An Online Management System for Streamlining and Enhancing the Quality of Learning Outcomes Assessment.

Learning outcomes assessment is an effective academic quality assurance tool that enables educators to review and enhance the alignment between planned, delivered, and experienced curricula. Accurately assessing what students know and are able to do after completing a learning module is the first step to decide on the strategies to implement and the proper actions to take in order to ensure the continuous improvement of the student learning experience. Nonetheless, learning outcomes assessment processes in higher education are still facing major challenges that affect their proper and effective implementation. Hence, faculty do not usually experience noticeable improvement in the students' performance over several assessment cycles, which causes their frustration and reluctance to continue participating in the assessment process. This paper discusses the main issues that affect the implementation of the assessment process and prevent the closure of the assessment loop. It also introduces a unified assessment process and an online management system that have been developed recently to address the discussed issues. The online management system streamlines the assessment process, while providing administrators and quality assurance officers with valuable infographics and reports to effectively oversee the implementation of the assessment process. The system has been deployed at the United Arab Emirates University since fall 2018, and has been successfully used by faculty to assess the learning outcomes for more than 1000 courses each semester. Moreover, collected statistics showed that the online features provided by the system allowed faculty to continue their assessment tasks seamlessly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burden, associated risk factors and adverse outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus in twin pregnancies in Al Ain, UAE.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancies represent a high-risk scenario. The incidence, associated factors and outcomes of GDM in twin pregnancies is not known in the UAE. METHODS: This was five years retrospective analysis of hospital records of twin pregnancies in the city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Relevant data with regards to the pregnancy, maternal and birth outcomes and incidence of GDM was extracted from two major hospitals in the city. Regression models assessed the relationship between socio-demographic and pregnancy-related variables and GDM, and the associations between GDM and maternal and fetal outcomes at birth. RESULTS: A total of 404 women and their neonates were part of this study. The study population had a mean age of 30.1 (SD: 5.3), overweight or obese (66.5%) and were majority multiparous (66.6%). High incidence of GDM in twin pregnancies (27.0%). While there were no statistical differences in outcomes of the neonates, GDM mothers were older (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.4) and heavier (aOR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00 -1.04). They were also likely to have had GDM in their previous pregnancies (aOR: 7.37, 95% CI: 2.76-19.73). The prognosis of mothers with twin pregnancies and GDM lead to an independent and increased odds of cesarean section (aOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.03-5.30) and hospitalization during pregnancy (aOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16-2.20). CONCLUSION: More than a quarter of women with twin pregnancies were diagnosed with GDM. GDM was associated with some adverse pregnancy outcomes but not fetal outcomes in this population. More studies are needed to further investigate these associations and the management of GDM in twin pregnancies.

Behavioral correlation with television watching and videogame playing among children in the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVE: Television viewing and videogame use (TV/VG) appear to be associated with some childhood behavioral problems. There are no studies addressing this problem in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS: One hundred ninety-seven school children (mean age, 8.7 ± 2.1 years) were assessed. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) subscale scores and socio-demographic characteristics were compared between children who were involved with TV/VG more than 2 hours/day and those involved less than 2 hours/day (the recommended upper limit by The American Academy of Pediatrics). RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of children who were involved with TV/VG time of more than 2 hours/day scored significantly higher on CBCL syndrome scales of withdrawn, social problems, attention problems, delinquent behavior, aggressive behavior, internalizing problems, externalizing problems and the CBCL total scores compared with their counterparts. Moreover, these children were younger in birth order and had fewer siblings. After controlling for these confounders using logistic regression, we found that TV/VG time more than 2 hours/day was positively associated with withdrawn (p = 0.008), attention problem (p = 0.037), externalizing problems (p = 0.007), and CBCL total (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Involvement with TV/VG for more than 2 hours/day is associated with more childhood behavioral problems. Counteracting negative effects of the over-involvement with TV/VG in children requires increased parental awareness.

Relationship between admission selection tools and student attrition in the early years of medical school.

