Some risk factors for hypertension in the United Arab Emirates

A case-control study evaluated the relationship between hypertension and socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in Al-Ain city.The survey included 426 hypertensive adults aged 20-65 years attending urban and semi-urban clinics and a randomly selected sample of 436 normotensive controls. Hypertension among cases was higher for men, age 40-49 years, non-UAE nationals, urban living, currently married, having children, illiterate, administrative/professional job, living in traditional house and low income. There were significant differences between cases and controls with regard to obesity, raised cholesterol level, low physical activity and family history of heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that obesity, medium/high income, history of diabetes, low physical activity and having 3+ children were significantly associated with hypertension

Childhood behavioural disturbance in a community sample in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

The prevalence of behavioural and emotional problems was evaluated among 620 United Arab Emirates nationals aged 6-18 years using the Rutter Parent Questionnaire. Of these children, 11.8% scores above the cut-off point indicating behavioural disturbance. The prevalence of conduct problems was greater among boys, while emotional problems were more common among girls. Certain unspecified chronic life difficulties, parental distress in relation to their children, family history of psychiatric illness and alcohol or drug use in a family member were associated with behavioural disturbance, but no significant association was found with gender, socioeconomic status, family size or recent life events. Our findings suggest that behavioural disturbance exists among a substantial number of school-aged children in the community