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Background Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the implementation of CRC screening guidelines, the uptake of screening among adults in the UAE remains low. This study aimed to assess the practice, factors associated, barriers, and knowledge gaps among adults in the UAE. Materials and methods 2100 residents of the UAE, aged > = 40 years, participated in the study. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was collected through online platforms and face-to-face interviews in healthcare settings. Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results The study revealed a low CRC screening rate of 9.1%. Factors analyzed included age groups, health insurance coverage, regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, awareness of CRC, and knowledge levels about CRC and its signs and symptoms. Participants in the 50–59 age group showed a slightly higher likelihood of CRC screening, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, individuals in the 60–69 and > = 70 age groups were more likely to undergo screening. Regular physician checkups, family history of CRC, prior knowledge of CRC, and knowledge about the disease and its signs and symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of screening, with statistically significant OR. Conclusion A low CRC screening rate of 9.1% among adults. Barriers to screening included not being offered a test by physicians, fear of positive results, discomfort with the screening process, perception of pain, and lack of knowledge. Identifying particulate barriers and developing targeted measures requires larger-scale research.

Health literacy is a powerful predictor of health outcomes, but remains a global challenge. There is a paucity of published data and limited understanding of the health literacy of patients in the Middle East. The purpose of this study was to assess the patient health literacy levels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and identify associated demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional survey of adult patients attending public and private hospitals and primary care clinics was conducted across the UAE between January 2019 and May 2020. Chi-square test was used to analyze the association between health literacy and demographic variables. Ordinal regression was adopted to analyze the data for statistically significant independent variables. 2349 of 2971 patients responded (79% response rate). Slightly less than one-quarter (23.9%) of patients surveyed demonstrated adequate health literacy. Over a third of women respondents (31.7%) possessed adequate health literacy, as compared to only 13% of men surveyed (p<0.001). Participant age was significantly (p<0.001) associated with health literacy levels, with approximately 50% of participants above age 50 years (51-75 years) demonstrating inadequate health literacy. Education was also positively correlated with health literacy. Adequate health literacy levels were twofold higher (30.5%, p<0.001) in patients with high school education, as compared to patients without secondary education. The high proportion of patients with inadequate health literacy in our study confirms that the health literacy deficit is a challenge in the UAE. Targeted interventions are needed to improve health literacy, particularly for older individuals, to optimize healthcare utilization and improve individual and population health outcomes.

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the prevalence of deaths associated with CVD is higher than the global average, and the incidence of premature coronary heart disease is 10–15 years earlier than in Western nations. In patients with CVD, inadequate health literacy (HL) is significantly associated with poor health outcomes. The goal of this study is to assess HL levels among patients with CVD in the UAE to develop effective health system strategies for disease prevention and management. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey to assess HL levels in patients with CVD was conducted between January 2019 and May 2020 in the UAE. The association between health literacy level with patient age, gender, nationality, and education was determined using the Chi-Square test. The significant variables were further analyzed by ordinal regression. Results Of 336 participants (86.5% response rate), approximately half 51.5% (173/336) of the respondents were women, and 46% (146/336) of them attained high school level of education. More than 75% (268/336) of the participants were above the age of 50 years. Overall, 39.3% (132/336) of respondents possessed inadequate HL, and 46.4% (156/336) and 14.3% (48/336) demonstrated marginal and adequate HL, respectively. Inadequate health literacy was more prevalent among women, as compared to men. Age was significantly associated with HL levels. Participants under age 50 had higher adequate HL levels 45.6% (31/68), (95% CI (3.8–57.4), P < 0.001). There was no correlation between education and health literacy levels. Conclusion The inadequate HL levels found in outpatients with CVD is a major health concern in the UAE. To improve population health outcomes, health system interventions, including targeted educational and behavioral programs for the older population are necessary.

