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Abstract Digital technology offers scalable, real-time interventions for mental health promotion and treatment. This systematic review explores the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of digital technology in mental health, with a focus on informing mental health system strengthening interventions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of databases was conducted up to August 2023 and identified a total of 8479 citations of which 114 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The included studies encompass diverse digital interventions, platforms, and modalities used across various mental health conditions. The review identifies feasible, acceptable, and efficacious interventions, ranging from telehealth and mobile apps to virtual reality and machine learning models. Opportunities for improving access to care, reducing patients’ transfers, and utilizing real-world interaction data for symptom monitoring are highlighted. However, challenges such as digital exclusion, privacy concerns, and potential service replacement caution policymakers. This study serves as a valuable evidence base for policymakers and mental health stakeholders in the UAE to navigate the integration of digital technology in mental health services effectively.

Abstract The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has caused socioeconomic, physical, mental, and environmental upheaval. Personal protective equipment, such as face masks, was mandatory to curb the spread of the virus. The unexpected increase in demand for face masks resulted in an alarming increase in plastic waste globally. The non-biodegradable nature of the raw materials and the potential threat of microplastic pollution amplify the problem. This puts a lot of pressure on policymakers and the global supply chain to develop long-term plans to make face masks less harmful. By reviewing existing life cycle assessment studies, this study aims to provide an overview on how sustainable face masks are. Various challenges in the facemask industry such as microplastic pollution and waste management are discussed. A critical analysis on the various process hotspots is also conducted. Recommendations from this study can motivate focused research into an important field and enable the transitions towards a sustainable facemask industry.

Background: Some anthropometric, laboratory, and genetic variations, such as patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) genetic variants, have been associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Liver biopsy is the most accurate NAFLD diagnostic method, but it is invasive; hence, noninvasive diagnostics are required for the early diagnosis and assessment of NAFLD. Patient and methods: This prospective case-control study included 107 NAFLD patients and 107 healthy controls. All individuals underwent anthropometric measurements, abdominal ultrasonography, laboratory tests, and evaluation for PNPLA3 polymorphisms. Results: Patients with NAFLD had higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) than healthy individuals (p = 0.03, p

Objective: This study addresses a critical gap in understanding public awareness and practices related to medication disposal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), emphasizing the environmental and public health implications of improper disposal methods. Methods: Using a cross-sectional online survey distributed across the UAE, we engaged adults in assessing their awareness levels, disposal practices, and the influence of demographic factors on these practices. The survey included questions on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward medication disposal, and the analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression models. Results: Among the 385 respondents, the majority demonstrated awareness of the need for proper medication disposal, yet a disconnect between awareness and actual disposal practices was evident. Notably, 66 % reported disposing of expired medications in garbage, underscoring a prevalent practice with potential environmental hazards. Regression analysis highlighted no significant demographic influence on disposal behaviors, suggesting a uniform need for enhanced public education across all population sectors. Conclusions: The findings revealed a pressing need for targeted educational campaigns and accessible medication takeback programs in the UAE to bridge the gap between awareness and proper disposal practices. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating the environmental and public health risks associated with the improper disposal of medications and advocating a multi-stakeholder approach to foster sustainable disposal habits.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted the psychosocial well-being of the United Arab Emirates [UAE] population like other communities internationally.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping amongst community members across the UAE.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey across the UAE during November 2020. Adults aged ≥18 years, living in the UAE who were able to respond to an online questionnaire in English or Arabic were considered eligible to participate in the study. We used standard validated tools to measure psychological distress, fear and coping. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K10] was used to assess psychological distress, Fear of COVID-19 Scale [FCV-19S] was used to assess the level of fear, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale [BRCS] was used to assess the coping strategies.ResultsA total of 417 individuals participated in this study with a mean age of 29 [± 10.7] years. More than half of the participants experienced high to very high levels of psychological distress [55%] and a quarter experienced high levels of fear of COVID-19 [23.3%] with almost a third of them [36.2%] having low resilient coping. About 37.4% of the participants had work-related mental health impacts and 32.4% were perceived to have moderate to a great deal of distress due to a change of employment status during the pandemic. One in ten participants [9.4%] reported increased smoking. Increased smoking [AOR 8.66, 95% CIs 1.08-69.1,], increased alcohol drinking [AOR 2.39, 95% CIs 1.05-5.47] and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [AOR 2.93, 95% CIs 1.83-4.67] were associated with moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Being female [AOR 1.82, p = 0.030], having a pre-existing mental health condition [AOR 9.88, 95% p = 0.027], engaging in high-risk behaviors such as increased smoking [AOR 21.14, p = 0.003], increased alcohol drinking [AOR 1.48, p = 0.359] in the previous four weeks, and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [AOR 4.18, p ConclusionCommunity members in the UAE are at a higher risk of psychosocial distress and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, healthcare providers and policymakers would need to be more alert to provide specific mental health support strategies for their wellbeing.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the association between sleeping behavior (specifically sleep duration), body mass index (BMI), eating habits, and psychological mood depression among adolescents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi- UAE.Methods and materialsA subsample of three hundred and ninety-five participants (209 females and 186 males) from middle and high schools (aged 12-18 years) in the emirate of Abu Dhabi completed the surveys in the presence of their parents and two research assistants. Measures of daytime sleepiness and other sleep parameters (sleep duration on weekdays and weekends), eating habits, and mood depression questionnaires were reported.ResultsDifferences in BMI between males and females were statistically significant (26.12 ± 4.5 vs. 24.4 ± 4.3; p < 0.01). There was a negative linear association (p < 0.01) between the students' BMI and the weekday/ weekend sleep duration. The average weekday and weekend sleep duration ranged from 5.7 hours (weekdays) to 9.3 hours(weekend). The study showed that an increase in BMI was correlated to mood depression (r = 0.396, pConclusionThe study showed a clear association between short sleep duration and obesity among adolescents in the UAE. This relationship between sleep duration and obesity is less studied and less understandable. Future research about exploring how sleeping behaviors can affect obesity during adolescence can support understanding this association and create an effective intervention.