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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
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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.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Cohort Studies , Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Diagnosis , Incidence , Primary Health Care , Public Health , Retrospective Studies , United Arab EmiratesABSTRACT
Objective: [1] Assess the knowledge towards the various aspects of the HPV, cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. [2] Determine the percentage of participants who have received the vaccine. [3] Determine the attitude and behaviour -intent of participants regarding cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst female university students in Ajman, UAE. Participants aged >18 years completed a self-administered validated, pilot-tested questionnaire. The knowledge was assessed in four domains: general knowledge, knowledge on prevalence and etiology, prevention, and risk factors. A scoring system was used and participants were identified to have low scores, if they scored < 50% of the corresponding total score. The SPSS version 21 was used to analyze the data, X2 test and Fisher's test were used to test the significance of association. A p value of <0.05 was accepted as significant
Results: The study included 226 participants who were mostly >/=20 years of age [57%], Non-Arabs [67%], medical students [52%], first year university students [33%], single [96%], without health insurance [52%], and having stable financial status [58%]. The proportion of participants who scored low for general knowledge, prevalence and etiology, prevention and risk factors were 63%, 59%, 79% and 98% respectively. Low knowledge score was significantly associated with age, for the general knowledge [P=0.04] and the knowledge on prevalence and etiology [P=0.001]. Junior in comparison to senior student had significantly higher proportion of low scores for the general knowledge [P<0.001], knowledge on prevalence and etiology [P=0.001], and for Prevention [P=0.02]. The non-medical students had significantly higher proportion of low scores for the general knowledge [P=0.04] and prevalence and etiology [P<0.01] compared to medical students. Receipt of HPV vaccine was only reported by 16 participants [7.3%] and the majority of the respondents [72%] reported their willingness to take the vaccine. Positive attitude was found in 67% of respondents
Conclusion The prevalence of low knowledge is high. The main gap in knowledge was for the risk factors for cervical cancer. Majority of students have positive attitude towards the vaccine and its usage
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Objective: To determine the frequency of hypertension among Pregnant Women Attending GMC Hospital, Ajman, UAE and to assess the association between hypertension in pregnancy and selected variables
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted including pregnant women, aged 18 years and above who were attending the GMC hospital, Ajman. Interviewer administered validated questionnaire was used that included in addition to sociodemography information, obstetric and medical history. Hypertension was confirmed by treating doctors. All subjects gave their written informed consent to be included in the study, and the GMU Ethics Committee approved the study. The SPSS 21 software was used for analysis. Chi-square was used to test the association
Results: The study included 900 pregnant women, 126 [14%] who were in the first; 228[25%] in the second and 546 [61%] in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertension was found in 28 participants [3.1%]. The frequency of Hypertension was significantly higher in women with family history of hypertension [14.1% vs 1.9%, P< 0.001], personal history of diabetes[ 10% vs 2.9%, P=0.027], history of hypertension in previous pregnancy [33.3% vs 2.5%, P< 0.001]
Conclusion: The frequency of hypertension in pregnancy is 3.1%. History of diabetes, previous obstetric history of Hypertension, and family history of hypertension are significantly associated with hypertension in pregnancy
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Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of healthcare and non-healthcare students regarding organ donation in Ajman, UAE
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 4 months including Health sciences and Non-health sciences students who were selected from Gulf Medical University and Ajman Science and Technology University respectively. Self administered validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The sample size was calculated to a minimum of 200 for each population using a stratified random sampling method. The questionnaire was divided into sections that comprised of knowledge and attitude questions separately. Based on the correct knowledge question and positive attitude answer, a scoring system was established where a student could get a total score of 43 [100%] for knowledge and 8 [100%] for attitude. Adequate knowledge and attitude scores were identified if the corresponding student scores were above the 50% cut-off point. The Mann- Whitney U test was employed to test the significance of difference between the median score of both sampled populations
Results: Only 35% of healthcare and 12.5% of non-healthcare students had above average knowledge. The median score of total knowledge among health sciences and non- health sciences students was below average for both, with the former getting significantly higher median scores compared to the latter group. Similarly, the test revealed a significantly higher median total attitude scores value of health sciences compared to non- health sciences. When asked about their opinion on organ donation in general, 76% from health sciences and 47% from non- health sciences replied with a positive attitude
Conclusion: Only 35% of health sciences and 12.5% of non- health sciences students had above average knowledge. Health sciences students have significantly higher knowledge and more positive attitudes regarding organ donation compared to Non- health sciences students
