Hospital In United Arab Emirates Research Articles

Evaluation of Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring Systems in UAE Hospitals

Abstract Introduction/Objective Introduction: Hand hygiene (HH) compliance is pivotal in preventing infections in healthcare settings, necessitating robust monitoring systems. This abstract outlines the assessment of three electronic HH monitoring systems across four United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospitals. Methods/Case Report Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in four UAE governmental hospitals, evaluating three HH monitoring systems. Sensors were strategically positioned on alcohol-based dispensers, healthcare workers’ ID badges, and patients’ beds in these systems. Additionally, a comparative analysis was performed between direct observation data and automated system data. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: System 1 was evaluated at Hospitals A and B, revealing HH compliance rates of 65% and 46%, respectively, contrasting with direct observation rates of 88% and 80%. Hospital C assessed System 2, reporting a compliance rate of 70%, compared to direct observation’s 94%. System 3, evaluated at Hospital D, showed a compliance rate of 39%, in contrast to the 88% observed directly. Conclusion Conclusion: While electronic monitoring systems offer continuous surveillance and data analysis benefits, they also present limitations. These include challenges in accurately distinguishing HH indications and opportunities, identifying all required HH moments, and capturing technique nuances. Understanding these strengths and limitations is vital for healthcare institutions aiming to implement effective HH monitoring strategies to enhance patient safety and reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAI

Abstract #1604700: A Heterozygous LDLR Mutation in 2 Young Siblings Presenting to a Tertiary Children’s Hospital in United Arab Emirates

Abstract #1604700: A Heterozygous LDLR Mutation in 2 Young Siblings Presenting to a Tertiary Children’s Hospital in United Arab Emirates

Development and feasibility of an educational module on medication reconciliation for hospital pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates: a pilot study

Abstract Background The practice of medication reconciliation by pharmacists is minimal in United Arab Emirates hospitals. Objectives To design an educational module for pharmacists on medication reconciliation and assess its feasibility. Methods The study consisted of three parts: A pre-educational module survey using a validated knowledge, perception, practice, and barriers questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.78), delivery of the educational module, and participants’ feedback. An educational module (general introduction to medication reconciliation, what is medication reconciliation, how to do medication reconciliation, and practicing medication reconciliation) was developed based on Miller’s pyramid and validated by three experts and pilot-tested. The knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists were evaluated by comparing pre-post educational module survey results. Results The module influenced the participants’ knowledge and perception of medication reconciliation. All of the participants gave ‘positive’ feedback on the intervention and the methodology applied, and they agreed on the need for training and workshops related to medication reconciliation. In addition, all ‘agreed’ that a lack of knowledge about medication reconciliation is the biggest barrier to medication reconciliation practices. The results further illustrated that all pharmacists had a ‘positive’ experience and ‘agreed strongly’ on understanding the majority of the content. Conclusion This study was successful in answering the research question by enrolling suitable participants, managing the timeline, and possessing resources for completing the study and hence considered feasible. This module can be utilized in continuous professional development programs to improve pharmacists’ knowledge, perceptions, and practice toward the medication reconciliation process aiming to reduce drug therapy-related problems in hospital settings.

EP14.22: Outcome of monochorionic‐diamniotic twin pregnancies: a retrospective study in tertiary maternity hospital in United Arab Emirates

EP14.22: Outcome of monochorionic‐diamniotic twin pregnancies: a retrospective study in tertiary maternity hospital in United Arab Emirates

115.5: Impact of implementation standard donor management protocol on the organ donation and procurement in a large tertiary care hospital in United Arab Emirates: Lessons learnt.

115.5: Impact of implementation standard donor management protocol on the organ donation and procurement in a large tertiary care hospital in United Arab Emirates: Lessons learnt.

