Pattern and determinants of tobacco use among adult Multiethnic population: a cross-sectional study in Ajman UAE

Objective: To assess the proportion of individuals using various forms of tobacco among the adult multi-ethnic population in Ajman UAE

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among adults above the age of 18 years residing in Ajman Emirate. Individuals not consented to participate were excluded from the study. The minimum sample size for this study was calculated as 4000. Quota sampling technique was used to recruit the participants from various shopping malls and GC hospital in Ajman. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used which included the socio-demographic characteristics [such as age, gender, education, occupation, nationality etc.], the type of tobacco use [cigarette, cigar, shisha, dokha or other forms], frequency and duration of use, factors influencing the use and choice, and potential barriers in quitting tobacco use

Results: For this study, we have included 4047 residents of Ajman, 2022 Asians, 929 Arabs, 763 Emiratis and 333 others. The gender distribution showed, 56.4% were males and the remaining were females. With regard to age, 6.7% were less than 21 years, 42.9% were 21- 30 years, 29.5% were 31-40 years, 12.5% were 41-50 years, 6.2% were 51-60 years and 2.2% were 61 and above. Among the total, 31.7% were past or present tobacco user. The prevalence among male was 44.7% and among female was 14.7%. With regard to the prevalence of types of tobacco use, cigarette 26.1%, cigar 2.6%, shisha 10.3%, dokha 2.7%, 1% snuff and chewing tobacco 2.6% and other forms 0.9%. There was a significant difference [p<0.05] in the prevalence of cigarette use among males and females

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of tobacco habit was less among Emiratis compared to participants from other countries and a significant difference with regard to gender

Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Emirati Residents in Ajman, United Arab Emirates / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type-2 is a major public health concern worldwide. Not much information is available with regard to the incidence of DM in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed at determining the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE. This is a retrospective cohort study. METHODS: This study was conducted in all primary health care centers and Shaikh Khalifa and GMC Hospitals, Ajman, UAE where the Emirati population primarily go for diagnosis and treatment. The incident cases of diabetes mellitus were collected during the period 2010 January to December. RESULTS: A total of 158 cases newly detected in 2010, 54 were among non-Emiratis and one was type-1 diabetes. Eliminating these, the remaining 101 were included in the analysis. The age of the patients ranged from 23 years to 78 years; 35 (34.7%) males and 66 (65.3%) were females. The overall incidence observed was 4.8/1,000 person-years (PY) with a female predominance of 6.3/1,000 PY against incidence among males of 3.3/1,000 PY. With regard to age specific incidence rate among males, it increases with age till 60 years and then showed a decreasing trend. Among females also the same trend was observed but not as similar to males. CONCLUSION: The highest incidence rate was observed in the 55-59 age group among males, 23.4/1,000 PY and females, 32.4/1,000 PY. Among males the incidence rate was much less compared to females in-the age groups older than 59 years.

Patients’ Adherence to Anti-Diabetic Medications in a Hospital at Ajman, UAE

Background: Anti-diabetic medications are integral for glycemic control in diabetes. Non-adherence to drugs can alter blood glucose levels, resulting in complications. Adherence to anti-diabetic medications reported by patients and the factors associated with medication adherence among adult patients with diabetes mellitus were explored. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with type II diabetes mellitus attending the Internal Medicine Department of a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Consecutive patients were selected, and data regarding their medication adherence were collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS-20. The chi-square test was performed to examine the associations between categorical variables; a two-sided P Value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 132 patients participated in the study (63 males; 69 females). The mean age (standard deviation) of the respondents was 54 years (SD 10.2). The self-reported adherence rate to anti-diabetic drugs was 84%. The most common reason for non-adherence was forgetfulness, and the adherence rate was similar in both genders. Patients with Bachelor’s and Master’s degree reported greater adherence rate to anti-diabetic medication in comparison to the secondary school educated. Conclusion: The self-reported adherence rate to anti-diabetic medications was 84%, and forgetfulness was the most common reason for non-adherence. Future studies on strategies to improve adherence rate should be considered.