Objectives: Placement in medical schools is highly sought after worldwide with fierce competition among applicants. However, some of the best students withdraw after being accepted to medical school. The aim of this study was to investigate early student attrition within the first 2 years of medical school and determine its relationship to admission selection tools. Methods: Quantitative research was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences from 2016 until 2020, during which time routine admission data and students' examination results for the first 2 years were collected and analyzed. Results: The attrition rate during the study period was 31.7%. High school and college written examination scores were significantly related to completing the premedical program (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Female students scored significantly higher in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) compared with male counterparts (p < 0.001). However, the difference in MMI score was not related to student attrition (p = 0.148). Conclusion: The cause of early attrition is complex and cannot be attributed to a single factor.Undergraduate high school score and written admission examination results were statistically significant factors in relation to student attrition rate and low academic performance. The results of this study showed that the female students scored significantly higher in the multiple MMI tests compared to male students. However, MMI score alone was not significantly related to student attrition.

Impact of Skills for Change Program on metabolic control, diet and physical activity levels in adults with type 2 diabetes: A cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in the Arab Gulf countries. Despite this, limited culturally-adapted lifestyle intervention studies have been conducted in this region. METHODS: In this culturally adapted 12-month cluster randomized trial, 382 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 20-70 years were recruited from 6 public healthcare centers (3 interventions and 3 controls) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The primary outcome of this study was a change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The secondary outcomes were Body Mass Index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, dietary intake, and physical activity levels. A diet and physical activity intervention, guided by the social cognitive theory, was delivered individually and in group format to the intervention group. The control group continued receiving only their usual diabetes management care. The data were collected at baseline and 1 year after participation. RESULTS: The mean baseline HbA1c levels of the control and the intervention groups were 7.45 ± 0.11% and 7.81 ± 0.11%, respectively. At the end of the 12-month intervention, there was no significant difference in the changes of mean HbA1c between the intervention and the control groups. On the other hand, BMI and daily caloric intake were significantly decreased in the intervention compared to the control group by 1.18 kg/m2 (95% CI: -1.78 - -0.60) and 246 kcal (95% CI: -419.52 - -77.21), respectively, after controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, duration since diabetes diagnosis, diabetes treatment, treatment clinic, and baseline values. Sitting time during the week-end was significantly lower, difference 52.53 minutes (95% CI: 93.93 - -11.14). CONCLUSIONS: This community-based lifestyle intervention for patients with baseline HbA1c <8% did not result in a significant decrease of HbA1c but reduced caloric intake, body weight, and weekend inactivity after controlling for the covariates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on February 11, 2020 with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04264793).

Early changes in myocardial repolarization and coronary perfusion after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery for ASD repair in children.

BACKGROUND: In adults, impaired myocardial repolarization and increased risk of arrhythmia are known consequences of open heart surgery. Little is known, however, about post-operative consequences of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in children. The aim of this study was to assess ventricular repolarization and coronary perfusion after bypass surgery for atrial septal defect (ASD) repair in children. METHODS: Twelve patients with ASD were assessed one day before and 5-6 days after ASD repair. Myocardial repolarization (corrected QT interval, QTc, QT dispersion, QTd, and PQ interval) was determined on 12-lead electrocardiograms. Coronary flow in proximal left anterior descending artery (peak flow velocity in diastole, PFVd) was assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Ten of the 12 (83%) children had normal myocardial repolarization before and after surgery. After surgery, QTc increased 1-9% in 5 (42%) patients, decreased 2-11% in 5 (42%) patients and did not change in 2 (16%) patients. Post-op QTc positively correlated with bypass time (R=0.686, p=0.014) and changes in PFVd (R=0.741, p=0.006). After surgery, QTd increased 33-67% in 4 (33%) patients, decreased 25-50% in 6 patients (50%) and did not change in 2 (16%) patients. After surgery, PQ interval increased 5-30% in 4 (33%) patients, decreased 4-29% in 6 (50%) patients and did not change in 1 (8%) patient. Post-op PQ positively correlated with bypass time (R=0.636, p=0.027). As previously reported, PFVd significantly increased after surgery (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in QTc, PQ and PFVd are common in young children undergoing surgery for ASD repair. Post-op QTc significantly correlates with bypass time, suggesting prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass may impair ventricular repolarization. Post-op QTc significantly correlates with PFVd changes, suggesting increased coronary flow may also impair ventricular repolarization. The clinical significance and reversibility of these alternations require further investigations.

