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PubMedDate not supplied

Imported malaria in Kuwait (1985-2000).

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to document the status of malaria infection and effect of preventive measures on the epidemiologic profile of imported malaria cases in Kuwait during 1985-2000. METHODS: The study included screening of two groups of individuals for malaria infection by microscopy; (1) all migrant workers from malaria-endemic countries on their first entry to Kuwait; and (2) all suspected malaria cases already residing in the country. The study period was divided into pre-war (1985-1990), postwar (1992-1997) and proactive preventive (1998-2000) periods. During the proactive preventive period, the home countries were also involved in screening for malaria infection in all prospective immigrants to Kuwait. RESULTS: The annual incidence of malaria cases detected during the pre-war, postwar and proactive preventive periods ranged between 465 and 1,229, 654 and 1,379, and 248 and 393, respectively. Plasmodium vivax infection was detected in 71% of the cases and P. falciparum in 27%. The number of malaria cases detected increased to >1,300 after the war during 1992-1993. However, the number of malaria cases dropped significantly to less than 400 during 1998-2000 (p80%) of malaria patients were young male adults between 21 and 40 years of age. The data on drug resistance were not well defined, due to limited testing. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the proactive preventive program to screen all prospective immigrants for malaria infection in their home countries significantly reduced the numbers of imported infections to <400 cases/year, a drop of 52.6%. In addition, it also identified a group of settled immigrants, the majority of whom were at high risk for acquisition of malaria infection during their visit to home countries. There is an urgent need to target this group for prevention strategies such as education/information and other preventive measures against malaria infection.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Survey of repellent use by service members arriving in Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom 2.

The 8th Medical Brigade, deployed to Kuwait in January 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom provided theater-wide health service support and medical command and control. An historic "surge" of troops and equipment occurred during our deployment as 140,000 service members (SMs) redeployed out of theater and 110,000 arrived to take their place. The brigade's preventive medicine personnel conducted a questionnaire-based survey at military camps in northwestern Kuwait in mid-March to determine whether SMs had been provided with supplies and information to protect them against endemic vector-borne diseases. Of 1,200 questionnaires distributed, 870 (73%) were returned. In addition to military affiliation information, the survey contained specific questions related to the provision of n-diethyl-m-toluamide repellents, permethrin and treated uniforms, and medical threat briefings. On average, less than one-half of the SMs received these resources before their arrival in Kuwait. Significant differences of resource provision existed among service branches, components, and mobilization or deployment stations.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

HIV/AIDS prevalence among male patients in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection among male patients with sexually transmitted disease in Kuwait with emphasis on the type of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual partners. METHODS: A sentinel surveillance was conducted among male sexually transmitted disease patients, randomly selected among all new sexually transmitted disease patients who visited the Family Planning Clinic during June 1996 to June 1997. The patient data was recorded by the attending physician on a specially designed questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1984 subjects were screened, out of which not a single human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome case was found. Among the screened, 69% were non-Kuwaitis. Most of the subjects (76%) belonged to the age group 15-34 years, were married (53%), were illiterate (37.5%) and belonged to the low SES group (70%). The most common sexually transmitted diseases were non-specific urethritis (45%) and gonorrhea (42%). With regard to sexual practices, the majority of the respondents showed preference for female prostitutes, both inside (50%) and outside (48%) Kuwait. CONCLUSION: The absence of any human immuno-deficiency virus positive case was probably due to the mandatory screening for granting residency in Kuwait, facilitating early detection of virus carriers among non-Kuwaitis. We, as researchers, are not sure if this study is true representation of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevalence among Kuwaiti sexually transmitted disease patients in this country who might seek treatment in private clinics. Moreover, the absence of prostitution as professional trade also tends to show the absence of indigenous circulation of the virus. Nevertheless, continuous surveillance is necessary to maintain and prevent the groups with risky behaviors from contracting the virus through sexual transmission. There is a distinct need to develop public education and awareness programs to serve as measures of prevention and protection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2001

A study of dengue imported to Kuwait during 1997-1999.

