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Radwan H, Naja F, Abbas N, Kharma JA, Obaid RS, Al Ghazal H, Abdelrahim DN, Saqan R, Alameddine M, Al Hilali M, Hasan H, Hashim M. Influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth till 18 months: The MISC study. Pediatr Obes 2024; 19:e13106. [PMID: 38383983 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growth and development of infants during the first 1000 days of life are crucial for their health. OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the impact of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth to 18 months. METHODS Data were derived from the 2-year perspective Mother Infant Study Cohort (MISC) study which included six visits from the third trimester of pregnancy until 18 months postpartum. A convenient sample of 256 pregnant women aged 19-40 years was recruited from Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. RESULTS Amongst mothers' characteristics, Arab nationality, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, higher gestational weight gain and lower physical activity were found to increase the likelihood of infants being overweight at 6, 12 and 18 months. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 18 months (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.81). Breastfeeding for up to 6 months and the introduction of solid foods after 6 months was associated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 12 months old (aOR = 4, 95% CI: 1.1-14.6; aOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.09-8.08, respectively). CONCLUSION The findings spotlight the influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding on infant growth. This asserts the need for evidence-based programmes targeting mothers to promote optimal feeding practices and foster healthy child growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Radwan
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Naja
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Nutrition Program, Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hessa Al Ghazal
- Sharjah Child-Friendly Office-Sharjah Health Authority, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana N Abdelrahim
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roba Saqan
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Marwa Al Hilali
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Al Qassimi Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Radwan H, Hasan H, Jaafar Z, Abbas N, Rashed Saif E, Al Kitbi M, Al Hilali M, Naja F. Diets and dietary supplements used during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional survey. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:421-432. [PMID: 35125904 PMCID: PMC8800157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Radwan H, Al Kitbi M, Hasan H, Al Hilali M, Abbas N, Hamadeh R, Saif ER, Naja F. Indirect Health Effects of COVID-19: Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors during the Lockdown in the United Arab Emirates. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:1964. [PMID: 33670510 PMCID: PMC7922937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 lockdown among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of adults residing in the UAE was carried out during lockdown (n = 2060). Using a multi-component questionnaire, the collected data included questions regarding the following lifestyle changes: Increased dietary intake, increased weight, decreased physical activity, decreased sleep, and increased smoking. An unhealthy lifestyle change score was calculated based on the number of unhealthy lifestyle changes each participant reported. In addition, sociodemographic and living conditions information was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and determinants of the unhealthy lifestyle changes considered in this study. Results: Among the unhealthy lifestyle changes examined, increased food intake was the most common (31.8%), followed by decreased physical activity (30%), increased weight (29.4%), decreased sleep (20.8%), and increased smoking (21%). In addition to identifying the correlates of each of the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the results of the multiple regression linear analyses revealed the following correlates for the overall unhealthy lifestyle change score: females (β = 0.32, CI: 0.22; 0.42), living in an apartment (β = 0.12, CI: 0.003; 0.23) and being overweight/obese (β = 0.24, CI: 0.15; 0.32) had higher scores, while older adults (>40 years) had lower scores (β = -0.23, CI: -0.34; -0.12). Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and practices among UAE residents. The findings of this study provided the evidence base for officials to design interventions targeting high-risk groups and aiming to improve healthy lifestyle factors among residents during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (H.R.); (H.H.)
| | - Mahra Al Kitbi
- Health Promotion Department, Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.K.); (E.R.S.)
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (H.R.); (H.H.)
| | - Marwa Al Hilali
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Al Qassimi Hospital-Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Nada Abbas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (N.A.); (R.H.)
| | - Rena Hamadeh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (N.A.); (R.H.)
| | - Eman Rashid Saif
- Health Promotion Department, Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (M.A.K.); (E.R.S.)
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (H.R.); (H.H.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon; (N.A.); (R.H.)