Management of Blunt Sternal Fractures in a Community-Based Hospital.

Background: Sternal fractures are not commonly observed in patients with blunt trauma. The routine use of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of chest trauma helps identify these fractures. We studied the incidence, injury mechanism, management, and outcome of sternal fractures in patients with blunt trauma treated at our community-based hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the chest CT scans of all patients with blunt trauma who were presented to our community-based hospital from October 2010 to March 2019. The study variables included age at the time of injury, sex, mechanism of injury, type, and site of fracture, associated injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, need for intensive care unit admission, hospital stay, and long-term outcome. Results: In total, 5632 patients with blunt trauma presented to our hospital during the study period, and chest CT scan was performed for 2578 patients. Sternal fractures were diagnosed in 63 patients. The primary mechanism of injury was a motor vehicle collision. The most common site of fracture was the body of the sternum (47 patients; 74.6%). Twenty (31.7%) patients had an isolated sternal fracture with no other injuries. Seven (11.1%) patients were discharged directly from the emergency department. Two patients died (overall mortality rate, 3.2%) and two experienced long-term disability. Conclusions: The incidence of sternal fractures in our patient population was similar to that reported by tertiary hospitals. Patients with a sternal fracture and normal cardiac enzyme levels and electrocardiogram may be safely discharged from the emergency department, provided there are no other major injuries.

The Association between Emergency Department Length of Stay and In-Hospital Mortality in Older Patients Using Machine Learning: An Observational Cohort Study.

The association between emergency department (ED) length of stay (EDLOS) with in-hospital mortality (IHM) in older patients remains unclear. This retrospective study aims to delineate the relationship between EDLOS and IHM in elderly patients. From the ED patients (n = 383,586) who visited an urban academic tertiary care medical center from January 2010 to December 2016, 78,478 older patients (age ≥60 years) were identified and stratified into three age subgroups: 60-74 (early elderly), 75-89 (late elderly), and ≥90 years (longevous elderly). We applied multiple machine learning approaches to identify the risk correlation trends between EDLOS and IHM, as well as boarding time (BT) and IHM. The incidence of IHM increased with age: 60-74 (2.7%), 75-89 (4.5%), and ≥90 years (6.3%). The best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained by Light Gradient Boosting Machine model for age groups 60-74, 75-89, and ≥90 years, which were 0.892 (95% CI, 0.870-0.916), 0.886 (95% CI, 0.861-0.911), and 0.838 (95% CI, 0.782-0.887), respectively. Our study showed that EDLOS and BT were statistically correlated with IHM (p < 0.001), and a significantly higher risk of IHM was found in low EDLOS and high BT. The flagged rate of quality assurance issues was higher in lower EDLOS ≤1 h (9.96%) vs. higher EDLOS 7 h

Epidemiology of severe pediatric adenovirus lower respiratory tract infections in Manitoba, Canada, 1991-2005.

