Abdulrahman O. Musaiger

Obesity Among Secondary School Students in Bahrain

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and factors associated with it in Bahraini secondary school students. A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 825 students (417 boys and 408 girls) aged 15 to 21 years was obtained from secondary schools. Obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI = Wt/Ht2). The findings revealed that 15.6% of boys and 17.4% of girls were either overweight or obese (BMI ≥25). Family size, parents education, and family history of obesity were significantly associated with obesity among boys, while family history was the only socio-economic factors statistically associated with obesity among girls. Meal patterns such as eating between meals, number of meals per day, and method of eating were not associated with obesity in students. Boys who ate alone were 3 times more likely to be obese than those who ate with family members (odd ratio = 3.4). Measures to prevent and control obesity among children are suggested.

Health status of cement workers in the United Arab Emirates

The aim of this study was to investigate some of the health problems among cement workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional sample of 304 work ers was selected randomly from four cement factories in four Emirates. Most of the workers (88%) were from India, married (84%) and had received primary education or above (93%). Smoking was prevalent among 27% of the workers and about 24% consumed alcoholic beverages. Personal hygiene was found to be satisfactory among the workers. The main health symptoms reported by the cement workers were chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, burning, itching and runny eyes, headache and fatigue. Chronic bronchitis (p<0.007), burn ing, itching and runny eyes (p<0.002) and fatigue (p<0.004) were significantly increased with age of workers. Smoking was significantly associated with chronic cough (p<0.03) and chronic bronchitis (p<0.01). However, the chance of smokers getting respiratory health problems was two to five times greater compared with non-smokers. Future studies on the health of workers in UAE should include more investigations using specialised equipment to detect and diagnose health problems.

Food consumption patterns of adults in the United Arab Emirates

The objectives of this study were to determine the food consumption patterns of Emirati men and women over 20 years of age and to explore the association of age and sex with food intake. A proportional random sample of 1,122 men and 1,090 women was obtained from all the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The findings showed a significant difference in food frequency intake between men and women, and also between young (20-49 years) and old (50 years and above) subjects. In general the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and of milk was low. This is a source of concern as these foods are useful sources of vitamins and minerals. Elderly people were more likely to consume traditional foods such as fish and laban (diluted yoghurt) than young peo ple. Modification of dietary habits should be considered in any nutrition education pro gramme for the public in the UAE.

Dietary Habits of School-Children in Bahrain

A multistage stratified sampling procedure was used to select 1673 Bahraini school children (871 boys and 802 girls) to study their food habits. The results revealed that breakfast was more often skipped than lunch and supper by both sexes. Significant differences in the food consumption between boys and girls were noticed at morning snack; beefburgers, liver and egg sandwiches were more consumed by boys, while girls preferred carbonated beverages, cheese, uncarbonated canned drinks and broad beans. The foods consumed at lunch were very similar to those of the adult population in Bahrain. However, the percentage of fresh fruits consumed at lunch was almost double by girls (31.9%) than boys (17.1%). Corn-puffs, carbonated beverages, chocolates, uncarbonated canned drinks and fruits were the main foods consumed at afternoon snack. Boys were more likely to consume tea, meat, eggs, cheese and rice at supper, while girls preferred cheese, corn-puffs and carbonated beverages. Age has also a significant influence on dietary habits. The consumption of bread at breakfast decreased with age while the consumption of carbonated beverages at morning snack increased remarkably with age. In general the meal and snack patterns of school children vary considerably with age and sex.

Composition of mixed dishes commonly consumed in the Arabian Gulf States

The nutrient composition of seventeen cooked dishes commonly consumed in the Arabian Gulf States was chemically examined. Five dishes were analysed for proximate constituents, vitamin and mineral compositions. It was found that they contained little amounts of water soluble vitamins and iron. Twelve dishes were analyzed for proximate composition alone. Generally, most of the dishes analyzed here could supply an appropriate amount of protein and calories if consumed in sufficient quantity.

