Shubair, Mamdouh

PhD (University of Waterloo)

Associate Professor
Disability Management Graduate Coordinator
Phone
Office
10-3582
Campus
Prince George

Biography

Dr. Mamdouh Shubair is a population and public health epidemiologist. Dr. Shubair started his faculty appointment in the Health Sciences Programs at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø in January 2009. He came from McMaster University where he was teaching at the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics. At ÂÜÀòÉäÇø, Dr. Shubair's research and teaching interests are focused around chronic disease epidemiology, particularly obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Rural/Remote and Aboriginal populations. Mamdouh is also interested in Disability Management issues where he supervises several graduate students in the Disability Management (DISM) program.

Research and Expertise

Chronic disease epidemiology; cardiovascular health promotion; trucking research; health, safety and wellness (HS&W) of long-haul truck drivers; Men's Health; type II diabetes (T2D) prevention and management; sleep apnea; Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).

Research Fields
  • Cardiovascular
  • Health and Well-being
Areas of Expertise
Epidemiology, Population and Public Health
Languages Spoken
  • English
Not accepting graduate students

Selected Publications

Relevant research contributions

My research focuses on diabetes and cardiovascular disease and I have developed a research program and a strong interest in Men’s Health. In northern British Columbia (BC), truck driving is a very common occupation and I have been working with partner organizations, such as SafetyDriven, WorkSafe BC, Transport Canada, and Northern Health Authority (NHA) to begin implementing health promotion programs in this population. I have also made significant Contributions in the following areas which are all important in studies of the health and wellness of truck drivers, and other international populations:

Refereed contributions

Peer-reviewed published articles

Epidemiology of Diabetes

Aldossari KK, Shubair MM, Al-Zahrani JM, Al Duraywish AA, Alahmary K, Bahkali S, Aloudah SM, Almustanyir S, Al-Rizqi L, El-Zahaby SA, Toivola P, El-Metwally A. The Association between Chronic Pain and Diabetes/Prediabetes. A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia. Manuscript submitted to Pain Research and Management Journal on February 5, 2020; Accepted with minor revisions on April 15, 2020; revised April 29, 2020; Accepted on May 6, 2020; and Published June 24, 2020. Available at:  

Co-author role: conceptualized research questions, analyzed data, wrote the methods and results sections of the manuscript, and reviewed/edited the final manuscript draft before submission.

Shubair MM, McCrory C, Reschny J, Tobin PK. Elderly Men and Health Service Provision for Type 2 Diabetes Management: Synthesis of Knowledge Gaps and Identification of Research Needs. Submitted to Journal of Men’s Health (JOMH) on May 6, 2018; revised July 18, 2018; Accepted August 8, 2018; and Published August 23, 2018. Available at:  

Lead/first author role: conceptualized research questions, analyzed data, wrote the methods, results, discussion and conclusion sections of the manuscript, and reviewed/edited the final manuscript draft before submission.

Overweight and Obesity, Dietary factors, and Men’s Health

Al-Ghamdi SH, Shubair MM, Al-Diab AI, Al-Zahrani JM, Aldossari KK, Househ M, Nooruddin S, Abdul Razzak H, El-Metwally A. Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Based on The Body Mass Index: A Cross-Section Study in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Manuscript submitted to Lipids in Health and Disease Journal on January 15, 2018; revised April 15, 2018; Accepted May 15, 2018; and Published June 5, 2018. Available at:  

Co-author role: conceptualized research questions, analyzed data, wrote the methods and results sections of the manuscript, and reviewed/edited the final manuscript draft before submission.

Shubair MM, Scott J. Challenges and Barriers Experienced by Prince George Parents in Providing Opportunities for Children to Engage in Healthy Eating and Active Living: A Men’s Health Parents Perspective. Submitted March 15, 2017; revised June 21, 2017; Accepted and Published July 17, 2017. Journal of Men’s Health (JOMH); 13(1): e38-e46. Available at:  

Lead/first author role: conceptualized research questions, analyzed data, wrote the methods, results, discussion and conclusion sections of the manuscript, and reviewed/edited the final manuscript draft before submission.

