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UAE Healthy Future Study

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are extremely common in the UAE and throughout the Arab World. While cohort studies have made tremendous contributions to scientific knowledge of the epidemiology and determinants of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, none have been done in Arab populations. To study the causes of these diseases and other diseases common to Emirates, we have established a prospective cohort study, the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS). It will be a resource for researchers throughout the UAE and the wider region with data accessible for all research which will be of benefit to the local population.

Methods

We have developed our protocol in collaboration with a number of partners including Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DOH), Dubai Health Authority(DHA), Zayed Military Hospital, the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Health Point Hospital, Daman, Capital Health Screening Centre, UAE University, Zayed University, Khalifa University, EBTIC, HealthPlus Diabetes & Endocrinology Center (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Blood Donation Center (Latifa Hospital), and UAE University (Al Ain).

 

In order to finalize the cohort study procedures, a pilot study was conducted on 500 participants. This experience and data have been used to refine our protocol prior to beginning recruitment of the full cohort, which began in 2015. Recruitment for the main study and baseline analyses are expected to be completed by the end of the December of 2022.

 

In Phase I of the cohort study, we recruited 15,000 adult subjects from multiple sites including ambulatory care centers, universities and major employers.

participants in the baseline phase:

  • Completed survey that includes questions on lifestyle, health habits (tobacco use, diet, physical activity), health status, and other factors.
  • Provided physical measurements, including blood pressure, grip strength, and anthropometric measures (weight, height, waist size, and percent body fat).
  • Donated biological samples including blood, urine, and an oral wash.

All participants will be re invited for a second visit for a follow up and a random subpopulation will be selected for a non-invasive extra testing, which includes:

  • Surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease (e.g., carotid artery intima medial thickness and hand grip strength)
  • Pulmonary function (e.g., spirometry)

All data and biologic specimens will be stored in Abu Dhabi. Study subjects will provide consent for long-term follow-up to determine health outcomes and related health determinants. We also plan to make use of new technologies for continuous exposure measurements using smartphones to record diet and physical activity.

Research Questions

This large, population-based cohort study acts as an ‘umbrella’ in that it will enable many research questions to be answered, primarily those looking for associations between exposures (such as physical activity) and outcomes (like Diabetes Mellitus and CVD).

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