Epidemiological Study of Road Traffic Accidents, Casualties and Fatalities in the United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its rapid expansion of road construction and increase in the number of vehicle, road traffic accidents are becoming a serious public health problem. It was aimed to study road traffic accidents (RTA) in view of the fact that cause a substantial waste of national resources which could be used fruitfully for the improvement of health schemes and other aspects of life in UAE. It was observed that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of registered vehicles during this period. During the ten years period 1983 to 1992, the population of UAE increased at the rate of7.2% per year and the number of registered vehicles increased at the rate of 5.4% per year. Despite the enormous increase in the population there is a decline in the vehicle per capita, the total number of cars went on decreasing till 1991, but in 1992 there has been substantially an increasing trend in the number of registered vehicles. Road traffic accidents rates per 100 vehicles sharply decreased from 184.3 in 1983 to 91.9 in 1992. Also, casualty rates doubled from 27.5 in 1983 to 51.7 in 1992. Then, motor vehicle accident fatalities have gone up from 539 in 1984 to 770 in 1992 during the decade showing an average annual growth of 4.8%. UAE showing lower accident rate but higher casualty and fatality rates. In addition, the population, number of registered cars, accidents, casualties and fatalities in the seven Emirates were reviewed. Overall, results showed a decrease in accidents at the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Emirates. But there were increase in injuries and fatalities at the Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras AI Khaimah and Fujairah Emirates. It was observed that 1.4% of the accidents, 16.2% of the casualties and 14.8% of the fatalities were pedestrians their age less than 11 years of age. The findings of this study into the road safety in the UAE and other Gulf countries indicate that fatality rates (per 100 accident and per licensed vehicle) are high in comparison with those in developed countries. A descriptive study was carried out using available data and records of Accident Emergency Department of Al-Ain Hospital in Al-Ain, UAE. The study presents the results of a all patients with road traffic accidents (RTA) injuries that attended the Accident Emergency Department of Al-Ain Hospital, Al-Ain, UAE for the period 1 January - 31 December 1993. The AI-Ain Hospital recorded a total of 1383 road traffic accidents (RTA) casualties with 63 deaths during year 1993. The road traffic accident rate was 461 per 100,000 population and the death was 21 per 100,000. Three-fourths of all were under 35 years of age (77%). The great majority of the victims (84%) were males. UAE nationals comprised 29% while those of other Arabs 36% and Asian origin formed 35% respectively. It is noteworthy that 44% suffered from head & neck injuries. Most of the casualties occurred between 8.00am to 2.00pm The main single cause for these R TA was excessive speeding. The injuries produced a severe strain on the manpower. Also, this study describes the magnitude of this problem and studies some aspects of road user behaviour in UAE. Road injuries, besides being a major health hazard lead to a high rate of morbidity, impact on the victims, his family, and the nation as a whole. The magnitude of the problem could be greatly reduced if appropriate measures were taken concerning road user behaviour. Some factors which influence driver behaviour are presented and discussed. Additionally, a cross sectional study was carried out between November 1993 and June 1994 to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of hospitalized drivers involved in road traffic accidents regarding seat belt usage in U.A.E. During this period, a total of 1000 vehicle drivers were seen and treated in the Accident and Emergency Departments of two general hospitals (Tawam and Al-Ain Hospitals). A total of 787 (78.7%) drivers gave responded response for the study. This study demonstrated that the rate of constant seat belt usage among drivers was 9.4%, and the rate of frequent seat belt usage was 5.2%. There was statistically significant difference between seat belt usage versus non usage by age groups (p=0.007) and nationality(p=0.001). However, there was no significant statistical differences between seat belt usage versus non usage by sex, and marital status. There were statistically significant difference between user and non-users of seat belts concerning their educational level (p\u3c0.002) and occupation (p\u3c0.02). The results demonstrated a reduction in the number of injuries due to usage of seat belts. Those patients who were not wearing seat belts were at risk 5.84 times as often as drivers who were restrained by belts. There were statistically significant differences between number of persons injured wearing and not wearing seat belts for head injury [Odds ratio (OR)=1.74; Confidence Interval (CI)= 1.18-2.56 ,and p=0.003], neck injury [OR=1.73; (CI)= 0.99-3.04 ,and p=0.04], spinal injury [OR=4.64; (CI)= 2.30-9.47 and p\u3c0.0001], limbs injury [OR=2.11; (CI)= 1.45-3.08 ,and p\u3c0. 0001]. But, we did not find statistically significant differences between number of person injured in chest, abdomen and pelvis by wearing or not wearing seat belts [OR=0.62; (CI)= 0.34-1.14 ,and p\u3c0.101]. It was observed that the majority of patients stated that seat belts are the best protective measure against all injuries (66%) and severe injuries (26%) of road traffic accidents. Also, there was very strong support for the mandatory use of safety seat belts (53%). We may suggest that these data are encouraging, and would suggest general acceptance of seat belt legislation in the United Arab Emirates. In the UAE, as in other GCC countries, RTA poses a major health problem. It is the second major cause mortality, after coronary heart disease in the UAE. Information concerning RIA is therefore valuable in taking appropriate measures to reduce their incidence and also to plan health services in the area. The result of this study would provide vital results and essential statistical information for health education, safety education, planning programming managing and evaluating anti-motor vehicle accidents activities aiming at significantly reducing the road traffic accidents and hazards

