title: Assessment of obesity, lifestyle, and reproductive health needs of female citizens of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
abstract: This study was conducted to determine the reproductive and lifestyle characteristics in a representative sample (n = 535) of women in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, to guide the development of health programmes for this population with rising affluence. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using the stratified two-stage sampling technique. Although most women were young, were pre-menopausal, did not smoke, reported good health status, and 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81-87%) reported being sufficiently active to meet expert recommendations, the prevalence of obesity (defined by body mass index > or = 30) was very high (35%; 95% CI 31-39%) and many (28%; 95% CI 24-32%) reported having a chronic disease. The prevalence of obesity was associated positively with age and negatively with education (p < 0.001 for both). Postmenopausal women had significantly more chronic diseases, reported poor health more often, were less physically active (p < 0.001 for all), and had a higher percentage of body fat (p = 0.002) compared to premenopausal women. Health services should emphasize the prevention and treatment of obesity and improving the general health status of postmenopausal women.
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Medicine and Research, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. annecarter@uwichill.edu.bb
authors.forename: Anne O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Hussain F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Saadi
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.forename: Earl V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services