Practices related to kitchen hygiene and food handling and preparation among the women in Bahrain

Food contamination considered one of the major public health problems in the Arab countries. Unsound food practices related to handling and preparation of food are the main factors responsible for this disease. The aim of this study, therefore, to assess some of practices related to kitchen hygiene and preparation of foods by women in Bahrain. Women were interviewed using specially design and pretested questionnaire from 6 health centers in Bahrain. The total sample was 372 women aged between 20 to 60 years. The finding reveled that 76% of women cleanup the refrigerator using water and soap. The using of cleaning agents, either for the refrigerator or the ground or the wall of kitchen was higher by highly and middle education women than low education women; but the difference was not statistically significant. The low education women were more likely to clean the refrigerator frequently per month [more than 7 time per month] compared to middle and high education women [34%, 36% and 29% respectively]. Similar trends was observed regarding frequently of cleaning walls or ground of the kitchen. It was found that 98% of women divided the food according to this needs, before they freez it. There was a significant association between the education and method of thawing frozen foods, as low education women were more likely to the Frozen foods in hot water, compared to middle and high education woman. Also education had a positive impact an removing the accessalrries from hands before preparation the food. Surprisingly, it was found that 29% of women rise a pet at their house. It can be concluded that there are some unhygienic practices by Bahraini women at although they education has appositive impact on reducing such practices. Their is an need for food hygiene education programme for women and the public

Diet and prevention of coronary heart disease in the Arab Middle East Countries.

The picture of health and nutritional status in the Arab Middle East countries has changed drastically during the past four decades as a result of changes in dietary habits, socio-economic situation and lifestyle. The chronic non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease [CHD], diabetes, hypertension and cancer have become the main public health problems in most of these countries. Pattern of food consumption may play an important part in the increasing incidence of CHD in this region. The traditional diet, characterized by a high-fiber content and low in fat and cholesterol has changed to a more westernized diet with high content of fat, free sugars, sodium and cholesterol. Daily per capita fat supplies showed an impressive increase in most of these countries, ranging from 13.6% in Sudan to 143.3% in Saudi Arabia. A high intake of cholesterol is reported in some of these countries. Also, the consumption of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits is low. Data from food composition tables in the region showed that sodium content in the Arab Middle East diet is high. Dietary guidelines and recommendations for the prevention and control of chronic diseases, including CHD, in these Arab countries are provided

Body weight of university students in Bahrain

To estimate the percentage of overweight and obesity of university students in Bahrain, a sample of 238 males and 406 females were obtained. The findings showed that 17.6% and 18.5% of males and females respectively were overweight. The proportion of obesity was 11.8% in males and 7.6% in females. Physical activity should be encouraged in this group to prevent obesity

Obesity in female students in the United Arab Emirates University

A study on 200 female university students was carried out to determine their weight status. Using body mass index [BMI], 24% and 7.5% of students were overweight and obese, respectively. There was no significant association between BMI and age of students

Nutritional status of Emirati women in Al-Ain city, United Arab Emirates

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of obesity among national Emirati women who were attending out-patient clinics in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Of women studied, 9.2%, 29.8% and 38.4% respectively were underweight, overweight and obese. The findings of this study are consistent with other studies in UAE, that obesity is a problem of concern among women

Food consumption patterns and nutrition situation in the arab countries

Since ancient time the traditional diet of the region was basically a mixture of wheat and legumes. Fruit and vegetables were also commonly consumed. However, the rapid changes in lifestyle during the past three decades have led to great changes in food and nutrition status in the Arab countries. The average per caput energy intake increased by 30% and fat intake by 45%. The largest increases in food consumption were seen in sugar, fat and oil, red meat and poultry. Consequently the trend of diet-related diseases has changed. The prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer and obesity has increased dramatically, especially in the Arab Gulf countries, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon. At the same time micronutrient deficiencies such as iron-deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency disorders and vitamin D deficiency are common in most Arab countries. A plan of action for prevention and control of nutritional problems in these countries is highly recommended

Change in dietary habits, lifestyle and trend in diseases in the GCC countries

The GCC countries have experienced a rapid change in dietary habits and lifestyle during the past three decades with the sharp increase in income as a result of the oil revenue. The traditional diet, which consisted of dates, milk, rice, brown bread, fish and vegetables has changed to a more westernised diet. Lifestyle has changed markedly as physical activity has diminished and a sedentary lifestyle has become the norm. Studies showed that about 20-25% of men practiced exercise compared to about 6-10% of the women. A high percentage of both adults and children watched television for more than three hours daily. Women and adolescent girls were more likely to watch television than men and adolescent boys. These changes in food habits and lifestyle have lead to a great change in morbidity and mortality patterns. Infectious diseases have gradually disappeared and chronic non-communicable diseases are becoming more apparent

Nutritional problems among pregnant women in the GCC countries

The aim of this paper is to highlight the nutrition status of pregnant women in the GCC countries. Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the main nutritional problems among pregnant women in the Gulf, with a prevalence ranging from 30% to 54%. Overweight and obesity are problems of concern in this group of women. It was estimated that 54%-70% of the women in this region were overweight and obese. One the other hand, underweight is prevalent among 3%-13% of the women. Gestational diabetes occurred in 5%-10% of pregnant women, which may be associated with significant pregnancy complications. Early age at marriage, multiple pregnancies, unsound food habits, traditional beliefs and attitudes, social change and lifestyle are the main factors associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women in the GCC countries. Recommendations to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women in the region were suggested

