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Zeb F, Naqeeb H, Osaili T, Faris ME, Ismail LC, Obaid RS, Naja F, Radwan H, Hasan H, Hashim M, AlBlooshi S, Alam I. Molecular crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota in cancer prevention. Nutr Res 2024; 124:21-42. [PMID: 38364552 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, the molecular crosstalk between polyphenols and gut microbiota has emerged as a promising pathway for cancer prevention. Polyphenols, abundant in many plant-based foods, possess diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The gut microbiota, a complex microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in a host's health and disease risks. This review highlights cancer suppressive and oncogenic mechanisms of gut microbiota, the intricate interplay between gut microbiota modulation and polyphenol biotransformation, and the potential therapeutic implications of this interplay in cancer prevention. Furthermore, this review explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning the synergistic effects of polyphenols and the gut microbiota, such as modulation of signaling pathways and immune response and epigenetic modifications in animal and human studies. The current review also summarizes the challenges and future directions in this field, including the development of personalized approaches that consider interindividual variations in gut microbiota composition and function. Understanding the molecular crosstalk could offer new perspectives for the development of personalized cancer therapies targeting the polyphenol-gut axis. Future clinical trials are needed to validate the potential role of polyphenols and gut microbiota as innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falak Zeb
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Huma Naqeeb
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Shaukat Khanam Cancer Hospital and Research Center Peshawar, Pakistan; Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Women University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Tareq Osaili
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - MoezAllslam Ezzat Faris
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Nuffield, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Reyad Shakir Obaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Naja
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hayder Hasan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharifa AlBlooshi
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iftikhar Alam
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Pakistan
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Ali S, Bakht S, Ullah Jan A, Alam I, Almajwal AM, Osaili T, Obaid RS, Faris ME, Cheikh Ismail L, Najah F, Radwan H, Hasan H, Hashim M, AlBlooshi S, Sehar B, Zeb F. An innovative state-of-the-art health storytelling technique for better management of type 2 diabetes. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1215166. [PMID: 37869196 PMCID: PMC10585594 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic lifelong disease that requires long-term prevention and management strategies in a community setting. A health story is a novel technique that may be used as an effective tool for better prevention and management of T2D. Objective The main objective of this study is to develop a story to be used as a social health technique based on contemporary scientific knowledge that may be used at a community level for better communication and management of T2D. Methods A community-academic partnership was formed with a not-for-profit Nutrition Education, Awareness, and Training (NEAT) organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. We agreed to develop a story that may be used as a health and nutrition education communication tool for better management of patients with T2D. The following phases were followed during the story creation process: (1) the theory phase, (2) the modeling phase, and (3) the evaluation phase. Raters evaluated the story to determine its literary and scientific quality, comprehensiveness, and T2D specificity. Results The title of the story translated into English is "The Story of Diabetes-The Story of Success." It is text based and contains 86 pages in the local language, "Pashto," with an English translation. The story is divided into five chapters and describes the initial diagnosis, fear associated with the disease, issues related to referral to certified practitioners, the importance of a balanced diet, and related lifestyle habits. After story evaluation, the raters suggested its literary and scientific quality, comprehensiveness, and T2D specificity (Pearson correlation scores of >0.8). Conclusion This unique story was created for T2D and found to be of significant quality in terms of its literary and scientific quality, as well as its comprehensiveness and diabetes specificity. As a result, it may be suggested that it can be used in subsequent studies to improve T2D management among adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumbal Ali
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Bakht
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Atta Ullah Jan
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Alam
- Department of Agriculture (Human Nutrition and Dietetics), Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, Pakistan
| | - Ali Madi Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tareq Osaili
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Reyad Shakir Obaid
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - MoezAllslam Ezzat Faris
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford Nuffield, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Farah Najah
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haydar Hasan
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharifa AlBlooshi
