Air quality and seasonal variations in consultations for respiratory, allergic, dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases in Bahrain, 2007

Environmental health data in Bahrain are scarce. This study in 4 governorates of Bahrain aimed to establish baseline data on the seasonal prevalence of certain disease groups that are sensitive to climate [respiratory, allergic, dermatological and non-specific gastrointestinal diseases] over a 1-year period and to record local climate and air pollutant data for the same year. A 5% sample of medical records for those who attended primary health-care centres during 2007 was taken. Visit rates for all 4 diseases had peaks, in spring and in autumn, with the lowest rates in the summer season when the average temperatures were highest and average humidity was lower. Respiratory-related visits were highest when the air concentrations of SO[2] were highest. An ongoing surveillance system for climate-sensitive diseases should be initiated to monitor and relate health and environmental trends

Fatalities from road traffic accidents among the young in Bahrain

In Bahrain and other Gulf countries, road traffic accidents [RTA] are recognized as a growing public health problem. This study described the trend of fatalities from RTA in Bahrain among those aged < 25 years from 2003-2010. The proportional mortality ratios of RTA deaths [up to 30 days from the accident] among the young were compared with those of all ages. The average proportion of young males killed by RTA in Bahrain during the 8-year period was 82.7%, with 2006 marking the lowest proportion among Bahraini nationals [72.2%] and the total population [79.2%]. RTA fatalities constituted 51.3% among the Bahrainis, 20.2% of non-Bahrainis and 39.0% of all fatalities in both sexes combined. The young in Bahrain were 3.5 times more likely to die from RTA than the general population. This paper calls on policy-makers to consolidate efforts to control this public health problem

Smoking among secondary-school boys in Bahrain: prevalence and risk factors

To determine the prevalence of smoking among male secondary school students in Bahrain and to identify their risk factors for smoking, we surveyed a random sample of students by questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking was 26.6%, 25.5% and 25.4% among first-year, second-year and third-year students respectively. Cigarettes [21.0%], water-pipes [13.0%] and cigars [1.6%] were popular. Smokers and non-smokers had similar socioeconomic profiles, but differed in degree of disapproval of smoking shown by close contacts and whether close contacts were smokers. The prevalence of smoking among male secondary-school students in Bahrain did not decline despite intense anti-smoking efforts in the last decade, perhaps indicating the effectiveness of tobacco advertising and promotions that target youth

Bahraini women's health: a background paper

This study assessed the trends in the health status of Bahraini women from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s through review of census data and health data. Sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive health, mortality, morbidity and lifestyle patterns were studied. The implications of the data and measures needed to be taken to further improve the health and health care services of women are discussed

Noncommunicable diseases among the Bahraini population: a review

The review investigates changes in the morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases in the Bahraini population and looks at the conditions which may have contributed to them in the 1980s and 1990s. Data were extracted from the Ministry of Health annual health reports and the 1981 and 1991 censuses and other relevant published papers. Government strategies for the control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are outlined