The health and education authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will launch a comprehensive survey of children's health in the country's northern emirates after the holy month of Ramadan, local newspaper The National reported on Tuesday.
The results of the three-month survey conducted by the UAE Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education will be used to develop new health programs in schools, according to the report.
All pupils in grade one, five and nine at private and public schools in the northern emirates will be involved in the survey, in which mental health and obesity will be two prime areas of concern.
"We will screen for common psychological problems -- mental problems that students can be affected by, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)," Mariam Al Matroushi, a senior official with the health ministry said.
"Many studies around the world have shown that mental problems are very common, especially in adolescence. ... Sometimes a trivial disturbance can lead to bigger problems if we don't treat it very well," she added.
In the survey, pupils will be asked to provide a medical history, fill out a questionnaire and be examined by a doctor. Those who test positive will be asked to take another questionnaire and will be referred to a specialist.
The survey will be the second of its kind in recent years after the UAE health ministry in association with the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a similar children's health study in 2005.
Source: Xinhua
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