Breast cancer is considered the most dangerous cancer for women, driving the highest number of mortalities in women worldwide. According to the WHO 2020 report, breast cancer showed the highest five-year prevalence in the UAE, among other cancers. This research assessed breast cancer awareness, potential risk factors, screening approaches and practices, barriers to screening, and attitudes toward seeking medical help among UAE women. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted through a web-based validated questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 27. The questionnaire was sent through social media platforms. The eligible completed were 616 responses. This study showed a prevalence of breast cancer of 3.1% among the study population. Regarding Breast cancer knowledge, most of the participants, 65.8% had moderate knowledge, 19% had poor knowledge, and only 7.6% had good knowledge. Breast cancer screening methods were the most recognized section at 76%, followed by knowledge of symptoms and while the least known section was the BC risk factors. Twenty-five percent of respondents had at least one breast cancer symptom. About 37.1% of women aged more than 40 years had never undergone mammography. In potential, most participants and 81.7% were having more than five of the BC risk factors had adequate knowledge about breast cancer with relatively higher knowledge scores for screening methods and symptoms. Participants who received information from healthcare providers or attended awareness events had a higher knowledge score. In contrast, insufficient mammography screening had been revealed. At the same time, potential risk evaluation revealed a high percentage of participants suffering from many potential risk factors.

Introduction: The adoption and implementation of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics (PGx) in healthcare systems have been very slow and limited worldwide. Major barriers to knowledge translation into clinical practice lie in the level of literacy of the public of genetics and genomics. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) multi-ethnic communities toward genomic medicine and genetic testing. Method: A cross-sectional study using validated questionnaires was distributed to the participants. Descriptive statistics were performed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge of genomics. Results: 757 individuals completed the survey. Only 7% of the participants had a good knowledge level in genetics and genomics (95% CI 5.3–9.0%). However, 76.9% of the participants were willing to take a genetic test if their relatives had a genetic disease. In addition, the majority indicated that they would disclose their genetic test results to their spouses (61.5%) and siblings (53.4%). Conclusions: This study sets the stage for the stakeholders to plan health promotion and educational campaigns to improve the genomic literacy of the community of the UAE as part of their efforts for implementing precision and personalized medicine in the country.

The improper disposal of unwanted or unused medications is a pressing issue that can lead to drug misuse and environmental contamination. Pharmacists play a crucial role in promoting safe drug disposal by the public. This study explores pharmacists’ perceptions of the causes of unwanted and unused medications, their practices, and the barriers to promoting safe medication disposal among the public in the United Arab Emirates. This cross-sectional study included pharmacists working in the UAE’s community and hospital settings with direct patient contact. A convenience sampling approach was used, where pharmacists who were available during the data collection period were invited to participate. Printed copies or a survey link to the questionnaire were provided to pharmacists to complete independently during in-person visits. Participants were categorised into three levels: extensive, adequate, or minimal involvement, based on their engagement in activities such as reviewing patients’ medications, educating them on proper storage and disposal, and participating in drug take-back programmes. Chi-square test was used to assesses the association between categorical variables and pharmacists practice levels. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29. A total of 370 pharmacists participated in this survey, most of whom were between 18 and 34 years old (69.2%). The top three perceived causes of unwanted or unused medications include changes in prescriptions due to patients’ poor clinical outcomes (83.8%), inappropriate storage conditions (79.7%), and expiration of medications (78.6%). Moreover, factors such as pharmacist age, type of pharmacy, country of education, pharmacy location, employment status, and years of experience were significantly associated with pharmacists’ level of involvement in promoting safe medication disposal practices. The most cited barriers were a lack of public awareness about the risks of improper medication disposal (88.9%), lack of time due to workload (82.4%), and lack of training and education (78.1%). Most pharmacists believed in collaborating with public health agencies to promote medication disposal awareness (97.6%) and developing national guidelines (97.6%). This study’s findings have significant implications for public health, highlighting the necessity of essential groundwork for developing targeted interventions and policies to enhance public awareness and identify specific areas where pharmacists can actively encourage safe medication disposal practices in the UAE.