Shubair MM, Demenoff S (submitted December 28, 2015; revised April 7, 2016; Accepted April 8, 2016). A Primary Care Initiative for Cancer Survivorship: A Case Study of Cancer in Obese Men. Journal of Men’s Health (JOMH); 12(2): 6-14. Available at:

Lead/first author role: conceptualized research questions, analyzed data, wrote the methods, results, discussion and conclusion sections of the manuscript, and reviewed/edited the final manuscript draft before submission.

Psychological Distress, Workplace Health, and Disability Management

El-Metwally A, Javad S, Abdul Razzak H, Aldossari KK, Al-Theyab AI, Al-Ghamdi SH, Househ M, Shubair MM, Al-Zahrani JM. The Factor Structure of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) in a Representative Population-Based Sample in Saudi Arabia. Manuscript submitted to BMC Health Services Research on December 5, 2017, revised July 7, 2018; Accepted July 14, 2018; and Published August 2, 2018. Available at:  

Co-author role: reviewed final draft of the manuscript, revised/commented on the discussion section, and made future recommendations based on study findings.

Shubair MM, & Lytvyak E. Proactive Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Workplace: A Scopus Review from a Disability Management Perspective (Accepted May 2, 2015). International Journal of Disability, Community & Rehabilitation; Volume 14, No. 1. Published online June 30, 2015; Available at: ISSN 1703-3381

Lead/first author role: conceptualized research questions, analyzed data, wrote the methods, results, discussion and conclusion sections of the manuscript, and reviewed/edited the final manuscript draft before submission.

Conference proceedings and published abstracts

Shubair MM, Ahmed Y. Mediterranean Diet Pattern and its Relationship to Overweight and Obesity: A Multi-Ethnic Study in a Northwestern Canada Region. Abstract submitted June 29, 2019 to the ‘Joint National and International Conference on Obesity and Related Chronic Diseases’ (ANZOS-ASLM-ICCR 2019). ANZOS=Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society; ASLM=Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine; ICCR=International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk. Abstract accepted August 5, 2019 and presented at the ANZOS-ASLM-ICCR 2019 held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Sydney, Australia, on October 16-18, 2019 (Oral presentation).

Odulaja O, Shubair MM, Bigelow P, Crizzle A, Galavan E, Thiffault P. Truck Drivers Access to Health, Safety, and Wellness Programs in British Columbia, Canada. Abstract Accepted March 14, 2019 and presented at the 12th Health Disparities Conference held at the University of Louisiana April 8-10, 2019, New Orleans, LA (Poster presentation).

Shubair MM, Bigelow P, Galavan E, Crizzle A, Thiffault P. Long-Haul Truck Drivers: Evaluation of Best Practice Evidence in Health Promotion, Safety and Wellness Programs in British Columbia. Abstract Accepted July 5, 2018 and presented at the CARWH 2018: the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health Conference held at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in downtown Vancouver, BC on October 21-23, 2018 (Oral presentation).

Shubair MM, Bigelow P, Crizzle A. Integrated Health Protection and Promotion Programs for Truck Drivers in British Columbia, Canada. Abstract Accepted January 5, 2018 and presented at the 2nd International Total Worker Health Symposium/Conference held at the Natcher Conference Center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland on May 8-11, 2018 (Oral presentation).

Other refereed contributions

Peer-reviewed technical reports

Crizzle AM, Mirsosseini N, Bigelow P, Shubair MM, Zello G, Thiffault P. A Neglected Sector: Improving the Health and Wellness of Long-Haul Truck Drivers in Alberta. Final Technical Report prepared for the Government of Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Project #095237350 (submitted May 15, 2020).

Shubair MM (PI), Odulaja O, MSc (PhD Candidate), Bigelow P (Co-PI), PhD, Galavan E, Crizzle A, PhD, Thiffault P, PhD. Examination of the Safety Climate and Health Culture within Trucking Companies in British Columbia and Canada: An Exploratory Study. Final Technical Report prepared for WorkSafe BC (submitted July 31, 2019).

Other research contributions

Conference presentations to academic, non-academic (general public, policy makers, private sector, non-for-profit organizations)

Odulaja, O., Shubair, M. M., Bigelow, P., Crizzle, A., Galavan, E., Thiffault, P. (2019, April 8-10). Truck Drivers Access to Health, Safety, and Wellness Programs in British Columbia, Canada. Abstract Accepted March 14, 2019 and presented at the 12th Health Disparities Conference held at the University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA (Poster presentation).