Cardiovascular health research priorities in the United Arab Emirates.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and have been prioritized for intervention by healthcare authorities and clinicians. To identify clinically relevant research priorities for the treatment and prevention of CVDs in the UAE. This study used the nominal group technique to identify CVD-related research priorities. Participants were 37 experts from UAE hospitals, academic and research institutions, CVD associations, and paramedical organizations. Initially, 138 research topics were suggested by participating experts. These topics were then refined to identify the most important research priorities related to CVD prevention and treatment. The top research priority areas were: development of evidence-based, customized algorithms for CVD prevention and in-hospital emergency interventions; the availability, accessibility, and affordability of CVD treatment and rehabilitation; identification of relationships between CVDs, lifestyle factors, and mental health; efficacy and constraints in the management of cardiac emergencies; and epidemiological studies that trace CVD in the UAE. The identified research priorities will guide a more informed research program for CVD treatment and prevention in the UAE. Funding opportunities and support for researchers should be prioritized for these identified research areas.

The Impact of Hospital Demographic Factors on Total Quality Management Implementation: A Case Study of UAE Hospitals

Aim: Maintaining service quality and value using quality and management tools is crucial in any organization. In essence, improving service quality boosts both efficiency of organizations and consumer pleasure. The deployment of quality development programs such as Total Quality Management (TQM) is one technique that businesses may employ to deliver exceptional customer service. The health sector, in particular, is one of the industries that require TQM adoption due to its complexity and the need for constant service improvement. TQM helps to improve service quality in health facilities through advanced clinical and administrative procedures. This research comprehensively assesses TQM levels and the impact of hospital demographics on its implementation process in hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: The study used a quantitative research strategy based on a survey study design. Questionnaires were used to gather primary data from respondents deployed a self-administered technique. 1850 questionnaires were delivered to the hospital's senior staff based on their number in each hospital. Of the 1850 questionnaires distributed, 1238 usable questionnaires were analyzed, yielding a response rate of 66.9%. The study used a binary logistic regression model to determine if hospital demographics affected TQM implementation. The study data were examined and analysed using version 25.0 of the SPSS software. Results: The results show that most of the health facilities with an overall TQM between 4.12 and 4.82 were utilized, governmental, accredited and utilized and large hospitals, while the hospitals with a mean between 2.91 and 3.45 were small, unaccredited private, and non-specialised. Thus, large hospitals have a higher TQM utilization rate than small hospitals. In addition, the findings of the t-test revealed that a high TQM is represented by means of 4.68, 4.67, 4.43, and 4.12 for accredited, utilized, governmental and large hospitals. The binary regression analysis also reveals similar results: large, governmental, utilized and accredited hospitals have greater chances of TQM adoption than other categories of hospitals (Exp (B): 1.2; 95%CI: 1.001 – 1.421, P< .05); (Exp (B): 1.3; 95%CI: 1.012 – 1.721, P< .05); (Exp (B): 1.5; 95%CI: 1.127 – 2.051, P< .01); and (Exp (B): 1.5; 95%CI: 1.102 – 2.012, P< .05); correspondingly. Another observation from the results is that hospitals that implemented technological tools had a greater chance of successfully executing the TQM program than hospitals that did not utilize advanced technologies due to the limited availability of resources (Exp (B): 1.7; 95%CI: 1.332 – 2.187, P< .01). Conclusion: Even though health facilities need to adopt TQM, its implementation depends on the hospital size and demographics that significantly influence the adoption of TQM programs. However, this study will help bridge the current gap on the usage of TQM in the health context by examine the influence of demographic factors on adopting TQM in hospitals. Hence, provide adequate information to help the UAE hospital administrators appropriately execute the TQM program in the hospitals and enhance the efficacy of their operations.

Identification of novel differentially expressed genes in type 1 diabetes mellitus complications using transcriptomic profiling of UAE patients: a multicenter study

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that mainly affects children and young adults. It is associated with debilitating and long-life complications. Therefore, understanding the factors that lead to the onset and development of these complications is crucial. To our knowledge this is the first study that attempts to identify the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in T1DM complications using whole transcriptomic profiling in United Arab Emirates (UAE) patients. The present multicenter study was conducted in different hospitals in UAE including University Hospital Sharjah, Dubai Hospital and Rashid Hospital. A total of fifty-eight Emirati participants aged above 18 years and with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 were recruited and forty-five of these participants had a confirmed diagnosis of T1DM. Five groups of complications associated with the latter were identified including hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, ketoacidosis, hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A comprehensive whole transcriptomic analysis using NGS was conducted. The outcomes of the study revealed the common DEGs between T1DM without complications and T1DM with different complications. The results revealed seven common candidate DEGs, SPINK9, TRDN, PVRL4, MYO3A, PDLIM1, KIAA1614 and GRP were upregulated in T1DM complications with significant increase in expression of SPINK9 (Fold change: 5.28, 3.79, 5.20, 3.79, 5.20) and MYO3A (Fold change: 4.14, 6.11, 2.60, 4.33, 4.49) in hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, ketoacidosis, hypothyroidism and PCOS, respectively. In addition, functional pathways of ion transport, mineral absorption and cytosolic calcium concentration were involved in regulation of candidate upregulated genes related to neuropathy, ketoacidosis and PCOS, respectively. The findings of this study represent a novel reference warranting further studies to shed light on the causative genetic factors that are involved in the onset and development of T1DM complications.

Outcome of pregnancies with first-trimester increased nuchal translucency and cystic hygroma in a tertiary maternity hospital in United Arab Emirates.

To study the outcome of pregnancies with first-trimester increased nuchal translucency and cystic hygromas. Retrospective study of 132 pregnancies with first-trimester increased nuchal translucency and cystic hygromas, between January 2015 to December 2018 at Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Fetal karyotyping, detailed ultrasound at 18-22 weeks and fetal echocardiography were offered to all women. Adverse outcomes included miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, termination of pregnancy, neonatal death and structural abnormalities. Of the 132 pregnancies, 13 had NT > 95th percentile, 89 had NT ≥3 mm and 30 had cystic hygroma. Among 13 pregnancies with NT > 95th centile, 7.6% had abnormal karyotype. Among 89 pregnancies with NT ≥3 mm, 29.2% had abnormal karyotype, 13.4% miscarriage, 7.8% underwent TOP, 5.6% intrauterine fetal death, 1.1% neonatal death and 14.6% had structural abnormalities. Among 30 pregnancies with cystic hygroma, 40% had abnormal karyotype, 20% miscarriage, 13.3% TOP, 13.3% intrauterine fetal death, 6.6% had neonatal death and 20% had structural abnormalities. In our study, karyotype abnormalities increased with increasing nuchal translucency with highest risk in fetuses with cystic hygromas. Increased nuchal translucency was associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, which was higher in the group with NT≥6 mm and cystic hygromas.

Choice of Antimicrobials in Surgical Prophylaxis - Overuse and Surgical Site Infection Outcomes from a Tertiary-Level Care Hospital.

Background: This study was aimed to describe the choice of Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis at a tertiary-level care hospital in United Arab Emirates. It also associated the choice between two leading antimicrobials for the SAP to the site of surgery. Methods: A descriptive drug use evaluation was performed retrospectively to study choices of antimicrobials in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used to develop a hypothesis regarding the choice of ceftriaxone. Data were collected from the medical records of Hospital from July 2020 to December 2020. Results were presented in numbers and percentages. Results: SAP data were collected from 199 patients, of which 159 were clean or clean-contaminated. Dirty surgeries (18) needed a higher level of antimicrobials as there were infections to be treated. For other surgeries with no infection, overuse of antimicrobials was found regarding the choice of antimicrobials. Surgical antibiotic Prophylaxis was administered within the recommended time prior to surgeries. Ceftriaxone was preferred over cefuroxime in all types of surgeries based on the timing of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis, wound classification, and the surgical site. A statistically significant association for choice of ceftriaxone over cefuroxime was found regarding surgical sites (p-value <0.05). About 99% of the patients were prescribed discharge antimicrobials when 158 (80%) surgeries were clean or clean-contaminated. Conclusion: Overuse of antimicrobials was found in surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis. Ceftriaxone was preferred more than cefuroxime in all types of surgeries. No surgical site infections were reported. A follow-up comparative study is recommended to decrease antimicrobial use without increasing risk of surgical site infection.

