Health Promotion in the UAE

The Health Promotion Research Group (HPRG) is a dedicated multidisciplinary team focusing on advancing knowledge and strategies in the field of health promotion. Our group is committed to conducting rigorous impactful research, formulating evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with various stakeholders to prevent diseases, promote health and well-being within communities and populations, and overall improve the nation's quality of life, specifically by achieving higher screening and treatment uptake and adherence, healthier behaviors, improved quality of life, and reduced inequities.

 

HPRG is actively engaged in a wide range of initiatives, events, and programs that aim to enhance the well-being and quality of life of the community members and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the community's health profile. Through these activities, we raise awareness about health-related matters, encourage healthier lifestyles, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

It is a multi-disciplinary research group that aims to improve community health and well-being through patient-oriented and population-based research in collaboration with community partners and regional or national networks.

Our researchers collaborate with community partners to promote the health and well-being of the population of different age groups.

We aim that our research collaborations which include community partnerships can be an effective way to broaden the scope and enhance the impact of research aimed at improving public health.

The objectives of the HPRG are to:

1.  Conduct impactful research to address the health challenges of our community to identify effective strategies and interventions for promoting health and preventing disease.
2. Develop evidence-based health promotion programs and guidelines for healthcare providers targeted at specific populations or health issues.
3. Develop a health profile of people in all age groups using comprehensive screening/assessment tools.
4. Investigate the social, environmental, and behavioral factors and determinants to prevent diseases.
5. Implement a multidisciplinary approach to raise awareness about important health issues.
6. Collaborate with stakeholders and community partners to implement, monitor, and evaluate the impact of health promotion initiatives and research activities that address the health needs the of UAE population.
7. Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and educational materials to contribute to the body of knowledge in health promotion.

Projects:

Maternal Health projects address pregnant women’s diet quality, adherence to dietary/lifestyle guidelines, maternal mental health across pregnancy and postpartum, and quality of life.

Healthy Aging projects: older adults health profile and evidence-based recommendations for better Health and Wellness of older adults in the United Arab Emirates

Mental Health projects span maternal, adolescent, and older adult populations, assessing mental health status; promote screening, identifying needs, priorities, and gaps; examine key correlates and determinants to inform prevention and care.

Adolescent Health projects span dietary habits, the home food environment, oral and mental health, screen time, and academic achievement.

Applying Artificial Intelligence to Health Improvement and Health Education.

Health Policy & System Research Projects: work–life balance satisfaction and mental well-being among healthcare professionals.

Oral Health projects targeting adolescents and older adults, covering various aspects related dental status, periodontal health, personal oral health attitudes, habits, and practice.   

 

Publications:

• 1-Radwan, H., Abdelrahim, D. N., Osaili, T., Thabet, Y., Barakat, H., Khetrish, M. & Hasan, H. (2025). The association of binge eating with internet addiction, body shape concerns, and BMI among university students in the United Arab Emirates. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13(1), 21.

   

• 2-Bani‐Issa, W., Naing, L., Sharbini, S., & Ibrahim, S. (2025). Impact of Screen Time on Sleep and Quality of Life: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis. Public Health Nursing.