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Biomedical subjects

A O Musaiger

Publications and source records attributed to A O Musaiger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Health status of cement workers in the United Arab Emirates.

The aim of this study was to investigate some of the health problems among cement workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional sample of 304 workers was selected randomly from four cement factories in four Emirates. Most of the workers (88%) were from India, married (84%) and had received primary education or above (93%). Smoking was prevalent among 27% of the workers and about 24% consumed alcoholic beverages. Personal hygiene was found to be satisfactory among the workers. The main health symptoms reported by the cement workers were chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, burning, itching and runny eyes, headache and fatigue. Chronic bronchitis (p < 0.007), burning, itching and runny eyes (p < 0.002) and fatigue (p < 0.004) were significantly increased with age of workers. Smoking was significantly associated with chronic cough (p < 0.03) and chronic bronchitis (p < 0.01). However, the chance of smokers getting respiratory health problems was two to five times greater compared with non-smokers. Future studies on the health of workers in UAE should include more investigations using specialised equipment to detect and diagnose health problems.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Lifestyle and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in a Gulf Arab population.

BACKGROUND: Recent statistics indicate that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is becoming very common in the State of Bahrain. A population-based case-control study was carried out to explore the importance of lifestyle in the occurrence of AMI in Bahrain among those aged 30-79 years. METHODS: Seventy consecutive cases with a first episode of AMI were identified from a register, which included all hospital admissions, during the period 1 February 1992 to 31 July 1992, and compared with 516 subjects obtained from a random sample of the same community. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for demographic variables as well as for the mutual confounding effects of the investigated risk factors. RESULTS: Of the patients with first-time AMI, 64% did not walk regularly for exercise compared with 34% of community controls (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-5.15). In all, 12% of community controls has a history of hypertension and 9% had diabetes. The comparative figures for AMI patients were 44% for hypertension (adjusted OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 2.82-9.00) and 22% for diabetes (adjusted OR = 3.28, CI: 1.73-6.20). Cigarette smoking and infrequent consumption of fruits and vegetables also appeared to be associated with an increased risk of AMI. CONCLUSION: There is scope for lifestyle change in reducing AMI risk, by changes in physical activity, smoking and dietary habits. In addition, measures to control hypertension and diabetes should be given a high priority in any national health policy to prevent AMI.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Body composition of athletes in Bahrain.

A total sample of 304 athletes was selected from first class clubs related to four common sports (football, handball, volleyball and basketball) and compared with 53 non-athlete adults. Weight, height, mid-arm circumference and skinfold thickness were measured to assess their body composition. The findings revealed that there were differences in body composition among athletes according to the type of sport. Basketballers and volleyballers were the tallest athletes, while handballers were the heaviest ones. Skinfold thickness measurements showed that basketball and handball players have more subcutaneous fat than other athletic groups. As compared with non-athletes, the Bahraini players had higher means for height, weight, subscapular, suprailliac thickness and mid-arm circumference.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1994

Dietary habits of athletes in Bahrain.

This study describes the dietary habits of athletes involved in four common sports in Bahrain (football, handball, volleyball and basketball). A sample of 304 athletes was obtained from 14 first class clubs. It was found that 28% of athletes skipped breakfast, and only 39% consumed breakfast daily. Foods eaten before competition were similar to those consumed by other family members, indicating that athletes did not eat any specific diet before events. There were some differences in meal patterns among athletes of various sports. In general, athletes allowed enough time between a meal and competition (2.8-3.1 hours). About half of them consumed water only at restbreak, while the rest consumed fruit drinks, tea and oranges in addition to water. Some (3%) did not consume any fluid. A small proportion of the athletes (4%) used vitamins and protein supplements. Mass media (53.6%) and coaches (20.1%) were the primary sources of nutrition information for athletes. It is suggested that information on nutrition and physical performance should be introduced in all educational programmes for both athletes and coaches.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Obesity among secondary school students in Bahrain.

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of obesity and factors associated with it in Bahraini secondary school students. A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 825 students (417 boys and 408 girls) aged 15 to 21 years was obtained from secondary schools. Obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI = Wt/Ht2). The findings revealed that 15.6% of boys and 17.4% of girls were either overweight or obese (BMI > or = 25). Family size, parents education, and family history of obesity were significantly associated with obesity among boys, while family history was the only socio-economic factors statistically associated with obesity among girls. Meal patterns such as eating between meals, number of meals per day, and method of eating were not associated with obesity in students. Boys who ate alone were 3 times more likely to be obese than those who ate with family members (odd ratio = 3.4). Measures to prevent and control obesity among children are suggested.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Socio-cultural and economic factors affecting food consumption patterns in the Arab countries.