Knowledge, perception, and preventive practices regarding colorectal cancer among adults in Ajman, UAE

To assess the knowledge, perception and screening practices regarding colorectal cancer [CRC] and to analyse related influencing factors. A cross sectional study was conducted among males and females >/= 50 years old, attending GMC hospital, Ajman UAE, using validated pilot tested, self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge was assessed for three domains [risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and screening methods] using a scoring system, the final scores were categorized into quartile [Low, below average, above average, high], having low knowledge is identified if the final score is in the 1[st] two categories. Data was analysed using the SPSS software 21. X[2] test, simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were used. A p value < 0.05 was the significance level. The study included 404 participants, mostly 50-54 years old [60.3%], males [80.2%], Arabs [51.2%], non-nationals [93.6%], married [93.6%], having secondary level of education [45.8%] and health insurance [54.4]. Family history of CRC and personal history of polyp were reported by 26 and 11 participants [6.6% and 2.7%] respectively. The percentage of participants who had lower knowledge scores for CRC risk factors, warning signs and screening were 81.7%, 84.7% and 94.1% respectively. Only 55 participants [13.6%] perceive themselves to be at risk of having CRC. Significant predictors for risk factors and warning signs knowledge scores were; gender, education level and risk perception. An addition significant predictors for warning signs knowledge were family history of CRC and personal history of polyp. Significant predictors of CRC screening methods Knowledge were; Ethnicity, education level and risk perception. Only 28 and 23 participants were screened for CRC by Faecal Occult Blood Test [FOBT] and colonoscopy respectively. Absence of recommendation by doctors was the most frequently barrier [88.7%] for screening. Most participants [94%] believe that CRC is a fatal disease. Significant predictors of screening practices by FOBT and colonoscopy were; personal history of polyp and risk perception. Additional significant predictor for FOBT was lower knowledge scores for CRC risk factors. The knowledge regarding CRC was unsatisfactory. Reported uptake of screening measures was very low. Strategies to increase awareness regarding CRC are highly recommended

Prevalence of dokha use among secondary school students in Ajman UAE

Dokha is a form of smoking native to UAE on which there is very little published literature especially among adolescents and this form of smoking has been not been addressed adequately in the smoking cessation strategies in UAE Micro To assess the prevalence of dokha smoking among male secondary school students in Ajman UAE. A cross sectional survey was conducted by stratified random sampling among male secondary school students in Ajman, UAE. A total of 560 participants filled in self-administered questionnaires on dokha use The prevalence of ever smokers was 39%; ever dokha smokers was 36% and current dokha smokers was 24%. The prevalence is very high when compared to other forms of smoking in the region and globally. Prevalence increased with increasing age and grade of students, prevalence of ever smokers, ever dokha smokers and current dokha smokers was lower in students in the science stream. 40% of the smokers used dokha, cigarettes and shisha, 30% used dokha and cigarettes, and 21% used dokha alone. 30% of the students smoked dokha on all days of the month. The prevalence of ever smokers, ever dokha smokers and current dokha smokers is very high. There is an urgent need for specific health promotion programs tailored to this age group on prevention of dokha smoking and policies restricting the availability of dokha to this age group

Prolactin level in women with abnormal uterine bleeding visiting department of obstetrics and gynecology in a university teaching hospital in Ajman, UAE

