BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type-2 is a major public health concern worldwide. Not much information is available with regard to the incidence of DM in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed at determining the incidence rate of diabetes mellitus among Emirati population in Ajman, UAE. This is a retrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study was conducted in all primary health care centers and Shaikh Khalifa and GMC Hospitals, Ajman, UAE where the Emirati population primarily go for diagnosis and treatment. The incident cases of diabetes mellitus were collected during the period 2010 January to December.ResultsA total of 158 cases newly detected in 2010, 54 were among non-Emiratis and one was type-1 diabetes. Eliminating these, the remaining 101 were included in the analysis. The age of the patients ranged from 23 years to 78 years; 35 (34.7%) males and 66 (65.3%) were females. The overall incidence observed was 4.8/1,000 person-years (PY) with a female predominance of 6.3/1,000 PY against incidence among males of 3.3/1,000 PY. With regard to age specific incidence rate among males, it increases with age till 60 years and then showed a decreasing trend. Among females also the same trend was observed but not as similar to males.ConclusionThe highest incidence rate was observed in the 55-59 age group among males, 23.4/1,000 PY and females, 32.4/1,000 PY. Among males the incidence rate was much less compared to females in-the age groups older than 59 years.

Cigarettes and alternative tobacco products cause various oral health issues ranging from minor tooth decay/gum-diseases to oral cancer. According to CDC, over 40% adult cigarette smokers have reported untreated tooth decay which later leads to severe oral health problems. The study intended to find the impact of dentists’ perceived risk of smoking various tobacco products on their attitude and practice toward tobacco cessation advice. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. Data was collected on the perception of dentists who are smokers, regarding smoking-related health risks involved in various tobacco products. Dentists’ attitude was measured using a questionnaire with a 5-point rating scale and a practice list of items with a 3-point rating scale. Descriptive/inferential techniques were applied, significance level was fixed at 5%. Among the 31 tobacco users, 80.6% of dentists perceived severe risk with cigarette use compared to alternative tobacco products (71%). Positive attitude and good practice were observed among those who perceived severe risk, however, no statistical significance was observed (Fisher’s exact test, p-value >0.05). The study concluded that young dentists, males, Arab nationals, highly educated and specialists had a positive attitude toward smoking cessation activities. Among the smokers, dentists recognize their role and responsibility very seriously in building a smoke-free community, but their risk perception and good attitude did not positively reflect on their clinical practice in smoking cessation programs. Though the dentists had a better perception and attitude towards smoking cessation, their clinical practice in offering advising sessions is inversely related to their perception/attitude.