Household approach to health related behavioral risks and life patterns among Dubai population

Evidence-based practice revealed that health-related behavioral risks and unhealthy lifestyle factors could significantly contribute to certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes mellitus,1,2 cardiovascular illnesses,2,3 chronic respiratory diseases, and some types of cancer.1–6 NCDs are now recognized as the leading causes of death in most regions of the world. Annually, sixteen million NCD deaths occur before the age of 70; 82% of these “premature” deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries.3,7–9 These diseases share four modifiable key risk factors; tobacco use, use of alcohol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits.2,6,9 In the emirate of Dubai, NCDs are already responsible for more than half of all deaths.10 Unless urgent action is taken, the growing NCD epidemic will add tremendous pressure to the overstretched health systems and pose a major challenge to the future heath agenda.