Tobacco cessation: attitude and practice of dentists in Northern United Arab Emirates

Background: Tobacco use has profound health consequences globally. Dentists with positive attitudes towards tobacco cessation counselling show minimal involvement in practice.

Aims: To assess the attitude and practice of dentists in the Northern United Arab Emirates towards tobacco cessation advice.

Methods: An interviewer-administered, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 250 dentists practicing in the Northern Emirates in 2015. Statistical analysis was performed with the X[2] test and multivariate analysis.

Results: Around 88% of dentists exhibited good attitudes but only 37% had good practice of providing tobacco cessation advice to their patients. Nationality, level of education, total duration of practice and personal use of tobacco were significantly associated with attitude towards tobacco cessation. Nonusers of tobacco showed an odds ratio of 3.12 [95% confidence interval: 1.18–8.20] towards good attitude.

Conclusions: Most of the surveyed dentists had a good attitude towards provision of tobacco cessation advice, but comparatively suboptimal practice was observed. We recommend providing training to the dentists on the methods and techniques of tobacco cessation

Contraceptive utilisation among mothers of reproductive age in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objectives: This study aimed to determine contraceptive utilisation among mothers aged 18-49 years old in Ajman, United Arab Emirates [UAE]

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from May to November 2013. A total of 400 participants were recruited from two primary healthcare centres and one private hospital in Ajman. An interviewer-administered validated questionnaire was used for data collection

Results: The frequency of previous and current contraceptive use was 68.0% and 61.8%, respectively. Expatriates more frequently used contraceptives in comparison to Emiratis [77.3% versus 54.3%, respectively]. Contraceptive use increased significantly with age [75.5% among >35-year-olds versus 57.3% among

Conclusion: Healthcare practitioners can play a pivotal role in providing contraceptive advice which could lead to an improvement in contraceptive utilisation. Efforts are recommended to raise awareness regarding newer forms of contraceptives among mothers of reproductive age in the UAE

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.

relationship between oral self-care and oral hygiene among diabetic patients in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objectives: The study looks into the relation of oral hygiene measures implemented by the diabetes patients and the presence of debris, calculus and gingivitis

Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 404 diabetic patients. All patients were confirmed diabetics for which they were being treated. After a written consent and completing a demographic questionnaire, an oral examination was done by the doctors to record the oral Hygiene status [the presence of debris, calculus and gingivitis] via the criteria of the gingival index by [Loe H.], for the gingival inflammation. The criteria used to score the oral debris and calculus indexes by [Green and Vermillion]

Results: the majority of diabetic patient [86.0%] was with oral hygiene problems. 49.2% were using the brushing as the self-oral hygiene measure, 29%were using all methods. Only 29.2% of all the patients were free from gingivitis, debris and calculus. Supra gingival calculus, alone or along with gingivitis and debris was the less frequent finding. Whereas the debris was the highest frequent finding

Conclusion: As oral health is integral with general health, diabetes exaggerates the response of the periodontal tissues to the presence of debris and calculus. Good oral hygiene behavior, including brushing, flossing and using mouthwash, is important self-care measures and apart from regular dental office visits and motivation for this group of patients. It should be done in proper technique and adequate frequency

Use of nutritional supplements and factors associated with it among gym users in Ajman UAE

Objectives: This research assessed the proportion of gym users in Ajman, UAE who consume nutritional supplements and factors associated with it

Materials and Methods: This research adopted a cross-sectional study design which focused on a population of gym users in Ajman, UAE who are 18 years or older. A total of 267 gym users participated in the research. Information required to achieve the objectives was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire which covered domains such as socio-demographic characteristics, type of gym activities, and type of exercise performed, reasons for supplement use as well as sources of information about supplements. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Chi-square test was done to determine the associated factors

Results: This study was conducted among 267 gym users from four gyms in Ajman, UAE. The proportion of gym users that used nutritional supplements was found to be 39.7%. Common nutritional supplements used were protein powder [55 %], and energy supplements [35.8%]. Majority of the participants [253[96.6%]] reported that people use supplements for muscle building followed by 230 [87.8%] to boost their energy. Majority of the participants [177[68.1%]] received information from media/health magazines. Statistically significant association was observed between participants' level of education and use of nutritional supplement. There was no statistically significant association between age, gender, nationality and level of BMI, and the use of nutritional supplements

Conclusion: Of the 267 participants, around 40% were supplement users. Majority of the participants believe that nutritional supplements are used for muscle building, and the second highest proportion believes that they are energy boosting. Only level of education showed an association with use of nutritional supplement

Determinants of spontaneous abortion: a hospital based case-control study in Ajman, UAE

Objective: The association between various factors and the occurrence of spontaneous abortion among women in the reproductive age group attending GMCH, Ajman, UAE was determined in this study

