Hadia Radwan

University of Sharjah | US · Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Context: Ramadan fasting (RF) is associated with various physiological and metabolic changes among fasting Muslims. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are attributable to changes in meal timing or changes in dietary energy and macronutrient intakes. Furthermore, the literature on the associations between RF, meal timing, and energy a...

Background: College students report disturbed sleep patterns that can negatively impact their wellbeing and academic performance. Objectives: This study examined the effect of a 4-week sleep hygiene program that included sleep education and actigraph sleep trackers (FITBITs) on improving sleep quality and reducing psychological worry without contro...

The association between meal timing and energy and macronutrient intakes has to be more explored. To explore this potential relationship during Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting (RDIF), a systematic review of the available literature assessing energy and macronutrient intakes before and during Ramadan was conducted. Studies that assessed energy,...

Background Obesity and dental caries among adolescents is a growing worldwide public health issue. They share some common and modifiable influences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods This pilot cross-sectional study enrolled 161...

Background: Obesity and dental caries among adolescents is a growing worldwide public health issue. They share some common and modifiable influences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and dental caries among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study enrolled 16...

Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, dia...

The combined inhibitory effect of essential oils (EOs) with meat-based marinades has not been fully studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to gauge the effect of a yogurt-based marinade when individually combined with three EOs, namely eugenol (EU), vanillin (VA) or β-resorcylic acid (BR) on camel meat cubes inoculated with Listeria monocytoge...

Each individual has a unique gut microbiota; therefore the genes in our microbiome out-number the genes in our genome by about 150 to 1. Perturbation in host nutritional status influences gut microbiome composition and vice versa. The gut microbiome can help in producing vitamins, hormones, and other active metabolites that support the immune syste...

Each individual has a unique gut microbiota; therefore the genes in our microbiome outnumber the genes in our genome by about 150 to 1. Perturbation in host nutritional status influences gut microbiome composition and vice versa. The gut microbiome can help in producing vitamins, hormones, and other active metabolites that support the immune system...

Purpose Postpartum depression received almost no attention in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptomatology and the associated risk factors among women in the UAE. Methods A prospective cohort study recruited women from postpartum wards in hospitals across four emirates in the UAE. Women complet...

Background and aim: Lean body mass may be a promising tool to screen body image disorders. This study aim was to explore the relationships between fat free mass index (FFM-I) on self-perceived body image and shape among university students in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: Cross-sectional study, using questionnaires to evaluate demographics,...

The COVID‐19 pandemic had a major impact on people of all ages. Adolescents' exposure to online learning is linked to excessive screen time on digital devices, which leads to poor sleep quality. This study aimed to investigate the association between screen time on different electronic devices and sleep quality among adolescents in the United Arab...

Aims: This study investigated stress levels and coping strategies among working and nonworking women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Background: Stress levels in working and nonworking women have previously been studied, but few studies used cortisol to measure stress or examined how coping strategies affect stress levels. Methods: We emplo...

Background Breastfeeding (BF) is considered the ultimate method of infant feeding for at least the first 6 months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is one of the most effective interventions to improve child survival. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the associated factor...

Background Breastfeeding self-efficacy as a construct has been theoretically and empirically linked to exclusive breastfeeding in studies globally using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). However, its application in the Middle East and North Africa region is limited, as it has not been validated. Research Aims To psychomet...

The effects of camel milk (CM) intake on glycemic control of patients with diabetes are 25 controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was 26 conducted to summarize the effect of CM intake on glucose homeostasis parameters in patients with 27 both types of diabetes mellitus; T1DM and T2DM. We searc...

Introduction Since the beginning of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a marked increase in the use of diets and dietary supplements (DDS) for the prevention and treatment of this emerging disease. While DDS are generally regarded as harmless, little evidence exists on the safety and efficacy of their use for COVID-19....

The use of essential oils (EOs) and/or vacuum packaging (VP) with meats could increase product shelf-life. However, no studies investigating the effect of EOs and VP on camel meat background microbiota have been conducted previously. The study aimed to analyze the antimicrobial effect of essential oils (EOs) carvacrol (CA), cinnamaldehyde (CI), and...

