Fieldwork begins for UAE health, nutrition survey

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has officially commenced fieldwork for the national survey for health and nutrition.

It's being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, alongside local health authorities and statistical centres.

The initiative aims to enhance the country's health policies and achieve the goals set for comprehensive development by 2030.

The National Health Survey's four key objectives include: to collect reliable field data on the UAE’s health status using a statistical methodology that aligns with the highest international standards for data quality, to update the population health database and to measure health performance indicators.

Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Survey will focus on gathering data on the UAE's nutritional landscape to enhance food-related health planning policies and updating the national food database.

Details of the survey were announced during a press conference in Dubai on Monday.

Data collection methodology

Personal interviews will be conducted during field visits, scheduled in advance with families within the targeted sample range.

The questionnaires, approved by the World Health Organisation and national health authorities, are available in four languages: Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu.

The health survey aims to reach 10,000 families of both citizens and residents, as well as 2,000 workers, while the nutrition survey, targeting a different set of 10,000 families, will include 40 per cent citizens and 60 per cent residents.

Participants will include adults over the age of 18, children in two age groups (up to 5 years and 6 to 17 years), and females aged 15 to 49 years, including pregnant women.

MoHAP stressed that all data collected from individuals and families will remain confidential, with stringent measures in place to ensure that information is exclusively used for statistical purposes.

Key indicators

The National Health Survey will focus on six key indicators: socio-economic factors, household health expenditures, and the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and risk factors (STEPS).

Additionally, it will measure biophysical data, assess the accessibility and utilisation of healthcare services, and evaluate air pollution indicators.

The National Nutrition Survey will investigate six crucial areas: micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D; dietary habits; and child growth metrics from birth to five years old, which include stunting, wasting, obesity and underweight conditions.

The survey will also measure urinary iodine and sodium levels, anemia in pregnant women, and daily salt consumption.

The National Survey for Health and Nutrition is a proactive step towards forecasting the future and enhancing public health and community well-being.#MoHAP_UAE #NationalSurveyforHealthandNutrition pic.twitter.com/9nv8U0H2vT

— وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع - MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) May 20, 2024