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Ibrahim NM, Almarzouqi FI, Al Melaih FA, Farouk H, Alsayed M, AlJassim FM. Prevalence of asthma and allergies among children in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional study. World Allergy Organ J 2021; 14:100588. [PMID: 34703522 PMCID: PMC8503660 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are the most common chronic inflammatory disorders in children worldwide. These conditions place a significant burden on the healthcare system due to their multiple related complications and the necessity of hospital visits. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of asthma and allergic diseases among school children aged 6-7 years and 13-14 years in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, United Arab Emirates (UAE). PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study that recruited children from March to June 2019 via school class registers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, UAE. The Arabic and English versions of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaires on asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were completed by parents or legal guardians of children aged 6-7 years, and by the children themselves in those aged 13-14 years. RESULTS In this study, we included 3436 children (1944 children aged 6-7 years and 1793 children aged 13-14 years). We estimated the prevalence of asthma (11.9%), wheezing (44.2%), allergic rhinitis (46.5%), hay fever (22.1%), and atopic dermatitis (12.9%) in the 6- to 7-year-old group. In the 13- to 14-year-old group, the prevalence was 9.8%, 33.1%, 51.3%, 19.9%, and 14.6%, respectively. The prevalence of any history of asthma was higher in boys than girls in the 6- to 7-year-old group (13.9% vs. 10%) and in the 13- to 14-year-old group (11.2% vs. 8.7%). In the 6- to 7-year-old group, the highest prevalence of asthma, sneezing, and atopic dermatitis was observed in Dubai, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, respectively. In the 13- to 14-year-old group, the highest prevalence of asthma was observed in Ras Al Khaimah, and the highest prevalence of sneezing and atopic dermatitis was observed in Sharjah. CONCLUSION We found that the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in the UAE is comparable to that in neighboring countries; the prevalence of asthma, wheezing, and hay fever was higher in the 6- to 7-year-old group, while in the 13- to 14-year-old group, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis was higher. Overall, the prevalence of any history of asthma was highest in Ras Al Khaimah, followed by Dubai, and lowest in Ajman. Our findings suggest that allergic disorders represent a healthcare burden in the UAE and more efforts are needed to organize nationwide campaigns to detect undiagnosed children to overcome the burden caused by these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassem Mohamed Ibrahim
- Ministry of Health and Prevention / Primary Health Care Department, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Volk HE, Perera F, Braun JM, Kingsley SL, Gray K, Buckley J, Clougherty JE, Croen LA, Eskenazi B, Herting M, Just AC, Kloog I, Margolis A, McClure LA, Miller R, Levine S, Wright R. Prenatal air pollution exposure and neurodevelopment: A review and blueprint for a harmonized approach within ECHO. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110320. [PMID: 33098817 PMCID: PMC8060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure is ubiquitous with demonstrated effects on morbidity and mortality. A growing literature suggests that prenatal air pollution exposure impacts neurodevelopment. We posit that the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program will provide unique opportunities to fill critical knowledge gaps given the wide spatial and temporal variability of ECHO participants. OBJECTIVES We briefly describe current methods for air pollution exposure assessment, summarize existing studies of air pollution and neurodevelopment, and synthesize this information as a basis for recommendations, or a blueprint, for evaluating air pollution effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in ECHO. METHODS We review peer-reviewed literature on prenatal air pollution exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intelligence, general cognition, mood, and imaging measures. ECHO meta-data were compiled and evaluated to assess frequency of neurodevelopmental assessments and prenatal and infancy residential address locations. Cohort recruitment locations and enrollment years were summarized to examine potential spatial and temporal variation present in ECHO. DISCUSSION While the literature provides compelling evidence that prenatal air pollution affects neurodevelopment, limitations in spatial and temporal exposure variation exist for current published studies. As >90% of the ECHO cohorts have collected a prenatal or infancy address, application of advanced geographic information systems-based models for common air pollutant exposures may be ideal to address limitations of published research. CONCLUSIONS In ECHO we have the opportunity to pioneer unifying exposure assessment and evaluate effects across multiple periods of development and neurodevelopmental outcomes, setting the standard for evaluation of prenatal air pollution exposures with the goal of improving children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Volk
- Department of Mental Health and Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Gray
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessie Buckley
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jane E Clougherty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Megan Herting
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Allan C Just
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Amy Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leslie A McClure
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Miller
- Department of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Levine
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, And Pediatrics, Institute for Exposomics Research, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Dalibalta S, Majdalawieh A, Yousef S, Gusbi M, Wilson JJ, Tully MA, Davison G. Objectively quantified physical activity and sedentary behaviour in a young UAE population. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e000957. [PMID: 33489309 PMCID: PMC7797257 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a lack of public awareness of the importance of engaging in physical activity (PA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Nearly 58% of the UAE adult population self-reports as being physically inactive although little accelerometer data currently exists. The aim of this study was to obtain the first dataset that objectively quantifies PA and sedentary behaviour (SB) in young UAE adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 140 university students. Body composition and accelerometry was assessed using a Tanita body composition analyser and ActiGraph accelerometer. Differences (p≤0.05) between gender (male vs female) and body mass index (normal vs overweight/obese) were determined using independent samples t-tests and χ2 tests for nominal variables. RESULTS Both males and females spent high amounts of time in SB, encompassing ~80% of waking hours. PA was primarily light intensity (14.1%), although males spent significantly greater time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity. Moreover, 50% of males compared with 76.6% of females were classified as sedentary/low active according to daily step counts. CONCLUSION Our data provide evidence of high levels of SB among young adults in the UAE with PA being predominantly light intensity, therefore, both PA and SB should be carefully monitored in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dalibalta
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Amin Majdalawieh
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Sarah Yousef
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mohammed Gusbi
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Jason J Wilson
- Institute of Mental Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
| | - Mark A Tully
- Institute of Mental Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
| | - Gareth Davison