BACKGROUND: Most pediatric adenovirus respiratory infections are mild and indistinguishable from other viral causes. However, in a few children, the disease can be severe and result in substantial morbidity. We describe the epidemiologic, clinical, radiologic features and outcome of adenovirus lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal children in Manitoba, Canada during the years 1991 and 2005. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 193 children who presented to the department of pediatrics at Winnipeg Children's Hospital, Manitoba, Canada with LRTI and had a positive respiratory culture for adenovirus. Patients' demographics, clinical and radiologic features and outcomes were collected. Adenovirus serotype distributions and temporal associations were described. Approximate incidence comparisons (detection rates) of adenovirus LRTI among Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal children were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Adenovirus infections occurred throughout the year with clusters in the fall and winter. Serotypes 1 to 3 were the predominant isolates (two thirds of the cases). The infection was more frequent among Canadian Aboriginals, as illustrated in 2004, where its incidence in children 0-4 years old was 5.6 fold higher in Aboriginals (13.51 vs. 2.39 per 10,000, p < 0.000). There were no significant differences in length of hospitalization and use of ventilator assistance between the two groups (p > 0.185 and p > 0.624, respectively) nor across serotypes (p > 0.10 and p > 0.05, respectively). The disease primarily affected infants (median age, 9.5 months). Most children presented with bronchiolitis or pneumonia, with multi-lobar consolidations on the chest x-ray. Chronic (residual) changes were documented in 16 patients, with eight patients showing bronchiectasis on the chest computerized tomography scan. CONCLUSIONS: Adenovirus infection is associated with significant respiratory morbidities, especially in young infants. The infection appears to be more frequent in Aboriginal children. These results justify a careful follow-up for children with adenovirus LRTI.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Patient Safety Events Occurring in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe and analyze the risk factors associated with patient safety events (PSEs), defined as adverse events (AEs), preventable AEs (PAEs), and near-miss events (NMEs), in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: It was a retrospective cohort study using ED patients' data retrieved from January 2010 to December 2016. Quality assurance issues (QAIs) used as triggers included the following: issues during procedural sedation, death within 24 hours of admission, patients' and physicians' complaints, returns to the ED within 72 hours, and transfers to an intensive care unit within 24 hours. RESULTS: Of 383,586 ED visits, 6519 (1.7%) QAIs were reported with a PSEs incidence of 6.1%. Among the 397 PSEs, 258 were AEs including 82 PAEs, and 139 NMEs. During the 7-year period, we observed a fourfold increase in NMEs, and despite a decrease in the rate of AEs with the highest (3.1%) and lowest (0.8%) incidence in 2011 and 2016, respectively, the incidence of PAEs events remained relatively constant. Unadjusted analysis showed that ED waiting time, boarding time, ED length of stay (LOS), ED disposition, as well as diagnostic and QAIs were significantly related to PSEs (P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that the type of QAIs and diagnostic were associated with PSEs (P < 0.001). Type of QAIs was a risk factor for AEs and PAEs occurrence and factors involved in NMEs were type of QAIs (P = 0.02) and ED LOS (P < 0.001). "The odds of a PSE occurring increased by 0.2% for each additional minute increase in the ED waiting time, by 5.2% for each additional boarding hour, and by 4.5% for each ED LOS hour." CONCLUSIONS: This study showed several potential risk factors for PSEs, especially ED LOS, type of QAIs, and diagnostic. Systematic interventions might have more impact on risk of PSE.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and environmental toxic metal exposure in the United Arab Emirates.

No systematic studies have been carried out on the effects of toxic metals on childhood behavior in the Gulf Region including the UAE. The relationship between blood levels of heavy metals and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were explored in school-aged children of UAE and it was found that increased blood concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were significantly associated with ADHD. The findings suggest that monitoring for exposure to heavy metal levels and education on potential child health hazards related to them are indicated.

Predictors of childhood food allergy: significance and implications.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is common in children, and its occurrence is strongly associated with other allergies including anaphylaxis. Both genetic (e.g., CD14, STAT6, IL-10, SPINK5, and FOXP3 genes) and environmental (e.g., early exposure to highly allergic food) factors appear to contribute to food allergy. METHOD: Cross-sectional study involved children in public primary schools in Al-Ain city (United Arab Emirates). 660 students from the chosen classes were provided with 35 questions to be answered by their parents with a response rate 60.2%. The objective of the study was to determine predictors for food allergy in children. RESULT: Significant associations were found between childhood food allergy and a history of personal allergy (atopic dermatitis, asthma or allergic rhino-conjunctivitis) or immediate family members with food allergy or other allergic diseases. The best predictors for childhood food allergy were a personal history of asthma (p < 0.001), a personal history of atopic dermatitis (p < 0.001), a paternal history of atopic dermatitis (p = 0.005) and a paternal history of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (p = 0.012). DISCUSSION: These results are consistent with the notion that "various forms of allergy, including childhood food allergy are hereditarily coupled". Thus, predicting childhood food allergy provides an opportunity to prevent or ameliorate the symptoms.

