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"Women in public life United Arab Emirates"
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Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates
Background/Objectives:
The United Arab Emirates has undergone remarkable economic and social transformations over the past few decades. We present findings on the prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary and activity patterns among Emiratis in 2009/10, and explore associated urbanization and wealth factors.
Subjects/Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 628 randomly selected households in all seven emirates. Sociodemographics, 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity and anthropometric data were collected from adult females (⩾19 years), adolescents (11–18 years) and children (6–10 years) in each family via in-person interviews using validated questionnaires.
Results:
In 2009/10, 65% of adult women, 28% of male adolescents and 40% of female adolescents, 25% of male children and 41% of female children were overweight or obese. 43% of girls and 38% of boys (6–10 years) consumed more calories than their estimated energy requirements. Snacking represents a major source of Emirati caloric intake (>20%) of total calories. In addition, caloric beverages account for 8–14% of total calories. Meanwhile, physical activity levels are low, especially among females Emiratis and those living in urban areas.
Conclusions:
These trends represent the potential risk for severe cardiometabolic problems in the United Arab Emirates. The significant gender differentials among children and adolescents are driven by diet and activity differences. More attention should be paid to educate the public on nutrition (for example, limit the consumption of sugared sodas, fruit drinks and whole milk, promote water and low-fat/skim milk consumption instead) and encourage physical activity from a young age, especially among females. Built environments and social support for improved lifestyle choices by individuals are needed.
Journal Article
Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women living in the United Arab Emirates
Purpose
Postpartum depression received almost no attention in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptomatology and the associated risk factors among women in the UAE.
Methods
A prospective cohort study recruited women from postpartum wards in hospitals across four emirates in the UAE. Women completed questionnaires immediately after childbirth and at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Depressive symptomatology was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS > 12). Risk factors were identified using the generalized estimating equation. A stratified analysis of the postpartum period was performed.
Results
Among the 457 women recruited, 35% exhibited depressive symptomatology within the first 6 months postpartum. Younger women (< 25 years), part-time employment, the receipt of financial support from the family, and difficulty in managing monthly income were associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression. Husband’s employment, husband’s support, and living in own house were associated with a lower risk of postpartum depression. Maternity leave of more than 3 months increased the risk of depression during the first 3 months postpartum. From 3 to 6 months postpartum, Muslim women had a higher risk of depression whereas women who breastfed other children and in the past 7 days, and perceived their infant as healthy had a lower risk of depression.
Conclusions
The prevalence of maternal depressive symptomatology is considerable in the UAE. Risk factors change over the 6-month postpartum period suggesting the need for an innovative multidisciplinary approach to the management of postpartum depression, including follow-up screening.
Journal Article
Predictive factors of perinatal depression among women with gestational diabetes mellitus in the UAE: a cross-sectional clinical study
Background
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is responsible for the development of 30–50% of type 2 diabetes mellitus that predisposes later to adverse consequences among affected mothers and their offspring. Several studies have suggested that GDM increases the risk of developing perinatal depression (PND); however, factors that are involved in this association are yet to be determined. This study aims to identify factors that interrelate GDM and PND among pregnant and postnatal women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods
A total of 186 women between 18 and 45 years old attending the obstetrics clinic during their 3rd trimester or up to 6 months postnatal were recruited between October 2021 and April 2022. Women who were known to have pre-existing diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2), kidney disease, liver disease, and those receiving hormonal therapy were excluded. Participants completed a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic data and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Based on their EPDS scores, study participants were categorized into three groups: no depression (> 9), possible depression (9–11), and high possibility/strong positive depression (≥ 12). SPSS 26 was used for data analysis.
Results
Among the 186 participants, 81% (
n
= 151) were Emirati, 41% (
n
= 76) had no GDM, and 58% (
n
= 110) had GDM. Of the study participants, 34.4% had a high possibility of strong positive depression, 40.9% had possible depression, and only 6.5% had no depression. The association between GDM and PND was clinically and statistically insignificant, with a calculated odds ratio (OR) of 1.574 (
p
value = 0.204) and a 95% confidence interval (0.781—3.172). However, age, personal history of depression, and BMI were found to be strong predictors of depression among pregnant/postpartum women in the UAE.
Conclusions
The study findings propose that age, personal history of depression, and obesity are strong predictors of depression during pregnancy. The strong correlation between obesity (which is a known strong predictor of GDM) and PND suggests that further studies with longitudinal designs and longer observational periods might better reveal the relationship between GDM and PND.
Trial registration
Retrospectively registered study by Research Ethics Committees of the University Hospital Sharjah and the University of Sharjah (Ref. No.: UHS-HERC- 025–17122019) December 17, 2019.
