Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The United Arab Emirates has undergone remarkable economic and social transformations over the past few decades. We present findings on the prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary and activity patterns among Emiratis in 2009/10, and explore associated urbanization and wealth factors. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 628 randomly selected households in all seven emirates. Sociodemographics, 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity and anthropometric data were collected from adult females (≥ 19 years), adolescents (11-18 years) and children (6-10 years) in each family via in-person interviews using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: In 2009/10, 65% of adult women, 28% of male adolescents and 40% of female adolescents, 25% of male children and 41% of female children were overweight or obese. 43% of girls and 38% of boys (6-10 years) consumed more calories than their estimated energy requirements. Snacking represents a major source of Emirati caloric intake (>20%) of total calories. In addition, caloric beverages account for 8-14% of total calories. Meanwhile, physical activity levels are low, especially among females Emiratis and those living in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: These trends represent the potential risk for severe cardiometabolic problems in the United Arab Emirates. The significant gender differentials among children and adolescents are driven by diet and activity differences. More attention should be paid to educate the public on nutrition (for example, limit the consumption of sugared sodas, fruit drinks and whole milk, promote water and low-fat/skim milk consumption instead) and encourage physical activity from a young age, especially among females. Built environments and social support for improved lifestyle choices by individuals are needed.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients in Sudan.

To estimate the prevalence of positivity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in the hemodialysis population in Sudan and the risk factors of this infection in them we studied 46 hemodialysis patients (34 males, 12 females) in the Khartoum Kidney Dialysis Center (KKDC) in December 1994. Also we studied 37 healthy staff members in that unit. The blood of both groups was screened for HCV antibodies using a second generation ELISA test and confirmed by two bead supplemental assays. In the patients group, 16 cases (34.9%) were confirmed seropositive for HCV. There was a history of jaundice in four them. The mean duration on dialysis was 3.28 years in the HCV seropositive group compared with 2.2 years in the HCV seronegative group (P < 0.05). The mean frequency of blood transfusion was 2.68 units of blood in the HCV seropositive group, while it was 3.16 units in the HCV seronegative group which was not significantly different. Only two patients had high liver enzymes in the HCV seropositive groups, while there were seven patients with high liver enzymes in the HCV seronegative group. There were two staff members (5.41%) with positive HCV antibodies, but none had a history of jaundice or elevated liver enzymes. Both staff members were not involved in the direct patients care. We conclude that the prevalence of HCV antibody positivity was high in the hemodialysis population in Sudan. Nosocomial transmission may be the factor of transmission since we found no correlation with the blood transfusions.