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bismillah Sehar
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, United Kingdom
| | - Falak Zeb
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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AlBlooshi S, Smail L, Albedwawi A, Al Wahedi M, AlSafi M. The effect of COVID-19 on the academic performance of Zayed University students in the United Arab Emirates. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1199684. [PMID: 37744581 PMCID: PMC10513780 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1199684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant changes across various sectors, including the field of education. In response to the pandemic, educational institutions worldwide, including Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), transitioned to online learning. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the academic performance of students in the UAE and their satisfaction with remote learning, while also examining gender differences in these variables. Methods This study used a quantitative research design in which a questionnaire was used to collect data. The study employed a snowball sampling method to recruit a total of 1,780 male and female students aged 18 and above from Zayed University in the UAE. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Results This study revealed that students at Zayed University maintained a good level of academic performance (M = 3.34, SD = 0.76) during the COVID-19 pandemic and were satisfied with online learning (M = 3.48, SD = 0.84) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant positive correlation was observed between students' academic performance and their level of satisfaction with online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between gender and both academic performance and level of satisfaction with online learning. Finally, we found that more males leaned toward online learning while more females leaned toward face-to-face learning. Conclusion This study contributes to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on students' academic performance and satisfaction with remote learning in the UAE context. The findings highlight the significance of student satisfaction for successful online learning and emphasize the need for adequate resources and the maintenance of education quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifa AlBlooshi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Linda Smail
- Computational Systems Program, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alyaa Albedwawi
- Department of Arabic, Islamic and Legal Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mariam Al Wahedi
- Department of Community Health, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha AlSafi
- Department of Public Health Research, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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AlBlooshi S, Hijazi R, Kennedy L, Al Rajabi A. UAE Women's Knowledge and Attitudes towards Physical Activity during Pregnancy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6669. [PMID: 37681809 PMCID: PMC10487832 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of being physically active during pregnancy are widely acknowledged. It is important for the prevention of chronic diseases and the promotion of good health for mothers and children. However, physical activity by women in the UAE is notoriously low and reduced further during pregnancy. The same can be said regarding research about the knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks associated with exercise as a predictor of behavior. We aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards physical activity during pregnancy amongst Emirati women. A cross-sectional digital survey was designed to assess knowledge and attitudes and distributed to women, aged 18-40 years, using non-randomized, purposeful snowball sampling. A total of 1538 women were recruited. Most participants were aged 20-29 years (53.5%), were Emiratis (88.9%), and had no history of chronic disease (68.6%). The participants self-reported very low levels of PA (75.5%) and had a below-average level of knowledge overall (40.6 ± 20). Younger ages (p < 0.001), lower educational levels (p = 0.004), being employed (p = 0.014), and having a history of chronic disease (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with lower mean knowledge scores, while being married (p = 0.003) was significantly associated with higher scores. The participants also exhibited a positive attitude towards physical activity during pregnancy by selecting answers that they supported it. To encourage physical activity, women living in the UAE could benefit from clear advice about safe physical activity during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifa AlBlooshi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Rafiq Hijazi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Lynne Kennedy