This study was conducted among women in the reproductive age group with abnormal uterine bleeding [AUB] to determine the pattern of prolactin level. In this study, a total of 400 women in the reproductive age group with AUB attending GMC Hospital were recruited and their prolactin levels were evaluated. Age, marital status, reproductive health history and details of AUB were noted. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was performed to describe the population, and inferential statistics such as Chi-square test was performed to find the association between dependent and independent variables. Out of 400 women, 351 [87.8%] were married, 103 [25.8%] were in the age group 25 years or below, 213 [53.3%] were between 26-35 years and 84 [21.0%] were above 35 years. Mean age was 30.3 years with a standard deviation 6.7. The prolactin level ranged between 15.34 mIU/l and 2800 mIU/l. The mean and SD observed were 310 mIU/l and 290 mIU/l respectively. The prolactin level was high among AUB patients with inter-menstrual bleeding compared to other groups. Additionally, the level was high among women with age greater than 25 years compared to those with age less than or equal to 25 years. But the difference observed was not statistically significant. With regard to BMI, 27.3% were obese and 37.5% were overweight. This study showed that as BMI increases, the level of prolactin decreases, with no statistically significant difference. The prolactin level was high in women with inter-menstrual bleeding as compared to those with other abnormal uterine bleeding. High serum prolactin level was observed in 11.3% of participants with oligomenorrhoea, 7.3% with polymenorrhoea, 3.7% with menometrorrhagia, 10.3% with menorrhagia, and 18.9% with inter-menstrual bleeding. But, the difference observed was not statistically significant. There is no statistically significant difference in the mean prolactin levels in AUB patients of different age groups and different BMI groups

Efficacy of statins in dyslipidemia: a non interventional comparative study in a tertiary care hospital, Ajman, UAE

The reduction of serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels varies with different statins. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of Simvastatin, Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in the treatment of newly diagnosed dyslipidemia. A prospective, non-interventional 12-week study was conducted after approval from the Ethics Committee. A total of 70 patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia receiving 20mg of Simvastatin, Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin were included. The primary efficacy measure was reduction of lipid levels from the initial baseline values at the end of 12 weeks with the respective Statins. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Paired -t test, and analysis of variance [ANOVA]. Of total 70 patients, 14 patients received Simvastatin; 40 patients received Atorvastatin and 16 patients received Rosuvastatin. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the three groups. Significant reduction in lipid levels [total cholesterol, and LDL] was seen within the three treatment groups [p<0.01]. However, statistically significant difference in the reduction lipid levels was not observed between the three groups. We found no significant difference in the reduction of lipid levels between Simvastatin, Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia

Prescribing patterns in the orthopedics outpatient department in GMC hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Information on the utilization patterns of drugs in the Orthopedics outpatient department [OPD] were lacking in Gulf Medical College Hospital [GMCH]. Hence, we aimed to investigate the prescribing patterns in the Orthopedics outpatient department [OPD] of GMCH. The study was a hospital based observational [record based] study carried out over one year period. The prescriptions of all new patients visiting the Orthopedic OPD of GMCH hospital were critically analyzed using a predetermined criterion. Prescriptions of 623 patients were randomly selected for analysis. The majority patients were South -East Asians or Arab males, aged between 26-35 years and had insurance coverage. The median number of drugs per prescription was 3 [range 5]. Low backache was the most common reason for attending the OPD. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and muscle relaxants were the most commonly prescribed drug group. Fixed dose combinations accounted for around 17% of the prescriptions. All the drugs were prescribed by their brand names Absence of department name on the prescriptions were also observed. The prescribing pattern in the orthopedic outpatient department in GMC Hospital was generally rational. The most commonly prescribed drugs included were Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and fixed dose combinations were observed in many of the prescription

Does curricular change improve faculty perceptions of student experiences with the educational environment? A preliminary study in an institution undergoing curricular change / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates, underwent a major curriculum change from a discipline-based to an organ system-based integrated curriculum. However, it was not known how the faculty perceived the changes in the educational environment as experienced by the students. In this context, we aimed to compare the faculty perceptions of the student experiences in the discipline-based curriculum with those in the organ system-based integrated curriculum. METHODS: The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was modified to assess faculty perceptions of the student experiences, pilot-tested, and administered to all faculty members (n=28) involved in the discipline-based curriculum (FDC) in January 2009. In the subsequent year, data were collected from the same faculty involved in the new integrated curriculum (FIC). Collected data were transferred to Predictive Analytics Software version 18. Total, domain, and individual statement scores were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Percentage agreement, disagreement, and uncertainty were assessed by the McNemar's test for proportion. RESULTS: The mean total DREEM score was significantly higher (P<0.001) for FIC (139/200) as compared to FDC (119/200). The FIC perceived significantly more positive student experiences with the educational environment as indicated by the domain scores and statement scores. The differences in proportions of agreement between FIC and FDC also reinforced that the FIC perceived more positive student experiences with the educational environment. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the faculty perceived the organ system-based integrated curriculum as providing a better educational environment for the students than the discipline based curriculum.