Journal Article
The cascade of care in managing hypertension in the Arab world: a systematic assessment of the evidence on awareness, treatment and control
Background
Hypertension is a leading risk factor for mortality and morbidity globally and in the Arab world. We summarize the evidence on awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, to assess the extent of gaps in the hypertension continuum of care. We also assess the influence of gender and other social determinants at each level of the cascade of care.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE and SSCI databases for studies published between 2000 and 2017, reporting the rates of awareness, treatment or control of hypertension and/or their determinants in the Arab region. We included sources on both general populations and on clinical populations. The review process was based on the PRISMA guidelines. We present rates on the three stages of the care cascade corresponding to (1) awareness (2) treatment and (3) control of blood pressure, and estimated the losses that occur when moving from one stage to another. We also take stock of the evidence on social determinants and assess the statistical significance of gender differences in awareness, treatment and control.
Results
Data from 73 articles were included. Substantial proportions of hypertensives were lost at each step of the hypertension care continuum, with more missed opportunities for care resulting from lack of awareness of hypertension and from uncontrolled blood pressure. More than 40% and 19% of all hypertensive individuals were found to be unaware and to have uncontrolled blood pressure, respectively, but among individuals diagnosed with hypertension, less than 21% were untreated. Awareness rates were higher among women than men but this advantage was not consistently translated into better blood pressure control rates among women.
Conclusions
This analysis of the cascade of care indicates that barriers to proper diagnosis and adequate control are greater than barriers to delivery of treatment, and discusses potential factors that may contribute to the gaps in delivery.
Journal Article
Incidence of cardiovascular disease and its associated risk factors in at-risk men and women in the United Arab Emirates: a 9-year retrospective cohort study
Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide; however, the epidemiology of CVD among nationals from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains unknown. This study aimed to estimate the 9-year incidence rate of CVD and determine the risk factors associated with CVD among UAE nationals at high cardiovascular risk. In addition, we investigated whether sex was an important modifier of the risk factors associated with incident CVD in this population.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 977 subjects, including 492 women, aged ≥18 years, who did not have histories of CVD, and who had ≥1 CVD risk factors. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses stratified by sex were used to examine the predictors of major CVD events, namely, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and acute peripheral arterial occlusion.
Results
During a median follow-up period of 8.9 years, the incidence rate of major CVD was 12.7 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.4–15.4), and among men and women were 16.8 (95% CI 12.9–21.4) and 9.0 (95% CI 6.4–12.4) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Major CVD and MI were significantly more frequent among men than women, and the stroke and acute peripheral arterial occlusion rates were similar for both sexes. Multivariable Cox analyses showed that the systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and serum glycosylated hemoglobin A1c level were strong predictors of major CVD in both sexes. Among women, the total cholesterol (TC)-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (hazard ratio [HR] 1.44, 95% CI 1.02–2.04) was an additional independent predictor of major CVD. Age (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.19–1.89) and a history of smoking (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07–3.02) were significant risk factors associated with major CVD in men.
Conclusions
Among high-risk UAE nationals who did not have histories of CVD, the risk of major CVD was associated with high systolic blood pressure, a low estimated glomerular filtration rate, and poorly controlled diabetes. The high TC-to-HDL-C ratios, especially among women, and smoking among men, are modifiable risk factors that should be managed aggressively.
Journal Article
Impact of breast cancer awareness program on breast screening utilization among women in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study
Background
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. In 2020, approximately 2.3 million women were newly diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in around 685,000 deaths globally. The high incidence and prevalence of breast cancer have made it a major public health problem in both developed and developing nations, leading to overburdened health systems and increased direct medical expenditure. This research was conducted to assess the impact of breast cancer awareness programs on breast screening utilization among women in the United Arab Emirates.
Methods
A cross-sectional study using a content-validated interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted among 959 women aged ≥ 20 years from 31st May 2023 to 31st October 2024, in the United Arab Emirates. Data on sociodemographics, awareness program participation, screening utilization, and barriers were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.
Results
Among the study participants,304 (31.7%) had attended awareness programs. Attendance was associated with younger age, higher education, and being single (
p
< 0.001). Among those who have ever attended any breast cancer awareness programs who had utilized the screening were 38.5% compared to 13.3% non-attendees (
p
< 0.001). The study concluded that age, education level, and marital status were significantly associated with participation in breast cancer awareness programs (
p
-value < 0.05). Key barriers included a lack of physician recommendations (24.3%), knowledge gaps (23%), and cost concerns (22.6%).
Conclusions
The study shows that participation in the awareness programs varied based on age, education and marital status, additionally, those with lower educational levels had a higher attendance at the awareness programs, emphasizing the significance of educational initiatives. The study showed a link between attending breast cancer awareness programs and the use of screening services, furthermore, notable gap in screening utilization such as emotional and perceived barriers were noted. Thus, its necessary to overcome these challenges for enchaning early detection and treatment outcomes. Interventions such as targeted educational campaigns, improved screening facility and better communication between physicians and patients can aid in addressing these challenges.
Journal Article
Menstrual hygiene perceptions and need for free sanitary products: a cross-sectional study in a UAE university setting
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.
Journal Article