The cost of living crisis, risk of burnout and financial stress are common concerns among UAE residents, the survey found.
The Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study surveyed 10,800 people in the UAE, US, UK, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong SAR in May and June last year, and found 35 asked important questions. About health and well-being.
The survey aimed to measure perceptions about working life, economic situation, physical and mental health, spirituality, and intellectual abilities, which are included in an overall vitality score.
As a result, the UAE scored higher than other countries, with a third of people reporting “high” vitality, more than double the global average of 17%.
However, while 61% of UAE nationals said they would be open to working in an office environment, burnout, financial stress and cost of living were common concerns.
This study not only showcases the UAE's health outcomes, but also highlights the need for continuous improvement in stress management and mental health support.
Dr. Shady Habush, cardiologist at Saudi German Hospital in Dubai
“The Vitality Index is our most comprehensive metric in that it reflects both physical health as well as health care in a broader sense,” said Jerome Drosh of Cigna Healthcare. ” he said.
“It’s a very holistic aspect as it covers both the personal realm and the workplace.
“It is important to note that the UAE is once again well above average, well ahead of developed markets in Europe, and among the top three leading global economies.”
the value of learning
This study is based on the Evernorth Vitality Index, developed in collaboration with leading clinical psychologist Dr. Richard Ryan using his Self-Determination Theory and the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS).
This index measures eight dimensions of well-being and three components of SVS.
32% of UAE respondents reported high energy levels, which was a 7% decrease from the previous survey, although women showed slightly higher energy levels than men.
Millennials, ages 25 to 44, were the generation with the highest scores for overall vitality.
Intellectual and emotional well-being was a priority among UAE respondents, with 71% saying they valued learning new things and 65% looking forward to a new day. Environmental and social health is also important, with 63% feeling safe and comfortable in a place where they feel connected and able to form meaningful relationships.
However, stress in the UAE remains high at 89%, with 99% of respondents experiencing at least one episode of burnout.
Of those surveyed, 89% said they felt “always at work” and 32% said they regularly worked outside of normal hours, up from 46% in 2022. Diminished.
The study found that the cost of living crisis was the leading cause of stress (45%), followed by personal and family financial insecurity.
The survey found that 61% of people working full-time in an office and others in a hybrid arrangement experienced improved work-related stress.
“We are all seeing inflation rise around the world, including real estate rental prices, and a cost of living crisis,” Drosh said.
“Burnout is when people are in a serious situation where they can no longer work or require treatment or medication.
“It can lead to sleep problems, depression, and emotionality.”
Demand for mental health support to address symptoms of burnout has skyrocketed in recent years.
mental health support
In the UAE, the number of hospitalizations for mental health problems increased from 12.09 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 71.65 per 100,000 people in 2020.
Since then, more employers have stepped up to offer in-house support services, and even more health insurance companies have started offering mental health treatment.
Dr. Shady Habush, consultant cardiologist at Saudi German Hospital in Dubai, said Cigna's research showed that there is a clear holistic approach to health in the UAE.
“The Cigna Healthcare Vitality Survey shows that intellectual and emotional well-being are prioritized, with the majority of people valuing learning and looking forward to each new day.” he stated.
But Dr Habusch said the report also highlighted challenges such as high stress levels and burnout, highlighting areas that needed attention.
“This study not only showcases the UAE's health outcomes, but also highlights the need for continuous improvement in stress management and mental health support,” he added.
Updated: February 2, 2024, 3:00 AM
