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

Results of the survey interviewed 250 respondents in each of 4 selected regional markets (i.e. UAE, KSA, South Africa and Iran). In addition, 10 to 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 is 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. Ki Wan Kim, CEO of LG Electronics in Middle East and Africa, 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.

The results were revealed at the first annual MEA Healthcare Conference held in Dubai, where Mr Ki Wan Kim 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.

From his end, Managing Director of LG Electronics Levant, Mr. Kevin Cha, said, "We, at LG Electronics, 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."

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.

In Jordan, hospitals reported a high turnout of patients suffering from asthma and respiratory infections as a consequence of the Khamasini weather conditions (sand storms coming from the east) which affected the Kingdom during the months of March, April and May. In the Khamasini period, Al-Bashir hospital registered a 40% increase from seasonal average in the number of patients treated for asthma and other respiratory infections, while Ma'an Public Hospital reported an increase of 50% in number of patients. Unprompted survey responses in MEA region identified areas where technology can best prevent health issues, including dust removal in the home environment, refreshing air in the home, sterilization and allergy care among others.

These factors of modern living highlight the priorities and growing health and hygiene concerns of Middle East residents, including Jordan, as the region's socio-economic advancement continues.