Assessment of Obesity, Lifestyle, and Reproductive Health Needs of Female Citizens of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

This study was conducted to determine the reproductive and lifestyle characteristics in a representative sample (n=535) of women in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, to guide the development of health programmes for this population with rising affluence. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using the stratified two-stage sampling technique. Although most women were young, were pre-menopausal, did not smoke, reported good health status, and 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 81-87%) reported being sufficiently active to meet expert recommendations, the prevalence of obesity (defined by body mass index ≥30) was very high (35%; 95% CI 31-39%) and many (28%; 95% CI 24-32%) reported having a chronic disease. The prevalence of obesity was associated positively with age and negatively with education (p<0.001 for both). Postmenopausal women had significantly more chronic diseases, reported poor health more often, were less physically active (p<0.001 for all), and had a higher percentage of body fat (p=0.002) compared to premenopausal women. Health services should emphasize the prevention and treatment of obesity and improving the general health status of postmenopausal women.

Keywords
Obesity; Lifestyle; Women’s health; Reproductive health; Cross-sectional studies; United Arab Emirates