RESUMEN
The objective of this study was to assess the computer literacy of primary health care [PHC] practitioners, current usage of computers and doctors' attitudes toward future computer applications in their practice in Kuwait. One hundred and two doctors from clinics in the Capital Health Area completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The results showed that 36% of PHC practitioners are computer users; 19% use them for educational purposes, and 13%, for research. Seven percent of PHC practitioners currently use the Internet. Computer usage is confined mostly to the home environment; very few doctors [5%] use a computer at work. PHC practitioners showed a positive attitude towards computer learning and training. The majority of doctors [93%] had intentions of learning about computers in the near future. This study suggests that while the rate of computer use is relatively low among physicians, the desire to increase usage is firm. Consequently, health authorities committed to improving the quality of health care delivery may consider financially subsidizing the acquisition of hardware by, and computer training for, PHC practitioners