, unemployed, smokers, and those with a history of TB and stroke.

A hypertension risk score for adults: a population-based cross-sectional study from the Dubai Household Survey 2019.

OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to develop a risk score model for predicting hypertension specific to the population of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to facilitate prevention and early intervention.METHODSA retrospective analysis of data from the Dubai Household Health Survey 2019 was conducted. Demographic and physical parameters, as well as blood glucose levels, were included in the data. The risk factors for hypertension were identified using bivariate analysis. A risk score model was developed using the enter method, where all significant predictors of hypertension in bivariate analyses were entered in a single step with the primary outcome of hypertension status (yes/no). The model was validated internally by splitting the data into Emirati and non-Emirati populations.RESULTSA total of 2,533 subjects were studied. The significant risk factors for hypertension identified were male sex, older age (≥40 years), education level, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidaemia. The model showed a high discrimination ability between individuals with and without hypertension, with an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.79), excellent sensitivity (81.0%; 95% CI, 71.9 to 88.2) and moderate specificity (56.0%; 95% CI, 45.7 to 65.9).CONCLUSIONSThe model developed by this study is simple, convenient, and based on readily available demographic and medical characteristics. This risk score model could support initial hypertension screening and provide an effective tool for targeted lifestyle counselling and prevention programs.

The Socio-Demographic Characteristics Associated with Non-Communicable Diseases among the Adult Population of Dubai: Results from Dubai Household Survey 2019.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. In the UAE, NCDs account for nearly 77% of all deaths. There is limited empirical research on this topic in the UAE. We aimed to examine the association of non-communicable diseases and the sociodemographic characteristics among the adult population of Dubai. Methods: The study used secondary data from the Dubai Household Health Survey (DHHS), 2019. DHHS is a cross-sectional complex design, stratified by geographic area, and uses multistage probability sampling. In this survey, 2247 families were interviewed and only adults aged 18+ were included for the analysis. The quasi-binomial distribution was used to identify the socio-demographic characteristics association with NCDs. Results: The prevalence of NCDs among the adult population of Dubai was 15.01%. Individuals aged 60+, local Arabs (Emirati), divorced and widowed individuals, and individuals who were not currently working reported NCDs more than the other groups. In the regression analysis, the association with NCDs were reported among elderly people, males, unmarried individuals, older individuals who are unmarried, and Emiratis. Conclusion: The study identified several socio-demographic characteristics associated with reporting NCDs. This is one of the few studies related to NCDs in Dubai. Allocating appropriate resources to the population groups identified is crucial to reduce the incidence of NCDs in the Emirate.

Trends, patterns, and incidence rate of seasonal influenza among Dubai population and some associated factors, 2017-2-19

