The future physicians of United Arab Emirates: how do they self-medicate.

Background: Health professions have been a predictive factor for self-medication (SM). SM practices of medical students, the future practitioners will have a bearing on their impending professional practice. The aims were to identify prevalence and practice of SM among the medical students of Gulf Medical University (GMU), United Arab Emirates and to assess the associating factors. Methods: The study was planned as a cross-sectional descriptive survey among 247 medical students of GMU. Students from 1st to 5th year were included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Associations were tested with Chi-square test. Results: SM with both over-the-counter medications and prescription-only medicines was practiced by 65% of students. The prevalence of SM was associated with the year of study and age. The most common sources of drugs were private pharmacies and stocks at home. The students mostly relied on themselves and parents for drug selection. The self-reliance significantly increased with year of study. Common indications for SM were headache and flu symptoms and correspondingly, analgesics and antipyretics were frequently used. A high prevalence of misuse of antibiotics was also reported. SM was 2.9 times higher (95% CI=1.502-5.620) among students belonging to families practicing SM. Conclusion: The study revealed a fairly high rate of prevalence of SM among the medical students of GMU, which was associated with age and year of study. There is a need to emphasize responsible SM practices among the medical students by accentuating rational drug use in the curricula.

Privatization of medical education in Asia.

Background: The past decades have seen a rapid expansion in the number of private medical schools in Asia. Objectives: To summarize the evidence currently available on the nature of this trend of privatization, the driving forces behind it, the benefits and downsides of it and guidelines for initiating need-based reforms. Methods: Relevant literature published in the last decade was searched using different databases. Reference lists of articles identified through the primary search were also hand searched. Results: Extracted articles identified economical, social and geopolitical factors responsible for this trend in Asia. Privatization is helpful in enhancing access of health care to all sections of society, creating more job opportunities and obviating the bureaucracy involved in government organizations. Arguably, challenges in terms of professional competence of medical students, physical infrastructure, and availability of qualified faculty and patients are to be carefully handled in these institutions. Additionally, the financial strain on students, lack of racial and socio-economic diversity of students and regional inequality in location of schools in favour of urban areas to rural areas are the problems that are to be dealt with. Guidelines to be followed to initiate need-based reforms can be: imposition of accreditation processes, reforms in curriculum, appropriate student selection criteria, facultydevelopment programmes, standardization of fee structure and use of regulations on the number and location of medical schools in richer and urban areas. Conclusion: Privatization is a powerful tool which should be used cautiously to contribute to the betterment of health of the nation.

Awareness and practices regarding diabetes among the educated Indian population residing in UAE

To assess the knowledge and practices regarding diabetes among college educated Indians, settled and living in UAE. Study subjects were young parents of a reputed Indian school in Sharjah. Survey was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire and respondents were required to answer questions focusing on the knowledge of risk factors, symptoms and complication of diabetes and lifestyle practices. PASW18 software was used for statistical analysis. Out of 350 college educated adults contacted, 219 returned the completely filled questionnaire. Very high prevalence of family history of diabetes [49%], hypertension [43%] and cardiovascular disorders [29%] was observed among the respondents. Regarding the knowledge on risk factors for diabetes, physical inactivity, family history, obesity and high consumption of sweets were correctly identified by 82%, 81%, 77% and 64% of respondents. Only 56% identified age 45 and 46% identified delivering baby of more than 4 Kg as risk factors. Excessive feeling of thirst and urination was identified as symptoms by 77% and 83%, whereas weight loss and excessive eating was marked by only 68% and 56.5% respectively. Regarding the knowledge on complications, eye and kidney related problems were well identified [83% and 78.5%]. Loss of sensation in arms and legs and joint pain, recurrent infection, limb decay and dental problems were identified as complications by 58%, 57.5%, 56% and 51% respectively. 64% knew that diabetes is a risk factor for CVD. Increasing the physical activity was perceived by most respondents [92%] as a beneficial behavioral change.52% of respondents felt that they could delay or prevent diabetes. As expected, educated Indians in UAE are well informed about diabetes, but definitely major gaps exist even in their knowledge, emphasizing the need for measures to increase awareness. Steps must be taken to promote physical activity