A research study on prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the UAE and associated risk factors, has been published in BMJ Open, an open access journal, dedicated to publishing medical research.
This study, in which we participated, has been conducted under the leadership of the Public Health Department at Emirates Health Services (EHS) and AM EDPU Technologies BV in Mol, Belgium.
Authors: Hayfa Hamad Al Ali , Aisha Suhail, Micha Gerard Constant Bouts, Fatima Al Meleh, Kareemah Al Raeesi.
e098231.full_The study analyzed data from a UAE health screening programme (34,290 participants, 2021–2023) to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and associated risk factors.
Key findings:
- Pre-diabetes: 17.3%
- Suspected type 2 diabetes: 6.1%
- Hypertension: 13.9%
- High total cholesterol/HDL ratio: 8.1%
- High cardiovascular risk (CVR): 11.5% overall, 52.5% among people with diabetes.
The study also found that the majority of participants had at least one modifiable risk factor (e.g., smoking, physical inactivity, overweight/obesity). Age, sex, and their interaction were strongly associated with these risk factors.
These findings highlight the substantial burden of NCDs and CVR in the UAE and underscore the importance of early detection, prevention, and targeted public health interventions.