Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Kuwaiti children and adolescents

To determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among 6- to 18-year-old Kuwaiti children. Children with type 2 diabetes were identified at 182 schools [50 primary, 63 intermediate, and 69 secondary] randomly selected using the 2000/2001 educational districts' registers as a sampling frame. Prevalence rates were adjusted to the 2002 Kuwaiti population. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was based on the World Health Organization and the American Diabetes Association criteria. Type 2 diabetes was identified in 45 of the 128,918 children surveyed, thereby giving an overall prevalence of 34.9 per 100,000 [95% confidence interval [CI] 24.7-45.1]. There was a significant difference in prevalence between males [47.3, 95% CI 28.7-65.8] and females [26.3, 95% CI 14.8-37.8] at p = 0.05 and a significant trend for an increase in prevalence of type 2 diabetes with age [p = 0.026]. The overall age-adjusted prevalence rate in the 2002 Kuwaiti population was 33.2 [95% CI 26.6-39.9], 41.6 [95% CI 31.2-52.0] in male and 24.6 [95% CI 16.4-32.7] in female children; the difference was significant at p = 0.013. There was no significant difference in prevalence between regions. Children with type 2 diabetes had a significantly higher frequency [51.1%] of a positive family history of diabetes than children of a similar age without type 2 diabetes [22.2%] [p = 0.004]. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adult Kuwaitis is spreading to children and adolescents, making it an emergency public health problem. Efforts need to be initiated to address prevention strategies of type 2 diabetes in youth

Pattern of postgraduate specialization of Kuwaiti medical graduates throughout the last 30 years

The study examines postgraduate specialty training of Kuwaiti medical graduates during the period 1968 to 1999, identifies their attained professional qualifications in order to reveal scarcity in some specialties. A survey was carried out involving review of the records maintained at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization [KIMS] and Ministry of Health for all the trainees who were enrolled in higher training programs for specialization during the study. Information obtained from the records were ascertained through matching with the doctors' career destinations and employment in the recruitment departments of the health sector. Ascertained data included gender, year and awarding country, level of attained qualifications [medium: Diploma and M.Sc.; higher clinical: fellowship/membership: MRCP, FRCS, MRCOG, Boards of Kuwait, Canada, USA, Germany; and higher academic qualification: Ph.D.]. A total of 679 [363 males, 316 females] Kuwaiti medical graduates attained their higher postgraduate qualifications until year 1999. There was an excess of female postgraduates since 1993, and a drop in 1991 due to the Gulf War. Specialty differed according to gender males mostly opted for medicine and surgery, while females mainly chose obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and family medicine. The nature of postgraduate qualifications differed according to gender, fewer females undertook academic qualifications. Also, the awarding country differed according to gender: females obtained their qualifications mostly from Kuwait or UK, while males were mainly awarded by Canadian, American or German universities. Scarcity in some clinical specialities was apparent: subspecialities in surgery [vascular, pediatric, h and, chest, laparoscopic, neurosurgery and oncology]; pediatric [nephrology, respiratory, cardiology, and neonatology]; psychiatry, occupational medicine, and immunology. The number of Kuwaiti medical graduates with higher professional qualifications significantly increased after 1985 due to the establishment of KIMS and Kuwait Faculty of Medicine. Excess of female postgraduates since 1993 was due to the social and cultural transitions witnessed by Kuwait resulting in rapid urbanization, changing the structure and content of education, increasing the numbers of females employed, professional redistribution in social dimensions, and modification in life style. Gender significantly affected the nature of postgraduate studies, the awarding countries and the choice of specialty. The pattern of preference of Kuwaiti graduates to specialties was consistent with other parts of the world; males opted mainly to internal medicine and surgery, while females preferred obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and family medicine. Scarcity in some specialties has been revealed and needs to be adjusted

role of national medical education in Kuwait

This study highlights the role of national medical education in the promotion of medical manpower. This was emphasized through tracking the development in the size and professional structure of the main category of the Kuwait national health care delivery system, the physicians, throughout the years 1996 to 2001. Data were ascertained from three sources: Department of Vital and Health Statistics and Department of Manpower, Ministry of Health for data on physicians, and Department of Statistics and Information Sector, Ministry of Planning, Kuwait for data on population. The study revealed increasing trends toward employment of Kuwaiti female physicians, employment of Kuwaiti physicians to upper and lower ranks, and rarity of Kuwaiti physicians in some specialties, such as anesthesia. The study emphasized the role of national medical education in increasing the number of Kuwaiti graduates. Moreover, the study highlighted the apparent influence of KIMS in enhancement of higher medical specialization training programs as witnessed by the predominance of Kuwaiti physicians in the leading job categories. Besides, the study generated essential information required for planning the qualitative and quantitative pattern of the higher specialization programs