Association of overweight, obesity and insufficient sleep duration and related lifestyle factors among school children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity and Insufficient Sleep Duration (ISD) and to investigate their relationship with related lifestyle factors among school-aged students. Obesity in childhood and adolescence is a serious health concern as it may have long term risk for overweight and obesity in adulthood. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 1,611 students aged between 10 and 18 years from Al Ain city, United Arab Emirates. Data were collected using a multistage stratified random sampling method using a validated questionnaire and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 42.4%. ISD was 36.6% among students. Higher BMI was significantly related to being a male and inactive (95% CI=0.03-0.23), daily coffee consumption (95% CI=0.03-0.1), older age (95% CI=0.01-0.02), less average sleep duration (95% CI=-0.02 to -0.003) and spending more time on TV/videogames (95% CI=0.01-0.07). The likelihood of ISD was significantly lower among students who consumed breakfast daily (OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.41-0.83), spent less time on smart devices (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.47-0.84), and never consumed energy drinks or soft drinks (OR=2.64, 95% CI=1.13-6.16, OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.24-3.29, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged students is high. ISD and related lifestyle factors are significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Study findings emphasize the need to address and implement successful strategies for a healthy lifestyle starting from early childhood to combat the increasing rates of overweight and obesity in adulthood.

Effects of Diabetes Prevention Education Program for Overweight and Obese Subjects with a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study from the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVES: The association of obesity and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides an opportunity for risk stratification and prevention, as these two conditions are the most well-known risk factors for T2DM. We aimed to test the feasibility and effects of a diabetes mellitus prevention education program designed for overweight and obese Emirati people with at least one parent with T2DM. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study using a pre-post design without a control arm at the Diabetes Center at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, UAE. Overweight and obese subjects with at least one parent with T2DM were invited to participate. Three study assessments were conducted at baseline, three months, and six months including a questionnaire, anthropometry, and laboratory assessments. Interventions included three individualized or family-engaged counseling sessions based on the DiAlert protocol. The study outcomes included awareness of risks and prevention opportunities to T2DM, behavior changes in nutrition and exercise, decreased waist-circumference, and clinical/metabolic/inflammatory markers. Pre-post changes were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two overweight or obese individuals were approached. Forty-four individuals met the eligibility criteria, and 32 individuals (35.0±9.0 years; 75.0% female) completed the study. At six months, there were significant improvements in the glycated hemoglobin levels (p = 0.007), high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.049), serum creatinine (p < 0.025), estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.009), and adiponectin levels (p < 0.024). Sixteen of 32 participants had ≥ 2 cm reduction in waist circumference. They demonstrated notable physical and laboratory improvements in moderate-vigorous activity, average activity counts per day, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSIONS: Offering family-oriented diabetes education to people at risk for T2DM is well received and has favorable effects on relevant risk factors. Better testing with large-scale randomized controlled studies is needed, and implementing similar educational programs for the Emirati population seems warranted.

A Single-Institution Experience in the Use of Chest Radiographs for Hospitalized Children Labeled as Asthma Exacerbation.

Background: Risks of diagnostic radiation have become more notable lately, particularly in young children with chronic medical conditions. This study reports on the cumulative radiation from chest radiographs in children with asthma. Its main purpose was to review our current practice and suggest minimizing the use of chest radiographs. Methods: The study was retrospective and conducted at a pediatric tertiary center. Eligibility criteria included children 2-15 y, admitted between January 2017 and December 2018 for asthma management. Results: Of the 643 children admitted as "asthma exacerbation," 243 [40% females; age (mean ± SD) 5.4±3.3 y] met the study criteria for inclusion. Ninety-two (38%) children had a temperature of 38.8±0.7°C on the day of admission. Antibiotics were prescribed for 148 (61%) children, mainly for presumed pneumonia. Chest radiographs were requested for 214 (88%) children, mainly on the day of admission. Only 38 (18%) chest radiographs showed focal/multifocal pneumonia justifying antibiotic use. Significant predictors for requesting chest radiographs were antibiotic use for presumed pneumonia, lower oxygen saturation at presentation, and a requested blood culture. The rate of chest radiographs per year was negatively related to the child's age; the younger the child the higher the rate (model coefficient -0.259, P < 0.001). For children < 5 y, the rate of chest radiographs was 1.39 ± 1.21/y and radiation dose 0.028 ± 0.025 mSv/y. The corresponding rates for children ≥5 y were 0.78 ± 0.72/y and 0.008 ± 0.007 mSv/y, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Chest radiographs were commonly requested for children with asthma, especially younger children. Prospective studies are necessary to measure the impact of this practice on the children's health.

Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: a population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country in the Middle East to report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serosurveys are essential to understanding the extent of virus transmission. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. METHODS: Between 19 July and 14 August 2020, 4487 households were selected using a random sample stratified by region and citizenship of the head of household (UAE citizen or non-citizen). A cluster sample of 40 labour camps was selected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected. Each participant was first tested by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, followed, when reactive, by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay. RESULTS: Among 8831 individuals from households, seroprevalence was 10·4% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 9·5-11·4], with higher seroprevalence in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions compared with those in Al Dhafra. In households, we found no sex difference and UAE citizens had lower seroprevalence compared with those of other nationalities. Among 4855 workers residing in labour camps, seroprevalence was 68·6% (95% CI 61·7-74·7), with higher seroprevalence among workers from Southeast Asia. In households, individuals with higher body mass indexes demonstrated higher seroprevalences than individuals with normal weight. Anosmia and ageusia were strongly associated with seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of household populations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. In labour camps, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was high. Effective public health measures should be maintained.

Subjective life satisfaction and mental disorders among older adults in UAE in general population.

BACKGROUND: Life satisfaction is widely considered to be a central aspect of human welfare. Many have identified happiness with it, and some maintain that well-being consists largely or wholly in being satisfied with one's life. Empirical research on well-being relies heavily on life satisfaction studies. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of psychiatric disorders and physical disorders on life satisfaction among Arab older adults in general population. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews with Geriatric Mental State Interview (GMS-A3) were conducted with a nationwide sample of 2000 household in 2001. Total samples of 610 elders (above 60 years) were interviewed. RESULTS: There were 347 males (56.9%) and 263 females (43.1%). The mean age was 68.6 years (SD = 8.3). The commonest diagnoses were depression (20.2%), anxiety (5.6%), hypochondriasis (4.4%), and organic brain syndrome with or without dementia (3.6%). The findings suggest that having depressive disorder was significantly associated with less life satisfaction in the whole sample of older adults' people. In addition, anxiety, hypochondriacal disorders, and organic brain syndrome were significantly associated with low life satisfaction. Meanwhile, other psychiatric disorders e.g., phobia, Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia were not significantly associated with life satisfaction. No significant relationship was found with any physical disorders alone. The data further reveal that low level of life satisfaction was especially significant in the age group above 85 years and people who live alone or only with wife/husband. CONCLUSIONS: The strong influence of psychiatric disorders e.g., depression, anxiety, organic brain syndrome, and hypochondriasis rather than physical disorders suggests that a lack of meaning and worries are more detrimental to life satisfaction than physical frailty. The findings underscore the need to develop interventions that help older people deal more effectively with psychiatric disorders and its comorbidities. Moreover, the results suggest that providing family support, by not allowing older adults to live alone, may be especially helpful for older adults.

Paternal asthma is a predictor for childhood asthma in the consanguineous families from the United Arab Emirates.