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Radwan H, Hasan H, Hamadeh R, Hashim M, AbdulWahid Z, Hassanzadeh Gerashi M, Al Hilali M, Naja F. Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with type 2 diabetes living in the United Arab Emirates. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:216. [PMID: 32650773 PMCID: PMC7350641 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients is increasing to manage the complexities of their condition, enhance their health, and ease complications. The burden of T2DM in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coupled with the high prevalence of CAM use and its associated risks among patients with T2DM necessitated the investigation of the use of CAM by this patients' population. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, types, and correlates of CAM use among T2DM patients in the UAE. METHODS Patients with T2DM attending the outpatient clinics in the two governmental hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah, UAE were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants to complete a multi-component questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three main sections: demographic data, diabetes-related information, and CAM use details. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression to assess the prevalence and correlates of CAM use. RESULTS Two hundred forty-four T2DM patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80%). A total of 39.3% of participants were CAM users since diagnosis. After adjustment; the logistic regression results showed that CAM use was significantly associated with age, sex, education, employment, and having health insurance. The most commonly used type of CAM by participants were folk foods and herbs followed by spiritual and natural healing and vitamins and minerals supplements. The majority of CAM users were referred or encouraged to use CAM by family (42.7%), friends (25%) or social media (17.7%). Only 13.5% of participants used CAM because it was suggested by health care practitioners. Only 1 in four of CAM users disclosed CAM use to their treating physician. CONCLUSION CAM use among T2DM patients in the UAE is considerably high. Health policy and decision-makers are encouraged to dedicate particular attention to facilitating proper regulation and integration of CAM within conventional medicine to protect the health and wellbeing of patients. A concerted effort by medical schools and public health authorities should be committed to educating health care providers and patients on the safe and effective use of CAM therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rena Hamadeh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zeenat AbdulWahid
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Department, Al Qassimi Hospital-Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahboobeh Hassanzadeh Gerashi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwa Al Hilali
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Al Qassimi Hospital-Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. .,Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Itani L, Radwan H, Hashim M, Hasan H, Obaid RS, Ghazal HA, Al Hilali M, Rayess R, Mohamed HJJ, Hamadeh R, Al Rifai H, Naja F. Dietary patterns and their associations with gestational weight gain in the United Arab Emirates: results from the MISC cohort. Nutr J 2020; 19:36. [PMID: 32316972 PMCID: PMC7175557 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-020-00553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suboptimum weight gain during pregnancy may carry long term health consequences for the infant or mother. Nutritional imbalances are well recognized as a determinant of gestational weight gain. Few studies examined the effect of dietary patterns on gestational weight gain, especially in countries undergoing nutrition transition, such as the United Arab Emirates. Objectives To characterize dietary patterns among pregnant women living in the UAE and examine their associations with gestational weight gain and gestational weight rate. Methodology Data were drawn from the Mother-Infant Study Cohort, a two-year prospective cohort study of pregnant women living in the United Arab Emirates, recruited during their third trimester (n = 242). Weight gain during pregnancy was calculated using data from medical records. The Institute of Medicine’s recommendations were used to categorize gestational weight gain and gestational weight gain rate into insufficient, adequate, and excessive. During face-to-face interviews, dietary intake was assessed using an 89-item culture-specific semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that referred to usual intake during pregnancy. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of derived dietary patterns with gestational weight gain/gestational weight gain rate. Results Two dietary patterns were derived, a “Diverse” and a “Western” pattern. The “Diverse” pattern was characterized by higher intake of fruits, vegetables, mixed dishes while the “Western” pattern consisted of sweets and fast food. The “Western” pattern was associated with excessive gestational weight gain (OR:4.04,95% CI:1.07–15.24) and gestational weight gain rate (OR: 4.38, 95% CI:1.28–15.03) while the “Diverse” pattern decreased the risk of inadequate gestational weight gain (OR:0.24, 95% CI:0.06–0.97) and gestational weight gain rate (OR:0.28, 95% CI:0.09–0.90). Conclusion The findings of this study showed that adherence to a “Diverse” pattern reduced the risk of insufficient gestational weight gain/gestational weight gain rate, while higher consumption of the “Western” pattern increased the risk of excessive gestational weight gain/gestational weight gain rate. In view of the established consequences of gestational weight gain on the health of the mother and child, there is a critical need for health policies and interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle eating through a life course approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Itani
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hessa Al Ghazal
- Sharjah Child Friendly Office, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwa Al Hilali