Factors Associated with Obesity among Women in Bahrain

A sample of 420 women who attended a physical fitness program run by General Organization for Youth and Sport, was selected to study the association between obesity and some factors among adult females in Bahrain. Women were grouped into two categories, obese and non-obese, based on Body Mass Index (wt/ht2). The results revealed that age, education, employment, marital status, family size and practicing exercises before joining the fitness program have a statistically significant association with obesity, while ownership of cars, availability of housemaids, family history of obesity and meal patterns have no statistically significant association. There were no differences in source of nutrition information between obese and non-obese women. The study suggested that health education programs should focus on both sociocultural factors and health factors for preventing obesity in the community.

Proximate and mineral composition of crab meat consumed in Bahrain

The proximate, mineral and heavy metals of raw and cooked crab meat, Portunus pelagicus, consumed in Bahrain were studied. The crab meat contains a good level of protein (17.5–18.8%), with very low proportion of fat (0.6–1.4%). The levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus were found to be higher than other minerals. Traces of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) were also reported. Traditional cooking had a considerable effect on proximate and mineral contents of crab meat.

Growth Patterns of Adolescents in Bahrain

WEIGHT AND height of adolescents in Bahrain (15.5-19.5 years) was measured to evaluate their growth patterns. A cross-sectional survey was done on 825 students that represented 5% of total secondary students. The results showed that median height and weight of Bahraini adolescents were below the 50th percentiles of the Western standard. However, when compared with earlier surveys in Bahrain, the growth pattern has improved. This is because of improvement in health and in the environment.

Chemical quality of drinking water in Bahrain.

CHEMICAL quality of five types of water used for drinking purposes in Bahrain were studied. There are three main sources of drinking water: tap, private treated, and bottled waters. The findings revealed that tap water had highest level of all chemicals studies (except silica) compared to other waters. Sodium level in tap water ranged from 100 to 545.9 mg/l, with an average of 309.4 mg/l. This average exceeds the drinking water standard as recommended by WHO (200 mg/l), making this water unsuitable for hypertensive people. Average level of fluoride ranged from 0.28 in carbonated mineral water to 0.85 mg/l in tap water. The high usage of bottled mineral water for dnnking purposes may deprive the public, especially the children, from one of the protective elements (fluoride) for dental caries. This disease is highly prevalent in Bahrain. A programme to control chemi cal quality of drinking water in the country is highly recommended.

Nutritive value of traditional sweets consumed in the Arab Gulf countries.

Proximate, mineral, fatty acid and cholesterol composition of eight traditional sweets commonly consumed in the Arab Gulf countries were determined. Four sweets were obtained from Bahrain, whereas the other sweets were obtained from Oman. Protein level ranged from 0.2 to 9.0%, while the fat content ranged from 7.9 to 18.0%. In general, the sweets were found to be high in energy content but poor in most minerals. Iron and zinc contents were low (less than 2 and less than 1 mg/100 g for iron and zinc, respectively). Cholesterol was high in four sweets (range from 10.6 to 20.4 mg/100 g), mainly because of the use of animal fat in preparation of these sweets. The fatty acids profiles showed that palmitic and oleic acids were predominant. One sweet (eggbaith) was found to be very high in linoleic (42%) and low in palmitic (9.6%) acids. The study showed that some traditional sweets are nutritious, while others should be consumed with moderation.Proximate, mineral, fatty acid and cholesterol composition of eight traditional sweets commonly consumed in the Arab Gulf countries were determined. Four sweets were obtained from Bahrain, whereas the other sweets were obtained from Oman. Protein level ranged from 0.2 to 9.0%, while the fat content ranged from 7.9 to 18.0%. In general, the sweets were found to be high in energy content but poor in most minerals. Iron and zinc contents were low (less than 2 and less than 1 mg/100 g for iron and zinc, respectively). Cholesterol was high in four sweets (range from 10.6 to 20.4 mg/100 g), mainly because of the use of animal fat in preparation of these sweets. The fatty acids profiles showed that palmitic and oleic acids were predominant. One sweet (eggbaith) was found to be very high in linoleic (42%) and low in palmitic (9.6%) acids. The study showed that some traditional sweets are nutritious, while others should be consumed with moderation.