Several factors have been found to determine the dietary habits of the people in the Arab world. Food consumption pattern has dramatically changed in some Arab countries as a result of sudden increase in income from oil revenue. It is believed that food subsidy policy has adversely affected the food habits in the Gulf states by encouraging the intake of fat, sugar, rice, wheat flour and meat. Socio-cultural factors such as religion, beliefs, food preferences, gender discrimination, education and women's employment all have a noticeable influence on food consumption patterns in this region. Mass media, especially televised food advertisements, play an important role in modifying the dietary habits. The migration movement, particularly that which was carried out during the 70s has a great impact on the food practices in many Arab countries. Comprehensive studies on social, cultural and economic factors associated with food consumption patterns in the Arab region are highly recommended.

Cultural Characteristics↗
PubMed1992

Diabetes mellitus in Bahrain: an overview.

Bahrain has faced a rapid transition in its socio-economic status, which resulted in great changes both in life-style and in patterns of health and disease. There has been a marked decline in infectious diseases and an increase in chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus has become one of the most common public health problems in the country. In 1988 it was estimated that 3.4% of total deaths in Bahrain were due to diabetes. A community-based study among mothers aged 18 to 48 years showed that 8.5% of them had diabetes. The percentage was found to be higher among elderly Bahrainis (12.9%). Obesity, lack of physical activity, alteration in food habits, and change in social conditions have all played a vital role in the changing prevalence of diabetes in this country. The current programmes to manage and control diabetes are limited and ineffective. Thus measures to treat diabetes should be given a high priority in the national health policy. Training of physicians in the management of diabetes, public education, epidemiological surveys, and nutritional evaluation of local foods are among the most important measures needed to control diabetes in Bahrain.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Dietary habits of school-children in Bahrain.

A multistage stratified sampling procedure was used to select 1673 Bahraini school children (871 boys and 802 girls) to study their food habits. The results revealed that breakfast was more often skipped than lunch and supper by both sexes. Significant differences in the food consumption between boys and girls were noticed at morning snack; beef burgers, liver and egg sandwiches were more consumed by boys, while girls preferred carbonated beverages, cheese, uncarbonated canned drinks and broad beans. The foods consumed at lunch were very similar to those of the adult population in Bahrain. However, the percentage of fresh fruits consumed at lunch was almost double by girls (31.9%) than boys (17.1%). Corn-puffs, carbonated beverages, chocolates, uncarbonated canned drinks and fruits were the main foods consumed at afternoon snack. Boys were more likely to consume tea, meat, eggs, cheese and rice at supper, while girls preferred cheese, corn-puffs and carbonated beverages. Age has also a significant influence on dietary habits. The consumption of bread at breakfast decreased with age while the consumption of carbonated beverages at morning snack increased remarkably with age. In general the meal and snack patterns of school children vary considerably with age and sex.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The effects of sugar-beet fibre supplementation for five weeks on zinc, iron and copper status in human subjects.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fibre supplementation on zinc, iron and copper status in human subjects. Ten males (53 +/- 8 years of age) participated in this study which consisted of three phases: baseline-1 period (2 weeks) in which subjects were on their normal, habitual dietary intake, followed by a period of fibre supplementation (5 weeks) in which subjects were supplemented with 26 g dietary fibre/d, and baseline-2 period (4 weeks) in which fibre supplement was withdrawn. Parametric measurements of zinc, iron and copper status were conducted on weeks 1,2 (zero-time), 7 and 11. Results showed that fibre supplementation for 5 weeks did not cause any significant change in the status of zinc (measured by concentration of zinc in plasma and urine and alkaline phosphatase activity), iron (measured by packed cell volume (PCV%), HB, transferrin saturation % and ferritin), or copper (measured by plasma copper concentration and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity). We conclude that consumption of sugar-beet fibre added to the daily diet does not constitute any risk with respect to zinc, iron and copper nutriture.

Copper↗
PubMed1991

The state of nutrition in Fars, Iran: a review.

Nutritional problems in Fars province, Iran were reviewed. The commonest problems are protein-energy malnutrition, growth retardation, zinc and iron deficiencies. Several factors have contributed to malnutrition in this province such as food habits, low intake of some nutrients, high rate of illiteracy and unsound infant feeding practices. Preventive programmes to control the nutritional disorders should be given a high priority in any health plan. Investigations on causative factors leading to malnutrition are highly recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Food consumption patterns of mothers in Oman (a preliminary study).

