title: Health of dentists in United Arab Emirates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and nature of some health and lifestyle problems among dentists in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study with a one-stage complex sampling technique using a self-reported questionnaire distributed to all 844 dentists, working in three cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) in UAE.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven hundred and thirty-three (87%) dentists, aged 22-70 years, responded. More than half (n = 442, 61%) of dentists do not exercise regularly. Around one-seventh of the dentists are smokers. One hundred and eighteen dentists (16%) reported having some known systemic problem. The most common systemic health problems were cardiovascular diseases (n = 56, 8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study indicates that the prevalence of exercise among dentists in UAE is relatively low and some systemic health problems, especially cardiovascular diseases, are present among dentists practicing in UAE. Cigarette consumption is relatively high in this population of dentist. Further continuing education and investigation of the appropriate intervention to improve rates of exercise and reduce the level of smoking among dentists in UAE is needed, and this may help reduce the level of systemic disease.
authors: Ajman University of Science and Technology, Ajman, UAE. raghad69@yahoo.co.nz
authors: Raghad
authors: R
authors: Hashim
authors: Khalid
authors: K
authors: Al-Ali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018912:Arabs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014479:United Arab Emirates / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult