In 2014, heart diseases amounted to 30 per cent of deaths in the UAE, a survey commissioned by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in partnership with the Dubai Statistic Centre found.

The results of the second Dubai Health Survey, which was conducted on 3,298 Emirati and Expat families in 2014, were announced during a press conference held at the authority’s headquarters on Tuesday.

The survey included Dubai residents from all nationalities and ages to learn about their social and health conditions. This is the second Dubai Health Survey; the first was conducted in 2009.

"Compiling such information is important as it is will guide the authority in creating its future strategies and plan effective initiatives, that aim to find solutions and raise awareness about relevant health issues in Dubai," Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of DHA said at the press conference.

Tariq Yousif Al Janahi, Deputy Executive Director of the Dubai Statistics Centre also said the study is of great significance as it provides information about the health of the people of Dubai which was not available before giving policy makers a clearer picture about the health issues that need to be tackled.

Health and Nutrition When surveying the families about their health and nutrition, 3.5 per cent were found to suffer from hypertension and more women suffered from the diseases (5.1 per cent) than men (3.2 per cent).

Out of the Emiratis surveyed, the study found that 18.9 per cent of Emirati suffer from hypertension, out of which, 20 per cent were men and 18 per cent are women.

Meanwhile, the survey found that more Emirati men have high cholesterol (19.8 per cent) than women (18.5 per cent). The total number of Emiratis who suffer from high cholesterol was found to be 19.1 per cent.

The opposite was true with non-emiratis as it was found that more non-Emirati women (6.6 per cent) suffered from hypertension than non-Emirati men (3.9 per cent). The total number of non-Emiratis who suffer from hypertension is 4.3 per cent.

The survey revealed that 21.9 per cent of the people were smokers (24.8 per cent are men and 4.2 women.

When it came to fruit and vegetable intake, 50.5 per cent said they eat fruits once every day and 29.9 per cent said they eat fruits twice a day, while 42.7 per cent eat vegetables once a day and 32.2 per cent said they eat vegetables twice a day.

The survey also found that 36.1 per cent of the people surveyed suffered from borderline obesity; while 11.9 per cent were obese.

Al Qatami revealed that a new category that aims to learn about the health conditions and needs of Emirati elderly was added. When it came to the elderly, 14.7 per cent suffered from high cholesterol, 27.4 suffer from hypertension.

The survey also found that many Emirati elderly, 35 per cent, require help in taking part in daily activities, the survey found that 16.4 per cent require help bathing, 14 per cent require help in changing clothes and 8.1 per cent need help eating.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Authority and His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami is the Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority.

The DHA’s aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA’s mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.

In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.

The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.

Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

Source :WAM