title: Novel approach to systematic random sampling in population surveys: Lessons from the United Arab Emirates National Diabetes Study (UAEDIAB).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of diabetes has risen rapidly in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Region. However, some prevalence estimates have not fully accounted for large migrant worker populations and have focused on minority indigenous populations. The objectives of the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study are to: (i) define the prevalence of, and risk factors for, T2DM; (ii) describe the distribution and determinants of T2DM risk factors; (iii) study health knowledge, attitudes, and (iv) identify gene-environment interactions; and (v) develop baseline data for evaluation of future intervention programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Given the high burden of diabetes in the region and the absence of accurate data on non-UAE nationals in the UAE, a representative sample of the non-UAE nationals was essential. We used an innovative methodology in which non-UAE nationals were sampled when attending the mandatory biannual health check that is required for visa renewal. Such an approach could also be used in other countries in the region.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete data were available for 2719 eligible non-UAE nationals (25.9% Arabs, 70.7% Asian non-Arabs, 1.1% African non-Arabs, and 2.3% Westerners). Most were men < 65 years of age. The response rate was 68%, and the non-response was greater among women than men; 26.9% earned less than UAE Dirham (AED) 24 000 (US$6500) and the most common areas of employment were as managers or professionals, in service and sales, and unskilled occupations. Most (37.4%) had completed high school and 4.1% had a postgraduate degree.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This novel methodology could provide insights for epidemiological studies in the UAE and other Gulf States, particularly for expatriates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah City, UAE.
authors.forename: Nabil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sulaiman
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE.
authors.forename: Salah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Albadawi
authors.affiliation: Rashid Centre for Diabetes and Research, Ajman, UAE.
authors.forename: Salah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abusnana
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE.
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fikri
authors.affiliation: Dubai Hospital, Dubai, UAE.
authors.forename: Abdulrazzag
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Madani
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah City, UAE.
authors.forename: Maisoon
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mairghani
authors.affiliation: Dubai Hospital, Dubai, UAE.
authors.forename: Fatheya
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alawadi
authors.affiliation: Baker/IDI, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zimmet
authors.affiliation: Baker/IDI, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shaw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D014479:United Arab Emirates
keywords: United Arab Emirates; diabetes; non-UAE nationals; novel systematic sampling; 关键词：糖尿病，非UAE国民，新的系统抽样法，阿拉伯联合酋长国