Truth Disclosure at the End of Life: A Qualitative Study of Internal Medicine Residents in the United Arab Emirates.

Respect for patient autonomy has become the guiding biomedical ethical tenet in the West; yet, moral values are contextual and culturally relevant. In the collectivist society of the Middle East, families and physicians have historically believed that concealing truth about a terminal illness is more ethical and compassionate. Recent studies reveal a trend toward truth disclosure. To gain insight into resident experiences with, and barriers to, truth disclosure in terminally ill patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Focus group interviews were conducted with first through fourth year internal medicine residents and recent graduates at two large academic medical centers in the UAE. Qualitative thematic content analysis was used to identify themes related to communication and truth telling in end-of-life care. Residents revealed that non-disclosure of medical information in serious illness is a common practice in UAE hospitals. Barriers to truth telling include family objection, deficits in medical training, and inconsistently implemented institutional guidelines. Educational and policy interventions are needed to improve physician-patient communication, decrease patient-family-physician tension, and alleviate trainee moral distress.

Improvement in body composition of adult postbariatric surgery patients at one-year follow-up at a public hospital in United Arab Emirates

Background: Data on postoperative follow-ups and bariatric surgery (BS) outcomes performed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are crucial for registry. This study assessed the one-year postoperative changes in body composition and metabolic profiles in BS patients. Methods: The medical and dietetics records of 51 adult patients who underwent BS in the largest public hospital in Sharjah, UAE were reviewed. Data on body weight and composition, as well as metabolic profile (blood glucose and lipid levels) from the initial until the last hospital visit were recorded. Results: The median (interquartile range) follow-up period was 6.0 (8.0) months. The patients had significant total weight loss [19.3 (12.6)%] and reduction in body mass index (BMI) [18.0 (13.6)%] of approximately 7 BMI points. Moreover, the patients’ body composition improved significantly; loss was the highest in fat mass [–30.9 (22.1)%] and the least in lean body mass [–8.6 (8.4)%]. There was a steady decline in all body composition variables with a longer duration of follow-up visits from 1–3 months to 10–12 months. The fat mass (–40.3%):lean body mass (–10.7%) loss ratio was 3.8:1 at 10–12 months. The patients’ metabolic status was normal during the last postoperative visit. Conclusions: Incremental improvements in body composition of patients were evident with longer follow-up visits up to one year after BS. Hence, patients should attend regular follow-up visits after BS. Moreover, accurate and complete documentations of medical and dietetics visits are mandated.

Prescription Patterns and Compliance with Antimicrobial Stewardship Team Recommendations Among Physicians in a Private Hospital in United Arab Emirates

Aim: To describe the prescription patterns and the compliance to antimicrobial stewardship team recommendations among physicians practicing at Al Zahra Private Hospital, Dubai. Methods: A point prevalence study of antimicrobial prescription between January 2020 to April 2020 in “Al-Zahra” private hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All patients aged &gt; 14 years who were prescribed at least one dose of antimicrobial agents were included with a total of 666 patients. Exclusion Criteria: Patients are seen in A/E and ambulatory care who did not stay overnight and those who received antimicrobials for perioperative or medical prophylaxis were excluded. Statistical Analysis: Statistical Analysis was done using excel program descriptive statistics were used to describe the baseline demographic data and clinical characteristics. Categorical variables are presented as counts and percentages, whereas continuous variables are presented as mean. Results: A total of 666 patients’ medical records were reviewed during January 2020 to April 2020. Respiratory tract infections were the most common diagnosis encountered (456/666), representing 68.5% in total. A total of 994 courses of antimicrobials were prescribed during the study period. Antimicrobial was considered 'appropriate' in 70.3% (979/1393), and ‘not indicated' in 19.7% (273/1393) of cases. In the remaining 10% of cases (141/1393), antimicrobial was indicated but required antimicrobial stewardship team (A.M.S) intervention. The compliance to accept antimicrobial stewardship team recommendations and change therapy accordingly in our study was only 32.6% (133/412) Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing is comparable to that found in other studies worldwide. However, the compliance with AMS recommendations is much lower than described in the literature.