This study was carried out on sera from 210 patients in Kuwait in 1997-1999. All of the patients were suffering from febrile illness and had recently visited dengue- (DEN) endemic areas. The sera were screened for DEN virus by inoculation into cultures of the Aedes albopictus cell clone C6/36 (virus isolation) and by IgM capture ELISA (detection of DEN virus-specific IgM antibodies). In the cell cultures, DEN virus could not be isolated from any of the patients' sera. However, sera from 19 patients were positive for DEN virus-specific IgM antibodies. All these 19 sera were tested for the presence of DEN virus-specific RNA by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) using DEN virus types-common (consensus) primers. In addition, the type of DEN virus was identified by using type-specific primers in a semi-nested PCR. The results showed that two of the 19 patients were infected with DEN virus type 2. This report of 19 patients with serological evidence of DEN infection indicates that imported DEN is a real threat to Kuwait, a country non-endemic for DEN but with a large portion of the population vacationing in DEN-hyperendemic areas during the peak DEN season and then returning to Kuwait.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed2002

Satisfaction with physiotherapy among patients at a general hospital in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: A pilot survey was conducted with adult patients attending the Physiotherapy Department at the Farwaniah Hospital, Kuwait, during the year 2000, to validate a questionnaire measuring outpatients' satisfaction with different aspects of physiotherapy care and associated socio-demographic factors. METHODS: This study was carried out in the Department of Physiotherapy, Farwaniah Hospital, State of Kuwait, during a time period of 5-months. A structured questionnaire was developed to include questions relating to ease of contact for appointments, the organizational settings, quality of therapeutic services, overall satisfaction with the department, and willingness to re-utilize or to recommend the department in the future, along with socio-demographic data and the duration of the disease. RESULTS: A total of 144 questionnaires were completed by a group of mostly women (64%) married (70%) participants, with a mean age of 40 years. Kuwaitis were 59% of the group, and less than 50% had a secondary education or more. A vast majority of participants perceived the department was easy to contact. Those with lower such perception were relatively older patients. On all other dimensions of satisfaction, the response was generally positive, regardless of socio-demographic variables or duration of disease. Less educated patients had a slightly lower tendency to recommend the department in the future (51%) than more educated ones (60%). CONCLUSION: Patients in Kuwait tend to express high levels of satisfaction with health services, an attitude, which may be biased by cultural reluctance to express public negative views. Alternatively, it may be influenced by the relatively sustained interaction between patients and their therapists. It is important to provide more orientation to older, less educated patients who may feel lost within a process they do not fully comprehend.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

Foreign workers in Kuwait: implications for the Kuwaiti labor force.

An analysis of the foreign population in Kuwait shows that foreign nationals make up 60 percent of the population and 78 percent of the labor force in Kuwait. The implications of these figures for the Kuwaiti labor force are discussed by analyzing the occupational structures of Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis. "Structural analysis of the labor force indicates that 62 percent of Kuwaiti males are concentrated in administrative and service occupations while their percentage in sales and production work has declined during 1970-80. This demonstrates the need for reorienting educational/training programs and changing Kuwaiti attitudes towards manual work to ensure the realization of the 'Kuwaitization' process, and balance the nationals with foreign nationals." mortality has stabilized at relatively high levels and there is resistance to family planning. The author concludes that the main cause of the stalling of the demographic transition process is to be found in the role of the state and the dynamics of the social structure and that "demographic trends will depend more on the changes in social structure, land reforms, and response of the formal governing system to the needs of the underprivileged sections of the society, rather than on the health and family planning policies."

Asia↗

PubMed1991

Asian women workers in Kuwait.

