Prevalence and factors associated with mental illness symptoms among school students post lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional national study.

Limited data exists on the mental health of children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to fill this gap by examining the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among school students in post-lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 3,745 school students participated, responding to standardized tests (Mood and Feeling Questionnaire-Child Self-Report, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders-Child Version, and Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale-8). Findings showed that the risk for PTSD was the most prevalent (40.6%), followed by symptoms of anxiety (23.3%), and depression (17.1%). For gender differences, symptoms of the three conditions (depression, anxiety, and PTSD) were higher in female students (9.2%) compared to male peers (7.7%) (p = 0.09). Moreover, symptoms of depression and anxiety were found to be higher among late adolescents (p<0.05). Further analysis revealed that having medical problems was a positive predictor for anxiety (OR = 2.0, p<0.01) and risk for PTSD (OR = 1.3, p = 0.002); similarly, witnessing the death of a close family member due to COVID-19 (OR for depression, anxiety, and PTSD = 1.7, p<0.01) were positive predictors associated with PTDS, depression, and anxiety. The study concluded that post COVID-19 lockdown, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and risk for PTSD were found to be prevalent among school students in the UAE. Researchers put forward recommendations on the initiation of a national school mental health screening program, the provision of follow-up services for vulnerable students, and the integration of a mental health support system in the disaster preparedness plans.

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on health and well-being in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic are thought to have impacted both the physical health and well-being of individuals where lockdown was applied. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was one of the leading countries in implementing the international guidelines to limit the intensely contagious nature of the outbreak. Aim: To identify the impact of COVID-19 on changes to exercise and general physical activity habits, changes to the consumption of various foods and potential weight gain, as well as any differences in smoking habits among individuals residing in the UAE during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study that used a quantitative electronic questionnaire sent by the Ministry of Health and Prevention to individuals on its platform in order to collect data on the physical health and well-being of a UAE sample population. A total of 2,362 responses were received to specific questions on physical activity, eating habits, and tobacco use for the period before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to display the sample's demographic data and the changes in physical health and well-being. Paired t-test was used to show the changes in dietary habits. Results: This study reveals concerning changes in health risk behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UAE. Physical activity levels declined across mild, moderate and vigorous ranges in most participants. Alarmingly, sedentary behavior dramatically increased with 71% of participants spending an average of 4-8 h per day sitting and over 54% of participants spending more than 4 h watching TV on an average day during lockdown. Fast-food consumption and snacking rose, hence weight gain was observed in over 53% of participants. Smoking habits, especially among cigarette smokers, may have worsened, with 45.2% reporting an increase in cigarette smoking, 16.8% declaring an increase in shisha smoking and 35.3% reporting an increase in smoking other tobacco products. These unfavorable behaviors during confinement could have serious long-term health consequences. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that long periods of home quarantine may have led to unhealthy consequences that increase the risk of developing disease. This study therefore aims to highlight these health impacts, and recommend strategies and policies that can encourage healthy habits.

Cardiovascular health research priorities in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and have been prioritized for intervention by healthcare authorities and clinicians. Aim: To identify clinically relevant research priorities for the treatment and prevention of CVDs in the UAE. Methods: This study used the nominal group technique to identify CVD-related research priorities. Participants were 37 experts from UAE hospitals, academic and research institutions, CVD associations, and paramedical organizations. Results: Initially, 138 research topics were suggested by participating experts. These topics were then refined to identify the most important research priorities related to CVD prevention and treatment. The top research priority areas were: development of evidence-based, customized algorithms for CVD prevention and in-hospital emergency interventions; the availability, accessibility, and affordability of CVD treatment and rehabilitation; identification of relationships between CVDs, lifestyle factors, and mental health; efficacy and constraints in the management of cardiac emergencies; and epidemiological studies that trace CVD in the UAE. Conclusion: The identified research priorities will guide a more informed research program for CVD treatment and prevention in the UAE. Funding opportunities and support for researchers should be prioritized for these identified research areas.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A systematic review of the literature.

This article presents a comprehensive review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the evaluation and/or diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. A systematic review was undertaken to summarise the recommendations reported in CPGs. MEDLINE® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature® (EBSCO Information Services, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA) and other databases were searched to retrieve CPGs. A total of five guidelines were included for analysis. The selected CPGs were appraised independently by five reviewers using the AGREE II instrument. The highest total score was achieved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines (91.4%) followed by the CPGs from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Canadian Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Resource Alliance, British Association of Psychopharmacology and the American Academy of Paediatrics. By appraising current ADHD guidelines, clinicians cannot only identify CPGs related to ADHD but can also determine which guidelines should be considered of high quality and trustworthy to follow during clinical practice. The researchers recommend using the AGREE II instrument for CPG appraisal in healthcare professional education and training. Improvements in the applicability of guidelines are warranted in the future to enhance its clinical use and relevance.

Assessment of the Awareness, Perception, Attitudes, and Preparedness of Health-care Professionals Potentially Exposed to COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Since COVID-19 surfaced in December 2019, health-care organizations across the globe have struggled to maintain the safety and well-being of health-care professionals (HCPs). PURPOSE: This study investigates the HCPs' general understanding of the health risks of COVID-19 and to what extent they are equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and others against this contagion. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a web-based structured questionnaire posted on the UAE government electronic survey portal. A collection of 941 HCPs from diverse general and specialty hospitals in the UAE responded to an electronic participation invite. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that the majority of HCPs (97.6%) had updated information about COVID-19 modes of transmission, risks of contamination, high-risk groups, and the potential consequences of testing positive. Furthermore, the results of the chi-squared testing revealed that the HCPs' confidence and vigilance of the COVID-19 threats were significantly increased (p< 0.01) by being experienced, having had infection control training, or/and having undergone COVID-19 education. CONCLUSION: We conclude that HCPs have an evidence-based understanding of the ways their own health is at risk while they are performing their duties in hospital setups. Further, the study found that HCPs who undergo special infection control training and who are kept posted on the official updates on COVID-19 are more likely to remain vigilant at all times to minimize the risks to themselves and their patients. Although the generalizability of the study findings should be considered with caution, the results could be generalizable to health-care professionals who received similar COVID-19 related training in the UAE or other regional countries.