Patterns of drug use and polypharmacy burden in chronic kidney disease patients: Anexperience from a secondary care hospital in United Arab Emirates.

To evaluate the patterns of drug use and polypharmacy burden in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was a prospective observational cohort study done in a secondary care hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). 130 CKD patients admitted under the care of nephrology in-patient department including those undergoing regular maintenance hemodialysis were included in the study. Electronic patient case records of CKD patients were studied and analyzed to evaluate drug use pattern and medication burden. The majority of the study patients were in CKD stage G5 (82.3%, 107/130). The median number of different drugs prescribed per patient was found to be 11.0. Negative binomial regression analysis revealed that CKD patients with more than 4 comorbidities were prescribed 1.27 times more than patients with ≤ 4 comorbidities (IRR: 1.273, p=0.017). Patients with dyslipidemia (IRR: 1.393, p < 0.001) and hyperphosphatemia (IRR: 1.189, p=0.048) as comorbid conditions were more likely to be prescribed a higher number of drugs than patients without these comorbid conditions. With every 1-day increase in length of hospital stay, the likelihood of drug prescription also increased 1.01 times (IRR: 1.01, p=0.040). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified older age (OR:1.07, p=0.004), higher number of comorbidities (OR: 9.58, p=0.011), comorbid conditions like dyslipidemia (OR: 43.7, p=0.001), and hyperphosphatemia (OR: 17.18, p=0.044) as independent predictors of polypharmacy in our study population. The study represents the current drug use pattern among CKD patients in a secondary care hospital in UAE. Study findings highlight that medication burden in CKD patients was high, and the majority of them were on polypharmacy.

Attributes of dysgeusia and anosmia of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients.

While chemosensory dysfunctions, dysgeusia and anosmia/hyposmia, are recognized as distinctive symptoms of COVID-19, their temporality of presentation and association with the patient age, gender, disease severity, and comorbidities has been sparsely studied. Hence, we evaluated the latter associations of chemosensory dysfunction, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Information on chemosensory dysfunction and history of chronic systemic comorbidities, if any, was obtained from 149 COVID-19 patients in an infectious disease hospital in UAE, using their medical records, as well as from a face-to-face questionnaire survey. Additionally, a modified SNOT-22 questionnaire that measures disease-specific quality of life in patients with upper respiratory tract affections was also administered. Chemosensory dysfunction was reported by 94.6% of the cohort, and anosmia with dysgeusia was significantly more in males than females with severe COVID-19. Males with moderate COVID-19 and systemic comorbidities were more likely to present with chemosensory dysfunction in comparison with females. SNOT-22 questionnaire revealed that nasal blockage and runny nose were more prevalent in mild/moderate, than in the severe, state of COVID-19. Our data confirm the commonality of chemosensory dysfunction during COVID-19 progression, and the significantly more pronounced combined dysfunction in males with severe COVID-19, and comorbidities.

