Assessing knowledge of, and attitudes to, HIV/AIDS among university students in the United Arab Emirates

© 2016 Haroun et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Background: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the top two regions in the world with the fastest growing HIV epidemic. In this context, risks and vulnerability are high as the epidemic is on the rise with evidence indicating significantly increasing HIV prevalence, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. Objective: The aim of the survey was to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/ AIDS among a wide group of university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, a total sample of 2,294 students (406 male; 1,888 female) from four universities in three different Emirates in the UAE were approached to take part in the study. Students self-completed a questionnaire that was designed to measure their knowledge and attitudes to HIV/AIDS. Results: The overall average knowledge score of HIV.AIDS was 61%. Non-Emirati and postgraduates demonstrated higher levels of knowledge compared to Emirati and undergraduate students respectively. No significant differences between males and females; and marital status were found. Eighty-five percent of students expressed negative attitudes towards people living with HIV, with Emirati and single students significantly holding more negative attitudes compared to non-Emiratis and those that are married respectively. Conclusions: The findings provide strong evidence that there is a need to advocate for appropriate National HIV/AIDS awareness raising campaigns in universities to reduce the gaps in knowledge and decrease stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS

Assessing Knowledge of, and Attitudes to, HIV/AIDS among University Students in the United Arab Emirates

AbstractBackgroundThe Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the top two regions in the worldwith the fastest growing HIV epidemic. In this context, risks and vulnerability are high as theepidemic is on the rise with evidence indicating significantly increasing HIV prevalence,new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.ObjectiveThe aim of the survey was to assess HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS among a wide group of university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey, a total sample of 2,294 students (406 male; 1,888 female) fromfour universities in three different Emirates in the UAE were approached to take part in thestudy. Students self-completed a questionnaire that was designed to measure their knowledgeand attitudes to HIV/AIDS.ResultsThe overall average knowledge score of HIV.AIDS was 61%. Non-Emirati and postgraduatesdemonstrated higher levels of knowledge compared to Emirati and undergraduate studentsrespectively. No significant differences between males and females; and maritalstatus were found. Eighty-five percent of students expressed negative attitudes towardspeople living with HIV, with Emirati and single students significantly holding more negativeattitudes compared to non-Emiratis and those that are married respectively.ConclusionsThe findings provide strong evidence that there is a need to advocate for appropriateNational HIV/AIDS awareness raising campaigns in universities to reduce the gaps inknowledge and decrease stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS

Metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is attributable to the high prevalence of low HDL levels: A cross-sectional study

© 2018 The Author(s). Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) describes a combination of risk factors that increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. The prevalences of MetS and its risk factors are increasing, especially in the Arab region. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalences of MetS and its associated risk factors among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A total of 596 students (308 boys and 288 girls) aged 10 to 15.9 years old were recruited from 14 public secondary schools in Dubai, UAE. Anthropometric and biochemical data were measured. Results: According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the prevalence of MetS was 3.7%, and it was more common among boys than girls (12 boys versus 10 girls). MetS was also more likely to be found in students who were obese or overweight than those with normal weight. The most prevalent and significant MetS risk factor was low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Conclusions: This study indicates the importance of carrying out further investigations about the constituents of HDL and their atherogenic effects. Additionally, these results strongly recommend setting a consensus for HDL measurement, since small variations in methodologies may lead to substantial deviations in results

Metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is attributable to the high prevalence of low HDL levels: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) describes a combination of risk factors that increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. The prevalences of MetS and its risk factors are increasing, especially in the Arab region. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalences of MetS and its associated risk factors among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods A total of 596 students (308 boys and 288 girls) aged 10 to 15.9 years old were recruited from 14 public secondary schools in Dubai, UAE. Anthropometric and biochemical data were measured. Results According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the prevalence of MetS was 3.7%, and it was more common among boys than girls (12 boys versus 10 girls). MetS was also more likely to be found in students who were obese or overweight than those with normal weight. The most prevalent and significant MetS risk factor was low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Conclusions This study indicates the importance of carrying out further investigations about the constituents of HDL and their atherogenic effects. Additionally, these results strongly recommend setting a consensus for HDL measurement, since small variations in methodologies may lead to substantial deviations in results

HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Stigma Score by Group.

<p>HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Stigma Score by Group.</p

Students’ Correct Responses to the Knowledge of Transmission and Treatment of HIV by Group.

<p>Students’ Correct Responses to the Knowledge of Transmission and Treatment of HIV by Group.</p

Characteristics of Study Population.

<p>Characteristics of Study Population.</p