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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
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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
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UAE data revealed a low breast cancer screening rate. To identify factors that influence breast cancer screening practices and adherence rates. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2013 in 3 settings in Ajman, UAE. Women aged >/= 20 years, resident in UAE for >/= 3 year and accepted to give informed consent were included. Validated, pilot tested, self-administered questionnaires were used. Compliance to the UAE Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and adherence to the corresponding healthcare professionals' recommendations were used as criteria to assess the participants' breast cancer screening compliance and adherence rates respectively. A total of 207 participants were included. Knowledge of risk factors significantly predicted screening compliance with both Mammography and Clinical Breast Examination [CBE] [OR: 0.869, 95% CI: 0.757-0.997]. Not having a personal history of breast cancer [OR: 10.932, CI: 12.03-58.885] and having no other reason to visit the doctor/ hospital [OR: 0.092, CI: 0.01-0.85] significantly predicted not undergoing mammography in the last 2 years. The screening compliance rates were14.9% and 22% respectively for CBE plus mammography and with mammography alone. The adherence rate for CBE and mammography were 34.2% and 46.8% respectively. Factors that determined screening practices were: women's knowledge about risk factors, history of breast cancer, and having other reasons that bring them to the doctor/ hospital
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To assess the association between the socio-demographic factors, parental support, lifestyle, time management and academic history with academic performance of health science students. A cross-sectional study was conducted including health science students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates between September 2013 and March 2014. A validated pilot tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data which contained questions about demographic factors, lifestyle and academic history. Academic performance was defined as self-reported grade achieved in the previous academic year. The study was ethically approved and informed consent was taken from participants. The SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and Chi-square test was used to test the significance of association. A p value of < 0.05 was accepted as a significant level. The study included 277 respondents aged between 18 and 32, with 88 males [32%] and 189 females [68%]. Majority were from the Eastern Mediterranean region countries [48%]. Most of respondents [44.7%] achieved grades between 75 and 84%. Better performance was seen amongst females [p=0.023] and among students with excellent time management skills [p < 0.001]. Students who perceived a need for help with their studies performed worse than those who did not [p < 0.001]. Higher percentage of excellent academic performance was noticed among students who had received parental support and had good sleep. Socioeconomic status was not significantly associated with academic performance. Better academic performance was significantly associated with gender and time management skills. Students who perceived a need for extra help with their studies performed significantly poorer than those who did not. Excellent academic performance was found more frequently among students who had received parental support and had good sleep. Socioeconomic status was not significantly associated with academic performance
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The earth is facing a major challenge today in the form of climate change and global warming. To solve this problem, it is important for there to be proper awareness, a positive attitude and implementation of sustainable eco-friendly approaches. To assess university students' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding eco-friendliness. It was a cross sectional study conducted among 280 students from 3 universities in Ajman, UAE. The study tool was a validated, pilot tested, self-administered questionnaire which was prepared in English language. A scoring system was used for assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practice. The study was ethically approved, informed consent was taken from participants, analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Wilcoxon Rank Sum, Kruskal -Wallis and Spearman Correlation tests were used. The participants were mostly female [71.4%], aged 20 -21 years old [40.6%], from the Middle-Eastern countries [31.9%]. Our study revealed that majority [82%] of the study population had adequate knowledge, and 78.6% of them have good attitude, but their practice habits are poor in comparison as only 8.6% of them frequently carry out eco friendly practices. Higher median attitude score was found among females compared to males, while a comparatively lower median knowledge score was found among the participants from African countries, and the differences in median scores were significant in both cases. Attitude showed significant correlations which were positive with knowledge and negative with practice, while the correlation between knowledge and practice was negative and not significant. Majority of our study population had adequate knowledge and positive attitude regarding eco-friendliness, but this was not reflected in their actions as is evidenced by their poor practice habits