Rating errors in the assessment of clinical competence of newly graduated doctors

Clinicians and academicians attached to health care institutions who share the responsibility for training medical graduates, need to guard against common errors of measurement when assessing trainees' competencies. This study aims to identify the rating errors that may occur during the assessment of the clinical competence of interns. Trainers assigned responsibility for the internship program assessed the competencies of 45 internship trainees in the March 2002 cohort in six domains [case presentation, clinical skills, diagnosis, therapy, [h and ling of emergencies and professional behavior] using a structured format provided. Competencies related to different clinical problems were rated under 1 = Unsatisfactory, 2 = Below expected st and ard, 3 = At expected st and ard, 4 = Above expected st and ard or 5 = Excellent. 4868 assessments were made of the performances of 45 interns who completed rotations in Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics. 66% of all ratings fell in Excellent category [mean = 4, mode = 5]. The rotations in Surgery and Pediatrics elicited more Excellent ratings [37.6% and 31.8% respectively] than other specialties. Of all trainers, Registrars allocated the highest proportion [46%] of Excellent ratings. When considering the number of trainers in each category Excellent ratings had been assigned to a high extent by Assistant Registrars [72%], and Registrars [70%] A high proportion of the ratings given by the trainers fell at the upper end of the Rating Scale. This could be a result of the assessments being affected by errors of leniency, compromizing their usefulness. It is desirable that the heads of the respective Clinical Departments take steps to organize appropriate training programs so that the trainers improve their knowledge in the concepts underlying the assessment of clinical competencies and skills and methods of the use of the instruments

Health vision 2020. Workforce needs of health professionals in Kuwait. Part III-Pharmacists

Pharmacists contribute to reducing the cost of health care while at the same time improving patients' use of medications and health outcomes. Pharmacists play an important role in counseling patients, and reducing medication errors. The aims of the study were to: 1. describe the size of the workforce of pharmacists during the years 2000 to 2005; 2. project the future demand of pharmacists, with special reference to the supply of Kuwaiti pharmacists during the years 2006 to 2020. Local and international data on demand and supply of pharmacists were retrieved. Data on actual population and supply of pharmacists during the years 2000 to 2005 were used to project the future demand of pharmacists during the period 2006 to 2020. Population projections were derived using an exponential average annual population growth rate. The future need for pharmacists was projected using the average pharmacists: population ratio during 2000 to 2005, of one pharmacist to 1,613 population [equivalent to 0.6231 pharmacist: 1000 population]. The projected number of Kuwaiti pharmacists at a given year was calculated by incrementing the number of Kuwaiti pharmacists of the previous year by 9.44%, the average annual growth rate of Kuwaiti pharmacists during 2000 to 2005. Projections for the demand of pharmacists were also computed based on the UK ratio of 0.5891 pharmacist: 1000 population [equivalent to one pharmacist to 1698 population. The average annual growth rate of 9.44% for Kuwaiti pharmacists indicates that the number of Kuwaiti pharmacists is increasing. However, there is a gap between the numbers of Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti pharmacists. Of the total demand of pharmacists in year 2005, Kuwaiti pharmacists constituted 18.4%, mostly employed by the Ministry of Health. Disparity between the number of Kuwaiti pharmacists available and total demand for pharmacists is expected to become wider if the health authorities were to improve the pharmacist: population ratio to the values that exist in industrialized countries such as UK. It is unlikely that the supply of Kuwaiti pharmacists will meet the projected demand until the year 2020. To minimize the gap between the total demand and the supply of Kuwaiti pharmacists, it is desirable that the Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University consider increasing the annual intake of students, and the Ministry of Higher Education increase the number of scholarships offered for pharmacy education

Health vision 2020. Workforce needs of health professionals in Kuwait. Part IV-Allied Health Professionals

