The quest for higher socioeconomic status and adolescent health risk behavior: Case study from a migrant population in the United Arab Emirates

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source of Publication

Socioeconomic Status and Health Implications

Publication Date

12-1-2012

Abstract

This chapter will explore the relationship between socioeconomic status and health in fast developing nations. Using new data from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the health status of the expatriate population that resides in the UAE is examined. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates that has experienced unprecedented growth in the past forty years. The federation is situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf. The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi is the nation's capital. The remaining six emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain (UAQ), Ras al-Khaimah (RAK), Fujairah) form the Northern Emirates. Using oil revenue, the UAE continues to reduce reliance on oil and to diversify its economy from a conventional, labour-intensive economy to one based on knowledge, technology and tourism. In doing so, the UAE relies on a large expatriate population to transfer their skills and to build these sectors. These expatriates seeking financial gains are usually allowed into the country on a work permit. Although their socioeconomic status varies, many face challenges related to access to healthcare, proper housing, and various environmental changes. This chapter will report on data collected under the National Study of Population Health in the UAE (NSPHUAE) (2007 - 2009). A comprehensive large-scale cross-sectional survey was administered on expatriate families with children that attend public and private schools in the seven emirates. The survey collected data related to the general health status of this sub-population, exposures to a range of health determinants, demographics, as well as medical diagnoses. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

ISBN

9781621006756

Publisher

Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

First Page

85

Last Page

109

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Scopus ID

84876562109

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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