A research team from the College of Medicine (Students of HDPCS and MD Program), Gulf Medical University, secured First Place in the category of Psychology and Sociology at the 13th Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC) 2026, held at Abu Dhabi University on 21st May 2026. The study was recognized for its contribution to understanding public awareness of cognitive health and healthy aging.
The award-winning research, titled “Exploring Adult Perceptions and Awareness of Cognitive Health in the Elderly: Determinants from a Cross-Sectional Study in Ajman, UAE,” examined adults’ understanding of factors influencing cognitive health among older adults. The findings highlighted the importance of educational and community-based strategies to promote healthy cognitive aging. The study aligns with the UAE’s commitment to promoting healthy aging, preventive healthcare, and improved quality of life for older adults, supporting national public health priorities and global initiatives focused on healthy longevity and cognitive well-being. The research contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, most notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), by advancing knowledge on preventive strategies for cognitive decline and promoting mental health across all age groups. It also supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by underlining the role of health literacy and awareness in empowering communities, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing health disparities among vulnerable older populations. Furthermore, the study’s community-based approach aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), underscoring the value of collaborative research in addressing public health challenges at national and global levels.
The research was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil, Professor Jayadevan Sreedharan, and Dr. Brijesh Sathyan. The research team comprised Simrah Iman, Fatema Aziz Adenwala, Zahabiyah Aliasgar Saifee, Syeda Amreen Fatima, and Shahnaz Mohamed Wazil, along with the supervising faculty members.