Background: WHO estimates that seasonal influenza may result in 290 000-650 000 deaths each year due to respiratory diseases alone. In addition, affected more than 10% of total population annually worldwide, Seasonal influenza is highly contagious disease; spreads easily, with rapid transmission in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes. Objectives: To Study incidence rate, trends and patterns of seasonal influenza among Dubai population for the period 2017-2019, to Study some of the associated factors. Materials & Subjects: A retrospective records review study was carried out of convenience sample of 29158 confirmed seasonal influenza case reported in Emirate of Dubai for the period 2017-2019. All age groups, genders, nationalities, occupations, education and seasons were considered. Findings: The study showed that 53.42% of total seasonal influenza cases were among male groups in Dubai, almost 50% % of the cases were among age group less than 15 years old, and almost one quarter of cases were among the age group between 30-40 years old, the present study showed that 54.37% were among Asian groups, 14.59% of the seasonal influenza incidence in Dubai during 2017-2019 were among Emirati population and 18.79% were among Arabs groups .As per occupation, the study showed that 30.74% of total seasonal influenza cases were among students in Dubai, on the other hand the study revealed that 84.53% of the total seasonal influenza cases during 2017-2019 were handled at outpatient level, yet 15.47% were sever enough cases to be admitted and treated at inpatient facilities. Incidence rate per 100000 population were increased respectively from 2017 through out 2019 (168, 297,466). The study revealed as well that the rate as per nationality the seasonal influenza incidence rate in Dubai from 2017=2019 650/100000 among Jordanian living in Dubai,, almost 50% % of the cases were among age group less than 15 years old, and almost one quarter of cases were among the age group between 30-40 years old, the present study showed that 54.37% were among Asian groups, 14.59% of the seasonal influenza incidence in Dubai during 2017-2019 were among Emirati population and 19.71% were among Arabs groups . The study showed that 30.74% of total seasonal influenza were students in Dubai, 84.53% of the total seasonal influenza cases during 2017-2019 were managed at outpatient. yet 15.47% were sever enough cases to be admitted and treated at inpatient level of different health care facilities in Dubai. Incidence among Egyptian was 557/100000, while among Emirates, 325 /100000, Incidence rate of seasonal influenza 2017-2019 according to age distributions showed that 30.7%among students, and 7.8%among children preschool age, and 5.22%among housewives. The present study showed that the incidence rate of seasonal influenza in Dubai in 2017-2019 as per moth distributions was the highest, 21.4%in November followed by 18.2%in December, and the least was 2%in July. Conclusions: incidence rate of seasonal influenza in Dubai keep increasing during the last three years, the highest rates significantly come from children segment of population specially students and elderly group as well, the period from October to end of February of each years.

Genotype-phenotype correlation identified a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant possibly linked to severe disease.

The geographic location and heterogeneous multi‐ethnic population of Dubai (United Arab Emirates; UAE) provide a unique setting to explore the global molecular epidemiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 and relationship between different viral strains and disease severity. We systematically selected (i.e. every 100th individual in the central Dubai COVID‐19 database) 256 patients by age, sex, disease severity and month to provide a representative sample of laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients (nasopharyngeal swab PCR positive) during the first wave of the UAE outbreak (January to June 2020). Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records and full SARS‐CoV‐2 genome sequences extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs were analysed. Older age was significantly associated with COVID‐19‐associated hospital admission and mortality. Overweight/obese or diabetic patients were 3–4 times more likely to be admitted to hospital and intensive care unit (ICU). Sequencing data showed multiple independent viral introductions into the UAE from Europe, Iran and Asia (29 January–18 March), and these early strains seeded significant clustering consistent with almost exclusive community‐based transmission between April and June 2020. Majority of sequenced strains (N = 60, 52%) were from the European cluster consistent with the higher infectivity rates associated with the D614G mutation carried by most strains in this cluster. A total of 986 mutations were identified in 115 genomes, 272 were unique (majority were missense, n = 134) and 20/272 mutations were novel. A missense (Q271R) and synonymous (R41R) mutation in the S and N proteins, respectively, were identified in 2/27 patients with severe COVID‐19 but not in patients with mild or moderate disease (0/86; p = .05, Fisher's Exact Test). Both patients were women (51–64 years) with no significant underlying health conditions. The same two mutations were identified in a healthy 37‐year‐old Indian man who was hospitalized in India due to COVID‐19. Our findings provide evidence for continued community‐based transmission of the European strains in the Dubai population and highlight new mutations that might be associated with severe disease in otherwise healthy adults.

