Health status of children and youth in the UAE

The research program is a cross-sectional study that examines the general health status of the youth population in the United Arab Emirates.  More than 5,000 children from the seven emirates participated in this study. Specifically, the general health status of school children and youth (ages 15 to 19 years) is determined through the development and administration of a survey that collects data on a range of health measures including medical diagnosis, respiratory health, psychosocial, perceived and functional outcomes. In addition, the state of environmental health of this population is assessed through an examination of a range of exposure variables such as: air and water quality, UV and electromagnetic field exposure, housing characteristics, life events and lifestyle behaviors. Furthermore, links between these exposure and the health status of this sub-population are examined.