Causes of stress and coping strategies adopted by undergraduate health professions students in a university in the United Arab Emirates

This study aimed to compare causes of stress and coping strategies adopted by a sample of undergraduate health-profession students at the Gulf Medical University, United Arab Emirates. An anonymous voluntary questionnaire-based survey was conducted, from January to July 2011, among first- and second-year medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and physiotherapy students [N = 212] to identify causes of stress. Coping strategies were studied using the Brief COPE Inventory. Worries regarding the future [54.2%] and parental expectations [40.1%] were the major stressors. Poor diet [36.8%] and a lack of exercise [36.3%] were also reported to cause stress. Students used multiple strategies, mainly religion/praying [74.5%], planning [70.5%] and taking action [70.5%] to cope with stress. There were no significant differences observed in the stressors or coping strategies between genders or programmes. First-year students [62.5%] relied on emotional support significantly more [P<0.05] than second-year students [48.5%]. The main causes of stress were worries regarding future and parental expectations. The majority of the students used positive coping strategies, with religion/praying found to be the most frequently used strategy

Neonatal sepsis: Incidence, risk factors, common pathogens and antimicrobial pattern in a multiethnic population in Ajman, UAE

To determine the incidence, source of infection, impact of gestational age, pattern of delivery, birth weight, feeding pattern on the occurrence of neonatal sepsis and to assess the frequency of pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Medical record review based study was done during Jan-Dec 2011 at GMCH Ajman. Blood was collected aseptically before the administration of antibiotics from 255 sepsis suspected neonates for culture by BACTEC system. The microorganisms isolated were identified by Gram staining and biochemical test; these isolates were further subjected for antibiogram by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Analysis was performed on SPSS version 20. The neonates were from 28 nationalities, 82% were Asians. Male female ratio was 61: 59. The proportion of sepsis was 6.6%; of which male female ratio was 76:24. Of the 209 early onset sepsis [EOS] cases 8 were culture proven sepsis, and among the 46 late onset sepsis [LOS] cases 9 were culture positive. Of the culture proven cases, 65% were preterm and 35% were term neonates. Of which 53% were delivered by caesarian section and 47% by vaginal delivery. Thirty five percent were low birth weight, 47% were normal birth weight and 18% were overweight. Eighty eight percent were breast fed, 6% were breast fed along with infant formula and 6% were on IV fluids. Microorganisms isolated were Candida albicans, Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species and Gram negative bacilli. Gram negative bacilli showed 100% susceptibility towards Amikacin, Augmentin and Ciprofloxacin. Gram positive cocci were 100% susceptible for Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol. The proportion of sepsis among the suspected neonates was 6.6% with male predominance. Mortality rate was 5.8% among the sepsis proven neonates. Multidrug resistance was not observed among the isolates. The response towards the prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic regime was effective for the prognosis of sepsis

Development of the AMEET questionnaire, an instrument measuring faculty members' perceptions of their educational environment

The educational environment experienced by teachers involves all conditions affecting teaching and learning activities. Faculty perceptions of their educational environment are important not only for themselves but also for students. As no instrument exists to assess viewpoints of faculty, we aimed to develop and validate the Assessment of Medical Education Environment by Teachers [AMEET] questionnaire. A modified Delphi technique was used to generate items for the inventory. A small group of experts [a medical education expert and four teaching faculty] assisted in defining a preliminary list of items through literature review and group discussions. Sixteen international consenting panel members graded [0 - not necessary, 1- desirable, 2- important, 3- absolutely essential] and modified the initial statements or suggested new statements [Round 1], In Round 2, the panel graded the new statements and reconsidered their previous responses. Subsequently, statements with median scores < /= 1 were excluded. Responses for new statements were reconsidered and final inclusion of each statement was indicated through agreement in Round 3. A pilot test enabled evaluation of validity and reliability of the instrument. Fifty statements were generated initially for the preliminary inventory. The panel members modified and graded the fifty statements and suggested five new statements via Round 1. The new statements were graded; responses to previous fifty statements were reconsidered and three statements with median scores < 1 were removed following Round 2. Agreement was finally sought for inclusion of 52 statements and two statements were subsequently deleted as panel agreement was < 75% for each of them. The 50-item questionnaire was refined to its final version with six domains and piloted with 62 faculties. A Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94 was obtained. The AMEET questionnaire is a valid, highly reliable and practically useful instrument to assess faculty members' perceptions of educational environment

