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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1988

A comparison of antibiotics consumption and bacterial resistance patterns in Kuwait and Sweden.

The total utilization of antimicrobial drugs, expressed as DDD/1000 inhibitants/day, was 19 in Kuwait and 15 in Sweden. Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulphonamide were used more in Kuwait than in Sweden. The utilization of cephalosporins, however, was more prevalent in Sweden than in Kuwait. Hospital use of aminoglycosides was more pronounced in Kuwait than in Sweden, whereas trimethoprim/sulphonamide was less utilized in Kuwait. The overall consumption of antimicrobial drugs expressed as DDD/500 hospital beds, was highest in one of the Swedish hospitals where, for example, the consumption of tetracyclines was 15-fold higher than that in the comparable Kuwaiti hospital. Regarding bacterial resistance patterns, the large use of aminoglycosides and ampicillin was reflected in a higher resistance frequency among the Kuwaiti isolates. Resistance frequencies for trimethoprim/sulphonamide was also relatively much higher in Kuwait than in Sweden. In this case there was, however, no simple correlation to utilization figures, which are lower for the Kuwaiti hospital than for the Swedish. Resistance to chloramphenicol was prevalent in both countries, in spite of the very limited use of this drug.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1991

[Stress management of overseas Japanese in Kuwait].

Forty percent of the Japanese businessmen in overseas positions are working in developing countries. However, few reports on the mental health care for them have been published. The Japan Overseas Medical Fund and The Kuwait Japanese Association has promoted the Kuwait Japanese Clinic. I had an opportunity to work at this clinic and to study the environmental health of Japanese businessmen in Kuwait. I found that in Kuwait, Japanese businessmen had to adapt to climatic, religious, cultural, and historical differences. Therefore, I investigated the incidence of stress related diseases which are caused by these environmental differences. Stress diseases occurred in 15.7 percent of total cases frequently, and some of them were very severe. After my stay in Kuwait, I believe that the setting up of medical information networks between various countries to alleviate medical anxiety and a system whereby instructions in the differences of medical systems in various countries would be very beneficial.

Environmental Health↗

PubMed1991

Seasonality of disease in Kuwait.

To compare the seasonal variation in total mortality and deaths from cardiovascular, respiratory, and malignant disease, data were collected from North-East Scotland (Grampian region) and Kuwait. Seasonal differences were similar, in both timing and degree, for total mortality and deaths from circulatory disease, but were greater in Kuwait for respiratory disease. Peak mortality was during winter in both areas: in Grampian, when the climate is most uncomfortable, and in Kuwait, when the climate is at its most comfortable. Socioeconomic changes in Kuwait have been accompanied by a rapid fall in the degree of seasonality (deseasonality) for both total and infant mortality. These findings suggest that mortality peaks in winter, not because of a seasonally low temperature, but because of a seasonal fall in mean temperature irrespective of the annual mean temperature.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Meningococcal carriage in adolescents and young adults in Kuwait.

BACKGROUND: Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), with asymptomatic carriage playing a crucial role in transmission. Adolescents (15-17 years) and young adults (18-20 years) have the highest carriage rates, yet data from Kuwait remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of N. meningitidis carriage among adolescents and young adults in Kuwait. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2023 to May 2024, enrolling 1,398 participants aged 15-20 years. Randomly selected individuals provided oropharyngeal swabs, and demographic, behavioral, and vaccination data were collected via standardized questionnaires. Carriage prevalence was determined using selective culture-based methods. Whole genome sequencing was performed on culture-confirmed isolates. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics; carriage prevalence was reported as proportions, and associations were explored using Fisher's exact or chi-square tests and logistic regression where feasible. RESULTS: The overall meningococcal carriage rate was 0.21% (3/1,398). All isolates were non-groupable (NG), with one carrying the capsule null locus (CNL). Self-reported MenACWY vaccination coverage was 94.8%. No significant associations between demographic, geographic, or behavioral factors and carriage status were identified due to the small number of positive cases. CONCLUSION: This study provides a population-based estimate of meningococcal carriage among adolescents and young adults in Kuwait using a random sampling approach. The low carriage rate, alongside high vaccination coverage, suggests that existing immunization programs in Kuwait may be effective in reducing N. meningitidis transmission. However, the presence of NG strains stresses the need for continued surveillance. Further research is required to evaluate long-term vaccination impacts and potential gaps in disease protection.

Humans↗

PubMed1992

Medical ethics and human rights violations: the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and its aftermath.