Trends, Patterns, and Incidence Rate of Season al Influenza among Dubai Population and Some Associated Factors, 2017-2-19

Trends, Patterns, and Incidence Rate of Season al Influenza among Dubai Population and Some Associated Factors, 2017-2-19

Genetic Diversity Evaluated through Mt-DNA COI Gene among Population of the Thenus unimaculatus in the Indo West Pacific Region

The Thenus species are the most inexpensively significant catch component of demersal trawl shrimp fisheries in the Indo West Pacific region. Previously inadequate specimens of T. unimaculatus identified from India, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Spain and Mozambique. In the present study genetic diversity of T. unimaculatus based on mt-DNA COI gene sequences in the Indo-West Pacific region evaluated through nucleotide diversity, haplotype and networking analysis of haplotype, mismatch and AMOVA analysis). For the molecular analysis sequences procured from Pakistan and also obtained from Genbank, out of 50 sequences 24 different haplotypes have identified. The haplotype two (n13, 26%) expressed as an ancestral haplotype shared with India, Pakistan and Dubai population. In the current study, the neutrality test Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs statistics were negative whereas the mismatch distribution analysis expected under the recent expansion model. The value for SSD and Raggedness index were non-significant that indicates that the T. unimaculatus population at range expansion in the Indo Pacific region. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and FST statistics, contingency analysis of spatial distribution of haplotype frequencies revealed that significant genetic variation among the inhabitant and the gene flow present in the population of T. unimaculatus in the Indo Pacific region.

Mental Health Reflections and Self-Rating at Population Contexts and Paradigms

Background: Depression is a major source of distress and can have a profound impact on the quality of life and consider leading cause of death and morbidity. Early treatment and identification of depression reduces the burden on caregivers and family member along with medical costs. About 3% of the global population proved to be affected by depressive disorders currently according to global statistics. People are most likely to develop their first depressive episode between the ages of 30-40. There is a second, smaller peak of incidence between ages of 50-60 years. Objectives: The main goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression in people living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Methodology: Community based-study was conducted in 2019 with the use of a cross-sectional, multistage, stratified, cluster random sample. Families were visited and interviewed at their homes. Data was collected by adapted tool from the World Health Survey and developed by WHO. 2532 families were interviewed by approximately 100 well trained data collectors 25 nurses. Results: The present study showed that the prevalence of depressive disorder among Adults aged 18 and above was 2.1 %. This fluctuates between 2.3% for females and 2% for males. The estimated number of adults who were affected by depressive disorder was 54,733 who age 18 years and above. Out of all clients having depressive disorder, only 19% were diagnosed. While approximately 81% did not realize that they were suffering from a depressive disorder. The results show the depression prevalence was 4.7% for local clients compared to 2% for non-local clients. Conclusions: Depression tends to adversely impact individual’s quality of life. Males are less likely to suffer from depression than females and UAE nationals more than expatriate. Depressive disorders among Dubai population is not uncommon, in spite of revealing the lowest level of global depressive rating, it does reflect significant public health implications which necessitate effective containment strategies.

The Prevalence of Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes among the Dubai Population: Findings from Dubai Household Health Surveys, 2014 and 2017

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing a considerable burden on health systems and societies as it affects both individuals and their families and has a large impact on the economic and social development of a country. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes among the Dubai population and associations with diabetes risk factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional Diabetes Household Survey was carried out in the Emirates of Dubai during 2017 as a complementary stage of the Dubai Household Survey, 2014, which was a randomly selected, multistage, stratified, cluster survey. The sampling technique was selected to assess the rates of undiagnosed diabetes as well as the rates of pre-diabetes through screening with HbA1c. The size of the 2017 survey sample was estimated at 300 individuals for Emirati and 300 for non-Emirati. An additional 200 individuals were added to address non-response cases. These were added to those who were identified as diabetics in the 2014 Household Health Survey and then weighted to give a representative sample for the Dubai population. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of diabetes in Dubai among UAE nationals was 19%, and it was 14.7% for expats. Consequently, the overall prevalence of diabetes in Dubai is 15.2%. Undiagnosed diabetes was 10% in UAE nationals and 10.9% in expats. Pre-diabetes in UAE national males was lower than in females, although this pattern was not observed among expats. Younger age, normal weight, and exercise were associated with lower rates of diabetes and pre-diabetes in UAE nationals and expats. Hypertension was associated with higher rates of diabetes regardless of nationality. Conclusions: The study concluded that the prevalence of diabetes among the Dubai population is alarmingly high and that a large proportion of the population are not aware of their diagnosis. A higher prevalence of diabetes is associated with multiple factors, such as age, male gender, hypertension, higher BMI, lack of exercise, and lower level or no education, as well as a family history of diabetes mellitus. Many of these factors can be easily modified, which could lead to a decrease in the burden of the disease.

