Health literacy in a high income Arab country: A nation-wide cross-sectional survey study.

Introduction: Health literacy is a powerful predictor of health outcomes, but remains a global challenge. There is a paucity of published data and limited understanding of the health literacy of patients in the Middle East. The purpose of this study was to assess the patient health literacy levels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and identify associated demographic characteristics.

Medical student experiences and perceptions of palliative care in a middle eastern country.

Introduction: Teaching in palliative care (PC) is an important component of medical education. Yet, studies in many countries document a fragmented and inconsistent approach to PC teaching. The goal of this study is to assess PC education, experience, and comfort levels in providing end-of-life care in recently graduated medical students.

India and the COVID-19 vaccine.

The recent article "Exploring the COVID-19 vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants: where do we stand and where do we go?" published on December 2 is thought provoking. The authors highlight critical disparities in the manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines although over 350 COVID-19 vaccine candidates are reported to be in the preclinical and clinical development phase. The history of vaccine research and production in India is as ancient as the history of vaccines themselves.

Critical Factors Favoring Outward Physician Migration from an Affluent Gulf Country.

Background: Physician retention is essential to creating a strong and stable healthcare system worldwide. The density of physicians and nurses significantly impacts important population health outcomes. Globalization has enabled the mobility of physicians, but the recruitment and retention of quality physicians have not been without challenges.

Case fatality rates of COVID-19 across the globe: are the current draconian measures justified?

Aim: The current study assessed the case fatality rate (CFR) across different income level countries of the world, and the virulence pattern of COVID-19, against the backdrop of panic and uncertainty faced by many governments, who are trying to impose draconian containment measures to control the outbreak. Subjects and Methods: Data on confirmed cases and number of deaths due to coronavirus infection were retrieved from the WHO as on 30 March 2020, and examined for the various income level countries, per the World Bank criteria. The CFR was calculated country-wise and estimated for the various groups such as low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income, and the data was analyzed.

Should I stay or should I go now? The impact of "pull" factors on physician decisions to remain in a destination country.

Background: The recruitment and retention of a competent health care workforce is a worldwide problem. Globalization and increased mobility have provided skilled clinicians the freedom to offer their services in an interconnected global employment market, with multiple studies revealing a pattern of migration from low- and middle-income countries to high-income countries in North America, Western Europe, and more recently, the Middle East. The purpose of this study is to review the United Arab Emirates health care man power strategy and to assess the impact of pull factors on physician retention plans.

Assessing health literacy in the eastern and middle-eastern cultures.

Background: Health literacy is a term employed to assess the ability of people to meet the increasing demands related to health in a rapidly evolving society. Low health literacy can affect the social determinants of health, health outcomes and the use of healthcare services. The purpose of the study was to develop a survey construct to assess health literacy within the context of regional culture.