Background: The human body is a complex and interconnected system where trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, coexist with these cells. Besides maintaining digestive health, this relationship also impacts well-being, including immune function, metabolism, and mental health. As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists are pivotal in promoting the benefits of probiotics for immune support. This study explored pharmacists’ knowledge, perception, and practice behavior in the UAE towards the implication of probiotic application beyond digestive health, such as cardiovascular and mental health impacts and their diverse dosage forms. Method: An online self-administered survey was distributed among pharmacists in the UAE. Data were collected through personal visits to pharmacies, where pharmacists were approached and asked to complete the questionnaire. The sample size included 407 pharmacists, determined using the formula for proportions with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic characteristics and survey responses. The knowledge levels were categorized into poor, moderate, and good. Chi-square analysis was employed to investigate associations between demographic factors and knowledge levels, with a significance level set at p < 0.05, enhancing the robustness of the study’s findings. Results: This study included 407 completed eligible responses. About 63.56% of participants were female, with 52.1% employed in pharmacy chains. While 91.2% of pharmacists recognized probiotics’ role in immune support, only 30% were aware of their cardiovascular benefits. Moreover, chewing gum was the least known dosage form of probiotics, recognized by only 16.7% of respondents. Additionally, only 57% of the participants recognized liposomes as a dosage form. In practice, most pharmacists recommended storing probiotics at room temperature, accounting for 66.6%. The most prevalent misconception encountered in the pharmacy setting was the belief that probiotics are primarily intended for gastrointestinal tract problems, at 79.1% of the respondents. Regarding perception, the agreement was observed regarding the safety of probiotics for all ages. Perceived barriers included the high cost of probiotics, with the majority (86.5%) indicating this as a significant obstacle, while lack of demand was identified as the minor barrier by 64.6%. Additionally, an association was found at a significance level of p < 0.05 with knowledge, gender, educational level, type and location of pharmacy, and source of information. Conclusions: The study highlights knowledge gaps in pharmacists’ understanding of probiotic applications beyond digestive health, particularly cardiovascular health and depression. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to address these gaps. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing professional development for pharmacists, enhancing their role in patient education and the promotion of probiotics for overall health.

Self-medication is a widespread practice globally involving the use of medications without direct medical supervision. While it provides convenience and cost savings, it poses risks such as misdiagnosis, incorrect dosages, adverse drug interactions, and antibiotic resistance. This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and perceptions of self-medication among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and evaluated the impact of a brief educational intervention on public awareness and attitudes. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 400 participants using structured, face-to-face surveys, followed by an educational intervention that included a targeted brochure. Post-intervention feedback was collected directly using an online survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS v. 29. Self-medication was reported by (78%) of participants, primarily for minor ailments, with key drivers including the perceived unimportance of the illness (79.3%), prior knowledge of drugs (61.3%), and accessibility to pharmacies (42.5%). Chronic illness was significantly associated with increased self-medication. Despite 47.8% reporting awareness of drug interactions, only 38.6% could identify examples. Antibiotic misuse was noted in (24.5%) of cases. Participant narratives revealed real-life harms, including pediatric dosing errors, herbal misuse during pregnancy, and delayed diagnosis due to symptom masking. The educational intervention improved understanding in 88.3% of respondents, and 79% expressed interest in further education. Self-medication was significantly associated with age, gender, education, and insurance status (p < 0.05). Self-medication is highly prevalent in the UAE, influenced by demographic and access-related factors. Despite moderate awareness, critical knowledge gaps persist. Educational tools and stronger pharmacist engagement can enhance safe medication use. Targeted interventions are needed to promote responsible self-care and regulatory compliance.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) can potentially tailor medication prescriptions to the genetic profiles of individuals, enhancing treatment outcomes and minimizing adverse drug reactions. This study assessed cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients' knowledge and views toward PGx testing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross‐sectional study was conducted among CVD patients attending multiple clinics using a validated, culturally adapted, and piloted bilingual questionnaire. Participants were invited via phone calls or in‐person contact at clinics. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V.29, incorporating descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. A total of 425 responses were analyzed; 67.5% were over 50 years old, and 67.5% held a bachelor's degree. Chronic diseases, excluding CVD, affected 65.2%, with 58.1% reporting medication side effects and 36.5% was hospitalized due to these effects. Knowledge varied, with 55.3% demonstrating good knowledge; 75.3% recognized DNA as gene‐based, while 47.5% understood PGx for predicting medication responses. Participants were grouped into three PGx perception clusters: Cluster 1 (33.17%) concerned about risks but valued PGx, Cluster 2 (40.23%) worried about privacy/costs, and Cluster 3 (26.58%) confident in PGx benefits. Safety was the top priority for 60.2% of respondents, 34.8% would not pay for PGx tets, and 35.3% preferred preemptive testing. Regression linked higher PGx knowledge to females, non‐healthcare workers, those with genetic diseases, and those hospitalized for side effects (p < 0.05). The study highlights a need for educational initiatives in the UAE to improve PGx literacy among CVD patients. The findings suggest that targeted awareness campaigns, policy interventions addressing privacy, and financial support could promote PGx wider adoption.