The risk factor screening camp was conducted on November 28, 2022 in collaboration with Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, for the workers of Sewage Treatment Plant, Ajman, UAE.
The aim of the camp was to assess the physical health and risk of the workers for developing various conditions. The workers included both males and females who were engaged in different forms of manual labour on a daily basis and belonged to a wide variety of ages.
They were assessed for the presence of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, level of physical activity, and also screened for presence of any cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, elevated cholesterol, and family history of any conditions. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight, followed by estimation of random blood sugar and blood pressure of the workers was checked. Level of obesity was estimated from the anthropometric measurements.
The workers were then directed to a general practitioner for consultation, and those who required further assessment were advised to visit Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman.
“The campaign was particularly useful to we students as it enabled us to gain sufficient exposure to a community who are at particular risk for the development of chronic conditions. We also got the opportunity to socialize with workers from diverse backgrounds and perfect our communication skills. The community engagement program provided us with a chance to give back to the community and fulfil the social responsibility of the university as well as ourselves as medical students, thereby contributing the health and wellness of the community”, said an enthusiastic medical student who actively participated in the event.
Years 1 to 4 medical students along with Master of Public Health (MPH) program students participated in the event. Participating in such activities opened an avenue for the students to understand the work environment and its influence on health of the worker.