Background Menstrual health and hygiene play a vital role in the overall well-being and empowerment of women. Despite its importance, approximately 500 million women globally lack access to menstrual products and proper hygiene facilities, primarily due to financial constraints. Many resort to alternatives such as cloth, cotton, or tissue, which impacts their health, mental well-being, and academic or career progression due to absenteeism caused by the fear of leakage and embarrassment. Objective To assess the perception of both females and males on the need for freely available sanitary products in educational institutions, and examine the association between lack of access and its effects on mental, physical, and social health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 participants in a university and affiliated hospital in Ajman, UAE. A validated questionnaire was used, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, were applied. Results 84% of female participants agreed on the need for free sanitary products in educational institutions. Over 65% reported missing academic or social events due to menstruation-related inconveniences. Around 73% had to borrow pads/tampons from others, and nearly 43% found the topic of menstruation embarrassing to discuss. More than 46% agreed that access to free products would help reduce stigma and improve health and participation. Conclusion The majority of participants supported the availability of free sanitary products in educational institutions. Improving access can enhance the academic, social, and emotional well-being of female students, contributing to gender equity and empowerment.

Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most common cancers affecting men between the ages of 15 and 40 years. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is an effective tool for the early detection of TC, significantly improving survival rates. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and practice of TSE among adult males in Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1031 adult men residing in Ajman, UAE, using a structured self-administered and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and Chi-square tests were applied to assess associations between awareness and practice of TSE with socio-demographic variables. The mean age of participants was 34.9 ± 9.8 years. Overall, 212 participants (20.6%) reported being aware of TSE. Among those who were aware, 106 individuals (50%) reported practicing TSE. The findings highlight a low level of awareness and practice of TSE among men in Ajman. There is a critical need for targeted health campaigns and educational interventions to promote knowledge and practice of TSE. Healthcare providers should play a proactive role in raising awareness about TC and the importance of regular self-examination for early detection.

ObjectivesTo identify health literacy levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).InterventionNationwide cross-sectional survey.Setting and participantsIndividuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending outpatient diabetes clinics in all emirates of the UAE were surveyed between January 2019 and May 2020. Out of 832 patients approached, 640 met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate.Outcome variablesThe outcome variable of interest was the health literacy level, which was measured using the Eastern-Middle Eastern Adult Health Literacy 13 Questionnaire. The association of health literacy level with age, gender and education was conducted using the Χ2 test.ResultsOnly 11% of respondents had adequate health literacy levels. Age and education were directly correlated with health literacy levels. Patients under age 50 years had statistically significant higher rates of marginal (106 of 238, 44.5%) and adequate literacy (67 of 238, 28.2%, p<0.001) than the older population. Participants with bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees also had significantly higher adequate health literacy levels (24 of 79, 30.4%, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe low health literacy levels found in outpatients with diabetes may be a major challenge to optimising diabetes care in the UAE. In addition to health services strategies, targeted educational and behavioural interventions for the older population and those with less formal education are necessary.

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders represent a major public health concern, yet data from the UAE remain limited, particularly regarding histopathological trends. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological spectrum and distribution of GI disorders reported to a tertiary care pathology center over a ten-year period. Histopathology-based surveillance offers unique insight into tissue-level patterns often missed by clinical registries. Methods A retrospective, record-based analysis of 12,688 GI-related histopathology reports was conducted from Thumbay Laboratories, UAE (2013–2023). Data was extracted using a structured checklist and analyzed in SPSS v29. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests were applied ( p  < 0.05). Results Of the 12,688 cases, 67.5% were male and 32.5% female ( p  < 0.001). Most patients were aged 21–40 years (60.3%). The stomach (29.6%), large intestine (21.2%), and appendix (20.4%) were the most affected organs. Gastritis (27.3%), intestinal conditions (20.6%), and appendicitis (20.0%) predominated. Males showed higher rates of gastritis and appendicitis, while cholecystitis was more common in females (21.4%). Appendicitis was dominant in those < 20 years (60.1%), while neoplasms and gastritis were more prevalent in older adults (≥ 61 years; p  < 0.001). Conclusion This study provides a decade-long overview of GI pathology trends in the UAE. The findings highlight age- and sex-specific patterns and support future research integrating clinical and demographic data to inform targeted public health strategies.