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To assess the frequency of missing teeth [MT] among a sample of patients attending GMC Dental Specialty Center, and to identify the determinants of MT. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March-July, 2014 including 345 patients who were attending the GMC Dental Specialty Center in Ajman. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants. An Interviewer administered questionnaire was used as a tool. Tooth loss was confirmed by oral examination. Information related to socio-demography, and factors related to teeth loss were inquired about. Occupation and brushing of teeth were used as socioeconomic and oral hygiene habit indicators. Data analysed by SPSS version 20, results presented in tables, figures. X[2] test was used to test the association with a significance level of P < /=0.05. The Study included 345 participants, who were mostly in age group of 20-29[36%], Female [52.6%], Non Arabs [77.4%], and Professionals [37.7%]. The frequency of MT amongst the participants was 75.1%. The frequencies of MT was higher in; older age group [>/=50Ys Vs < 30Ys = 89.1% Vs 56.7%, p < 0.05], males [male Vs females=79.8% Vs 70.7%, p =0.05],Non Arabs [Non-Arab Vs Arabs=75.3% VS 74.4%, p=0.86, manual workers [manual Vs professionals= 81.2% vs 66.9%,p value=0.05]. Lower brushing frequency and smoking habits were significantly associated with MT [p=0.007and p=0.001 respectively]. Tooth extraction was the most common mean for tooth loss [55.4%], Missing teeth is a frequent oral health problem. Age, gender, socioeconomic, lower oral hygiene and smoking habits are significant determinants of missing teeth
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The effect of sleep on an individual is a topic that has been studied on a global level for a significant period of time. However, studies in regards to sleep quality and the effect of electronic device use have not been investigated in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. To investigate the frequency of electronic device use amongst health science students, to assess their sleep quality and to determine a possible association between electronic device use and sleep quality. The study was conducted among 301 Gulf Medical University [GMU] students who were selected from the four colleges of GMU. It was used the Validated self-administered questionnaire that encompassed in addition to sociodemography and electronic devices related information, a standardized questionnaire from the University of Pittsburgh which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]; which was used to assess sleep quality. Data was recorded on an excel sheet and analyzed by SPSS version 20. The data was presented as charts and tables and Chi- Square test was used to determine possible association between sleep quality and electronic device use. All participants are using different forms of electronic devices, mobile was the most common used device [36.2%], 76.4% of participants use electronic devices for >3 hours/day. Long duration of use [>3h] was more common in females [p=0.006]. No significant association between the duration of use and other socio-demographic factors, 81.7% of students have poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was associated with students' missing class attendance and perceived effect on the mood. Putting the electronic device close to bed, or using them just before sleep were associated with perceived effect on sleep and mood [0.01 and 0.006 respectively]. All participants are using different forms of electronic devices A vast majority of students have poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality is associated with students' class attendance and mood
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Electronics , Students , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cell PhoneABSTRACT
To determine the frequency of using internet for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions; to identify the most frequent [websites] resources used for selfdiagnosis and treatment of medical conditions; to assess the awareness of inaccuracy of information on internet for self-diagnosis of medical conditions A cross-sectional study was done including students in the GMU using validated self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes in addition to socio-demography of participants, information about the use of internet for self health management, most common website searched, history of complication following the use and if they had verified the diagnosis with treating physician. Informed consent was taken from participants and the confidentiality of the participants was maintained. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.20 and Chi-Square test was done. The results showed that 93.6% of the participants were using internet for healthcare management and the main reason was the ease of accessing medical information online. In 75.9% of respondents who had used the internet for self-management, the diagnosis was verified with a doctor, and 49.7% of them found that it was inaccurate. 43% of the participants took medication listed online followed by their internet-based self-diagnosis. Specialized medical websites were the most credible source as 57.10% of the study sample using this successfully verified their diagnosis with a doctor. Most of the participants were using the internet for self-diagnosis and management and 49.7% of respondents found that the diagnosis was inaccurate after it had been verified by a doctor. Specialized medical websites were the most credible source. It was identified that students do realize how inaccurate the internet can be
