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Non-Communicable Diseases
Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Metabolomic Signatures in the Middle East
This recently published research explores the metabolomic profiles of Type 2 Diabetes, both with and without Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), specifically within the largely underrepresented Middle Eastern population, using data from Qatari adults. The study leverages the power of metabolomics to identify potential biomarkers for Type 2 Diabetes and its common complication, CHD. The cross-sectional study analyzed 641 metabolites from…
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Public Health
Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease Among Contact Lens Wearers in Jordan
Dry Eye disease (DED) is a common and often debilitating condition for contact lens wearers, frequently leading to discomfort and discontinuation of lens use. To better understand this issue, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 contact lens wearers in Jordan. The research aimed to quantify the proportion of symptomatic DED and identify associated modifiable risk factors, particularly in the…
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Cancers
Findings from the Saudi National Breast Cancer Screening Program
Breast cancer represents the most prevalent cancer among women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). To enhance early detection efforts, a detailed analysis was conducted on the data collected from the Saudi National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program The research focused on characterizing the participants and identifying predictors of positive mammography findings. A total of 8,348 Saudi women aged…
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Public Health
Parents’ Attitudes Toward Consanguinity Despite Autosomal Recessive Disease in Children
Consanguineous marriages (cousin marriages), particularly common in Arab and Middle Eastern countries (MENA), are associated with an increased risk of autosomal recessive (AR) genetic disorders. This study examined the views of parents in Kuwait with at least one child affected by an AR disease (the clinical sample) compared to non-consanguineous parents (the community sample). A total of 285 parents completed…
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Neuroscience
Expert Guidance on Diagnosing and Managing Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease in the UAE – A Seven-Step Framework
The diagnosis and management of Cognitive Impairment (CI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pose a growing global health challenge. While international guidelines exist, their local implementation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often limited by unique cultural factors and specific healthcare resource constraints. To address this gap, a task force of UAE neurologists and collaborators was convened to develop evidence-based…
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Public Health
Colorectal Cancer Screening Barriers in the UAE: A Call for Enhanced Public and Physician Education
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health challenge and a major health burden within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the launch of a national CRC screening program in Abu Dhabi in 2014, a mixed-methods study aimed to understand the persistent issue of low participation and adherence among the adult population in Al-Ain has uncovered major screening barriers. The research,…
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Infectious Diseases
Evolving Challenges in Combating Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in the Gulf Region
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, remains a major public health concern across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as young children and individuals with chronic illnesses. A narrative review summarizing data from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) highlights the varied epidemiology, the continued disease burden,…
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Cancers
Molecular Profiling and Targeted Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the MENA Region
The treatment paradigm for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been fundamentally changed by the introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapy over the past decade. Given that lung cancer remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality, understanding the regional molecular epidemiology is vital. This systematic review and expert opinion study aimed to determine the prevalence of key oncogenic…
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Public Health
Electronic Cigarette Use in Saudi Arabia: Emerging Trends and Public Health Concerns
A cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia investigated the patterns, motivations, and perceptions surrounding electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, highlighting significant public health concerns. The findings revealed that e-cigarette use is widespread, particularly among younger males. The majority of the 441 participants were male (86%) and aged 18–28 (63%). Furthermore, e-cigarette use was significantly associated with lower educational attainment and lower…
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Neuroscience
Copper, Manganese, Selenium, and Zinc found to be positively associated with Cognitive Function and Academic Performance
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found a strong positive link between certain micromineral levels — copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in the blood and cognitive function and academic performance in adolescents. Conducted on a nationally representative sample of 1,370 Kuwaiti students aged 11–14 years, the research used Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices to assess…
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