Allied health professionals [AHPs] are a critical resource in any health care system. Shortages in their availability can restrict access to needed health services and may potentially reduce the quality of care. AHPs are central to the modernization of the health care delivery system. Often, they are the first point of contact for patients, reducing waiting time, and helping the latter to recover from disease states. The aims of the study were to: [1] describe the size of the AHPs workforce in Kuwait during the years 2001 to 2005; [2] project the future demand of AHPs, with special reference to the supply of Kuwaiti AHPs during the years 2006 to 2020. Local and international data on demand and supply of AHPs were retrieved. Data on the actual population and supply of AHPs during the years 2001 to 2005 were used to project the future demand of AHPs during the period 2006 to 2020. Population projections were derived using an exponential average annual population growth rate. The future need for AHPs was projected using the population ratio during 2001 to 2005, of one AHP to 358 population [equivalent to 2.7909 AHPs to 1000 population]. The projected number of Kuwaiti AHPs at a given year was calculated by incrementing the number of Kuwaiti AHPs of the previous year by 8.82%, the average annual growth rate of Kuwaiti AHPs during 2001 to 2005. Projections for the demand of AHPs were also computed based on the Australian ratio of 7.3 AHPs: 1000 population [equivalent to one AHP to 137 population]. The average annual growth rate of 8.82% for Kuwaiti AHPs indicates that the number of Kuwaiti AHPs is increasing. Of the total demand of AHPs in year 2005, Kuwaiti AHPs constituted 48.2%, mostly employed by the Ministry of Health. Assuming that the 2005 AHPs to population ratio will continue to be the same and no new AHP specialties will be introduced, it is projected that the number of Kuwaiti AHPs will be equal to the number of non-Kuwaiti AHPs by year 2007. By year 2018 Kuwaiti AHPs will constitute the majority in the profession. However, the number of Kuwaiti AHPs available is unlikely to meet the total demand if the health authorities were to improve the AHPs: population ratio to the values in affluent countries such as Australia by establishing the needed AHP specialties that do not exist in Kuwait at present. There is a gap between the projected numbers of AHPs in Kuwait and affluent countries such as Australia due to the numerous non-existing AHPs specialties. There is a need to introduce new AHP specialties for the improvement of patients' health care. The education authorities in Kuwait, namely the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and the Public Authority for Applied Education have the responsibility to introduce innovative allied health training programs similar to those existing in the developed countries. Also, more scholars for new allied health technologists should be supported by the Ministry of Higher Education

Prevalence of type 1 diabetes among 6- to 18- year- old Kuwaiti children

To determine the prevalence of type 1 diabetes among 6- to 18-year-old Kuwaiti children according to gender, age, and region. Subjects and Children with type 1 diabetes aged 6-18 years were identified at 182 schools [50 primary, 63 intermediate, and 69 secondary] in Kuwait during the study period October 2000 to September 2002. Schools were randomly selected using the 2000/01 educational districts' registers as sampling frame proportional to the number of schools in each district. Prevalence rates were adjusted to the 2002 Kuwaiti population. Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was based on the World Health Organization, and the American Diabetes Association criteria. Prevalence of type 1 diabetes was 269.9 per 100,000 [95% confidence interval, CI 241.6-298.3]. There was no significant difference in prevalence between male [247.6, 95% CI 205.2-290.0] and female [285.5, 95% CI 247.5-323.5]. Type 1 diabetes was more prevalent in the age group 10-13 years [347.3], and lowest in the age group 6-9 years [182.6] per 100,000; the difference was significant at p < 0.001. The overall age-adjusted prevalence rate was 252.9 [95% CI 234.6-271.2], 229.1 [95% CI 204.6-253.6] in male and 277.4 [95% CI 250.0-304.7] in female children in the 2002 Kuwaiti population. The mean age at onset was 9.2, and 8.1 years in male and female children, respectively [p = 0.018]. There was no significant difference in prevalence between regions. Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease in Kuwaiti children

Rating errors in the assessment of clinical competence of newly graduated doctors

