The Determinant of Subjective Well-Being among the adult individuals in the UAE

Abstract

Background: Enhancing individual wellbeing is a national priority in the United Arab Emirates. Up to date, wellbeing at the country level was measured through the national wellbeing survey that is sector specific comprising of 122 questions. The “World Health Organization 5 items (WHO-5) Well-being Index” is a reliable instrument to assess Subjective Well-Being, yet was never tested at national level in the UAE. Aim: This study examined the association of socio-economic determinants of health with the subjective well-being (SWB) using WHO-5 Well-being Index to inform public health policy in the UAE. Method: A cross-sectional survey from adults (aged 18+ and above) was conducted. About 10,000 individuals were randomly selected across all the seven Emirates. A total of 7367 adults (18 years and above) took part in the survey (response rate was 74%). The WHO-5 instrument is a valid screening measure as it includes only 5 items, is freely available in at least thirty-one languages, and is tremendously easy to complete, interpret and score. The social support of the respondents was evaluated by using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: The results of the study demonstrate that majority of the participants (79.27%) reported moderate - high (≥50) well-being scores showing the good quality of life/well-being, whereas, only 20.72% of the individual reported ill-being/likely depression in the future. Respondent’s age, gender, marital status, monthly income (AED- UAE dirham), employment status and reporting at least one or more morbidity were found to be significantly associated with the SWB variables (p < 0.05). A significant association was found between the comprehensive/emotional and /mental well-being and perceived social support. Conclusion: The WHO-5 index can be used as a reliable screening tool to identify wellbeing inequalities among adult individuals based on socio-economic determinants of health in the UAE. Addressing the socio- Hira Abdul Razzak1, Dr. Alya Harbi2, Ms. Mubarkah Jaber AlKarbi3, Dr. Amin Mohamed ElShamy4 , Dr. Lubna Al Shaali5, Dr. Rasha E Salama6 , Ms. Malaz Bakri7, Dr. Ahmed Alosi8, Ms. Amna AlDhmanie9 1678 © 2021 JPPW. All rights reserved economic determinants of health in the UAE can enhance subjective well-being (SWB) and help the UAE to achieve its strategic aspiration to make the UAE among the world leaders in quality of life.