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, are a major cause of global mortality. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, healthcare workers face increased risks of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes due to lifestyle-related behaviour. This study evaluates the frequency and determinants of NCDs among healthcare workers in Ajman, UAE. Methods A self-administered questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional study covering socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, perceived stress, and self-reported personal and family history of NCDs. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 786 healthcare workers at tertiary hospitals in Ajman. NCDs included diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hyperlipidemia, cancer, respiratory diseases, GERD, arthritis, piles, gout, sciatica, musculoskeletal disorders, and thyroid disorders. Ethical approval (IRB-COM-STD-25-JAN-2024) was obtained, and informed consent was ensured. Data were analyzed using IBM ® SPSS version 29.0, with descriptive statistics summarizing variables and Chi-square tests assessing associations between NCD frequency and related factors with statistical significance set at p  < 0.05. Results The mean age of the participants was 35.04 ± 9.93 years. The frequency of non-communicable diseases among the study population was 273 (35%), with hypertension taking the lead. Significant associations were found between age, education level, nationality, Body Mass Index (BMI) levels, family history of NCDs, sleep habits, and NCD prevalence. Higher rates of NCDs were observed among older individuals 120 (56.9%), those with higher education levels 78(49.4%), abnormal BMI levels 189(43,1%), individuals from the Southeast Asia Region 184(32.5%), and those with a family history of NCDs 215 (37.9%). Adequate sleep 243(33.3%), feeling well-rested 237(33.5%), and no daytime sleepiness 78(29.2%) were linked to lower NCD prevalence, while snoring 156(48%) and muscular pain 167(45.3%) were associated with higher rates. A significant association was found between NCD prevalence and the consumption of salty 56 (43.4%) and spicy foods 43(52.4%), with higher prevalence in those consuming them less frequently or not at all. Conclusion Non-communicable diseases were prevalent (35%) among healthcare workers in Ajman, UAE, with hypertension being the most common. NCD clustering was observed, with multiple conditions coexisting in several participants. Both modifiable (BMI, sleep habits, diet) and non-modifiable (age, nationality, family history) risk factors showed significant associations with NCDs. Targeted lifestyle interventions and early screening are essential to reduce NCD risk in this population.

Background Health literacy is a term employed to assess the ability of people to meet the increasing demands related to health in a rapidly evolving society. Low health literacy can affect the social determinants of health, health outcomes and the use of healthcare services. The purpose of the study was to develop a survey construct to assess health literacy within the context of regional culture. Different socioeconomic status among the Eastern and Middle Eastern countries may restrict, health information access and utilization for those with low literacy. Methods By employing expert panel, Delphi technique, focus group methodologies, and pre-testing using participants ( N  = 900) from the UAE and India, a survey construct to the Eastern-Middle Eastern cultures was developed. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α and validity using Factor analysis. Kiaser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s tests were used to assess the strength of the relationship among the variables. Results Inclusion of non-health related items were found to be critical in the authentic assessment of health literacy in the Eastern and Middle Eastern population given the influence of social desirability. Thirty-two percentage of the original 19-item construct was eliminated by the focus group for reasons of relevance and impact for the local culture. Field pretesting participants from two countries, indicated overall construct reliability (Cronbach’s α =0.85), validity and consistency (KMO value of 0.92 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant). Conclusion The Eastern-Middle Eastern Adult Health Literacy (EMAHL13), screening instrument is brief, simple, a useful indicator of whether or not a patient can read. It assessespatients’ ability to comprehend by distinguishing between health and non-health related items. The EMAHL13 will be a useful too for the reliable assessment of health literacy in countries, where culture plays a significant impact. This will be the first steptowards providing equitable access to healthcare for countries that have large populations with low socioeconomic status.