Risk Factors for Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency within the United Arab Emirates

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a public health problem and it has been associated with negative pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and infants. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to identify the contribution of risk factors to the 25(OH)D levels. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study in which vitamin D levels of 1088 adult pregnant women were assessed. Information on vitamin D intake was available in a sub-sample of 266 women. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D was 26.2 nmol/L (95% CI 25.2-27.1 range 5-129.1 nmol/L) with 69% of women being vitamin D deficient (<30 nmol/L). In the bivariate analysis, showed that no predictors could have been indicated as no values exceeded significance (p<0.2). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis could not be applied to identify predictors of vitamin D levels as no values exceeded p=0.2. Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of vitamin deficiency in UAE, there is an urge for interventions focusing on supplementation, fortification and diet diversity for preventing health consequences during a critical period of development.

“跨境人口流动及其政策含义: 基于香港的分析” (Trans-border mobility and its policy implications: the case of Hong Kong)

This paper employs a ‘regional approach’ in the study of Hong Kong population that goes beyond the taken-for-granted analytical framework defined by fixed geographical and social boundaries. It identifies the pattern and tend of population movement between Hong Kong and mainland China, with emphasis on trans-border marriage and child-bearing, trans-border housing and retirement and trans-border employment. The author argues that a 'regional approach' will shed new light on existing trans-migration studies, and bring in a new way of thinking for the making of population policies.