Taoufik Zoubeidi

Indoor air pollutants and health in the United Arab Emirates

Background: Comprehensive global data on the health effects of indoor air pollutants are lacking. There are few large population-based multi–air pollutant health assessments. Further, little is known about indoor air health risks in the Middle East, especially in countries undergoing rapid economic development. Objectives: To provide multifactorial indoor air exposure and health data, we conducted a population-based study of indoor air pollution and health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a population-based sample of 628 households in the UAE. Indoor air pollutants [sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), formaldehyde (HCHO), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter] were measured using passive samplers over a 7-day period. Health information was collected from 1,590 household members via in-person interviews. Results: Participants in households with quantified SO2, NO2, and H2S (i.e., with measured concentrations above the limit of quantification) were twice as likely to report doctor-diagnosed asthma. Participants in homes with quantified SO2 were more likely to report wheezing symptoms {ever wheezing, prevalence odds ratio [POR] 1.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 3.05]; speech-limiting wheeze, POR 3.53 (95% CI: 1.06, 11.74)}. NO2 and H2S were similarly associated with wheezing symptoms. Quantified HCHO was associated with neurologic symptoms (difficulty concentrating POR 1.47; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.13). Burning incense daily was associated with increased headaches (POR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.21), difficulty concentrating (POR 3.08; 95% CI: 1.70, 5.58), and forgetfulness (POR 2.68: 95% CI: 1.47, 4.89). Conclusions: This study provides new information regarding potential health risks from pollutants commonly found in indoor environments in the UAE and other countries. Multipollutant exposure and health assessments in cohort studies are needed to better characterize health effects of indoor air pollutants.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Environmental Toxic Metal Exposure in the United Arab Emirates

No systematic studies have been carried out on the effects of toxic metals on childhood behavior in the Gulf Region including the UAE. The relationship between blood levels of heavy metals and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were explored in school-aged children of UAE and it was found that increased blood concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were significantly associated with ADHD. The findings suggest that monitoring for exposure to heavy metal levels and education on potential child health hazards related to them are indicated.

Subjective life satisfaction and mental disorders among older adults in UAE in general population

Life satisfaction is widely considered to be a central aspect of human welfare. Many have identified happiness with it, and some maintain that well‐being consists largely or wholly in being satisfied with ones life. Empirical research on well‐being relies heavily on life satisfaction studies.

Labour Policy and Determinants of Employment and Wages in a Developing Economy with Labour Shortage

Using data from a sample of 1,099 workers, this paper investigates the determinants of employment and wages for workers in the United Arab Emirates. The paper further examines the wage distribution and the decomposition of the wage gap between the public and the private sectors. Results of the study are consistent with the dual labour market theory and indicate that the labour market in the United Arab Emirates is segmented based on sectors (public versus private) and types of workers (nationals versus non-nationals). The study concludes with a discussion of the implication of these findings for the effectiveness of labour and economic policy.

A Study of the UAE Higher Education Sector in Light of Dubai's Strategic Objectives

We provide an overview of the state of the higher education system in the UAE, and investigate its capacity to supply Dubai’s economy with skilled labor and achieve the emirate’s strategic social development objectives. We examine various characteristics of the higher education sector and discuss their inherent strengths and weaknesses in light of Dubai’s labor market needs. Our findings reveal that the UAE higher education sector has witnessed an impressive growth since 1997 mostly led by a vigorous expansion of the private higher education sector. This situation led to a substantial growth in higher education opportunities for the UAE population. However, the lack of development of graduate studies and the lower quality of graduates, as perceived by both employees and employers, represent the main challenges to the capacity of the sector in fulfilling the needs of Dubai’s economy.

Behavioral correlation with television watching and videogame playing among children in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract Objective. Television viewing and videogame use (TV/VG) appear to be associated with some childhood behavioral problems. There are no studies addressing this problem in the United Arab Emirates. Methods. One hundred ninety-seven school children (mean age, 8.7 ± 2.1 years) were assessed. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) subscale scores and socio-demographic characteristics were compared between children who were involved with TV/VG more than 2 hours/day and those involved less than 2 hours/day (the recommended upper limit by The American Academy of Pediatrics). Results. Thirty-seven percent of children who were involved with TV/VG time of more than 2 hours/day scored significantly higher on CBCL syndrome scales of withdrawn, social problems, attention problems, delinquent behavior, aggressive behavior, internalizing problems, externalizing problems and the CBCL total scores compared with their counterparts. Moreover, these children were younger in birth order and had fewer siblings. After controlling for these confounders using logistic regression, we found that TV/VG time more than 2 hours/day was positively associated with withdrawn (p = 0.008), attention problem (p = 0.037), externalizing problems (p = 0.007), and CBCL total (p = 0.014). Conclusion. Involvement with TV/VG for more than 2 hours/day is associated with more childhood behavioral problems. Counteracting negative effects of the over-involvement with TV/VG in children requires increased parental awareness.