TELEMEDICINE CLINIC FOR RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction: The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been a huge challenge for health care systems with an estimated mortality rate of 1.4%. Elderly population, oncology and immunocompromised patients are at high risks with variable severity of the disease. As the data regarding COVID-19 in transplant population is emerging and new insight need to directed toward reducing the risks and embracing new health care services and standards. Sharing such experience is fundamental for other health care systems to learn, adapt and innovate during this medically demanding period. We would like to shed a light on telemedicine service and innovative ways in dealing with renal transplant recipients in a tertiary hospital in United Arab Emirates. Method: We descripted our experience in dealing with outpatient services provided for renal transplant recipients during COVID-19 pandemic (Tawam Hospital, AlAin, UAE). The transition from clinic visit to telemedicine clinics, home delivery of medications and reducing risks of COVID-19 infection among such vulnerable patients. Results: More than 200 renal transplant recipients are following up regularly in our outpatient nephrology clinics. As the number of COVID-19 infected cases is increasing in UAE, rigorous measures at local, society and international levels have been implemented to contain and overcome this pandemic. Telemedicine clinics was considered a reasonable choice to reduce the follow of the renal transplant patients to hospital where they can acquire the infection. Scheduling of the patients, sending reminders, phone communication with nephrology consultant, laboratory orders and documentation on electronic health record were allocated. Medications prescribed was delivered to the patients’ home free of charge and some patients might be eligible for refill medications over 3 months. Renal transplant patients with abnormal laboratory results and/ or symptoms of respiratory infections that required medical attention will be directed to clinic or emergency visit. Pretransplantation workups were not performed. With national regulation of “Stay At Home” Initiative, renal transplant recipients were instructed to limit exposure with other people, avoid unnecessary out home activities and some were provided medical report to perform work at home. Hand hygiene, universal mask wearing, avoidance of sick patients along with infection control measures are essential. Through humanitarian UAE efforts: personal care supplies are provided for needy patients. Patients who came from outside UAE, they required to stay at home if asymptomatic for 2 weeks with repeated COVID-19 screening per protocol. Several hospital polices and clinical pathways were considered. Medical personnel were at front line to accommodate and embrace such changes with continues monitoring. Conclusion: Medical innovations and telemedicine has positive impact on health care provided for renal transplant recipient during COVID-19 pandemic. Adopting high standard health practices along with other infection control measures resulted in less COVID-19 infected renal transplant cases.

Relationship between the Acculturation stress, Social Support and Mental Health among Expatriates in United Arab Emirates Hospitals

본 연구는 해외파견자의 문화적응 스트레스와 사회적 지지 및 정신건강의 관계를 파악하기 위해 아랍에미리트에 근무하는 근로자 77명을 대상으로 시행하였다. 2016년 5월 1일부터 2016년 9월 30일까지 설문조사를 시행하였으며, 자료분석은 Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, Spearman rank-order 분석법을 이용하여 실시하였다. 대상자의 문화적응 스트레스는 총점 180점 만점에 평균 81점으로 나타나 보통보다 낮은 점수를 보였고, 대상자의 종교, 파견 전 교육경험, 파견 연장 의도에 따라 차이를 보였으며, 정신건강에 양적인 상관관계를 나타냈다. 사회적 지지는 파견 동기에 따라 차이가 있었으며, 가족을 동반하지 않은 경우, 미혼인 경우가 사회적 지지도가 더 높은 것으로 나타났다. 정신건강 정도는 총점 120점 만점에 평균 69점으로 중간 정도로 나타났으며, 문화적응 스트레스가 높을수록 정신건강은 좋지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 정신건강은 여성과 종교가 없는 경우, 파견 연장을 원하지 않는 경우 더 높게 나타났으며, 파견 동기에 따라 차이가 나타났다. 이러한 연구결과를 바탕으로 파견 전 파견국 문화에 관한 사전 교육을 시행하여 문화적응 스트레스를 줄이고 정신건강을 향상시킬 수 있는 파견자를 위한 효율적 중재개발 교육프로그램을 개발할 것을 제안한다.

Evaluation of antihypertensive prescriptions for rationality and adherence to treatment guidelines: An experience from United Arab Emirates

