The Human Nutrition Department at Qatar University (QU) hosted significant final thesis defense presentations for its master's students. This prestigious event showcased the culmination of extensive research and academic dedication by four exceptional students who successfully defended their theses.
The event featured comprehensive presentations on a diverse range of topics within the field of human nutrition, reflecting months of rigorous research. The Human Nutrition Department praised each student's work for its contribution to advancing knowledge and understanding of critical nutritional issues in Qatar.
Shrooq Ismail presented a thesis titled "Relation Between Breast Milk Content of Total Aflatoxin and the Sociodemographic and Nutritional Status of Lactating Mothers in Qatar." The study revealed significant findings regarding aflatoxin levels in human milk samples from lactating mothers in Qatar. The study highlighted that a notable proportion of these samples contained aflatoxin levels above acceptable limits. Importantly, the research identified an inverse relationship between traditional dietary patterns, particularly coffee and tea consumption, and milk aflatoxin levels, suggesting potential protective factors against contamination. Dr. Maya Bassil, supervised this study under the guidance of committee members Dr. Layal Karam, Dr. Mujahed Shraim, and Dr. Nisreen Alwan.
For her part, the student Juod Ali Alalwani presented a study titled "Assessment of Energy and Macro- and Micronutrient Intake, and Dietary Patterns among Arab MASLD Patients Living in Qatar." The study examined patients in Qatar with Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). It found that the people who took part in the study ate a lot of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, but not enough of some important vitamins, like K, E, and A. They also didn't get enough calcium and magnesium compared to what their bodies should get every day. Despite no significant association with BMI or LDL levels, the study highlighted excessive fat and refined grain consumption in dietary patterns. Dr. Reema Tayyem, supervised this study along with the committee members Dr. Maya Bassil, Dr. Zumin Shi, and Dr. Yousef Khater.
The student, Aya Sukik, showcased her study titled "Association between Socio-demographics and Nutrition Knowledge in Relation to Dietary Adherence and Metabolic Control in Homocystinuria Patients in Qatar." The study explored the relationship between socio-demographics, nutrition knowledge, dietary adherence, and metabolic control in Qatari patients with Homocystinuria. The study revealed a close relationship between achieving optimal metabolic control, protein intake levels, the patient's age, and the caregiver's nutrition knowledge. Dr. Maya Bassil supervised this significant research, with committee members Dr. Hiba Bawadi, Dr. Khalid Bashir, and Suhad Abu-Mweis.
Sereen El-Jazzar presented her study titled "Assessment of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Other Risk Factors of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Arab Adults Living in Qatar." The study assessed various dietary habits, physical activity, and lifestyle factors in relation to Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) among Arab adults in Qatar. The study identified significant associations between dietary habits, such as snacking, meal timing, and eating out, and indicators of liver disease, underscoring the importance of lifestyle factors in liver health. Dr. Reema Tayyem supervised this insightful research, along with committee members Dr. Tahra El-Obeid, Dr. Atiyeh Abdallah, and Dr. Narmeen Al-Awwad.
The four research projects conducted in various government hospitals in Doha have significantly expanded our knowledge and understanding of critical issues in Qatar's human nutrition field. The students' findings hold promise for addressing key challenges and advancing the field.
The successful defense presentations would not have been possible without the guidance and mentorship provided by the supervisors, as well as the valuable insights shared by the esteemed committee members. Their expertise and support have been instrumental in shaping the students' research and academic growth.
The Human Nutrition Department at QU takes immense pride in these exceptional students' accomplishments. Their master's theses were successfully completed, a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.