The author examines trends in the roles of immigrant Asian women workers in Kuwait, using data from published censuses and reports and from three national-level surveys conducted in 1977-1979, 1983, and 1986-1987. "The study deals separately with the two major types of migrants: the domestic servants and the clerical and professional (or semiprofessional) workers.... The policies of sending countries and of Kuwait are discussed to reach some conclusions about the likely future patterns of migration of Asian women workers to Kuwait."

Asia↗

PubMed1988

Does international migration follow the oil market situation in the Gulf? The case of Kuwait.

The author examines the impact of oil-price fluctuations on labor migration flows for Kuwait. The emphasis is on the effects of the early-1980s price drop. "After reviewing these flows...this paper will attempt to answer two main questions: (a) Do immigrants tend to remain where they are and become part of the Kuwait of tomorrow, or is return migration likely to be massive? (b) If there is a tendency to remain in Kuwait, is this accompanied by a move towards the integration of foreigners into a new society, or, on the contrary, is the 'separate development' of two distinct societies taking place?"

Acculturation↗

PubMed2003

Lack of essential asthma medications in primary care centres in Kuwait.

SETTING: Asthma is a common chronic disease that can affect any age group. Available, affordable and effective asthma medications are essential to achieve good asthma control. OBJECTIVES: To determine the availability of essential asthma medications in primary care centres and the cost of a year's supply in Kuwait. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted in 36 centres. The cost of asthma medication was calculated based on estimated annual needs for the different grades of asthma severity. RESULTS: None of the centres surveyed had adequate asthma medication: 12 (33%) had just adequate and 24 (67%) had below adequate supplies. All had intravenous hydrocortisone and nebulised bronchodilators, but none had high-dose inhaled steroids; 24 (67%) had neither oral steroids nor salbutamol inhalers. All had oral bronchodilators, aminophylline and theophylline. Family medical centres had more asthma medications. The annual cost of treating a case of moderate asthma in Kuwait is 562 US dollars. CONCLUSION: Most of the primary care centres in Kuwait lack essential asthma medications. This creates over-reliance on hospital emergency departments and affects asthma management.

Anti-Asthmatic Agents↗

PubMed2001

Parents in the anesthetic induction room: the preferences of parents in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether the parents in Kuwait desire to be present during the induction of anesthesia in their children and to obtain the parents' views on factors associated with such presence. METHODS: The parents of 80 children scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia were given asked to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: An overwhelming 88.75% of parents wished to he present in the anesthetic room during induction. CONCLUSIONS: Parents in Kuwait should he allowed to be present during the induction of anesthesia in their child. Protocols should be drafted accordingly and must include other child-friendly measures to reduce anxiety among parents and children in Kuwait.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Assessment of the histopathological lesions and chemical analysis of feral cats to the smoke from the Kuwait oil fires.

Twenty-six adult or subadult feral cats were collected from Kuwait approximately 8 months after the ignition of the Kuwait oil wells. These animals were obtained from two sources: 12 animals from Kuwait City, a relatively smoke-free area, and 14 from the city of Ahmadi, an area with heavy smoke. Animals were euthanized and a complete set of tissues consisting of all major organs was taken for histopathology. Samples of lung, liver, kidney, urine, and blood were also taken for toxicology. Histopathological lesions observed in the lung were mild accumulations of anthracotic pigment in the lungs of 17 cats. Hyperplasia of the bronchial and bronchiolar gland in 8 cats, and smooth muscle hyperplasia of bronchioles in 14 cats. Tracheal gland hyperplasia was observed in 7 cats, and minimal squamous metaplasia of the tracheal mucosa in 17 cats, Laryngeal lesions consisted of submucosal gland hyperplasia in 2 cats and squamous metaplasia of the mucosa in 5 cats. Hyperplasia of the nasal submucosal glands was observed in 6 animals. The pharyngeal mucosa as well as other organs and organ systems were normal in all cats. Atomic absorption analysis for 11 metals was performed; vanadium and nickel levels (two metals that were present in the smoke from the oil fires) are not indicative of substantial exposure to the oil fires. Based on the histopathological findings and toxicological analysis, it is felt that inhalation of air contaminated with smoke from the oil fires had little or no long-term effect on the animals examined.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Dental caries and dental fluorosis among 4-, 6-, 12- and 15-year-old children in kindergartens and public schools in Kuwait.