Abstract:The use of essential oils (EOs) and/or vacuum packaging (VP) with meats could increaseproduct shelf-life. However, no studies investigating the effect of EOs and VP on camel meat back-ground microbiota have been conducted previously. The study aimed to analyze the antimicrobialeffect of essential oils (EOs) carvacrol (CA), cinnamaldehyde (...

Background The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the practices and resilience of most healthcare workers, including dieticians. In addition to offering critical care to COVID-19 patients, dieticians play a major role in preventing and managing conditions known to affect COVID-19, such as obesity and metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to...

Use of pesticides has drastically increased in many countries. Unfortunately, excessive administration of pesticides may cause adverse health and environment effects. The present study assessed pesticide residues in 5560 vegetable samples that entered the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via ports of the Dubai Emirate during 2018 and 2019. Pesticide resi...

Background Despite considerable policy actions at the national and hospital levels, rates of breastfeeding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain below the global average. There is a need to explore the modifiable factors of breastfeeding such as maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE), support, and mental health among women in...

During the first 1000 d of life, gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) are considered critical determinants of nutritional status. This study examined the effect of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) during pregnancy on GWG and PPWR at 2 and 6 months among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), using data from...

Purpose: To examine the dietary patterns and their associations with the FTO and FGF21 gene variants among Emirati adults. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, healthy adult male and female Emiratis ( n = 194) were recruited from primary health care centers in Sharjah, UAE. Participants completed a 61-item semi-quantitative food frequency quest...

Background: Postpartum depression, one of the most common forms of depression, is highly prevalent worldwide among women during childbirth. Despite available treatments for postpartum depression, numerous barriers hinder women to access care including time, financial constraints, and childcare concerns. Telemedicine interventions are suggested to b...

Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 loc...

Background : Postpartum depression, one of the most common forms of depression, is highly prevalent worldwide among women during childbirth. Despite available treatments for postpartum depression, numerous barriers hinder women to access care including time, financial constraints, and childcare concerns. Telemedicine interventions are suggested to...

Objectives To estimate the prevalence and predictors of obesity among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Private and public secondary schools. Participants Adolescents aged 13–19 years; 434 (46.6%) from private schools and 498 (53.4%) from public schools. Measures Self-report questionnaires were used...

Objectives: The objectives of the current work are to describe the maternal mental health and infant feeding practices cohort design and methodology and to report the baseline sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Materials and Methods: This 6‑month prospective cohort study recruited women from post‑partum wards in hospitals in the...

Background: The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients is increasing to manage the complexities of their condition, enhance their health, and ease complications. The burden of T2DM in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coupled with the high prevalence of CAM use and its associated risks among...

Food predilection is linked to variants in the hepatokine ''Fibroblast Growth Factor-21" gene (FGF21); with rs838133 linked to the sweet tooth in Caucasians. The effect of FGF21 variants on food intake is still unclear in other populations. A cohort of 196 healthy Emirati subjects was investigated [age: 30.34 ± 9. 75yrs (44.4% males)]. The FGF21 rs...

Objectives: The objectives of the current work are to describe the maternal mental health and infant feeding practices cohort design and methodology and to report the baseline sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Materials and Methods: This 6‑month prospective cohort study recruited women from post‑partum wards in hospitals in the...

Background The postpartum period is a critical period for women, and many factors that have been identified as deterrents for exclusive breastfeeding include breastfeeding self-efficacy, postpartum depression, anxiety, and social support. Identifying modifiable risk factors to improve breastfeeding exclusivity rates and overall maternal health warr...

Background: Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-related...

Abstract Background Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-r...

Food predilection is linked to variants in the hepatokine “Fibroblast Growth Factor-21” gene (FGF21); with rs838133 linked to the sweet tooth in Caucasians. The effect of FGF21 variants on food intake is still unclear in other populations. A cohort of 196 healthy Emirati subjects was investigated [age: 30.34± 9.75yrs (44.4% males)]. The FGF21 rs838...

