Modern living sparks health and hygiene concerns amongst 80% of residents in Middle East

Results of the survey, which interviewed 250 respondents in each of 4 selected regional markets i.e. UAE, KSA, South Africa and Iran.

In addition 10 - 15 doctors and healthcare officials also participated in this study, showing a growing concern for healthy and hygienic living, as 80% of residents consider there are more health problems now than in the past, and on average the same proportion of people are increasingly concerned by its implications.

Commenting on the research, Mr. K. W. Kim, President of LG Electronics Gulf, said:

"This year's research highlights a growing awareness of health and hygiene issues and a clear connection with the growing socio-economic affluence in the Middle East."

In the UAE - where ozone levels in many areas are registering above guidelines set by the World Health Organisation - 88% of people highlight respiratory problems as the highest concern and diagnosed cases have risen 8.2% since 2005 . Dust, pollution and bacteria in the air are identified by residents as the main causes of the problem.

Nutrition issues are also a major concern in the UAE, followed by skin concerns, although the study revealed that two-thirds of the population (63%) are not prepared to exercise in order to balance their choice of food intake. Official figures show that over 60% of Emirati nationals are overweight and as many as one in seven children under the age of 5 is seriously deficient in essential nutrients , largely due to a changing and more affluent lifestyle that has increased access to and consumption of fast foods and carbonated drinks.

Contaminated foods, bad refrigeration of foods and a lack of fresh goods available are highlighted as the top three contributors to nutrition-related problems in the region. Lack of physical exercise ranks fifth of seven issues identified, with just 32% identifying it as a factor in dietary health.

The results were revealed at the first annual MEA Healthcare Conference held in Dubai today where Mr Ki Wan Kim, CEO of LG Electronics MEA, launched the latest additions to its popular Healthcare Collection of digital household appliances. Mr Kim was joined by keynote speakers from the Department of Health and Johnson & Johnson, as well as a panel of academic and medical experts presenting a series of medical lectures on respiratory, skin and nutrition concerns affecting the region.

The forum focused on addressing issues that are specifically relevant to local populations and supports practical advancements in health and hygiene at home and in the workplace.

"Lifestyles in the Middle East region have changed dramatically over recent years, influencing the way people live, their diets and habits, what products are available in the shops and the environmental conditions that affect health at work and at home," said Mr Kim.

"We also see a firm belief amongst the population that home appliance technology can have a positive role in combating these issues that result from this progress. LG strives to remain a pioneer of technology, especially when it comes to issues that really matter to our customers. Health is at the very root of all of our concerns, and so forms the basis for innovation in LG's home appliance product development," he added.

Developed with input from the LG-Synovate survey findings, the eight new products are specifically designed to address the needs of today's Middle East households and provide optimum hygiene in the home and office environment. The product range includes the Macro washing machine, Eddy dishwasher, Shine refrigerator, Titan Premium and Titan Air Cruiser air conditioner, Steam Kompressor Plus vacuum cleaner, Solardom lightweight oven and the Airbus air purifier.

Across the Middle East, the majority of those surveyed view home appliance technology as having an impact in tackling health issues, particularly those relating to nutrition and respiration. In the UAE 75% of residents believe that new home appliances can have a positive impact on health.

Unprompted survey responses identifying areas where technology can best prevent these health issues included removing dust in the home environment, refreshing air in the home, preserving food freshness and nutritional value, and sterilization and allergy care. These factors of modern living highlight the priorities and growing health and hygiene concerns of Middle East residents as the region's socio-economic advancement continues.