Consanguinity is known to increase the burden of genetic disorders among offspring. However, the effect of consanguinity on a complex disorder like childhood asthma has not been studied previously. Therefore, we explored this relationship by studying the asthma prevalence in children between 6 and 14 years of age among the local Arab families of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where consanguinity is known to be highly prevalent. A total of 1136 children from 295 families met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of childhood asthma was higher among children in consanguineous families (43.3%) compared to non-consanguineous (22.6%, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the degree of consanguinity and the number of asthmatic children per family (p = 0.0002). Girls from consanguineous families had proportionately more asthma (42.9%, p < 0.001) compared to boys (23.1%, p = 0.539). Paternal asthma in consanguineous families increased asthma risk for both boys and girls (p = 0.021 for boys, p < 0.001 for girls), while maternal asthma had no significant impact on asthma in offspring. Prevalence of childhood asthma was significantly higher in consanguineous families. The significant asthma predictors for girls from the consanguineous families were the degree of consanguinity and paternal asthma. The only predictor for boys was paternal asthma. These interesting observations merit further studies on both larger samples and in other consanguineous communities for confirmation.

Nutrition Knowledge and Satisfaction Levels of Postbariatric Surgery Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Pilot Study.

Research assessing the nutrition knowledge of postbariatric surgery patients is limited, although this category of patients is predisposed to malnutrition. In this pilot study, we explored postbariatric nutrition knowledge, satisfaction levels with dietitian nutrition counseling, and decision to undergo bariatric surgery of 83 patients who attended a postbariatric outpatient nutrition clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional design involving gender-stratified random sampling method was used to recruit 83 postbariatric surgery participants. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect information about nutrition knowledge related to dietary recommendations after bariatric surgery as well as participant views on dietitian nutrition counseling, their decision to undergo bariatric surgery, and nutrition-related complications experienced after the surgery. The mean (SD) knowledge score of postbariatric diet was 9.7 (2.05) out of a maximum possible score of 14. The majority of the participants (78.3%) correctly identified which foods are recommended during the first stage of the postbariatric surgery diet, and more than 90% knew about the importance of high-protein supplements after bariatric surgery. Female participants had significantly higher mean knowledge score compared to males (p=0.02). Although nearly 80% of the participants reported regular follow-up with their dietitian, only 10.8% reported high adherence to the dietitian's instructions. Moreover, more than two-thirds of the participants (71.1%) rated dietary advice provided by dietitians as vague. The most common complication experienced by the participants after bariatric surgery was nausea (61.4%). Furthermore, the majority of the participants (83.4%) found their daily and leisure activities to be more enjoyable after bariatric surgery. Ways of improving the quality of information delivery by dietitians should be explored to enhance patient comprehension and adherence to postbariatric surgery diet recommendations. Future research involving a larger and more representative sample to extend our findings are needed.

Anatomical locations of air for rapid diagnosis of pneumothorax in blunt trauma patients.

Background: Bedside diagnostic ultrasound for traumatic pneumothorax is easy and reliable. However, the thoracic anatomical locations to be examined are debateable. We aimed to study the anatomical locations of blunt traumatic pneumothoraces as defined by chest CT scan to identify the areas that should be scanned while performing bedside diagnostic ultrasound. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a data collected for a previous study in blunt trauma patients at our hospital during a 4-year-period with CT confirmed pneumothoraces. The anatomical distribution of the pneumothoraces and their volume were analyzed. Advanced statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures logistic regression models. Results: Seven hundred three patients had a CT scan of the chest. Seventy-four patients (10.5%) were confirmed to have a pneumothorax. Only 64 were included in the study as they did not have a chest tube inserted before the CT scan. Twelve (18.8%) patients had bilateral pneumothorax. Seventy-six pneumothoraces were identified for which 41 patients had a right-sided pneumothorax and 35 patients had a left-sided pneumothorax. 95.1 % of the pneumothoraces detected on the right side were in the whole parasternal area with 75.6% seen in the lower parasternal region only. Similarly, 97.1 % of the pneumothoraces on the left side were seen in the whole parasternal area with 80% seen in the lower parasternal region only. Conclusions: The current study showed that air pockets of blunt traumatic pneumothoraces are mainly located at the parasternal regions especially in pneumothorax with small volume. We recommend a quick ultrasound scanning of the parasternal regions on both sides of the chest from proximal to distal as the appropriate technique for the detection of pneumothoraces in blunt trauma setting.