Food intakes of 157 mothers from four geographical regions in Oman were studied. Rice and wheat breads were the main cereals consumed. Fish was daily consumed by 26% of mothers, whereas meat and chicken were consumed less often. Cow's milk was more frequently consumed than goat's milk. Of mothers, 63% drank carbonated beverages daily, while the traditional drink, laban (butter-milk) was drunk daily by 47% of mothers. Only 19.8% of mothers did not or rarely consumed animal fat. These results suggest that dietary habits of Omani mothers have changed and become more diversified when compared to diet consumed 20 years ago.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Effect on lipid metabolism of beet fibre in desert nomads with low habitual fibre intake.

The present study was conducted to test the efficacy of fibre supplementation for hypercholesterolaemia in subjects from the desert Nomads. Ten males (53 +/- 8 years of age) participated in this study which consisted of three phases: baseline-1 period (2 weeks) in which subjects were on their normal, habitual dietary intake, followed by a period of fibre supplementation (5 weeks) in which subjects were supplemented with 26 g fibre/d, and baseline-2 period (4 weeks) in which fibre supplement was withdrawn. Fibre supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in levels of total serum cholesterol (10 per cent decrease, P less than 0.005 during the second week; and 13.4 per cent decrease, P less than 0.0005 during the fifth week) and LDL-cholesterol (14.3 per cent decrease, P less than 0.01 during the second week; and 16.8 per cent decrease, P less than 0.005 during the fifth week. The LDL/HDL ratio dropped 5.2 per cent (P less than 0.005) during the second week and 10.4 per cent (P less than 0.0001) during the fifth week of the fibre supplementation period. Concentrations of serum triglycerides decreased 4.8 per cent (not significant) during the second week and 9.5 per cent (P less than 0.01) during the fifth week. Daily intake of nutrients, body weight, and HDL-cholesterol levels did not change significantly. We conclude that, in populations such as the desert Nomads, where dietary manipulation and/or therapeutic options are quite limited, fibre supplementation may provide an alternative and effective therapy for the control of hypercholesterolaemia.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1990

Nutritional disorders associated with affluence in Bahrain.

In this paper the nutritional disorders associated with affluence in Bahrain are reviewed and analysed. Heart diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and dental caries are becoming the main public health problems in the country. The major aetiological factors leading to such a situation are change in lifestyle, high per capita income, change in food consumption patterns, and ineffective preventive measures. Programmes to control the disease of affluence should be given a high priority in any health plan. Emphasis should be placed on initiating intervention nutrition programmes, training health staff and carrying out epidemiological studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Changes in food consumption patterns in Bahrain.

Changes in food consumption in Bahrain can be identified particularly in the second half of seventies with the wake of oil boom. The consumption of traditional foods such as fish and dates have declined, while that of processed foods, fat, eggs, meat, poultry and milk products have risen. The daily per capita intake of animal protein and fat have increased at the expense of carbohydrates. Some factors responsible for this change are increasing income and literacy, food price fluctuations, food subsidy policy, the influence of immigrant food habits, influence of mass media and the changing structure of households. The change in dietary intake has associated with change in health and nutritional problems in the country.

Bahrain↗
PubMed1990

Chemical quality of drinking water in Bahrain.

Chemical quality of five types of water used for drinking purposes in Bahrain were studied. There are three main sources of drinking water: tap, private treated, and bottled waters. The findings revealed that tap water had highest level of all chemicals studies (except silica) compared to other waters. Sodium level in tap water ranged from 100 to 545.9 mg/l, with an average of 309.4 mg/l. This average exceeds the drinking water standard as recommended by WHO (200 mg/l), making this water unsuitable for hypertensive people. Average level of fluoride ranged from 0.28 in carbonated mineral water to 0.85 mg/l in tap water. The high usage of bottled mineral water for drinking purposes may deprive the public, especially the children, from one of the protective elements (fluoride) for dental caries. This disease is highly prevalent in Bahrain. A programme to control chemical quality of drinking water in the country is highly recommended.

Bahrain↗
PubMed1990

Growth patterns of adolescents in Bahrain.

Weight and height of adolescents in Bahrain (15.5-19.5 years) was measured to evaluate their growth patterns. A cross-sectional survey was done on 825 students that represented 5% of total secondary students. The results showed that median height and weight of Bahraini adolescents were below the 50th percentiles of the Western standard. However, when compared with earlier surveys in Bahrain, the growth pattern has improved. This is because of improvement in health and in the environment.

Adolescent↗