Caroline Barakat
PhD
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Health SciencesInternational environmental health expert leads research to improve health outcomes among adolescents and children.
Languages
English, French, Arabic
- PhD in Medical Geography, Environmental Health School of Geography and Earth Sciences McMaster University 2008
- MES in Environmental Studies Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University 2003
- BSc (Honours) Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Toronto 1993
Injuries, Motor Vehicles, and Adolescence: A Case Study from the United Arab Emirates
Doha, Qatar January 14, 2016The International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health – Qatar
Best Poster Award: Primary Healthcare Use and Healthcare Accessibility Among Adolescents: A Case Study from the United Arab Emirates
Doha, Qatar January 14, 2016The International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health – Qatar
Factors Linked to Tobacco Smoking Among Adolescents Who Reside in the United Arab Emirates
Doha, Qatar January 14, 2016The International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health – Qatar
Popping Pills. Over-the-counter Medication Use Among Adolescents: A Case Study from the United Arab Emirates
Doha, Qatar January 14, 2016The International Conference in Emergency Medicine and Public Health – Qatar
Environments and Health: Interplay of Biological, Physical, Social, Psychological, and Institutional Determinants Across the Life Course
Toronto, Ontario April 7, 2017Humboldt Colloquium “Excellence in Research"
Genetic Variation Associated With the Occurrence and Progression of Neurological Disorders
Published in NeuroToxicology October 1, 2016This paper presents an overview of genetic variation associated with the onset and progression of 14 neurological disorders, focusing primarily on association studies. The 14 disorders are heterogeneous in terms of their frequency, age of onset, etiology and progression. There is substantially less evidence on progression than onset. With regard to onset, the conditions are diverse in terms of their epidemiology and patterns of familial aggregation. While the muscular dystrophies and Huntington's disease are monogenic diseases, for the other 12 conditions only a small proportion of cases is associated with specific genetic syndromes or mutations.
A Systematic Review of Risk Factors Associated With Muscular Dystrophies
Published in NeuroToxicology March 24, 2016The purpose of this study was to systematically review, assess, and prioritize factors (including biological, socioeconomic, environmental, psychosocial, comorbid, and genetic) for the onset and natural progression of Muscular Dystrophy. Comprehensive review of current literature of these factors was carried out in order to provide a basis for policy makers to identify appropriate measures to mitigate the burden of disease in Canada.
View more - A Systematic Review of Risk Factors Associated With Muscular Dystrophies
Onset and Progression Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Published in NeuroToxicology April 5, 2016Current research has identified several factors thought to be associated with the onset and progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD); however, whether certain factors contribute to or are protective against PD remains unclear. As such, a systematic search of the literature was performed using variations of MeSH and keyword search terms to identify and summarize systematic reviews and primary studies pertaining to factors associated with the onset and progression of PD. Factors referred to both traditional risk factors and prodromal markers.
View more - Onset and Progression Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Onset Factors in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Published in NeuroToxicology April 1, 2016Studies have noted several factors associated with the occurrence of Cerebral Palsy (CP), yet considerable uncertainty remains about modifiable factors related to disease onset. A systematic review was performed to identify existing systematic reviews and primary studies pertaining to targeted factors associated with the onset of CP.
View more - Onset Factors in Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Air Quality and Respiratory Health among Adolescents from the United Arab Emirates
Published in Journal of Environmental and Public HealthThe purpose of this research is to examine the role of air quality in relation to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, wheeze, and dry cough among adolescents from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A survey was administered on 6,363 adolescents from 9 UAE regions. Data consists of demographic, socioeconomic, residential, and behavioural variables, such as location of residence, residing near industry/gas stations/dumpsites/construction sites, residing near overhead power line/plants, exposure to tobacco, residential exposure, ethnicity, concern over air pollution, smoking, and purposely smelling gasoline fumes/glue/correctors/car exhaust/burning black ants.
View more - Air Quality and Respiratory Health among Adolescents from the United Arab Emirates
Geographic Variations in the Predictors of Asthma, Wheeze, and Dry Nocturnal Cough Among Adolescents from the United Arab Emirates
Published in Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology April 1, 2015This study aims to determine the prevalence of asthma, wheeze and dry nocturnal cough, and also to assess predictors of these health outcomes among adolescents from nine different geographic regions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Guided by the population health framework, analysis focused on responses to select items from a survey that was administered on 6,363 UAE adolescents.
