Insights into Common Health Issues and Lifestyles in Qatar Revealed by Qatar Biobank

The Qatar Biobank recently published a report revealing the occurrence of prevalent health issues and lifestyle habits among the populace. The report, derived from the largest population-based cohort study in the country, offers valuable insights into the general health and wellness of Qataris and long-term residents.

The population-based cohort study, carried out by the Qatar Biobank, is a substantial medical research initiative designed to enroll 60,000 Qatari nationals and long-term residents aged 18 and above, with a follow-up period of five years. As of now, the study has enlisted 37,000 participants, with the 2022-2023 annual report presenting data from 30,742 cohort participants.

One of the key focal points of the report is the prevalence of lifestyle diseases, vitamin D deficiency, and common smoking and dietary habits among the participants. These conclusions were drawn from the collection of health and lifestyle data via surveys, offering valuable insights into metabolic conditions that significantly impact the long-term health of the population.

The report also disclosed that a significant number of women and men have undergone vitamin D screening, with 81% of women and 57% of men having their vitamin D levels assessed. Among women, breast cancer was the most frequently reported condition post vitamin D screening, while colon cancer and prostate cancer were reported among men. These findings underscore the importance of addressing vitamin D deficiency, which has emerged as a persistent burden on Qatar’s healthcare system.

In addition to vitamin D deficiency, the report also tackled issues related to body mass index (BMI) and obesity. The data showed that a higher percentage of men were categorized as overweight or obese compared to women, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy weight management and lifestyle choices.

The prevalence of smoking, particularly shisha (water pipe) smoking, was also a noteworthy finding in the report. While 21% of both men and women reported smoking cigarettes, 33% of the cohort population reported smoking shisha. These figures underscore the need for comprehensive tobacco control strategies and public health interventions to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Qatar.

Furthermore, the report shed light on the popularity of frequent fast food consumption among both men and women, with a significant percentage reporting regular consumption of fast food. These findings illustrate the need for promoting healthier dietary habits and increasing awareness of the potential health risks associated with excessive fast food consumption.

The cohort study also endeavored to maintain a balanced recruitment rate for males and females, with approximately 49.6% males and 50.4% females participating in the study. Notably, the participants were recruited from 61 countries, with a majority being Qatari nationals. Long-term residents from Yemen and Jordan accounted for 8% of the recruited population, while participants from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries made up 2% of the cohort.

In conclusion, the annual report of the Qatar Biobank offers pivotal insights into prevalent health issues and lifestyle habits among the population. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions and evidence-based strategies to address the identified health challenges and promote overall well-being in Qatar.