Dubai’s Private K-12 Education Sector: In Search of Bilingual Education

United Arab Emirates nationals (‘Emiratis’) constitute less than 10% of the resident population of Dubai. Despite having access to free education in the public sector, where Arabic is the medium of instruction, more Emirati families in Dubai choose to enrol their children in private schools (specifically English-medium schools) than public ones, believing that they offer better teaching and learning, better English instruction, and better school leadership. There is growing concern among policy makers and Emirati parents that young Emiratis are in danger of becoming detached from their national language and culture. The regulatory authority for private schools, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), is encouraging the private sector to explore bilingual educational models. This study seeks to establish the type of Arabic-English bilingual educational model that would suit the needs of Emirati families, and to explore the circumstances in which it can take root in Dubai’s private K-12 sector. The design follows a mixed methods sequential two-phased design utilising multiple sources of data generated through: written essays by a sample of 12 Emirati students selected from two schools (the qualitative phase), and a questionnaire directed at a broader set of Emirati students (the quantitative phase). Findings suggest a model built on four core principles: (1) explicit mention of bilingualism as a stated goal; (2) the use of both Arabic and English as mediums of instruction, with subjects divided more or less equally between them; (3) the deployment of first language Arabic and English teachers in equal measure or, alternatively, the utilisation of bilingual teachers; and (4) the promotion and use of Arabic in everyday tasks, both at home and in school. The findings also advocate that the model could assume any of multiple variants of Baker’s (2011) four strong bilingual types: immersion, maintenance, dual language, or mainstream. To bring the model to fruition the government of Dubai should consider investing in the initial training and retraining of Emirati teachers with the end goal that these teachers should populate Dubai’s Arabic-English bilingual schools, while also partially funding scholarship programmes that would encourage Emirati parents to select bilingual schools over other types.

Etiological spectrum of vertigo and dizziness: Clinic-based study from a specialty medical center in Dubai

Dizziness is a common complaint in neurological outpatients. Vestibular disorders are the most common cause of dizziness. There are few studies quantifying the frequency of vestibular disorders in Dubai population. The aim of this study is to report the etiological spectrum of vertigo and dizziness from a vertigo specialty clinic in Dubai. The study was conducted at Vertigo clinic, equipped with Video-oculography (VOG). All the consecutive patients suffering from dizziness visiting the Vertigo clinic in the last three months were included in the study. Detailed history taking and neurotological examination was performed in every patient. VOG, Neuroimaging studies and other investigations were done when it was felt appropriate. During the 3-month study period, 222 patients [141 males and 81 females, mean age 38 years, range 19–83 years] were enrolled in the study. The most frequent (Fig.1) causes were vestibular migraine (43.2%)- [definite:44.8% probable:55.2%] and BPPV (19.8%). This was followed by Meniere’s disease (7.2%) and persistent-postural-phobic dizziness (4.9% alone and 6.7% co-morbid). Other causes included: psychiatric causes (4%), acute unilateral vestibulopathy (3.1%), post-traumatic dizziness (3.1%), vestibular paroxysmia (2.7%), stroke (2.2%), drug-induced (1.3%), multiple sclerosis (0.45%) and other disorders (3.1%). In 4.5% of patients no cause could be established. Vestibular migraine is one of the most common cause of dizziness and vertigo. This is probably the largest study of Vertigo patients in Dubai population. The etiological spectrum of vertigo seen in this study is similar to the spectrum reported from other countries.

