2015-12-31-世界卫生组织-2016_GSHS_Fact_Sheet_United_Arab_Emirates_Public_4页_233kb

Summary of UAE Public GSHS 2016

Introduction

The 2016 UAE Public Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was a school-based health survey targeting students in grades 8-12 (typically aged 13-17). It employed a two-stage cluster sampling design, with schools selected proportionally to enrollment size and classes randomly chosen, resulting in a school response rate of 100% and a student response rate of 88%, involving 2,887 participants.

The survey assessed various health behaviors: dietary habits, hygiene practices, mental health, physical activity, protective factors, tobacco use, and violence/unintentional injuries. Data were self-reported via computerized answer sheets.

Key Findings by Health Domain

• Dietary Behaviors: High rates of overweight (38.9-44.6%) and obesity (19.0-25.5%) were observed, with higher prevalence among males. Underweight was rare (4.2-5.6%), but excessive carbonated drink consumption was common, at least once daily among 42.1-48.8% of students.

• Hygiene: Most students (82.2-94.3%) brushed teeth at least once daily, but fewer (1.8-7.4%) never or rarely washed hands after using the toilet, highlighting poor hand hygiene.

• Mental Health: Nearly one-fifth to one-quarter of students (7.8-10.2%) reported having no close friends, indicating potential social challenges.

• Physical Activity: Only about 13.5-17.7% were physically active for at least 60 minutes daily. Students spent significant time sedentary, often three or more hours per day on TV or computer games.

• Protective Factors: Many students (55.4-62.7%) missed school without permission, and parental understanding was reported by 34.9-49.4%, while knowledge of free time activities was around 46.4-55.0%.

• Tobacco Use: Tobacco use was widespread, affecting 16.4-41.0% of students; smoking was more common among males. Almost all students (50.9-77.8%) were exposed to smoking in their presence.

• Violence and Unintentional Injury: A high proportion experienced physical fights (39.7-51.9%) and serious injuries (39.5-52.7%) in the past year. Bullying occurred frequently, with 28.3-35.9% affected in the past month.

These findings underscore significant public health concerns, including rising obesity, mental health issues, low physical activity, and exposure to risk factors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.