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Al Qassimi Hospital-Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rana Rayess
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Rena Hamadeh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hiba Al Rifai
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Radwan H, Fakhry R, issa W, Hanach N, Obaid R, E. Faris MI, Al Marzooqi S, Al Ghazal H, ElHalik M, DSuza D, Al Hilali M, Rayess R, Shihadeh N, Dennis CL. Maternal mental health and infant feeding practices cohort protocol: Methodology and baseline characteristics. Hamdan Med J 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/hmj.hmj_13_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Hashim M, Radwan H, Hasan H, Obaid RS, Al Ghazal H, Al Hilali M, Rayess R, Chehayber N, Mohamed HJJ, Naja F. Gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes among Emirati and Arab women in the United Arab Emirates: results from the MISC cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:463. [PMID: 31795984 PMCID: PMC6892062 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2621-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nutritional status of women during pregnancy has been considered an important prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcomes. Objectives To 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. Methods Data 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. Results Among 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. Conclusions This 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hessa Al Ghazal
- Family Health Promotion Center, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marwa Al Hilali
- Al Qassimi Hospital, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rana Rayess
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noor Chehayber
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Farah Naja
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Radwan H, Hashim M, Shaker Obaid R, Hasan H, Naja F, Al Ghazal H, Jan Jan Mohamed H, Rizk R, Al Hilali M, Rayess R, Izzaldin G. The Mother-Infant Study Cohort (MISC): Methodology, challenges, and baseline characteristics. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198278. [PMID: 29851999 PMCID: PMC5978878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United Arab Emirates (UAE) exhibits alarming high prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. Emerging evidence highlighted the role of maternal and early child nutrition in preventing later-onset NCDs. The objectives of this article are to describe the design and methodology of the first Mother and Infant Study Cohort (MISC) in UAE; present the baseline demographic characteristics of the study participants; and discuss the challenges of the cohort and their respective responding strategies. METHODS The MISC is an ongoing two-year prospective cohort study which recruited Arab pregnant women in their third trimester from prenatal clinics in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. Participants will be interviewed six times (once during pregnancy, at delivery, and at 2, 6, 12 and 24months postpartum). Perinatal information is obtained from hospital records. Collected data include socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, dietary intake and anthropometry; infant feeding practices, cognitive development; along with maternal and infant blood profile and breast milk profile. RESULTS The preliminary results reported that 256 completed baseline assessment (mean age: 30.5±6.0 years; 76.6% multiparous; about 60% were either overweight or obese before pregnancy). The prevalence of gestational diabetes was 19.2%. Upon delivery, 208 women-infant pairs were retained (mean gestational age: 38.5±1.5 weeks; 33.3% caesarean section delivery; 5.3% low birthweight; 5.7% macrosomic deliveries). Besides participant retention, the main encountered challenges pertained to cultural complexity, underestimation the necessary start-up time, staff, and costs, and biochemical data collection. CONCLUSIONS Despite numerous methodological, logistical and sociocultural challenges, satisfactory follow-up rates are recorded. Strategies addressing challenges are documented, providing information for planning and implementing future birth cohort studies locally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadia Radwan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reyad Shaker Obaid
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Naja
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hessa Al Ghazal
- Family Health Promotion Center, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Rana Rizk
- Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), The Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwa Al Hilali
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rana Rayess
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghamra Izzaldin
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences(RIMHS), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Abu EEME, Hilali MA, Al-Afaleq AI, Mellor PS, Boorman J, Al-Atiya S, Al NA. Seasonal abundance of four Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) at Al-Ahsa oasis, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2002; 69:115-22. [PMID: 12233996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This report constitutes the first study of Culicoides spp. and their seasonal abundance at Al-Ahsa, the largest oasis in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. New Jersey light traps were used to collect the midges at Mastock farm and Al-Mansura village. The mean monthly abundance was determined from October 1993 to October 1994. The mean monthly number per trap reached its minimum value during January 1994, increasing gradually from February to reach its maximum value during September 1994. During the study period, the following species were collected: Culicoides schultzei group (September), non-spotted group of Culicoides (September), Culicoides imicola (May) and Culicoides newstaedi (March). The potential importance of the Culicoides spp. in relation to arboviral activity in Saudi Arabia is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzein E M E Abu
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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