Household approach to health related behavioral risks and life patterns among Dubai population

Background Evidence based practice revealed that health related behavioral risks and lifestyle factors significantly contributed to certain Non Communicable Diseases NCDs such as diabetes mellitus cardiovascular illnesses and some types of cancer Objectives To study the prevalence and profile of health related behavioral risks factors includes tobacco use physical activity obesity amp overweight as well as healthy food consumption among a representative sample of Dubai population Methodology Dubai HouseholdHealth Survey was carried out in as a cross sectional multistage stratified cluster survey Houses were visited to obtain detailed information on the different health related issues About families were randomly selected by stratified cluster sampling techniques With a response rate of the final sample equals to individuals The design and methodology of the survey were adapted from those used in the World Bank rsquo s Living Standards Measurement Surveys LSMS and the World Health Organization rsquo s World Health Surveys WHS Data collection was made by well trained researchers and well trained nurses The duration of data collection lasted to working days under strict technical and administrative procedure Data was collected electronically using well calipered tablets Data entry coding cleaning weighing and analysis have been carried out using the SPSS program Findings The present study revealed that among the respondents were males and were Emirati The study showed that proportion of current smoker was it was for males and for females The survey findings underlined a suboptimal intake of fruits and vegetables in the Dubai population Overall of the sample reported consuming a fruit ndash times a day At the same context of the survey population took a vegetable to times a day In concern with the physical activities an alarming high prevalence of physical inactivity among the sampled population of Dubai was observed with of them didn rsquo t perform vigorous intensity activities other than those done as part of work considered inactive In addition only of the survey population did moderate intensity activities for at least minutes at a time as part of work ndash days per week and hence considered inactive Conclusions Multiple behavioral risk factors were significantly highlighted among Dubai Population pointing out physical in activity at the population level high consumption of non healthy food and high levels of tobacco use This indicates true epidemiological transition which necessitate aggressive multidimensional interventions and policy actions

Prevalence of, and factors associated with health supplement use in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: a population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealth supplement (HS) products that are available in the Emirate of Dubai (United Arab Emirates; UAE) contain chemicals that may adversely affect human health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with HS consumption, knowledge, related adverse events, and reporting practices of adverse events amongst the general population in Dubai, UAE.MethodsA cross-sectional household telephone survey using a computer-assisted questionnaire was conducted amongst a random representative sample (n = 1203) of the Dubai population that assessed HS use and knowledge. Dependent variables were supplement use and reports of adverse events while independent variables included socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with HS use.ResultsAmong the 1203 participants in this study, 455 (37.8%) reported ever using HS. Amongst ever-users, reasons for use were to improve health (66.1%), for bodybuilding (9.9%), disease prevention (6.8%), and weight management (5.3%). The majority of users purchased their HS from pharmacies (88.4%) or were prescribed HS (46.6%). Vitamins were the most commonly used HS (87.9%) followed by minerals (10.5%) and sports nutrition products (10.5%). Only 2.9% of users experienced an adverse event associated with HS use which all resolved when the HS was discontinued. Only three of those affected reported the incident. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HS use was independently associated with female gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 3.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26–4.70), higher income (AOR 2.41, 95% CI: 1.20–4.83), being a past-smoker (AOR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.27–4.48), having an allergy (AOR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.14–2.66), more frequent doctor visits (AOR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.02–3.39), taking prescribed medications (AOR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04–2.06), and knowledge about HS (AOR 3.91, 95% CI: 2.26–6.76).ConclusionsOur study provides the first population-based estimates of HS use and HS-related adverse events in the Gulf region. Adverse events associated with HS are infrequent and this may be due to the well-developed regulatory framework in Dubai and the high level of knowledge amongst consumers who mainly consume vitamins and minerals on the advice of pharmacists or healthcare professionals.