The purpose of the present study was 1) to describe the occurrence of dental caries and fluorosis among children in kindergartens and public schools in Kuwait, and determine their need for dental health care, 2) to describe changes in caries prevalence and experience from 1982 to 1993 and 3) to provide a baseline for the evaluation of the preventive oral health programmes starting in Kuwait in 1994. The study population comprised 3,500 4-, 6-, 12- and 15-year-old children in kindergartens and public schools in Kuwait, selected by stratified cluster sampling. Dental caries was scored by surface in accordance with WHO criteria, and dental fluorosis was registered by Dean's index (modified). The mean deft was 4.6 at age 4 years, and 6.2 at age 6; 8 and 11 percent of the decay had been treated by extractions or fillings in the two respective age groups. Among the 6-, 12- and 15-year-old children DMFT was 0.2, 2.6 and 3.6 respectively; 12 and 14 percent of the decayed teeth of 12- and 15-year-old children had been treated. As to the 4- and 6-year-old children, 19 and 9 percent were caries-free in the deciduous teeth, while 86, 21 and 14 percent of the 6-, 12- and 15-year-old children were caries-free in the permanent teeth. Among the 4-year-old children 47 percent had caries in the front teeth. None of the children had severe dental fluorosis, but 6 percent at 12 and 15 years showed mild to moderate, but manifest, dental fluorosis. The survey revealed that caries experience as well as caries prevalence had increased since 1982, although there was a marked increase in the number of filled tooth surfaces in all age cohorts. However, in 1993 the DMFT of 12-year-old children was still well within WHO's global goal for the year 2000, whereas the prevalence of dental caries among 6-year-old was considerably higher than the WHO goal.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Prevalence of antibodies to human caliciviruses (HuCVs) in Kuwait established by ELISA using baculovirus-expressed capsid antigens representing two genogroups of HuCVs.

Baculovirus recombinant-expressed antigens of Norwalk viruses (rNV) and a Mexico strain (rMX) of the Snow Mountain serogroup of human caliciviruses (HuCVs) were used in enzyme immunoassays to study the antibody prevalence among the Kuwaiti population and foreign workers employed in Kuwait. The antibody titers in 16 different age groups which ranged from neonates to centenarians were investigated by testing eight different dilutions of each serum (1:200-1:25,600). The results indicate that NV infection is widespread in Kuwait and affects all age groups Ninety-eight percent of the 433 serum samples tested had antibodies to rNV. In the 50-79-year, old age group, the antibody levels to rNV were higher and significantly different from those in children 0-7 years old. In infants, the rNV antibodies did not diminish by 4 months of age and their titer steadily increased with age. When 414 of these sera samples were tested for antibodies to rMX, 96% positive serological responses were observed. Antibody titers to rMX were reduced in infants from 4 to 11 months; however, 95% of the samples were positive. These data indicate that children born in Kuwait are infected with Norwalk-like viruses at a very early age. Finally, antibodies to rNV and rMX were found in 98% of 151 and in 95% of 148 foreign workers, respectively.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Identification of Vibrio splendidus as a Member of the Planktonic Luminous Bacteria from the Persian Gulf and Kuwait Region with luxA Probes.