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, Antrim, UK
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Razzak HA, Harbi A, Ahli S. Tobacco Smoking Prevalence, Health Risk, and Cessation in the UAE. Oman Med J 2020; 35:e165. [PMID: 32904941 PMCID: PMC7462068 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Tobacco smoking is a major public health concern and a leading cause of preventable death. We sought to review epidemiological studies available on the prevalence of tobacco use, the associated health effects, and interventions that have undergone evaluation concerning smoking cessation and prevention in the UAE. Methods An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted using appropriate keywords for articles published between 2007 and 2017. We included all English-language articles in addition to research articles on the UAE populations (including both citizens and expatriates). Results Fourteen articles were included, of which 11 were cross-sectional studies, one was a cohort longitudinal study, one was quasi-experimental, and one case-control study. Our results suggest that current smoking prevalence estimates vary widely. This is the first study in the region to review the smoking prevalence, health risk, and interventions in the UAE. Conclusions UAE Government demonstrated excellent efforts by raising the cost of smoking through taxation, mounting sustained social marketing campaigns, and ensuring that health professionals routinely advise smokers to stop smoking accompanied by behavioral and pharmacological support for cessation. Hence, future research should be more focused on evaluating the outcome and impact of current anti-smoking campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira Abdul Razzak
- Statistics and Research Centre, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, UAE
| | - Alya Harbi
- Statistics and Research Centre, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, UAE
| | - Shaima Ahli
- Statistics and Research Centre, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai, UAE
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Kelkar H, Sharma AK, Chaturvedi S. Association of Air Pollution and Lung Function of Young Adult Females in New Delhi. J Health Pollut 2019; 9:190611. [PMID: 31259087 PMCID: PMC6555251 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-9.22.190611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung function tests reflect the underlying physiological condition of the airways and the alveoli. Therefore, they help to evaluate the respiratory health of an individual. Lung functions are compromised far before appearance of the signs and symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases. Air pollution adversely affects lung function. Exposure to sources of pollution differ between men and women due to commuting and smoking habits. The present study was carried out in Delhi to assess the association of exposure to air pollution sources with lung function of young adult females, as this younger age group is expected to have a different exposure profile than older women. METHODS The present study was conducted on the campus of a central university in Delhi among 18- to 25-year old females (n=200). A pre-tested, close-ended and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used that consisted of information on sociodemographic details of the participants and self-reported exposure to air pollution sources at the residence of participants, during their commute to and from college, and at school. Both active and passive smoking status were recorded. Lung function was assessed using a digital spirometer. RESULTS A significant association was observed between percentage of predicted value of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) with the number of years the participant had resided in Delhi (p<0.05). Forced vital capacity and FEV1 of those using closed transport methods such as car, metro, and air-conditioned (A/C) bus were significantly better than those who used open transport methods such as non-A/C bus and scooter (p<0.05). Forced vital capacity and FEV1 were significantly decreased among those who had a smoke-producing factory in the vicinity of their residence (p<0.05). A significant decrease in FVC and FEV1 was observed among active smokers and among those who were exposed to passive smoking by family members in comparison to those who were not exposed (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that air pollution exposure plays a role in determining the lung function profile of young adult females. This study provides baseline data on lung function of young adult females which could be used in future longitudinal cohort studies. PARTICIPANT CONSENT Obtained. ETHICS APPROVAL The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of University College of Medical Sciences. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no completing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Kelkar
- Department Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi India
| | - Arun Kumar Sharma
- Department Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi India
| | - Sanjay Chaturvedi
- Department Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi India
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Chen ML, Chou LN, Zheng YC. Providing a Clean Environment for Adolescents: Evaluation of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E634. [PMID: 28608829 PMCID: PMC5486320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking not only damages the health of adolescents, but also contributes to air pollution. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan stipulates that cigarettes should not be sold to persons younger than 18 years. Therefore, schools should actively educate students and raise awareness of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act to reduce the level of damage to the health of adolescents and maintain good air quality. This study had two main goals: (1) to evaluate the stipulation that no person shall provide tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 and the effects of counseling strategies on store managers confirming customer ages before tobacco sale in southern Taiwan; and (2) to evaluate the situation of tobacco hazard prevention education conducted by school in southern Taiwan. A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. Study I: The investigation involved an analysis of 234 retailers including convenience stores (n = 70), grocery stores (n = 83), and betel nut stalls (n = 81). The results indicated that among the 234 retailers, 171 (73.1%) of them routinely failed to confirm the buyers' ages before allowing them to purchase tobacco. The number of retailers who exhibited failure to confirm customer ages before selling tobacco products had decreased from 171 (73.1%) to 59 (25.2%) and that of those who confirmed customer ages before selling tobacco products had increased from 63 (26.9%) to 175 (74.8%) after counseling strategies had been provided, thereby revealing statistical significance (χ² = 11.26, p < 0.001). Study II: A total of 476 (89.1%) participants had received tobacco hazards prevention education and 58 (10.9%) had not. Among the various residential areas, the highest percentage of participants that did not received tobacco hazards prevention education located in the plane regions (8.4%). The government organizations should continue to adopt counseling strategies to reduce the rate of disobedience of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act by selling tobacco products to minors. Schools should pay close attention to tobacco hazard prevention education for junior high school students to ensure that such students are adequately educated about tobacco hazard prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory Care and Graduate Institute of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi Campus, Puzi City 61363, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Na Chou
- Nursing Department, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, Tainan 700, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Cheng Zheng
- Graduate Institute of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi Campus and Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City 61363, Chiayi, Taiwan.
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