Mortalities Profile among Dubai Population 2017, Utilizing Breakdown Fractions for Intervention and Forecasting of Future Epidemiologic Transition - Dubai, UAE 2019

Background: Mortalities and morbidities are recognized as a major statistics for health and disease measurements at any given population setting. Health care system performance is often linked to morbidity and mortality measurement as a direct quantitative outcome, Objectives: To study the mortality distribution among Dubai population. To study future interventions and forecasting of population mortalities in Dubai. Methodology: A retrospective record review of the Dubai Annual Statistical Report for the year 2017 has been carried out. All secondary data collected from 2008- 2017 related to outpatient and inpatient visits at Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health Care City, Ministry of Health and private sector facilities in Dubai were included. Results: The current study revealed that almost one third of mortalities among Dubai Population or 30.4% were due to cardiovascular relevant causes. While 11.3% of mortalities was due to respiratory related diseases such as Pneumonia, COPD and others 6.9% were injuries related mortalities, 19.8% were neoplastic related diseases, 6.4% were accounted to perinatal period diseases and 1.2% were due to septicemia.. Conclusions: Mortality interventions and forecasting in the Population of Dubai can be made through Projections that represents a set of three visions for the future population health, based on certain explicit assumptions. Although, the wide uncertainty ranges around future projections, they enable health care system decision and policy makers to appreciate better the implications for health and health policy of currently observed trends, and the likely impact of future trends, such as the ageing population.

Prevalence of vestibular migraine in Dubai

Introduction: A vast number of adult persons suffering from vertigo associated with migraine are reported on a daily clinical practice. However, clinical identification of VM still remains hindered in Dubai due to dearth of agreement in diagnostic criteria. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of VM in the general population of Dubai. Methods: A total of 218 adult persons who visited outpatient otolaryngology and rhinology clinic in a given year 2017 with a complaint of vertigo were retrospectively studied and accounted in research. Further, labelling of each person was done based on the presented symptoms. Results and Discussion: To calculate the prevalence of VM, total number of each diagnosis was counted and was further subjected to a formula to calculate prevalence. Out of the 218 persons considered in the study, 30 were diagnosed with migraine (2 persons with migraine alone and 28 persons with VM). This accounts to a prevalence of 0.9% migraine alone and 12.8% VM in a clinical setting for 1 year. Conclusion: The high prevalence of VM in a clinical setup for 1 year hints toward the need for careful diagnosis of a person.

Prevalence, Trend, Determinanants and Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorders among Dubai population, Diagnostic approach and management contexts

Prevalence, Trend, Determinanants and Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorders among Dubai population, Diagnostic approach and management contexts

Knowledge of warning signs, presenting symptoms and risk factors of coronary heart disease among the population of Dubai and Northern Emirates in UAE: a cross-sectional study.

Background: To evaluate the level of knowledge regarding warning signs, presenting symptoms and risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) among population of Dubai and Northern Emirates in UAE. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey of 1367 residents of Dubai and Northern Emirates was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Respondents were classified into two groups: Young Adult Population (YAP; 18-24 years of age) and General Population (GP; 25 years and older). Majority of participants were males (56.7%) and of South Asian (57.5%) or Middle-Eastern (30.8%) ethnicity. Regarding presenting symptoms of CHD, chest pain was identified by around 80% of population, whereas pain in the left shoulder was recognized by 61% of GP and 44% of YAP. Atypical symptoms were poorly identified. Regarding risk factors, only one-fourth population knew that males were at higher risk compared to premenopausal females. Few knew that the risk increases in females after menopause and that the risk is higher for females who smoke and use oral contraceptives. 62% knew that the survivors of a heart attack are at high risk of recurrences. Except for tobacco smoke, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, knowledge of other risk factors was not satisfactory. Older adults and females had comparatively higher level of knowledge. Conclusion: Knowledge level of many of the symptoms and risk factors of CHD is unsatisfactory. There is, therefore, a need to increase the awareness in the population of UAE. The knowledge gaps identified through this study can be addressed through health campaigns to increase the awareness about warning signs, symptoms and modifiable risk factors. .