The effectiveness of family literacy programs in Qatari preschool settings

There is an increased recognition that family literacy programs can play a fundamental role in enhancing young children's literacy learning. Research in early literacy development stresses the importance of a partnership between home and school in promoting literacy skills among children (Nutbrown, Hannon, & Morgan, 2005). The concept of family literacy was used to refer to the interrelated literacy practices used by parents and/or family members and children in homes (Hannon, 2000; Teale, 1986). Although family literacy programs are a relatively new phenomenon within the educational context in Qatar, the effectiveness of these programs and the attitudes of those who are involved in these programs remain unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the effectiveness of family literacy programs on children's literacy development implemented in Qatari preschool settings. It also explored the main areas of family literacy programs. Moreover, it examined the attitudes of teachers and parents towards their involvement in literacy learning after the implementation of the family literacy programs. A multi-method approach was utilized, including questionnaires, interviews, and observations. To achieve the objectives of the study, family literacy programs were established in Qatari preschool settings where teachers and parents worked together to facilitate preschoolers' emergent literacy learning and development. The effectiveness of family literacy programs were assessed based on ORIM framework (Hannon, 1998), which conceptualizes families as supporting their children's literacy learning through providing "opportunities" for learning, showing "recognition" of children's activities, "interaction" with children in terms of literacy activities and providing a "model" of a literacy user. Results indicated that family literacy programs implemented in Qatari preschool settings supported children's literacy learning. Furthermore, the results revealed that both kindergarten teachers and parents of preschoolers expressed positive attitudes towards their involvement in the family literacy programs. In addition, it has been found that literacy practices advocated by ORIM framework were ranged from high to moderate, with "recognition of children's activities" receiving the highest rate, followed by providing "opportunities" for learning. Finally, the study revealed that parents addressed all four strands of literacy with "books" and "oral language" receiving the highest rate. The study suggested developing strategies and policies regarding family literacy programs within Qatari kindergarten and primary schools. The study also identified practices needed for parents to promote children's literacy learning and development. Future directions for research and practical implications are also discussed.qscienc

Eustachian tube symptoms are frequent in chronic rhinosinusitis and respond well to endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction are seldom assessed in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) quality-of-life tool includes two questions that specifically screen for symptoms of ET dysfunction (Ear Fullness; Ear Pain). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which these ET symptoms were present in patients with CRS, and whether these symptoms respond to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). METHODOLOGY: SNOT-22 data collected prospectively at time of recruitment into IRB-approved clinical trials or case-control studies in CRS was pooled to provide a cross section of the frequency and severity of ET dysfunction. When applicable to the trials, the SNOT-22 was repeated at least 3 months following ESS. RESULTS: Five trials rendering 131 patients were available for assessment. The control group comprised of 251 participants from two case-control studies. Ear Fullness of equal/greather than 1 was reported in 80/131 CRS patients compared to 45/251 control patients. Ear Pain of equal/greather than 1 was reported in 39/131 CRS patients compared to 33/251 control patients. Following ESS, mean Ear Fullness and Ear Pain scores decreased to 1.17 and 0.73, respectively. CONCLUSION: Symptoms suggestive of ET dysfunction are frequent in CRS, and for most patients the symptoms will decrease post-ESS to a level comparable with a non-CRS population. Patients whose ET symptoms do not respond to ESS may represent a target population for emerging therapeutic options for ET dysfunction

Support for people who use Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: A Systematic Scoping Review into what they want and what they access.

BACKGROUND: Since there is a paucity of research on support for people using Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), we aimed to identify and synthesise the available evidence in this field. Gaining an understanding of the support both accessed and wanted by recreational AAS users will be of use to professionals who provide services to intravenous substance users and also to those working in the fields of public health and social care, with the aim to increase engagement of those using AAS. METHODS: A systematic scoping review of the literature to explore and identify the nature and scope of information and support both accessed and wanted by non-prescribed AAS users. Any support services or information designed to help people who use AAS were considered. RESULTS: We identified 23 papers and one report for review, which indicated that AAS users access a range of sources of information on: how to inject, substance effectiveness, dosages and side effects, suggesting this is the type of information users want. AAS users sought support from a range of sources including medical professionals, needle and syringe programmes, friends, dealers, and via the internet, suggesting that, different sources were used dependent on the information or support sought. DISCUSSION: AAS users tended to prefer peer advice and support over that of professionals, and access information online via specialist forums, reflecting the stigma that is experienced by AAS users. These tendencies can act as barriers to accessing services provided by professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Support needs to be specific and targeted towards AAS users. Sensitivity to their perceptions of their drug-use and the associated stigma of being classified in the same sub-set as other illicit drug users is relevant to facilitating successful engagement

Using Similarity to Achieve Trust to Enhance Decision Making in Vehicular Safety Applications

Vehicles exchange different types of messages either periodically or as needed for different types of applications. The data in the network of vehicles can be used to extract valuable knowledge to support various applications in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). Knowledge gained from the gathered data can be used to create local views of the network for individual vehicles; for instance, a vehicle can form a view of a subset of the network using neighboring vehicles’ directions of travel, speeds, and the types of applications they run. In the network, vehicles that have common attributes and requirements facilitate the establishment of trust between them as these shared features make up the foundation for trust. Trust relations between vehicles can be utilized for enhancing the performance and reliability of some applications. This dissertation is concerned with trust establishment in VANETs, and how it be utilized to enhance efficiency and decision making in the network. We provide solutions to this question: How to utilized trust relationship between vehicles to improve decision-making and efficiency in VANET safety applications. In our research, we aim to establish trust relationships through similarity to assist vehicles in identifying false safety messages in the network. We start by designing and implementing a trust management system to generate and process trust values and to establish a set of trusted relationships for vehicles running vehicular safety applications. Next, we explore the possibility of enhancing the decision-making process using trust. First, we develop an analytical model that associates trust with the performance of the decision-making process and the accuracy, and then we study the effectiveness of similarity-based trust in identifying false safety event messages in VANETs. Finally, we show that similarity-based trust has a positive impact on the time needed to make a decision and on the accuracy of that decision