Epidemiological Study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among School Children in the United Arab Emirates

Background: While extensive research data is available on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from industrialized countries, very few studies have been undertaken in the developing countries including the Arab world. Methods: A representative random sample of school children aged 5 to 16 years was evaluated for the prevalence of ADHD using the Conner Parent and Teacher Scale in Dubai, Al-Ain and Ras Al- Khaima to represent the urban, semi-urban and rural population of UAE. Results: The rate of ADHD was 4.1% as per the parent report and 3.4% as per the teacher report. Children with ADHD were noted to have a range of psychiatric co-morbidity. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the importance of comprehensive and early screening program for ADHD and we hope that this data on the prevalence and associated factors can provide the basis for setting priorities and designing interventions.

Prevalence and Determinants of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Attending a Tertiary Care Center in the United Arab Emirates

Objective: This study was designed to estimate prevalence and identify relevant determinants of peripheral neuropathy in patients >18 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus of at least 12 months. Methods: Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (394 patients, age = 57 ± 12 yr, 67% females, duration of diabetes = 10.9 ± 7.9 yr) were randomly selected from the Diabetes Center at Tawam Hospital (Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates). The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) history and sign scores were used to assess neuropathy. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of peripheral neuropathy on the Michigan score. Results: Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 10.4% based on the MNSI-history score of ≥7 and 25.6% based on the MNSI-sign score of ≥ 3. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HbA1c [OR=3.41, 95% CI; 1.15– 10.16] and physical activity [OR=4.99, 95% CI; 2.21–11.29] were significant predictors of the MNSI-history score. Age [OR=1.06, 95% CI; 1.03–1.09], height [OR=1.06, 95% CI; 1.02–1.10], systolic blood pressure [OR=1.03, 95% CI; 1.01–1.06] and duration of diabetes [OR=1.08, 95% CI; 1.04–1.13] were significant predictors of the MNSI-sign score. Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy was common in the studied diabetic patients and was associated with modifiable risk factors, such as glycemic control, blood pressure control and physical activity.

Learning disorder and blood concentration of heavy metals in the United Arab Emirates

Children are frequently exposed to toxic metals in the environment, and their developing central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to their effects. This study examined the blood level of heavy metals in children with learning disorder (LD) as compared to children without LD in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Significantly high blood concentrations of seven heavy metals were found in children with LD. Further analysis using forward stepwise logistic regression showed that molybdenum levels and family history of developmental problems were the best predictors of LD. Our findings suggest the need for monitoring for toxic metals in the environment.

Paternal Asthma is a Predictor for Childhood Asthma in the Consanguineous Families from the United Arab Emirates

Consanguinity is known to increase the burden of genetic disorders among offspring. However, the effect of consanguinity on a complex disorder like childhood asthma has not been studied previously. Therefore, we explored this relationship by studying the asthma prevalence in children between 6 and 14 years of age among the local Arab families of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where consanguinity is known to be highly prevalent. A total of 1136 children from 295 families met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of childhood asthma was higher among children in consanguineous families (43.3%) compared to non-consanguineous (22.6%, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the degree of consanguinity and the number of asthmatic children per family (p = 0.0002). Girls from consanguineous families had proportionately more asthma (42.9%, p < 0.001) compared to boys (23.1%, p = 0.539). Paternal asthma in consanguineous families increased asthma risk for both boys and girls (p = 0.021 for boys, p < 0.001 for girls), while maternal asthma had no significant impact on asthma in offspring. Prevalence of childhood asthma was significantly higher in consanguineous families. The significant asthma predictors for girls from the consanguineous families were the degree of consanguinity and paternal asthma. The only predictor for boys was paternal asthma. These interesting observations merit further studies on both larger samples and in other consanguineous communities for confirmation.