ObjectivesPrescription pattern focused drug utilization is an effective technique which provides an unbiased assessment of the prescribing habits and aids in identifying suboptimal prescribing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate rationality in antihypertensive prescribing and adherence to international treatment guidelines. MethodsIt was an observational, prospective, cross sectional study carried out in 588 adult patients with hypertension presenting to medicine department of a secondary care hospital in United Arab Emirates. Electronic medical records of the patients were reviewed and demographic, clinical and antihypertensive prescription data were obtained. The antihypertensive prescriptions were assessed for rationality and adherence to the latest Joint National Committee (JNC) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for hypertension. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. ResultsOut of the total 588 patients included in the study, majority (57.1%) of the patients were females. The mean age of the patients was 63.2 ± 14.3 years, with majority of them aged 68 years and above (37.9%). Majority of the patients (67.9%) were on combination therapy receiving multiple drugs for the management of their hypertension. Overall, 69% of our antihypertensive prescriptions were adherent to the JNC 7 recommendations and 80.9% were as per JNC 8 recommendations. Also, 55% of the antihypertensive prescriptions were adherent to the 2011 and 2019 NICE guidelines. ConclusionIn conclusion, the antihypertensive prescriptions at the study site mostly adhere to the latest international guidelines for the management hypertension.

Adherence to Antiepileptic Drugs among Patients Attending the Neuro Spinal Hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

ABSTRACTBackground:Adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is an integral component of epilepsy management. There are no previous data in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of AED adherence among patients attending the Neuro Spinal Hospital in UAE and to identify the predictors of nonadherence.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and May 2019, and included consecutive patients with epileptic who were receiving AEDs for at least 6 months. A validated interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Adherence was assessed by four-item Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale with a score between 0 and 4. Patients were considered adherent or nonadherent for a score of zero, or 1 and more, respectively. Chi-square test, binary, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used.Results:The study included 315 respondents, 70.8% (n = 223) were adherent, the rest were nonadherent. The most common factor affecting adherence was forgetfulness. Lower education level and having a seizure within the last 6 months were significant risk of nonadherence (odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6 (1.2–5.8) and 2.5 (1.3–5.2), respectively), whereas levetiracetam intake reduces the risk of nonadherence (OR: 0.5 [0.2–0.9]).Conclusions:The prevalence of AED adherence was 70.8%. Education level and having a seizure in the last 6 months were significant predictors of nonadherence, whereas levetiracetam intake reduces the risk of nonadherence.

Gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes among Emirati and Arab women in the United Arab Emirates: results from the MISC cohort

BackgroundNutritional status of women during pregnancy has been considered an important prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcomes.ObjectivesTo investigate the pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their risk factors among a cohort of Emirati and Arab women residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A secondary objective was to investigate pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and its socio-demographic correlates among study participants.MethodsData of 256 pregnant women participating in the cohort study, the Mother-Infant Study Cohort (MISC) were used in this study. Healthy pregnant mothers with no history of chronic diseases were interviewed during their third trimester in different hospitals in UAE. Data were collected using interviewer-administered multi-component questionnaires addressing maternal sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Maternal weight, weight gain, and GDM were recorded from the hospital medical records.ResultsAmong the study participants, 71.1% had inadequate GWG: 31.6% insufficient and 39.5% excessive GWG. 19.1% reported having GDM and more than half of the participants (59.4%) had a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The findings of the multiple multinomial logistic regression showed that multiparous women had decreased odds of excessive gain as compared to primiparous [odds ratio (OR): 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05–0.54]. Furthermore, women with a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had increased odds of excessive gain (OR: 2.23; 95%CI: 1.00–5.10) as compared to those with pre-pregnancy BMI < 25 kg/m2. Similarly, women who had a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 were at higher risk of having GDM (OR: 2.37; 95%CI: 1.10–5.12). As for the associations of women’s characteristics with pre-pregnancy BMI, age and regular breakfast consumption level were significant predictors of higher pre-pregnancy BMI.ConclusionsThis study revealed alarming prevalence rates of inadequate, mainly excessive, GWG and GDM among the MISC participants. Pre-pregnancy BMI was found a risk factor for both of these conditions (GWG and GDM). In addition, age and regular breakfast consumption were significant determinants of pre-pregnancy BMI. Healthcare providers are encouraged to counsel pregnant women to maintain normal body weight before and throughout pregnancy by advocating healthy eating and increased physical activity in order to reduce the risk of excessive weight gain and its associated complications.