Clinicians and academicians attached to health care institutions, who share the responsibility for training medical graduates, need to guard against common errors of measurement when assessing trainees' competencies. This study aims to identify the rating errors that may occur during the assessment of the clinical competence of interns. Trainers assigned responsibility for the internship program assessed the competencies of 45 internship trainees in the March 2002 cohort in six domains [case presentation, clinical skills, diagnosis, therapy, handling of emergencies and professional behavior] using a structured format provided. Competencies related to different clinical problems were rated under 1 = Unsatisfactory, 2 = Below expected standard, 3 = At expected standard, 4 = Above expected standard or 5 = Excellent. 4868 assessments were made of the performances of 45 interns who completed rotations in Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics. 66% of all ratings fell in Excellent category [mean = 4, mode = 5]. The rotations in Surgery and Pediatrics elicited more Excellent ratings [37.6% and 31 .8% respectively] than other specialties. Of all trainers, Registrars allocated the highest proportion [46%] of Excellent ratings. When considering the number of trainers in each category, Excellent ratings had been assigned to a high extent by Assistant Registrars [72%], and Registrars [70%]. A high proportion of the ratings given by the trainers fell at the upper end of the Rating Scale. This could be a result of the assessments being affected by errors of leniency, compromizing their usefulness. It is desirable that the Heads of the respective Clinical Departments take steps to organize appropriate training programs so that the trainers improve their knowledge in the concepts underlying the assessment of clinical competencies and skills and methods of the use of the instruments

Development of the academic manpower of the faculty of medicine, Kuwait University [1995/96-2001/02]

Objectives Determine the size and structure of the academic members of the Kuwait University, Faculty of Medicine, with emphasis on nationality, gender, and academic rank distributions in different academic departments in order to identify scarcity of Kuwaiti nationals at different departments. Methods Survey involving review of the records in the Personnel Department, Faculty of Medicine about academic staff during the 7 years 1995/96 to 2001/2002. Available data included academic rank, gender and nationality. Results Out of total 114 academic positions during 95/96, Kuwaiti nationals occupied 30 positions [26%]; whereas, out of 179 academic positions during 2001/2002, Kuwaiti nationals occupied 82 positions [45%]. The majority of Kuwaiti members were in the clinical departments [33% in 95/96 and 56% in 2001/2002 respectively], in particular, Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Radiology. In the basic sciences departments, Kuwaiti academic staff were progressively increasing in Pathology and Microbiology. Female Kuwaiti academic staff are improving in Departments of Microbiology, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics. Conclusion Clinical sciences departments progressively attracted Kuwaiti national academic staff. The proportion of Kuwaiti faculty members is also improving in the two basic sciences departments, Microbiology and Pathology. However, there is scarcity of Kuwaiti members in the Departments of Anatomy, Nuclear Medicine, and Psychiatry

Patient satisfaction with three dental speciality services: a centre-based study

To assess the level of patient satisfaction with three dental speciality services: oral surgery, periodontics, and fixed prosthodontics. Subjects and A sample of 1,242 patients, aged 16 years and over who received dental care at least twice at the main dental centre, Al-Amiri, Kuwait, were interviewed during May-August 1998 by independent researchers concerning their experience of previous visits. Patients reported their level of satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale for the items in the questionnaire, which focused on four areas: access, dentist's communication, staff helpfulness, and structural aspects of the practice. On average 49.4% [25.9-89.6%] of participating patients rated the level of care received as excellent. Areas rated poorest included waiting time for an appointment and waiting time in the clinic to access the dentist. Participants were less satisfied with doctor's explanation of illness, dental treatment and confidentiality of medical records. The areas that received excellent ratings by patients included: [a] communication [listening and understanding complaints 40.0% and courteous treatment 57.8%], and [b] structural aspects [availability of infection control and safety measures 89.6% and packed sterilized instruments 78.9%]. Findings indicate that the level of patient satisfaction was reasonably high. Areas identified as needing improvement included: dentist-patient communication skills, medical records, appointment systems, and shortening of the waiting time to access the dentist

Prevalence of low back pain among physical therapists in Kuwait

To determine the life and point prevalence rates and study the characteristics of work-related and non-work-related low back pain [LBP] among physical therapists in Kuwait and its effect on their regular activities. Subjects and A specially designed self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 143 physical therapists in Kuwait. The questionnaire included demographic data, history and characteristics of LBP before and after working as a physical therapist, the effect of LBP on regular activities and current LBP. A visual analogue scale was used to score the intensity of the pain. One hundred [70%] of the 143 physical therapists completed the questionnaire; mean age and standard deviation of the respondents were 35.9 +/- 8.45 years. The lifetime prevalence of work-related LBP was 70% [61.8% in males and 74.2% in females] and the point [current] prevalence rate was 57% [31.6% in males and 68.4% in females]. All the 100 therapists were college graduates who worked full-time and 82% were employed in general hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The most common areas of specialty were orthopedics [32%] and neurology [23%]. Fifty% reported that LBP affected their regular activities, 28.6% reported limitation due to pain and 11.4% changed their work settings because of LBP. The main site of pain was at low back and buttocks. Pain intensity was scored similarly among male and female physical therapists. Work-related and point prevalence rates of LBP among physical therapists in Kuwait are high and affect their daily activities, necessitating changes in work settings