Immediately after the liberation of Kuwait by a coalition of allied forces in March 1991, representatives of Physicians for Human Rights traveled to Kuwait and conducted an inquiry into human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by Iraqi forces. The inquiry focused on the abuses that were said to have occurred in health care institutions. Human rights abuses by the Iraqis in Kuwaiti hospitals were documented, but certain allegations proved to be unfounded. However, Kuwaiti abuses of those accused of collaborating with the Iraqi invaders, in particular Palestinian citizens of Kuwait, were also observed. The trip and inquiry generated questions about the scope and applicability of medical ethical principles to physicians in different cultures and in situations unlike those in which medicine is normally practiced. In light of the Kuwait experience, Physicians for Human Rights has drawn tentative conclusions about the universal nature of medical ethics.

Ethical Relativism↗

PubMed1989

Characterization of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi from dromedary camels in Kuwait by isoenzyme electrophoresis.

Blood from 115 camels in Kuwait was examined for blood parasites. Two camels of a local herd (1.7%) were found to be infected with Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi and three camels (2.6%) with microfilarial nematodes. The Trypanosoma stocks isolated from these two camels were screened for isoenzyme patterns of 10 enzymes using thin-layer starch-gel electrophoresis. The results revealed that these two stocks were identical to camel stocks of T. evansi from certain countries in Africa, as well as to two stocks isolated from dogs in Kuwait. This is the first record of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) evansi isolates and microfilariae from camels in Kuwait.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Leprosy in Kuwait: an epidemiological study of new cases.

The latency of infection in leprosy is long so that new cases may present several years after emigration from endemic areas. This is of concern to the health authorities in Kuwait, since there is a sizeable immigrant population. An epidemiological study of new cases was, therefore, conducted to assess the extent of the leprosy problem. A total of 121 (99 male, 22 female) consecutive new leprosy patients were diagnosed nationwide over a six-year period (1983-1988). Over 95% of the patients were foreign born, emphasizing that the problem in Kuwait is mainly a reflection of immigration patterns. There were 74 cases of Asio-Indian origin, 13 Oriental and 34 Arab (including two Kuwaiti). This represents a respective mean incidence of the disease in Kuwaitis and other nationalities of 0.49 and 18.92 per 100,000 per year. Polar lepromatous (LL) leprosy was the most frequent type in the Arab group (44.1%) and polar tuberculoid (TT) the most frequent in the Asio-Indian group (37.8%). LL and borderline lepromatous (BL) types of leprosy were significantly more frequent in patients over 45-years-old and in females (P less than 0.05), contributing to the higher rate of LL in the Arab cases. The mean lag time from symptoms onset to presentation to doctor was 9.4 (range 0-192) months, with lepromatous cases tending to present later than other types. The longest lag times occurred in Arab women with LL, suggesting that cultural influences may delay presentation of leprosy. The mean interval from presentation to diagnosis was 4.1 weeks. The mean latency from entry into Kuwait to diagnosis was 44.7 (range 0-180) months; which stresses the need for physicians to remain vigilant in considering leprosy, especially in any patient with dermatological, neurological or ophthalmic manifestations of disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Some psycho-social aspects of old people living outside their families in Kuwait.

One hundred and ninety four elderly subjects were studied, 133 of whom were living away from their families, in the only old people's home and in the only psychiatric hospital in Kuwait. They were compared to 61 consecutive elderly subjects attending a psychiatric out-patient clinic. Psychiatric, social and clinical characteristics of subjects admitted and those living with their families were analysed and related to recent socioeconomic changes and conditions prevailing in Kuwait. Higher admission rates were significantly related to female sex, the widowed and single status and Kuwaiti and Bedouin nationalities. Low income or housing problems, poor relationships to their families and/or relatives, absence of an interested family member, a small number of own children, referral by family members on account of disabilities, organic brain syndromes or chronic psychiatric disorder was also associated with higher admission rates. Sixty four percent of the residents of the old people's home had psychiatric illnesses in spite of the official policy of excluding the mentally ill from admission. Some of the above mentioned characteristics were similar to findings in other countries, but others e.g. the role of nationality and location of residence in admission to institutions were different. Planning social and medical services in Kuwait should take these findings into account.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Drug information centers as bases for continuing education programs in Kuwait.

Over the past few years, there has been a modernization of pharmaceutical services in Kuwait. In 1983 a drug information center was opened. A one-year postgraduate, long-distance program leading to a diploma in clinical pharmacy was started in October 1987 in cooperation with Queen's University of Belfast, Ireland. Pharmacist and physician tutors were assigned to supervise students in the major hospitals in Kuwait. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 50 practicing pharmacists to assess the feasibility of using the Drug Information Center at Adan Hospital (DICAH) as a base for continuing education programs. Although certain difficulties were identified, it was concluded that the DICAH has the potential to be used as a base for future continuing education for pharmacists in Kuwait, especially as there is no school of pharmacy in the country.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed1990

