Effect of 8-hour variable shift-work schedules on quality of sleep, work performance and general health

Data collected by combined self-administered questionnaires from 200 Kuwaiti males on variable shift-work and an equal number of males on straight one-shift-work at the Kuwait Oil Company [KOC] were studied over a 9-month period. Compared to men working a non-variable work schedule, those working variable shifts exhibited higher [P<0.0001] rates of heavy smoking, coffee/tea consumption, job stress and emotional problems. Variable shift-workers reported a significantly [P<0.0001] more persistent sleep disturbance of all dimensions, digestive complaints, decreased work performance and disruptive social life than did straight one-shift-workers. Forty-One percent complained of fatigue and 34% of poor concentration. They were also more prone to errors and accidents at work. The underlying psychophysiological factors are discussed. The need for a better occupational health system is emphasized

Noncompliance with treatments among psychiatric patients in Kuwait

One hundred and twenty psychiatric patients were discharged for outpatient treatment, of which 55% had prematurely discontinued their medications. Clinically, these patients were characterized as being young, single male individuals with diagnoses of schizophrenia and mania. Previous multiple hospital admissions were strongly associated with noncompliance. Fear of drug dependence, complex treatment regimen and social 'stigma' were the main reasons given by the patients for their noncompliance. The need for improved doctor-patient relationship and greater efforts toward public education is emphasized

Medical students' attitucle to psychiatry

A survey of attitudes to psychiatry was conducted on a group of 92 Kuwaiti senior medical students before and after a 6-week clerkship in psychiatry. A significant attitudinal change was observed in 4 of 18 items in a positive direction, while one item moved in an unfavorable direction. The percentage of students interested in a career in psychiatry rose from 2.2% prior to training to 8.7% after training. Poor working conditions, social stigma attached to mental illness, and low professional status were the main reasons given by students against specializing in psychiatry. Students' reasons for or against this subject are discussed

Effective reactions to breast cancer diagnosis among arab women

The psychiatric profiles of 40 women with early breast cancer [experimental sample] and a cancer sample of 40 women with other medical conditions [medical sample] were examined over a 6-month period. The breast cancer patients had a significantly higher affective reaction than patients with other medical conditions. They were also considerably less likely to have received adequate information about their illness. The underlying sociocultural factors are discussed. Means to promote communication between physicians and cancer sufferers are suggested. The need for an oncology liaison psychiatric service is emphasized