Hybridization probes specific for the luxA genes of four groups of luminous bacteria were used to screen luminous isolates obtained from the Persian Gulf, near Al Khiran, Kuwait Nine of these isolates were identified as Vibrio harveyi, a commonly encountered planktonic isolate, while three others showed no hybridization to any of the four probes (V. harveyi, Vibrio fischeri, Photobacterium phosphoreum, or Photobacterium leiognathi) under high-stringency conditions. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was used to prepare a luxA probe against one of these isolates, K-1, and this probe was screened under high-stringency conditions against a collection of DNAs from luminous bacteria; it was found to hybridize specifically to the DNA of the species Vibrio splendidus. A probe prepared against the type strain of V. splendidus (ATCC 33369) was tested against the collection of luminous bacterial DNA preparations and against the Kuwait isolates and was found to hybridize only against the type strain and the three unidentified Kuwait isolates. Extensive taxonomic analysis by standard methods confirmed the identification of the 13 isolates.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer management in Kuwait, 1993-1998.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Kuwait, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. The present study reviews the clinical features, treatment methods and treatment results of breast cancer patients registered in the Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) and compares these features with those reported in other Arab countries, Europe and North America. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study examines 823 patients with breast cancer who were registered in the KCCC from 1993 to 1998. Patients were identified through the Kuwait Cancer Registry and their cases were followed for at least five years. RESULTS: Eleven males accounted for 1.3% of all patients. The average age was one decade younger than that reported in western countries but similar to reports from Egypt and GCC countries. Surgery was applied in 90.4% of patients. Breast conservation (lumpectomy and axillary clearance) was performed in 19.6% of patients, while mastectomy and axillary clearance was adopted in 60.8%. Radiotherapy was applied in 67.7% of patients and chemotherapy in 60.8%. The long-term overall survival and disease-free survival amounted to 76+/-6.4% and 54+/-4.6% respectively. Prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. According to multivariate analysis the nodal status, the number of involved nodes and histopathology were independent prognostic factors. Comparable results were achieved after both breast conservation and mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Since breast conservation protocols yield results similar to mastectomy, its use should be extended. Search for biological prognostic indicators should continue for their potential use as guides for treatment decisions.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Temporal case clustering in pityriasis rosea: a regression analysis on 1379 patients in Minnesota, kuwait, and diyarbakir, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To detect temporal case clustering in patients with pityriasis rosea in different geographic locations. DESIGN: Regression analysis of dates on which 1379 patients were diagnosed as having pityriasis rosea in 3 different geographic locations. The control data consisted of dates of diagnosis of patients with psoriasis in the same settings. SETTING: Dermatology clinics in Kuwait, Minnesota, and Diyarbakir, Turkey.Patients Patients with pityriasis rosea and psoriasis seeking care in the clinics. RESULTS: Three significant positive clusters (P = .005, P =.001, and P =.01, respectively) and 1 significant negative cluster (P<.001) were detected in these series of patients. No cluster was detected in 2 corresponding series of patients with psoriasis in Kuwait and Turkey. CONCLUSION: Temporal case clustering exists in pityriasis rosea.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Asbestos-cement pneumoconiosis: first surgically confirmed case in Kuwait.

During the periodic medical examination of workers of the only asbestos-cement pipe factory in Kuwait, an early case of asbestosis was diagnosed. It was the first case of asbestosis to be reported and compensated in Kuwait. According to available information, it is also the first reported case to be confirmed by surgery in the Arabian Gulf countries. Recommendations are given in regard to diagnosis, the institution of very strict preventive and protective measures, and the system of compensation in Kuwaiti law.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Mortality and morbidity transition in Kuwait: the role of health and development policies.

Kuwait has, in recent years, achieved a marked improvement in the health status of its population, as measured by a variety of mortality and morbidity indicators. This can be attributed to the implementation of two sets of policies that impact upon health, namely the health and socio-economic development plans of the Kuwaiti government. This article seeks to outline these recent changes in mortality and morbidity levels, and traces out the key policies considered to be the major determinants for these changes. Data is presented on health status, and on patterns and trends of health services' utilization. These trends suggest strongly that, for Kuwait, the health goals set for the year 2000 are achievable.

Health Policy↗