Food frequency intake and lifestyle among patients attending out-patient clinics in Qatar: a preliminary study

The objective of this study was to find out some risk factors that may be related to occurrence of chronic diseases among patients attending out-patient clinics in Qatar. All adult patients [20 years and over] attending the out-patient clinics in Hamad General Hospital for one week between 8 am and 12 pm were included. The total sample was 243 men and 214 women. The findings revealed that the daily consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits was low among both Qataris and non-Qataris. The proportion of current smokers was 28% in Qatari and 45% in non-Qatari men, while none of Qatari women reported smoking compared to 7.9% of non-Qatari women. The practicing of exersise was relatively high compared to other Gulf countries, ranging from 33.7% to 51.6%. This is because of two reasons; Firstly, the high proportion of chronic diseases among the patients and therefore they may be advised by the physicians to practice exercise to control these diseases. Secondly, the unclear definition of exercise which lead to obtaining misleading answers. Watching television for a long time [more than 3 hours/day] was observed among both Qataris and non-Qataris. However, the Qataris were more likely to watch television for a long duration than non-Qataris. Further comprehensive studies are urgently needed to explore the main risk factors associated with chronic non-communicable diseases in Qatar

Nutritional status and food habits of cement workers in United Arab Emirates

A sample of 304 cement workers was selected randomly from factories in the United Arab Emirates to study nutritional status and food habits of those workers. The mean age of the workers was 38.5 years and most of them were Indians [88%]. Based on body mass index, BMI [weight [kg]/height [m][2]], the prevalence of overweight and obesity was relatively high [33.2%], while 60.2% of workers were normal and only 6.6% were underweight. Marital status and monthly income were significantly associated with nutritional status [P<0.0001 and P<0.005, respectively]. Data on meal patterns of workers indicates low intake of milk and milk products and to some extent meat, chicken and fish. Fruits vegetables and tea were highly consumed. This pattern was mainly due to the traditions and religious factors of the workers, as many of them were vegetarians. Most of the workers [86.6%] ate breakfast daily and only 3.9% skipped breakfast. Lunch, the main meal, was mainly consumed at work-place [71.8%]. The low intake of animal products may suggest a deficiency of some essential nutrients. In depth investigations on the relationship between food habits and nutritional status of workers in this region is highly recommended for any nutrition intervention programme

Geographical distribution of birth-weight in Bahrain

The birth-weight of 842 infants born between June 1982 and May 1984 were studied in order to determine the association of geographical areas with birth-weight. The findings showed that Bahraini infants born in Riffa had the highest mean birth- weight [3372g] than Bahraini infants born in other regions [ranged from 3127g in Jidhafs to 3298g in Northern area]. Statistically significant differences between mean birth-weight of males and females were only observed in Manama. In general, areas with high socio-economic levels showed higher mean birth-weight than areas with low socio-economic levels

Change in parasitic infections among school children in Bahrain, 1980-1986: a preliminary study

Stool specimens were collected from 378 children aged from 6 to 11 years and examined for the detection of intestinal parasitic infections. The prevalence of parasites was also compared with those reported earlier in 1980. The results indicate that Giardia lamblia and Trichuris trichiura were the most common parasites among both sexes. However, boys were more susceptible to these parasites than girls. No hookworms or Entamoeba histolytica were isolated. The study showed that there is a remarkable decline in some parasitic infections when compared with those reported in 1980 among the same age groups. Some factors responsible for intestinal parasites in Bahrain have been briefly discussed

Chemical composition of herbal water used for medicinal purposes in Bahrain

The aim of this study was to provide preliminary data on the type and chemical composition of herbal water [water prepared from various herbs] used for treatment of diseases in Bahrain. A total of ninety six samples representing ten types of herbal water were collected from four factories in Bahrain and chemically analysed. The results revealed that there was a great variation in chemical composition of herbal water from one factory to other. Except for iron, waters studied had lower level of all chemicals [Ca, Mg, Cl, F, Na and Si] than tap water in Bahrain. Based on chemical regulations for drinking water, herbal water had better qualities than tap water

Nutritional value of Bahraini foods

The present pattern of food consumption in Bahrain is compared Favourably with many other developing countries. Progressive industrialization in Bahrain has brought increased purchasing power to households, with the result that the consumption of low-cost carbohydrate foods has decreased gradually. The consumption of animal protein foods and fruits has increased and improved the nutritive value of the meals [I]. Bahraini food patterns are becoming more dependent on imported and convenience foods. Generous and varied food supplies are available in the market, and the meal pattern of Bahraini families is likely to become more varied. About 46.8% of the total annual family expenditure is on foods, of which 18% is for cereals and cereal products, 15% [for meat and eggs, 13% for fish, 12% for fruit and nuts, 7% for milk and milk products, 6% for vegetables and 29% for other foods [I]

Factors affecting causes of death in Bahrain [1976-1980]

The relationship between sex, age, nationality and region to causes of death in Bahrain was investigated, using data reported in death registration files for the period 1976-1980. The results show that males had a higher incidence of deaths due to the circulatory system diseases, injury and poisoning than females. The main causes of deaths in infancy were due to certain conditions originating in the perinatal period [53%]. Injury and poisoning were the leading causes of death for the age group 1-4 years and 5-19 years [32.8% and 41.3%, respectively]. However, diseases of the circulatory system were the major cause of death for the age group over 20 years. As a nation the Bahrainis were more subjected to infective and parasitic diseases, neoplasms and diseases of the respiratory system. In general, the contribution of infective and parasitic diseases was higher in rural areas in comparison to urban areas