Primary Health Care Use and Health Care Accessibility Among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates
Published in Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal March 1, 2015This study examined primary health care use and accessibility among adolescents living in the United Arab Emirates. In a cross-sectional study, we collected health care use, sociodemographic and residential data for a sample of 6363 adolescents.
Childhood Exposure to Air Pollution as a Potential Contributor of Chronic Non-Respiratory Inflammatory Disorders: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study in Hamilton, Canada
Published in Journal of Environmental Protection July 20, 2013This study examines the relationship between childhood exposure to air pollution and diagnosis with chronic non-respiratory health outcomes in adulthood. This prospective cohort study uses data collected in the 1970/1980s from 395 children, including exposure to air pollution. Over thirty years later, a survey collected data on various health outcomes, including diagnosis with arthritis, high blood pressure, long-term skin conditions, and hay fever allergies.
Injuries Among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates
Published in Injury Prevention January 1, 2013This study examines the profile of injuries among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and identifies related factors associated with injury. A cross-sectional study design determined incidence of injury for a sample of 6363 adolescents. Data collected information on injury in the past 12 months, socio-demographic, behavioural and sensory data.
View more - Injuries Among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates
Book Chapter: Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors in a Migrant Population
Published in Advances in Sociology Research Volume 16 January 1, 2015This continuing series presents original leading edge research results in the field of sociology. Each chapter has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial advances across a broad spectrum. Included in this compilation are topics such as adolescent health risk behaviors in a migrant population; parent’s religious involvement, family socialization and adolescent behavioral problems in Hong Kong; social production of resilience and adjustment in social service users; foster caregiver perceptions of schooling problems; patriotism and Shanghai’s cooperation with Hong Kong; the dynamics of disability sport identity development; sociological developments in the history of health and illness; and suicide in India.
Provost's Research Fellowship Award
June 1, 2009Notably, Dr. Barakat-Haddad was the inaugural winner of the Provost’s Research Fellowship Award, for her research entitled: 'A National Study of Population Health in the United Arab Emirates: Geographical Differences in Exposures and Outcomes,' while serving as an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences, Zayed University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Chair
Geography of Health and Health Care Specialty Group July 1, 2016The official study group of the Canadian Association of Geographers, it provides information and support to an active membership of over 100 academic, professional, and student geographers in Canada and beyond.
Editorial Board Member
Universal Journal of Public Health January 1, 2013An international peer-reviewed journal that publishes original and high-quality research papers in all areas of public health, and an important academic exchange platform to keep scientists and researchers informed about the current academic trends and seek valuable primary sources for reference.
Examining and Addressing Constraints to Sport Participation among Ethnically Diverse Female Adolescents $84,642
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and Sport Canada January 1, 2017Dr. Barakat-Haddad is a co-investigator of this three-year research project which aims to increase sport participation among adolescent girls, particularly those of ethnic minorities. Sport is associated with better long-term adherence than general exercise or physical activity. Creating an evidence-based program that incorporates the needs of adolescent ethnic minority goals is important to ensure engagement.
Examining Constraints to Sport Participation among Ethnically Diverse Female Adolescents from Durham Region, Ontario $15K Award
Women’s Xchange March 1, 2016Dr. Barakat-Haddad is a co-investigator of this one-year research project which aims to increase sport participation among adolescent girls, particularly those of ethnic minorities.
EduTox Video Challenge $24900
Health Canada April 1, 2015This national video challenge creates a platform to raise youth awareness of environmental toxicants found in products they use on a regular basis. http://sandboxproject.ca/edutox#!/
Canadian Association of Geographers
American Association of Geographers
- Environmental and Occupational Health (HLSC 4809U)
4th Year Undergraduate Course - Public Health I Online (Course Code to Come.)
- Research Methods for Health Professionals (HLSC 3910U)
3rd Year Undergraduate Course - Applied Biostatistics for the Health Sciences (HLSC 5118G)
Graduate Course