Pattern of postgraduate specialization of Kuwaiti medical graduates throughout the last 30 years

Objectives The study examines postgraduate specialty training of Kuwaiti medical graduates during the period 1968 to 1999, identifies their attained professional qualifications in order to reveal scarcity in some specialties. Methods A survey was carried out involving review of the records maintained at the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization [KIMS] and Ministiy of Health for all the trainees who were enrolled in higher training programs for specialization during the study. Information obtained from the records were ascertained through matching with the doctors' career destinations and employment in the recruitment departments of the health sector. Ascertained data included gender, year and awarding country, level of attained qualifications [medium: Diploma and M.Sc.; higher clinical: fellowship/membership: MRCP, FRCS, MRCOG, Boards of Kuwait, Canada, USA, Gennany and higher academic qualification: Ph.D.]. Results A total of 679 [363 males, 316 females] Kuwaiti medical graduates attained their higher postgraduate qualifications until year 1999. There was an excess of female postgraduates since 1993, and a drop in 1991 due to the Gulf War. Specialty differed according to gender, males mostly opted for medicine and surgery, while females mainly chose obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and family medicine. The nature of postgraduate qualifications differed according to gender, fewer females undertook academic qualifications. Also, the awarding country differed according to gender females obtained their qualifications mostly from Kuwait or UK, while males were mainly awarded by Canadian, American or German universities. Scarcity in some clinical specialities was apparent: subspecialities in surgery [vascular, pediatric, hand, chest, laparoscopic, neurosurgery and oncology]; pediatric [nephrology, respiratory, cardiology, and neonatology]; psychiatry, occupational medicine, and immunology. Conclusions The number of Kuwaiti medical graduates with higher professional qualifications significantly in-creased after 1985 due to the establishment of KIMS and Kuwait Faculty of Medicine. Excess of female post-graduates since 1993 was due to the social and cultural transitions witnessed by Kuwait resulting in rapid urbanization, changing the structure and content of education, increasing the numbers of females employed, professional redistribution in social dimensions, and modification in life style. Gender significantly affected the nature of postgraduate studies, the awarding countries and the choice of specialty. The pattern of preference of Kuwaiti graduates to specialties was consistent with other parts of the world; males opted mainly to internal medicine and surgery, while females preferred obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and family medicine. Scarcity in some specialties has been revealed and needs to be adjusted

role of national medical education in Kuwait

Objectives This study highlights the role of national medical education in the promotion of medical manpower. This was emphasized through tracking the development in the size and professional structure of the main category of the Kuwait national health care delivery system, the physicians, throughout the years 1996 to 2001. Methods Data were ascertained from three sources: Department of Vital and Health Statistics and Department of Manpower, Ministry of Health for data on physicians, and Department of Statistics and Information Sector, Ministry of Planning, Kuwait for data on population. Results The study revealed increasing trends toward employment of Kuwaiti female physicians, employment of Kuwaiti physicians to upper and lower ranks, and rarity of Kuwaiti physicians in some specialties, such as anesthesia. Conclusion The study emphasized the role of national medical education in increasing the number of Kuwaiti graduates. Moreover, the study highlighted the apparent influence of KIMS in enhancement of higher medical specialization training programs as witnessed by the predominance of Kuwaiti physicians in the leading job categories. Besides, the study generated essential information required for planning the qualitative and quantitative pattern of the higher specialization programs