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ala Al Rajabi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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AlBlooshi S, AlFalasi M, Taha Z, El Ktaibi F, Khalid A. The impact of COVID-19 quarantine on lifestyle indicators in the United Arab Emirates. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1123894. [PMID: 36860383 PMCID: PMC9968935 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1123894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 is a virus that has spread rapidly and brought economic and social crises all around the world. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits, physical activity, food purchasing, smoking, and sleeping patterns in the United Arab Emirates. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire between November 1st, 2020 and the end of January 2021. Citizens and residents of the UAE aged ≥ 18 years old were asked to complete an anonymous electronic questionnaire created via Google Forms and distributed on various platforms, such as WhatsApp, Twitter, and email. A total of 1682 subjects participated in the study. Results The results included that during the COVID-19 lockdown, more participants (44.4%) reported an increase in weight. This gain seems to be linked to increased food consumption [(Adjusted Odd Ratio) AOR = 1.68, 95% (Confidence Interval) CI = 1.12, 2.54, p = 0.022], decreased physical activity (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.58, 3.21, p < 0.001), and increased smoking (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.50, p = 0.038). The groups that were most likely to gain weight included those who consumed more cereals (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.57, p = 0.011), had an increased desire for sweets (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.50, 3.19, p < 0.001), and an increased desire for food (hunger) (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.53, 3.14, p < 0.001). In contrast, those who exercised more were more likely to lose weight (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.86, p < 0.001) as well as those who slept over 9 h a day (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.88, p = 0.006). Discussion Overall, it is essential to promote healthy habits and methods of healthy diet maintenance during stressful and unusual times when people might find it difficult to put effort into their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifa AlBlooshi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,*Correspondence: Sharifa AlBlooshi ✉
| | - Maryam AlFalasi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zainab Taha
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farid El Ktaibi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alia Khalid
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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AlBlooshi S, Al Anouti F, Hijazi R. Knowledge about Vitamin D among Women in the United Arab Emirates. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:1252. [PMID: 36674002 PMCID: PMC9859501 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a significant public health issue as it affects almost 90% of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population. A bigger portion of this percentage is women due to the physiological changes throughout their life cycle. This study aims to assess the knowledge about vitamin D among women in the UAE. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. Using snowball sampling, an electronic questionnaire was sent to women aged 18 years and above. Overall, 1537 women completed the questionnaire. The participants had mean scores of 49.4 ± 10.7 and 59.6 ± 14.6 for general and nutritional knowledge, respectively. Factors associated with higher scores included older age, marriage, higher educational level, and having tested their vitamin D levels. Factors associated with lower scores included the history of a chronic illness and being employed. Findings indicate that women in this study showed a low level of vitamin D knowledge specifically regarding the non-skeletal benefits of vitamin D and factors that affect vitamin D synthesis. Therefore, health education and promotion programs must be implemented across the UAE to improve overall awareness about vitamin D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifa AlBlooshi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatme Al Anouti
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rafiq Hijazi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
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Al Anouti F, Grant WB, Thomas J, AlBlooshi S, Karras S. Associations between Dietary Intake of Vitamin D, Sun Exposure, and Generalized Anxiety among College Women. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245327. [PMID: 36558485 PMCID: PMC9780868 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D insufficiency impacts about half of the population worldwide. Almost one billion individuals across all ages and ethnicities suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Hypovitaminosis D is mainly related to lifestyle choices and habits, such as outdoor activities and food intake. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between vitamin D status and anxiety symptoms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between anxiety and factors including age, vitamin D deficiency, citizens, dietary and supplementary vitamin D intake, along with sun exposure, among a sample of female college students in the United Arab Emirates. A descriptive questionnaire, including a short version of the generalized anxiety disorder scale, food frequency questionnaire, and sun avoidance inventory, was used to assess the relationship between the dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods and supplements, along with sun avoidance/exposure and generalized anxiety, among a total of 386 female participants aged 18 and above. The findings showed clear evidence that sun avoidance behaviors are strongly associated with an elevated risk of generalized anxiety disorder among adult females in the United Arab Emirates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatme Al Anouti
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (F.A.A.); (S.K.)
| | - William B. Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164, USA
| | - Justin Thomas
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, UK
| | - Sharifa AlBlooshi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates
| | - Spyridon Karras
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Medical School of Aristotle University, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (F.A.A.); (S.K.)