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Delivery of Health Care , Students, Medical , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence of self-reported tooth discoloration amongst the study sample, to assess the relationship between tooth discoloration and selected risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March-July, 2014 including 200 students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman. A stratified random sampling method was used to recruit the participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a tool, tooth discoloration [irrespective of being internal or external] was self-reported. Data was analyzed by SPSS vesion20. Association between tooth discoloration and independent factors were tested by X[2] test with a significance level of 0.05. The frequency of tooth discoloration amongst the participants was 43.5%. Higher frequencies of tooth discoloration was found in age group 20-24 years [49.6%, p value= 0.054] and was found more in BPT students [75%, p value= 0.001], Smokers were more effected when compared to nonsmokers [62.7% vs 35.5%, p value= 0.001]. Frequency of coffee consumption was also found to have an association with discoloration, as 60% of students who drank coffee more than twice a day reported tooth discoloration. Self-satisfaction displayed a divide in opinion amongst participants with discoloration, with only 48.3% of the 87 students professing dissatisfaction with the current esthetic appearance of their teeth. Finally, it was found that out of the entire sample only 33 students [37.9%] had previously sought for cosmetic improvements of their smile by undergoing tooth bleaching. Tooth discoloration is common among college student with a prevalence of 43.5%. Significant associations were noticed between tooth discoloration and smoking, academic program. Only 33 students [37.9%] had previously sought for cosmetic improvements of their smile by undergoing tooth bleaching
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Prevalence , Self Report , Students, Medical , Risk Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
To assess oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices of elderly and to identify barriers which affect receiving oral health services by the elderly. A cross sectional study was conducted including males and females aged >60 years attending the GMC hospital and Al Mushaerif PHC Center. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants. The administered questionnaire, interviewer Validated, was used. A scoring system was used to assess the knowledge and practice of participants. Individuals with < average scores were considered to have poor knowledge and inadequate practice. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software 20. X[2] test, simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were used. A p value <0.05 was the significance level. The study included 423 participants, mostly 60-69years old [55.5%], females [58.2%], Emirati [63.2%], currently unmarried [60.2%], living with family members [44.3%], having >12 years of education [59%] medical insurance [60.8%] dental insurance 41.0%. The most frequent barrier that affect receiving oral health services is [being unable to afford the payment] [24.5%]. A 20.3% of participants had zero knowledge score, 62% had poor knowledge and 87.9% had inadequate practices. The probability of poor knowledge was significantly higher among older age group [OR: 4.9; CI: 2.0-12.4, p=0.001], living with other family members [OR: 2.9; CI:1.6-5.3, p<0.001], and Emirati [OR:2.6; CI:2.3-5.4, p<0.001]. Probability of inadequate practices was significantly higher among unmarried [OR: 2.7; CI: 1.4-5.0] and Emirati [OR: 3.1;CI: 1.7-5.7]. A great proportion of elderly had poor knowledge and inadequate oral hygiene practices. Ethnic and social factors are significant determinants of poor knowledge and inadequate practices. Economic factor was the most common barrier
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous disease that results from a different interaction between genetic factors and environment. Married couples can have concordant health status. To investigate diabetes concordance among married couples. A cross sectional study was conducted between May and November 2012. The study included 270 married couples [since >/=1 year] who were attending Mushairif PHC and Gulf Medical College Hospital, Ajman, UAE. A validated questionnaire was used and filled by direct interview. Determination of the weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] for female participants was done. The American Diabetic Association definition of abnormal glycaemia was used [HbA1c>/= 5.7]. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 19. Multiple logistic regressions were used. The study was approved by the Ethics Committees of the Gulf Medical University and Ministry of Health, UAE. The concordance of abnormal glycaemia was significant between non-diabetic wives and diabetic husbands, and non-significant between diabetic husbands and diabetic wives. There was 2.5 times increase in the odds to have abnormal glycaemia among non-diabetic wives when the husband was diabetic [OR 2.5, CI: 1.3 - 4.8, p < 0.05] after adjusting for other variables. Significant concordance of abnormal glycaemia was observed among non- diabetic wives with diabetic husbands. Having diabetic husband had increased the odds of abnormal glycaemia among non-diabetic wives by 2.5 times. The findings imply that marital partners of diabetics could be a potential target population for screening and/or disease prevention
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To determine the proportion of school teachers with vocal symptoms in the selected schools across the UAE, to determine distribution of vocal symptoms by selected epidemiological variables [age, gender, and medical history of asthma, respiratory allergies, sinusitis, gastric reflux, and hypothyroidism], and to determine the proportion of teachers who sought medical treatment for the vocal symptoms. A cross sectional study was done between June 2012 and March 2013. The study included teachers aged from 20 to 50 years in five selected schools in the UAE, who were present at time of data collection and who gave informed consent. A validated, pilot tested, self- administered questionnaire was used as a tool. The GMU Ethics Committee approved the study and acceptance letters were obtained from the selected schools before data collection. Data from questionnaires were entered on Microsoft Excel, and analyzed using the SPSS software version 20. A p value < 0.05 was considered for level of significance. A total of 200 questionnaires [the number was determined conveniently] were distributed among teachers of which 173 questionnaires were filled in [response rate=86.5%] and analyzed. Out of the respondents, 140 [81%] teachers suffered from vocal symptoms. The study showed a highly significant relation between the duration of voice usage per day and presence of vocal symptoms [p < 0.001]. This study showed a significant association between vocal symptoms and history of sinusitis, gastric reflux and tonsillitis. 17 [12%] teachers suffering from vocal symptoms opted for medical treatment. 140 [81%] of the teachers suffered from vocal symptoms. The presence of vocal symptoms was significantly associated with the duration of voice usage per day and pre-existing medical conditions such as sinusitis, gastric reflux and tonsillitis. 17 [12%] teachers suffering from vocal symptoms opted for medical treatment
