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BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide problem. The Arab world, and particularly the Middle East, has witnessed a recent dramatic rise in obesity and obesity-related diseases. Yet, little is known about physician attitudes toward or management of obesity in this region of the world. The purpose of this study is to explore physician perceptions and attitudes toward obesity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered anonymous survey of primary care physicians was performed between December 2015 and January 2017 at academic medical centers in the UAE. RESULTS: A total of 573 of 698 physicians (82% response rate) completed the survey. Thirty-seven percent of respondents met body mass index (BMI) criteria for overweight and 12% for obesity. Physicians had sufficient knowledge but lacked training in obesity management. Physician subspecialty impacted knowledge with internal medicine physicians showing better obesity knowledge (Chi-square 392, df 210, P = 0.00). There was no significant relationship between knowledge and attitudes with physician age, gender, or nationality. Attitudinal responses toward obesity management were generally positive. However, there was an inverse correlation between physician BMI and positive attitudes toward obesity management (Chi-square 1551, df 323, P = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: Although our study did not find significant weight bias, negative attitudes were directly correlated with physician BMI, a significant concern as half of physicians surveyed reported BMIs consistent with overweight and obesity.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the positive yield of universal antenatal screening of hepatitis B and C and its association with known risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The study was conducted from January to December 2006 at Zainab Panjwani Memorial Hospital, Karachi. METHODOLOGY: All pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies during antenatal period irrespective of the presence of known risk factors. Carriers i.e. women whose HBV or HCV infection positive status was already laboratory confirmed on first antenatal visit were excluded. Screening was performed by Acu-check one strip test (chromatographic immunoassay) in serum. Women screened positive were interviewed, a questionnaire was filled inquiring about the history of any risk factors predisposing to these infections. Frequency of positive cases was determined in those with risk factors and those without. The proportion was compared using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Of the 2592 pregnant women screened during the study period, 09 (0.34%) were HBsAg positive and 18 (0.69%) were HCV antibodies positive. None was found to be a carrier of both viruses. There were 1004 primigravidas, who had no recallable risk factor, and of those, 02 (0.19%) and 09 (0.89%) were HBV and HCV carriers respectively. No significant association of risk factors was seen in both HBV (p=0.310) and HCV (p=0.328). CONCLUSION: There was no significant association of risk factors with HBV and HCV infection, thus necessitating the need of universal antenatal screening. However, large scale epidemiological/multicentric studies are required to determine the cost-effectiveness of the screening and prevention of vertical transmission.