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AlBlooshi S, Khalid A, Hijazi R. The Barriers to Sustainable Nutrition for Sustainable Health among Zayed University Students in the UAE. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194175. [PMID: 36235827 PMCID: PMC9571293 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Unhealthy and unsustainable nutrition is a major concern globally, including in the United Arab Emirates. Although many education programs have been conducted, diet-related illnesses remain prevalent. This study aims to identify the barriers between knowledge and practice of sustainable healthy diets to achieve long-term health, among students of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. An online questionnaire was sent to Zayed University (ZU) students over 18 years of age, using snowball sampling. The participants achieved a mean score of 5.6 out of 11 in nutritional knowledge, and a mean score of 3.4 out of 6 in healthy habits. The only barrier that significantly affected dietary habits was not knowing how to plan a diet (p = 0.025). Accordingly, having good nutritional knowledge was significantly related to improved dietary habits (p < 0.001). In addition, school curriculums (p = 0.004), doing one’s own research (p < 0.001), and social media (p < 0.001) were significantly related to improved nutritional knowledge. The most commonly reported motivators for a healthier diet were “to keep their body healthy for a long time” and “to maintain a healthy weight” (72.6% and 70.1%, respectively). Overall, among ZU students the most significant barrier to achieving sustainable healthy nutrition was lack of knowledge. Education methods such as school curriculums, individual research, and social media were effective. Topics such as how to plan a diet, how to keep the body healthy, and how to maintain a healthy weight are of general interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharifa AlBlooshi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
| | - Alia Khalid
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rafiq Hijazi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
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Juber NF, Abdulle A, AlJunaibi A, AlNaeemi A, Ahmad A, Leinberger-Jabari A, Al Dhaheri AS, AlZaabi E, Mezhal F, Al-Maskari F, AlAnouti F, Alsafar H, Alkaabi J, Wareth LA, Aljaber M, Kazim M, Weitzman M, Al-Houqani M, Ali MH, Oumeziane N, El-Shahawy O, Sherman S, AlBlooshi S, Shah SM, Loney T, Almahmeed W, Idaghdour Y, Ali R. Maternal Early-Life Risk Factors and Later Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:10339. [PMID: 36011972 PMCID: PMC9408157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Limited studies have focused on maternal early-life risk factors and the later development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We aimed to estimate the GDM prevalence and examine the associations of maternal early-life risk factors, namely: maternal birthweight, parental smoking at birth, childhood urbanicity, ever-breastfed, parental education attainment, parental history of diabetes, childhood overall health, childhood body size, and childhood height, with later GDM. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) baseline data (February 2016 to April 2022) on 702 ever-married women aged 18 to 67 years. We fitted a Poisson regression to estimate the risk ratio (RR) for later GDM and its 95% confidence interval (CI). The GDM prevalence was 5.1%. In the fully adjusted model, females with low birthweight were four times more likely (RR 4.04, 95% CI 1.36-12.0) and females with a parental history of diabetes were nearly three times more likely (RR 2.86, 95% CI 1.10-7.43) to report later GDM. In conclusion, maternal birthweight and parental history of diabetes were significantly associated with later GDM. Close glucose monitoring during pregnancy among females with either a low birth weight and/or parental history of diabetes might help to prevent GDM among this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmin F. Juber
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdishakur Abdulle
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulla AlJunaibi
- Department of Pediatrics, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 72763, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdulla AlNaeemi
- Department of Cardiology, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 72763, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amar Ahmad
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andrea Leinberger-Jabari
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eiman AlZaabi
- Department of Pathology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 11001, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatima Mezhal
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatma Al-Maskari
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatme AlAnouti
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - Habiba Alsafar
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juma Alkaabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laila Abdel Wareth
- The National Reference Laboratory, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 92323, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mai Aljaber
- Healthpoint Hospital, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112308, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marina Kazim
- Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, SEHA, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 109090, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michael Weitzman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mohammad Al-Houqani
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Hag Ali
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naima Oumeziane
- Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services, SEHA, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 109090, United Arab Emirates
| | - Omar El-Shahawy
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Scott Sherman
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sharifa AlBlooshi
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Dubai P.O. Box 19282, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed M. Shah
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wael Almahmeed
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112412, United Arab Emirates
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raghib Ali
- Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
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