Normal values of lower limb nerve conduction in Kuwait. Part II

To establish the normal electrophysiological values of the common lower limb nerves and to study the relationship of conduction velocity [CV] of the lower limb nerves to height and age in healthy adult subjects. Nerve conduction investigations were performed on the lower limbs of 51 screened healthy volunteers using standard electrophysiological techniques. Fifty-one subjects [21 males and 30 females] participated in the study. The mean [ +/- SD] ages of the subjects were 38 [ +/- 8.82] and 36 [ +/- 8.58] years for males and females, respectively. The tibial motor nerve showed a mean [ +/- SD] CV of 46.1 [ +/- 3.3] m/s, distal latency [DL] 4.4 [ +/- 0.8] ms, and amplitude 8.8 [ +/- 3.4] mV for males. For females, the results were CV 47.8 [ +/- 3.4] m/s, DL 3.9 [ +/- 0.85] ms and amplitude 12.0 [ +/- 3.4] mV. Peroneal motor parameters were CV 47.1 [ +/- 3.3] m/s, DL 3.9 [ +/- 0.53] ms, amplitude 5.6 [ +/- 2.2] mV for males and 49.3 [ +/- 2.3] m/s, 4.0 [ +/- 0.56] ms, 6.0 [ +/- 2.2] mV for females, respectively. The sural sensory nerve parameters were CV 48.7 +/- 6.0 m/s, DL 2.9 [ +/- 0.3] ms, amplitude 18.9 [ +/- 3.3] micro V for males and 51.5 [ +/- 4.9] m/s, 2.7 [ +/- 0.24] ms and 21.6 [ +/- 6.3] micro V for females. Most CV values were significantly correlated with height, and there was a significant difference between males and females. However, after adjustment for height by the linear regression method, all significant gender differences disappeared. This study established the normative conduction parameters of the commonly tested nerves of the lower limbs for our electromyography laboratory in Kuwait. Gender differences disappeared when the data were adjusted for age and height

Prevalence of obesity among 6-to 13 year-old Kuwaiti children

To determine the prevalence of obesity among 6- to 13-year-old Kuwaiti children, and to investigate the familial and behavioural factors associated with obesity. Method: A cross-sectional multi-stage stratified random sample of 2,400 schoolchildren [1,256 males and 1,144 females] of ages 6-13 years was selected from the five governorates in Kuwait, between September 1995 and June 1996. Obesity was defined as body mass index [BMI, weight in kilograms per height in metres squared] >90th percentile of the age/sex-specific value of the National Centre of Health Statistics reference population. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, children's behavioural factors, and family history of related diseases in parents were collected by questionnaire. Prevalence of obesity was 26.5% [95% confidence interval 24.7-28.3%]. Obesity was more prevalent among the female children from urban areas. BMI was negatively correlated with the number of siblings and child birth order, and positively correlated with blood pressure, after controlling for age and sex. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between obesity and family history of obesity [odds ratio = 3.36, p < 0.0001], family history of hypertension [odds ratio = 1.37, p = 0.024], family history of diabetes [odds ratio = 1.57, p = 0.0004] in parents, child birth order [odds ratio = 1.82, p = 0.0002], and respiratory diseases in children [odds ratio = 2.08, p < 0.0001]. The prevalence rate of obesity in Kuwaiti children is considered to be high. Obesity which is related to family, environment, and individual characteristics needs to be detected and corrected at a young age to prevent its consequences in adulthood

Mortality in Kuwait: Pattern and seasonally

This paper examines total and cause-specific mortality of the Kuwaiti population through a variety of life table models. Seasonality of diseases underlying mortality was also measured using the Fourier [cosinor] analysis. Results showed significant decline in total and infant mortality. Life table analysis showed that cardiovascular disease, accidental injury and malignant disease were the main causes of death in Kuwait and that ischemic heart disease was the major component of cardiovascular disease. The Fourier analysis showed a winter peak seasonality in January for total mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and no seasonality for malignant disease, congenital anomalies or perinatal disease. Overall, Kuwait has the seasonal timing of developed countries for total mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to the rapid changes in the life-style of people towards westernization. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the usefulness of national mortality statistics in measuring the force of mortality, and the ability of life table methods to assess the various roles that diseases may exhibit in the death process

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of the population in Kuwait about AIDS-a pilot study

Between January and April 1994, 116 people were interviewed in a pilot study to determine the feasibility a study on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices [KABP] of the population in Kuwait about AIDS. A specifically designed questionnaire, based on the WHO AIDS programme KABP survey in 1988, was modified to suit Kuwaiti culture and norms. It was pretested on a sample of five categories of participant. Such studies can serve as baseline data for evolving strategies for AIDS awareness, prevention and control