Abu Dhabi: Results of a screening programme designed for UAE nationals showed that 24 per cent of males and 1 per cent of females above the age of 18 are smoking in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The survey covered 180,000 Emiratis, the largest of its kind survey in the emirate. Experts believe that smoking among UAE citizens is still lower than international standards but there is a strong belief that addiction to smoking has been growing in recent years.
The authority said an additional comprehensive survey to assess the growth of smoking will be conducted in the future.
Thirty people took part in a five-day workshop which concluded yesterday. The event is part of health authority’s goal to improve public health as well as spread awareness about the harmful outcomes of smoking,” said Dr Khalid Al Jaberi, manger of non-communicable disease at the HAAD.
The Health Authority in Abu Dhabi (HAAD) started a motivational workshop to help nationals stop smoking. The HAAD, the regulatory body of the health care sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, has released results of a screening programme known as Weqaya, which means “precaution” in Arabic.
“The workshop has offered special and high-level training to health care professionals for the first three days in order to assist tobacco users to quit smoking by motivating and changing their health behaviour,” Al Jaberi added.
About 30 participants, who were really interested in treating their tobacco addiction, attended the workshop.
“The motivational workshop has offered medical advice and information on how to quit smoking as well as psychological support and life skills to help the smokers and their families,” Dr Sara Karrar, senior officer of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorder at the HAAD, told Gulf News.
“Smoking is a chronic condition that needs continuous follow up to help patients, identify and change behaviours that might be placing them at risk of developing severe health problems,” Karrar explained.
The workshop also included an update on HAAD strategies and campaigns for quitting tobacco use.