Crizzle, A. M., Madani-Larijani, M., Malkin, J., Zello, G., Bigelow, P., Shubair, M. M., Thiffault, P. (2019, May 26-29). Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Canadian Long-Haul Truck Drivers. Abstract submitted November 23, 2018, accepted January 10, 2019 and presented at the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP) 2019 Conference held at the Hotel Arts in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Oral presentation).

Shubair, M. M., Bigelow, P., Galavan, E., Crizzle, A., Thiffault, P. (2018, October 21-23). Long-Haul Truck Drivers: Evaluation of Best Practice Evidence in Health Promotion, Safety and Wellness Programs in British Columbia. Abstract submitted April 21, 2018 and accepted July 5, 2018. Presented at the 2018 Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health (CARWH) Conference held at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in downtown Vancouver, BC (Oral presentation).

Shubair, M. M., McCrory, C., Reschny, J. & Tobin, K. (2018, November 10-14). Elderly Men and Health Service Provision for Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Critical Analysis and Knowledge Gaps. Abstract submitted February 19, 2018 and accepted June 4, 2018. Presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA) 2018 Annual Meeting and Exposition Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California (Poster presentation).

Most significant career research contributions

Note: The selected published work below highlights significant contributions to the research literature in areas of clinical and public health importance for chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, men’s health cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the body of research work below were published in high-impact journals and/or book chapters with leading experts/pioneers in respective research fields.

Epidemiology of Diabetes

Shubair MM (2011). Type 2 Diabetes in the Workplace: Canadian and United States Perspectives. In D. Harder & T. Geisen (Eds.), Disability Management and Workplace Integration (pp. 1-250). Surrey, England, Gower Publishing Ltd.

Kaczorowski J, Shubair M & Kaczorowski M (2012). Fast Food and the Global Epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes: Are We Doomed to Become Obese and Develop Diabetes? In M.R. Bishop (Eds.), Chocolate, Fast Foods and Sweeteners: Consumption and Health (pp. 1-344). New York, NY, Nova Publishers, Inc.

Overweight and Obesity and Dietary factors

Shubair MM, Kodis J, McKelvie RS, Arthur HM, & Sharma AM (2004). Metabolic Profile and Exercise Capacity Outcomes: Their Relationship to Overweight and Obesity in a Canadian Cardiac Rehabilitation Setting. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation; 24: 405-413.

Shubair M, Kodis J, McKelvie R, & Sharma A (2003): Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in a Canadian Cardiac Rehabilitation Setting. Obesity Research; 11: A128.\

Shubair MM, McColl RS, & Hanning RM (2005). Mediterranean Dietary Components and Body Mass Index in Adults: The Peel Nutrition and Heart Health Survey. Chronic Diseases in Canada; 26(2-3): 43-51.

Men’s health and cardiovascular risk factors

Shubair MM, & Gagne A. Analysis and Reporting of Early Intervention Screening Program Data Related to Cardiovascular Health Among Men in Northern British Columbia: A Working Paper. Northern Health Authority (NHA), Prince George, BC, Canada (October 19, 2011).

Shubair MM, & Gagne A (2013): The Health of Men in Northern British Columbia: Results of a Cardiovascular Risk Factor Screening Survey. Canadian Journal of Diabetes; 37: S266.\

Shubair MM, Prabhakaran P, Pavlova V, Velianou JL, Sharma AM, & Natarajan MK (2006). The Relationship of Body Mass Index to Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Journal of Interventional Cardiology; 19(5): 388-395.

Contributions to training as Supervisor/Co-Supervisor

Jennifer Tippett, Master’s (MSc) in Health Sciences (September 2016 to April 2020), School of Health Sciences, University of Northern BC (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø)

Project Title: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Alcohol Consumption, Gender, and the Odds of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias in the Community-Dwelling Canadian Population. Role: MSc Thesis Co-Supervisor.

James F. Campbell, Doctoral (PhD) in Health Sciences (September 2015 to October 2020), School of Health Sciences, ÂÜÀòÉäÇø

Project title: Rehospitalization Risk Factors for Mental Health and Substance Use in Northern British Columbia. Role: PhD Thesis Co-Supervisor.

I am the Disability Management (DISM) Graduate Coordinator (Supervisor) for several DISM graduate students since September 2016 in the School of Health Sciences at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø (September 2016 to present).