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation and blood pressure control

Determine the effect of PUFA supplementation on patients diagnosed with hypertension and are on treatment with antihypertensive drugs. To identify if the response to PUFA differs according to gender and duration of hypertension. To determine the effect of coexisting morbidities like diabetes and dyslipidemia on the hypertensive patients response to PUFA. This observational study was conducted at the GMCH and RC during the period Jan 2012-Dec 2012. A total of 100 hypertensive patients on treatment, 50 of whom were taking n-3PUFA supplements along with their antihypertensive medications, were followed up for a period of 3 months. Comparisons were drawn between the BP recordings at the time of enrolment in the study and their follow up values 3 months after enrollment. Data analysis was done per protocol, excluding data from the drop out patients. There was a significant reduction in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures after 3 months of n-3 PUFA therapy [mean reduction systolic 9.7 mmHg; diastolic 4.7 mm Hg]. Males showed significant improvement in BP [systolic] compared to females. The BP of non- diabetic participants' improved significantly with PUFA therapy. The antihypertensive effect of PUFA supplement was more marked in patients with long standing hypertension. Supplementation with omega- 3 PUFA causes a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Urolithiasis in male patients: a pilot study on the ethnic differences and clinical profile

The association between ethnicity, age, clinical profile, stone size with type of ureteric stones among male patients with urolithiasis was studied. Male patients above 18 years with lower ureteral stones size < 10mm attending outpatient department of Urology, GMC hospital, Ajman over a period of one year were included. Ethical approval obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee. Data was retrieved from the case record form which included socio-demographic variables [age, nationality], clinical profile [ureteric colic, duration of pain, other complaints, laboratory investigations [type of stone, stone size]. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with SPSS version 20 and p values < 0.05 considered significant. 185 male patients were included. Mean age was 41.5 [7.3] years, range [22-71] years. Of the total, 81[43.8%] patients were of Asian ethnicity, 81[43.8%] Arab and 23 [12.4%] were of other ethnicity. Most patients [95.1%] reported with ureteric pain. Only 49 [26.5%] had family history of stone disease with majority being first degree relation. Data on type of stone was available for 90 patients; of which, 21 were calcium oxalate monohydrate, 33-calcium oxalate dehydrate, 24-uric acid and remaining 12 other form of stones. Uric acid stone was common among Asians and calcium oxalate-dehydrate among Arab ethnicity. Among those with family history calcium oxalate monohydrate and uric acid stones were common compared to other types. Average age for different types of stone was 38.3, 41.6, 39.4 and 42.8 years respectively for calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dehydrate, uric acid and other types. Uric acid stones were more prevalent among Asians and calcium oxalate-dehydrate stones among the Arabs. Further studies among multiethnic population focusing on detailed dietary pattern and stone analysis can be conducted

Incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE

Diabetes Mellitus [DM], particularly type-2 is a major public health concern worldwide. Studies from UAE report that among the total cases of DM, 31% are type-2. Not much information is available with regard to the incidence of DM in UAE. This study aimed at determining the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE. This study was conducted in all PHCs [Madinath, Hamidiya, Musherif, Muzeireh and Manama] and Khalifa and GMC hospitals, Ajman, UAE where the Emirati population primarily go for diagnosis and treatment. The incident cases of diabetes mellitus were collected during the period 2010 January to December. From the case files of 2010, data was abstracted / extracted retrospectively, for all those who were newly diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus. A total of 158 cases detected in 2010, 54 were among non-Emiratis and one was type-1 diabetes. Eliminating these, the remaining 101 were included in the analysis. The age of the patients ranged from 23 years to 78 years; 35 [34.7%] males and 66 [65.3%] were females. The overall incidence observed was 4.8/1000PY with a female predominance of 6.3/1000PY against incidence among males of 3.3/1000PY. With regard to age specific incidence rate among males, it increases with age till 60 years and then showed a decreasing trend. Among females also the same trend was observed but not as similar to males. The highest incidence rate was observed in the 55-59 aged groups among males, 23.4/1000PY and females, 32.4/1000PY. Among males the incidence rate was much less compared to females in - the age groups older than 59 years. Studies from other parts of the world report incidence rates, 4.3/1000PY [UK-2005], 5.3/1000PY [USA-2004] and 6.3/1000PY [Canada-2011]. This study also observed a similar incidence

Effects of PUPA on lipid level in patients with diabetes: hospital based study

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is associated with dyslipidemia; manifested by high levels of triglyceride, LDL and low HDL which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the effect of polyunsaturated fat [PUFA] on the glycemic state and the lipid profile of diabetic patients. A 3 months observational study of 63 type 2 diabetic patients, divided the patients in to PUFA group n. =31 given Omacor [omega-3] 1 capsule /day as a source of n-3 PUFA and control group n. = 32 continued on their routine anti-diabetic medication. Subjects took their routine diet and usual diabetic medication. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile of the two groups were assessed pre and post enrolment in the study. 3 months of n-3 PUFA consumption lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL in diabetic patients with an increase in HDL level. Although n-3 PUFA improved the lipid profile and the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients yet were of no statistical significance when compared to the initial values of the patients or with the diabetic group who did not have n-3 PUFA. 3 months n-3 PUFA supplementation for type 2 diabetes decreases fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL with an increase in HDL level. Non-statistical significant findings suggest that a longer term clinical trials and /or large sample size are required to conclusively establish the effect of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular risk, lipid profile and outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients

Prevalence and practice of self-medication among medical students

The use and misuse of drugs amongst university students is quite rampant. As information about the self-medication[SM] practices among medical students of Gulf Medical University [GMU] was not available, we aimed to identify the prevalence and practice of SM among the students and to assess the associating factors. A cross-sectional survey including 247 medical students was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Students from first to fifth year were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0 and the association between SM and different variables was tested with Chi square test. The majority of participating students were females with mean age of 21 +/- 2.4 years. The one year period prevalence rate of SM with both prescribed and non-prescribed medications was 65%.The prevalence of SM in students from first to fifth year was 48.3%; 57.7%; 88.9%; 73.3% and 63.8% respectively. An association with age and SM was also observed. The most common sources of drugs were private pharmacies and stocks at home. The students mostly relied on self and parents for drug recommendation. The dependence on parents reduced and self-reliance increased significantly as the students' age progressed. Majority of the self-medicating students [92.5%] read package inserts before using the drugs. Headache and flu symptoms were common Self-Medicated conditions and correspondingly, analgesics and antipyretics were most commonly used. Mild illness and previous experiences with the medicines were quoted as most common reasons for SM. Though 36% students reported that their knowledge about medicines was sufficient, high risk practices like altering dosage [59%]; stopping medication [58.7%] were found to be prevalent. The prevalence of SM among medical students of GMU is associated with age and year of study. In view of the high risk practices followed, there is a need to emphasize responsible self-medication practices among the medical students

Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by parents for their children: a cross sectional study in Ajman, UAE