Materials and Methods: It was a case-control study conducted among women admitted to the OBG department of GMCH, Ajman, UAE. The cases were 60 women hospitalized for spontaneous abortion and controls were 180 women who had normal delivery. The subjects were interviewed after obtaining consent from them. Their age, parity, gestational age, nationality, occupation, level of education, history of previous abortion, previous gestational diabetes, congenital anomalies, hypertension during or after pregnancy, history of spontaneous abortion and the factors associated with spontaneous abortion were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS-21. Chi-square was used to test the association between various factors and spontaneous abortion. Logistic regression was used to assess the degree of association. Statistical significance was set at p

Results: A total of 60 cases and 180 controls participated in the study. Most of the women among cases [61.7%] and controls [52.2%] were between 21 and 30 years of age. Majority of the cases [53.3%] were from Eastern Mediterranean region as compared to controls [49.4%]. No significant association was observed between socio-demographic characteristics and spontaneous abortion. A significant association was observed between regular exercise especially walking at moderate pace and spontaneous abortion. Type of diet, sleep pattern, and tobacco use had no significant association with spontaneous abortion. Walking at moderate pace was a protective factor against spontaneous abortion [AOR =0.22] with confidence interval of 0.11-0.41. Women who walk regularly during pregnancy are 78% less likely to have a spontaneous abortion than those who do not. Soft drinks consumption had a protective effect [AOR=0.32] with 95% confidence interval of 0.12-0.87. Women who consume soft drinks during pregnancy are 68% less likely to have spontaneous abortion than those who don't

Conclusion: This study concluded that there was no association between spontaneous abortion and any of the socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health history, sleep pattern, and dietary habits. Walking at moderate space and consuming soft drinks showed an association with spontaneous abortion and was found to be protective. From the observations made, the authors recommend to conduct a nationwide research for more generalizable results

Tobacco use among patients with cardio-vascular diseases: a hospital based study, Ajman, UAE

Background: The proportion of deaths from coronary heart disease varied from 25 to 45% in the Eastern Mediterranean region and has become a major public health threat in the region

Objectives: The use of tobacco among patients with cardiovascular diseases reporting to the departments of Cardiology and Internal Medicine at GMC Hospital Ajman, UAE and the attitude of patients with cardiovascular diseases towards use after diagnosis was assessed

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 300 patients with cardiovascular diseases reporting to the Out-patient and In-Patient of departments of Cardiology and Internal Medicine of GMC Hospital Ajman, UAE. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. SPSS-21 version was used to perform statistical analysis. The proportion of tobacco users was estimated. The participants were divided into smokers and non-smokers and the association between smoking habits and sociodemographic variables, and clinical conditions were assessed

Results: Out of 300 participants, 194[64.7%] were between age 30 and 50 years, and 225[75%] were males. The Highest number 146[48.7%] was found to be from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Among the 300 participants, 142[47%] used tobacco. Amongst the 142 tobacco users, 40[28.2%] of them consumed shisha with an average age of initiation being 25 years and the average consumption before and after CVD being once daily. For cigarette smoking, there were 125[88%] participants with an average age of initiation of 20 years, while the average quantity before CVD being fifteen in a day, which decreased to five in a day after CVD. Of the participants, 1[0.7%] was found to use Dokha, starting after CVD at the age of 45, consuming five in a day. The most consumed type of tobacco among males is cigarette as nearly 120 participants smoked. Males accounted for almost 96% of total smokers. On the other hand, the most consumed type of tobacco among females is shisha; nearly 15% of shisha smokers were female, whereas males accounted for 85%. Eight participants were found to have only arrhythmias and 4 [50%] were consumers of tobacco products. Four participants had only angina pectoris and 3 [75%] out of those 4 consumed tobacco. Ninety eight participants had dyslipidemia alone, out of which, 42 [42.9%] were tobacco users. Ninety-five participants had combined disease effect, of those, 50 [52.6%] were found to consume tobacco products. There was a significant association between tobacco use in patients with cardiovascular diseases and gender

Conclusion: The proportion of tobacco use among the participants with cardiovascular disease was 47.3%. Cigarette had the highest consumption rate out of all the other forms of tobacco. There was a significant association between tobacco use in patients with cardiovascular diseases and gender. Smoking was found to be more prevalent among males than females. Among males, cigarette smoking was more common while in females the use of shisha was more common

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

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

Frequency and pattern of oral manifestations and oral hygiene practices among cases with diabetes mellitus in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