Background Suboptimum weight gain during pregnancy may carry long term health consequences for the infant or mother. Nutritional imbalances are well recognized as a determinant of gestational weight gain. Few studies examined the effect of dietary patterns on gestational weight gain, especially in countries undergoing nutrition transition, such as...

Abstract Background: Stress is globally recognised as a risk factor impacting workers' health and workplace safety. Women healthcare professionals are at risk for considerable stress given the demanding nature of their jobs and current working conditions. This study assessed levels of stress among women healthcare professionals using measures of th...

Background: Stress is globally recognised as a risk factor impacting workers' health and workplace safety. Women healthcare professionals are at risk for considerable stress given the demanding nature of their jobs and current working conditions. This study assessed levels of stress among women healthcare professionals using measures of their cort...

Background Nutritional status of women during pregnancy has been considered an important prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcomes. Objectives To investigate the pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their risk factors among a cohort of Emirati and Arab women residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE...

The use of dietary supplements (DS) is increasing worldwide, however, there are limited studies examining the characteristics of people who take supplements in the United Arab Emirates. To examine the use of DS and their association with sociodemographic/lifestyle factors among college students in the UAE. A cross-sectional study conducted on 452 (...

Background Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-related di...

Background The risk of obesity is determined by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Little research to date has investigated the interaction between gene and food intake. The aim of the current study is to explore the potential effect of fat mass and obesity-associated protein gene (FTO) rs9939609 and rs9930506 single nu...

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), phospholipids (PLs), and gangliosides (GAs) are components of human breast milk that play important roles in the development of the rapidly growing infant. The differences in these components in human milk from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were studied in a cross-sectional trial. High-performance liquid chromat...

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclical late luteal phase disorder of the menstrual cycle whereby the daily functioning of women is affected by emotional and physical symptoms substantially interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about PMS in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity...

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclical late luteal phase disorder of the menstrual cycle whereby the daily functioning of women is affected by emotional and physical symptoms substantially interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about PMS in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity...

The current study points out an association between FGF 21 rs838145 G allele and high salt intake in Emirati population. Our results pave the way to a deeper understanding of gene- environment interactions that may underlie frequent failure of antihypertensive treatment. Patients carrying specific gene polymorphisms may need particular attention an...

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally and is linked with poor body image perception. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationships of body image (BI) and body mass index (BMI) with weight control practices among university students. A cross-sectional study on a sample of 308 university students (150 males and 158 females...

OBJECTIVES: We aim to investigate the knowledge towards Energy Drinks (EDs) consumption and related factors among young male athletes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). SUBJECTS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 688 young male athletes from Al Ain sports club aged between 7 to 18 years. Data were collected using a modified version of a va...

Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are considered as a global health problem and considered as a public health priority with the more considerable increasing trend of obesity and cardiometabolic disorders rates in the Middle Eastern countries. This systematic review aims at assessing the prevalence, incidence rates, and trends, as well as t...

Background. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are considered as a global health problem and considered as a public health priority with the more considerable increasing trend of obesity and cardiometabolic disorders rates in the Middle Eastern countries. This systematic review aims at assessing the prevalence, incidence rates, and trends, as well as...

Appendix A: search strategy followed and flow chart. Appendix B: quality assessment of the cost of illness for diabetes in the United Arab Emirates study.

Objective: We conducted a systematic review to explore the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s cancer-specific epidemiological profiles. Methods: We followed the standardized methods for conducting and reporting systematic reviews. We employed a highly sensitive and extensive strategy to identify all studies on the prevalence and incidence of cancer in...

The Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder characterized by a cluster of symptoms, which increases risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence rate of the MetS and identify its predisposing risk factors in Lebanese university students. METHODS: Using two-stage sampling, 266 students were recruited...

Background: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) exhibits alarming high prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. Emerging evidence highlighted the role of maternal and early child nutrition in preventing later-onset NCDs. The objectives of this article are to describe the design and methodology of the first Mother and Infan...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) exhibits alarming high prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. Emerging evidence highlighted the role of maternal and early child nutrition in preventing later-onset NCDs. The objectives of this article are to describe the design and methodology of the first Mother and Infant Study Cohor...