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The study was done to estimate the prevalence of use of alternative and complementary medicine in a sample in Ajman UAE. The major factors influencing the use of alternative medicine alone was also determined. Furthermore, the study was done to determine the most common musculoskeletal problems where CAM is used. A cross sectional study was conducted among 305 subjects. The study included the doctors and staff members of Gulf Medical University and Gulf Medical Hospital over the age of 20 years. Data was analyzed using SPSS program and Chi square test was done to test association between usage of CAM and demographic values. Complementary and Alternative medicine [CAM] is widespread in the UAE. Out of the surveyed population, 51.1% of subjects documented they used alternative medicine. Out of these, 30.1% use it alongside allopathic medicine. Most subjects used Ayurveda [34%] for general aches and pain [46.8%]. Most subjects chose CAM because they felt that "allopathics were not effective" [30.2%]. They also felt that the benefit of using CAM was "relieving stress" [23%] and "reducing the severity of the condition" at [22.6%]. Pain killers were most commonly used alongside alternative medicine [48.2%]. No significant difference was found between the effectiveness of CAM alone and CAM with allopathics. Most of the participants used Ayurveda for general ache and pain. A greater percentage of people said that they used CAM because allopathics were ineffective and found that it relieves stress
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To evaluate the rate of caffeine consumption amongst students studying in Gulf Medical University and to assess the factors that affect caffeine intake. Also, to assess the perceived health effects of caffeine consumption and to estimate students' knowledge about caffeine and its health effects. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gulf Medical University in Ajman on students of all colleges including: MBBS, Pharm D, BPT, and DMD. A self- administered questionnaire was used to collect the data and was analyzed using the SPSS programs. Data was collected from 303 students. Chi square test was used to test associations between the year of study and the gender with the caffeine consumption in students. The study population comprised of 66.30% females and 33.20% males. 86.60% of the participants were consumers of caffeinated beverages while the rest were non-users. 73.80% students did not have a perceived addiction to caffeine while 26.20% said they have a perceived addiction to caffeine. The most common reason for caffeine intake was seeing others take caffeinated beverages made them crave for caffeine. And other reasons were observed to be taking caffeine as a morning habit, as a preference for their taste, help to deal with anxiety and help to feel alert. 69.30% participants said that they consumed caffeine the most during tests and examination while only 30.70% consumed caffeine in a normal day. 62.30% agreed that caffeine is addictive and only 9.90% of participants agreed that drinking caffeinated beverages decreases the risk of getting Parkinson's disease. A very high percentage of people were found to consume caffeine in the form of beverages and the most common reasons for caffeine consumption were due to craving. About 1/3[rd] of the participants experienced increased urination as the most common side-effect upon consumption of caffeine following with restlessness, insomnia and stomach irritation. More than 2/3[rd] of the participants had a perceived addiction to caffeine. A very few percentage of participants had the knowledge about the benefits of caffeine on the body
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To identify prevalence of stress among third year medical students of Ajman Gulf Medical University, to determine leading sources of stress based on six main stressor groups, and to explore association between stress and socio-demographic factors, past life experiences, social support system and coping mechanism. A cross sectional study was conducted by the use of self-reported questionnaire to assess prevalence of stress among third year M.B.B.S students at Gulf Medical University during November, 2012. Prevalence of stress and leading stress inducing factors were analyzed on the basis of gender, ethnicity, age group, past experiences and social support system. Data was analyzed using Excel and SPSS software. Appropriate tests [Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U] were used find any association. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Medical students of third year Gulf Medical University suffer from moderate degree of stress with median score of 2.77 [on a scale of 0 to 4]. Academic related stressors with median score of 3.03 shows the highest level of stress among all and teaching and learning related stressors shows the lowest stress with the median score of 2.45. Major stress inducing factors were lack of time for family and friends, heavy workload and tests / examinations. Maximum amount of stress is seen in students from the American region with median score of 2.90. Those students without family support showed more stress with median score of 3.04 however students with more support from their friends showed a higher stress score with a median score of 2.72. Medical students in third year of Gulf Medical University suffer from moderate degree of stress. Academic related stressors induce the highest level of stress. There were statistically significant association between stress and ethnicity and between stress and type of accommodation