The study aimed to determine the utilization pattern of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] by parents for their children in Ajman, UAE. This cross sectional study was carried out among parents attending Parent-Teachers meeting at schools in Ajman, UAE. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among the parents after obtaining consent. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics of parent [Age, gender, educational qualification, nationality] and child [age, gender] and details of utilization pattern [type of CAM, route of therapy, indication]. Descriptive and inferential statistics performed using SPSS-20; p value < 0.05 considered significant. Total of 136 parents participated [Fathers 32.6%; Mothers 67.6%]. Their age ranged between 20-55 years. Asians constituted 30.4% and Arab ethnicity 53.6% of total. About 57.2% of the parents were graduates. About 31.2% parents had one child, 30.4%- two children and 38.4% had three or more children. CAM use among their children was reported by 73[53.6%] parents. It was noted that parent who used CAM for the first child 73[53.6%], also reported to use CAM in their subsequent children [2nd, 311 child-7 1[52.2%] each]. Indications for use were gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, fever, and dermatological conditions. CAM therapies used in descending frequency were herbal medicine, dietary supplements, prayer, homeopathy and massage therapy. Based on ethnic groups, utilization frequency was similar among Asians, Arabs and other groups [50%, 53%, and 59% respectively]. Similarly, utilization frequency was similar among parents with school education, graduation and post- graduation [50%, 54.4%, and 53.8% respectively]. CAM was recommended by family members in 48% of the responders. About 47% parents reported good 30% excellent results with CAM in their children. In accordance to previous reports from the Middle East, herbal medicine was the common CAM therapies in the study. Utilization of CAM by parents for their children was similar in different ethnic groups and parents with different levels of education

Parents' opinion about the use of complementary and alternative medicine for their children: a cross sectional study in Ajman, UAE

The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine [CAM] has increased over recent years. Little is known about the parent opinion regarding the use of CAM for children. This study aimed to identify the parent opinion about the use of CAM for their children and the most important source of information on CAM. A cross sectional study was carried out over a period of 12 months, including parents attending Parent-Teachers meeting in the schools in Ajman, UAE. A self- administered validated, pilot tested questionnaire was used as a tool. Informed consent was taken from participants before enrolment in the study. Analysis was performed using the SPSS-20. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics performed [Z test] and p values < 0.05 was considered significant. The study includs 136 parents who are most frequently females [67%], less than 40 years age [54%], Non-Arabs [65%], holding Diploma/ Bachelor or higher degree [76%], and having 2 children [61%]. Although about 79% of the parents reported that it is safe/very safe to use CAM for children [89% of CAM user vs. 28.5% of CAM non-user, z=5.1, P < 0.001], however, about 46% of them are not using CAM, and the most common reason stated was that the modern medicine is more effective [42%]. Family is the most frequent source of information for CAM [57%]. The use of CAM for other children is recommended either alone by 49% [n=66] or to be used in combination with other conventional medicine by25% [n=34] of the parents. Most of the parents reported that the use of CAM for children is safe/ very safe. However, the opinion differed significantly among the parents who used CAM for their children as compared to those who did not

Faculty perceptions of the educational environment at the college of medicine, Gulf Medical University

College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University [C0M] underwent a curricular change from a discipline-based to an organ system-based integrated curriculum. As information about the viewpoints of faculty regarding this change was not available, we aimed to ascertain the faculty members' perceptions of the educational environment at CoM and investigate any differences in perceptions based on socio-demographic characteristics. Following a pilot test, the self-administered Assessment of Medical Education Environment by Teachers [AMEET] questionnaire was answered by teaching faculty of MBBS 2012-2013. The total, domain and individual statement scores were expressed as Median [range]. Scores were compared among groups using Wilcoxon Rank sum test. The median total score of the sample was 136 [range: 108] out of a possible maximum of 200. The highest median domain scores were for Teachers' Perceptions of Teaching and Teachers' Professional Self-Perceptions, whereas the lowest domain scores were for Teachers' Perceptions of Students. The individual item analyses identified the teaching- learning activities, learning atmosphere, collaborative atmosphere and professional self-perceptions as strengths of our college while the preparedness of students, levels of student stress, learning atmosphere in the hospital and support system for stressed faculty were areas necessitating improvement. The median total, domain and individual item scores of the non-clinical faculty were found to be significantly higher than those of the clinical faculty. The female faculty also gave significantly higher scores to the domain Teachers' Perceptions of Teaching [p < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the median total and domain scores based on teaching experience and faculty positions. The educational environment in the organ system-based integrated curriculum was generally perceived positively by the faculty although a few areas of concern were highlighted. The results of our study give important feedback to curriculum planners and administrative leaders for necessary remedial actions