To determine the frequency and pattern of oral manifestations in patients with Diabetes Mellitus and to assess factors associated with oral manifestations in patients with Diabetes Mellitus A hospital based study adopted a prospective cross-sectional design. All subjects [both Type I and II] with diabetes, attended department of internal medicine Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman, UAE. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was designed and used for data collection. Standard methods of systematic sequential examination for any clinical manifestations in respect to infection control using sterile disposable diagnostic instrument, cheek retractors, and periodontal probes. Examination of the oral cavity done to find out any oral lesion and to correlate the symptoms with the signs observed and for periodontal evaluation. The Statistical package SPSS 20 version, with a descriptive and inferential analysis was used. All data will be expressed as frequency and percentage, frequencies and percentage. The level for statistical significance for all hypothesis will be set at a minimum of p < 0.05. A total 404 subjects with Diabetes Mellitus with age ranged from 16-79 years. Majority [42.4%] of the subjects were in the age group 46-60 years, 61.1% were males and 38.9% were females. In regards to diabetes type, 91.4% of the subjects were diagnosed as having type II Diabetes. 32.1% of the subjects were firstly diagnosed at age over 40 years. 76.0% of the subjects had family history of type I and 19.7% of type II, 4.3% had family history without knowing the exact type. In regard to diabetes duration, 76.3% of the patients had diabetes history less than 5 years, on the other hand only 5.3% of the subjects had more than 16 years diabetes history. HbA1c level was less than 7% in 80.8% of the subjects. 30.7% of the subjects were taking insulin injection for diabetes control. Smokers consist 22.6% of the sample. Some diabetic subjects had other systemic diseases in addition, 60 [16.8%] subjects had hypertension also, one of them had Grinspan's syndrome in whom lichen planus found also as a reticular type in both sides buccal mucosa. Halitosis found in 60.65% followed by dry mouth in 59.1%, only 9.8% complain from burning sensation, which is cited in the tongue in 5.5% and in oral mucosa in 4.6% of the subjects. While both recurrent oral ulceration and reticular lichen planus were found in 8 subjects located on buccal mucosa and tongue. Males show frequent oral findings in older age, poor controlled groups had periodontitis. Oral lesions showed no significant relation to the age of the subjects, diabetes type and family history of diabetes. Disturbance of taste sensation shows a significant association with duration of diabetes by using Chi-square test. Diabetes mellitus prevalence has been increasing, it affects people of all ages, both genders. When it's not controlled it can result in systemic and oral manifestations and complications. Prevention and management of diabetes and its oral complications requires proper medical monitoring, life style change, routine professional dental, oral checkups and a rigorous home care

Prevalence of back pain among high school students: a cross-sectional study in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Back pain among high school students all over the world is on the rise. It is one of the most underestimated public health problems in today's generation. The research was performed to determine the prevalence of back pain among high school students in Dubai, UAE. The study was done using convenience sampling, including a total of 184 students, both male and female from the grades 9 to 12. They were asked to fill out questionnaires which included a consent form to be signed by the parents. Descriptive statistics was performed to express the results. The results showed that more than half of the total population suffered from back pain. Furthermore, the results obtained established a link between various other variables such as the affected region and muscles of the back, age, grade [9-12] and gender. Considering the anatomical aspects of the back pain experienced, the region most affected as self-reported by the students, was the neck. Adolescents who belonged to 17 and above age group were reported to be more susceptible to back pain. Back pain was more prevalent in females than in males. Prevalence of back pain is a major issue in today's generation and awareness among the students is highly essential for early prevention

Prevalence of diabetes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a hospital based study, Ajman, UAE

This research was conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients admitted with Acute Coronary Syndrome at GMCHRC, Ajman, UAE, during the period [2010-2013]. A descriptive study was conducted among 175 ACS patients admitted to the cardiology department in GMC hospital in Ajman. The dependent and independent variables that were included in the checklist were chosen after reviewing several case records of patients with ACS. Patient records were viewed on the computer database and all the necessary information required to achieve the objectives was extracted and filled in the checklist forms. The data was analyzed by SPSS 20 and Chi square test was performed to check for any association between variables. Out of the 175 ACS patients, 75 [43%] were diabetic, of which 63 [84%], were Males and 12 [16%] females. Among different age groups, 27 [65.9%] above 60 years had ACS with DM. With regard to ethnicity, among Arabs 30 [46.9%] and among Non-Arabs 45 [40.5%] had ACS with DM. The most common co-morbid conditions observed in patients who had ACS with DM were hypertension 64 [85.3%] and dyslipidemia 60 [80%]. In the study population 43% of ACS patients were diabetic. Majority of the patients were male who had ACS with DM. Non-Arabs individuals appear to have more ACS with diabetes than Arabs. Patients aged 40-60 had the highest proportion of ACS with DM. The most influential factors which contributed to ACS with DM were dyslipidemia and hypertension and both can be considered as the main risk factor in the presence of diabetes

Awareness about hypertension among entry year undergraduate health science students in gulf medical university, Ajman, UAE

Hypertension is a colossal problem experienced by one in three adults, leading to 1,000 deaths in a day that people need to be aware of various aspects regarding blood pressure. To determine the level of awareness about hypertension among entry year undergraduate heath science students in Ajman, UAE. A cross sectional study among students enrolled in first year, in the four academic programs, with the use of a validated, self-administered questionnaire on different domains of hypertension such as general knowledge, symptoms, complications, risk factors, treatment and management as well as sources of information. Each factor/statement was given a score of one if it was answered correctly and zero for a wrong answer. Out of a total score, a score of fifty percent and above was considered as good knowledge and a score less than fifty percent considered no knowledge. The data was analyzed by SPSS 20, Chi square and Fisher exact test was done. Out of 161 participants, 130 participants were

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

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

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