University of Sharjah Researchers Illuminate Factors Shaping UAE Adults' Engagement in Preventive Health Checks

A groundbreaking cross-sectional study led by researchers from the University of Sharjah has shed new light on the knowledge levels and practices surrounding general health checks (GHCs) among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Published on February 9, 2026, in Cureus, the research titled "Knowledge and Factors Associated With the Practice of General Health Checks Among Adults in the UAE" reveals that while 62.6% of surveyed UAE adults have participated in GHCs, their understanding of these vital preventive measures remains moderate at best.

General health checks, defined as comprehensive assessments for asymptomatic individuals—including blood pressure monitoring, body mass index (BMI) calculation, fasting blood glucose tests, lipid profiles, and age- or gender-specific screenings like mammograms or prostate exams—are recommended starting from age 18 by UAE health authorities. This study, utilizing Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, categorizes influences into predisposing factors (e.g., age, gender), enabling factors (e.g., insurance, education), and need factors (e.g., personal or family health history).

The research underscores a critical disconnect: higher knowledge does not directly translate to practice, pointing instead to systemic and demographic drivers. For academics and health professionals in UAE universities, this publication highlights the growing role of higher education institutions in addressing national public health challenges through evidence-based inquiry.

The Rising Tide of Non-Communicable Diseases Driving Demand for Preventive Screening in the UAE

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 77% of deaths in the UAE, with 17% occurring prematurely, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. Recent findings from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)'s National Health & Nutrition Survey 2024-2025 paint a stark picture: 54.2% of adults suffer from high cholesterol, 25.9% from hypertension, 22.4% from obesity, 12.5% from elevated blood glucose, and 49.3% from vitamin D deficiency. Lifestyle contributors exacerbate this, with 59.1% insufficiently active and 8.7% smoking.

These statistics underscore the urgency of preventive strategies like GHCs, which aim to detect risks early. In Abu Dhabi, programs such as the Integrated Field Health Assessment Services (IFHAS) target UAE nationals aged 18-75, offering screenings every three years for those under Thiqa insurance. Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) Seha program similarly promotes periodic evaluations. Yet, participation varies, influenced by awareness, access, and cultural perceptions.

UAE universities are at the forefront, with initiatives like the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS)—a 15,000-participant cohort led by NYU Abu Dhabi in collaboration with UAE University and Zayed University—tracking NCD determinants through lifestyle assessments, biometrics, and biological samples to inform preventive policies.

Inside the University of Sharjah Study: Rigorous Methods Uncover Real-World Insights

Employing snowball sampling via social media from January to March 2023, the study gathered 422 complete responses from UAE adults aged 18+ proficient in English or Arabic. A 32-item questionnaire, adapted from prior Saudi research (Cronbach’s α=0.75 for knowledge section), probed predisposing, enabling, and need factors.

• Demographics: 62.1% aged 18-24, 73% female, 75.1% non-nationals, 54.5% high school education or less, 62.1% unemployed, 80.8% insured.
• Health Profile: 7.8% diabetes, 6.6% hypertension, 64% family history of chronic conditions.

Analysis via chi-square tests and binary logistic regression (SPSS v29) controlled for confounders, yielding a model accurate in 70.6% of predictions.

Moderate Knowledge Levels: What UAE Adults Know (and Don't) About Health Checks

Participants scored a mean knowledge of 35.03% (median 33.33%, IQR 27.7-44.4) on 11 items covering GHC purposes and components. While most recognized blood pressure (89%) and BMI (82%), fewer understood specifics like lipid profiles (58%) or cancer screenings. Notably, knowledge did not predict practice (OR=1.008, p=0.413), challenging assumptions that education alone boosts uptake.

This mirrors global trends where awareness gaps persist despite campaigns. In the UAE context, cultural factors—such as reliance on family advice or stigma around asymptomatic checks—may play a role.

Impressive Yet Uneven Participation: 62.6% of UAE Adults Engage in GHCs

Over 264 participants (62.6%) reported recent GHCs, surpassing rates in Saudi Arabia (34.3% for ages 30+) but aligning with Japan/Germany (50-53%). Common elements included blood pressure (57.6%), height/weight (55.9%), and blood sugar (45.5%), while breast (4.5%) and cervical (2.1%) screenings lagged—highlighting gender and age disparities.

Higher uptake among insured and older groups signals enabling factors' dominance in UAE's universal coverage landscape.

Demographic and Health Drivers: Key Predictors of GHC Participation Identified

Multivariable analysis pinpointed four independent factors:

• Age 35-44 (OR=4.545, 95% CI 1.892-10.921, p<0.001)
• Age ≥45 (OR=3.077, 95% CI 1.215-7.797, p=0.018)
• Health insurance (OR=2.059, 95% CI 1.164-3.642, p=0.013)
• Family history of chronic conditions (OR=2.382, 95% CI 1.432-3.962, p<0.001)

These align with Andersen’s model, explaining 15-21% variance. Non-significance of education/income reflects UAE's subsidized access.Read the full study

UAE Higher Education Institutions Fueling Advances in Public Health Research

Universities like the University of Sharjah, NYU Abu Dhabi, and UAE University are pivotal. The UAEHFS exemplifies this, recruiting 15,000 Emiratis for longitudinal NCD tracking. Aspiring researchers can find opportunities via higher-ed-jobs in UAE academia, contributing to national goals like UAE Centennial 2071.

Explore faculty positions or UAE university jobs to join this vital work.

Persistent Barriers: Why Some UAE Adults Skip Preventive Health Checks

Beyond the study, barriers include time constraints, cost perceptions (despite insurance), low perceived risk in youth, and access in remote areas. Specific screenings like colorectal cancer show even lower uptake, per prior UAE research. Cultural norms prioritizing curative over preventive care persist, though campaigns are shifting this.

• Limited awareness of program details
• Logistical hurdles (appointments, transport)
• Fear of results or overdiagnosis

Solutions involve targeted education via universities and digital tools.

Policy Implications: Boosting Participation Through Targeted Interventions

The findings advocate prioritizing insurance expansion, family-history prompts in primary care, and age-tailored campaigns. Integrating GHCs into workplace wellness—common in UAE firms—could elevate rates. MoHAP's survey calls for nutrition-focused prevention amid high sodium (96% exceed limits) and inactivity. View MoHAP survey highlights

For health educators, this means curriculum enhancements in UAE colleges.

Looking Ahead: Innovations and Research Horizons in UAE Preventive Health

Future efforts may leverage AI for risk prediction and telehealth for screenings, building on UAE's tech ecosystem. Ongoing cohorts like UAEHFS promise longitudinal insights. Universities will drive this, training the next generation via programs linked to higher-ed-career-advice.

Stakeholders should monitor participation post-interventions, aiming for 80%+ uptake to curb NCDs.

Photo by Artyom Kabajev on Unsplash

Empowering UAE Adults: Actionable Steps for Better Health Check Habits

To enhance participation:

1. Verify insurance coverage for GHCs via DOH portals.
2. Schedule via apps like Sehatty.
3. Discuss family history with providers.
4. Participate in university-led community screens.

Professionals eyeing public health roles in UAE universities, check university-jobs and higher-ed-jobs/faculty. Share experiences on rate-my-professor.