The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the Middle East and is composed of seven emirates. It is a high-income country with a rapidly growing economy, but like many countries, it faces several health issues. In this article, we will discuss common health issues that affect the population in the UAE and explore smoking prevalence and legislation in the country.
Common Health Issues
Obesity
Obesity is a growing concern in the UAE, with high rates reported across all age groups. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that the prevalence of obesity among adults in the UAE was 37.2%, making it the fifth highest in the world. The study also found that the prevalence of obesity among children aged 5-19 was 13.9%. Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UAE. According to a report by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, cardiovascular disease accounts for 37% of all deaths in the country. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a significant health issue in the UAE. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the prevalence of diabetes among adults in the UAE was 16.2% in 2019, making it the third highest in the world. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Cancer
Cancer is a growing concern in the UAE, with the incidence of certain types of cancer increasing over the past few decades. According to the UAE National Cancer Registry, the most common types of cancer in the country are breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. Risk factors for cancer include tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Smoking Prevalence and Legislation
Smoking Prevalence
Smoking is a significant health issue in the UAE, with high rates reported among men. According to a study published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the prevalence of smoking among adult males in the UAE was 24.6% in 2010. The prevalence of smoking among adult females was much lower, at 0.9%.
Attitudes Towards Smoking
Attitudes towards smoking in the UAE are generally negative, with many people supporting smoking bans in public places. However, some people continue to smoke despite the health risks associated with tobacco use.
Smoking Legislation
The UAE has several laws in place to reduce tobacco use and protect public health. These include:
- A ban on smoking in public places, including restaurants, cafes, and malls.
- A ban on advertising tobacco products.
- A ban on the sale of tobacco products to minors under the age of 18.
- A ban on smoking in private cars when minors are present.
Enforcement of these laws is generally strict, with fines and penalties imposed on those who violate them. The government also runs several anti-smoking campaigns aimed at educating the public about the dangers of tobacco use.
The UAE, like many countries, faces several health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Smoking is also a significant health issue, particularly among men. While the government has implemented several laws and campaigns to reduce tobacco use and protect public health, there is still work to be done to address the other health issues facing the population.