Expatriate maids and food patterns in Kuwait.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the maid and her nationality on infant feeding patterns, nutritional status of mothers and food pattern in Kuwait. A multistage stratified sample of 2004 Kuwaiti families was taken to represent all districts in Kuwait. Mothers were interviewed to collect data on infant feeding patterns, types of foods presented daily and the nutritional status of the mother was assessed. When there was no maid, 65.3% of the infants were breast fed, such rate declined to 55.1% when a maid was employed. The duration of breast feeding was prolonged from 5.43 months in the presence of a maid to 7.29 months in her absence. Obesity was more prevalent among mothers (44.7%) when a maid was employed and decreased when they received no help (35.4%). The results show that traditional dishes are presented for lunch which is the major meal of the day. Food items presented for breakfast or dinner are more diversified. Hamburger, fried potato, macaroni and fried chicken have become popular dishes in Kuwait. The types of food presented were significantly associated with the nationality of the maid.

Breast Feeding↗

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↗

PubMed1990

Cystic hydatid disease: aspects of the incidence in man in Kuwait, Arabian Gulf.

Cystic hydatid disease (CHD) is endemic in Kuwait, but the exact extent of the disease in man has yet to be determined. The incidence was calculated by serological testing of sera from patients with a presumptive clinical diagnosis of hydatidosis and follow-up until the final diagnosis was determined. During a one-year period, 123 sera were received from two District General Hospitals serving a population of approximately 500,000. Eighteen patients had confirmed CHD, 17 were serologically positive in two tests, indirect haemagglutination (IHA) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP), while another positive patient was identified through surgery and histopathology. These cases represent an estimated incidence rate of 3.6 per 100,000. Various factors, however, indicate that this is an underestimation of the true incidence. The infection rate of camels with hydatid cysts and dogs harbouring the adult worm, a possible measure of the true incidence in man, is considered high. Because of the nature of the population structure, the majority of patients were, in fact, non-Kuwaitis. Kuwaitis, who form 40% of the population, constituted about 30% of the CHD patients. Females were in the majority, the 21 to 50 yr. age-group being the most symptomatic. Hydatid cysts were most commonly present in the liver. Finally, compared to other countries at the time when a control programme was instituted, the incidence rate in Kuwait is moderate to high. However, the number of individuals with CHD does not appear alarming as the available capacity of the medical services is adequate.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Effect of Kuwait oil field fires on human comfort and environment in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

The plumes from the Kuwait oil field fires reduced hemispheric (total) solar radiation by 26-36% during January-June 1991 in Jubail (300 km SE of Kuwait City), Saudi Arabia. Residents feel noticeably cooler even though air temperatures have not been lowered significantly (up to June 1991). These observations support human comfort theories and demonstrate the importance of shade to comfort. The desirability of complete solar radiation measurements, including those of diffuse radiation, is indicated.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed1990

Facial clefting in Kuwait and England: a comparative study.

A retrospective study of all new cases of facial clefts seen between January 1985 and December 1987 was carried out at the lbn Sina Hospital, Kuwait, and West Midlands Regional Plastic and Jaw Surgery Unit at Wordsley Hospital, Stourbridge, England; 234 arab children in Kuwait and 181 white Caucasian children in the West Midlands were studied. Despite vast differences in racial characteristics, environment and customs the pattern of clefting was very similar in the two groups. The incidence of clefts was calculated for the two regions and this demonstrated an increase in the incidence of cleft lip and palate (CL/P and CP) in the West Midlands since the last study was reported from this region in 1953.

Cleft Lip↗

PubMed1991

Traffic air pollution in Kuwait: preliminary results for nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

At 21 locations within the city of Kuwait, continuous weekly measurements were made of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and of carbon monoxide (CO): analyses were made using a chemiluminescent NOx analyser and a gas filter correlation ambient CO analyser. At 90% of the locations, the daily mean NOx concentrations exceeded 50 ppb, and in peak traffic hours the levels often reached 500 ppb. Similarly, the daily mean concentration of CO at 88% of the locations was greater than or equal to 8 ppm, and at three locations the CO concentrations were greater than 20 ppm. Throughout the week, daily differences were noted, with the lowest concentrations of pollutants recorded at the weekends. The influence of meteorological parameters was examined. The results showed that traffic was a major source of pollution in the city of Kuwait.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed1992

Clams as pollution bioindicators in Kuwait's marine environment: metal accumulation and depuration.

This study has developed and verified clam transplantation for marine pollution monitoring in Kuwait and has assessed its reliability for monitoring pollution by heavy metals through laboratory and field transplantation experiments. In field experiments, live specimens of the clam Circenita callipyga were transplanted, either suspended in seawater or buried in sand, to 11 coastal sites in Kuwait; subsamples of transplanted clams were recovered at intervals over a 6-month period. In laboratory experiments, heavy metal accumulation for 36 days and depuration (body's release of pollutants) for 60 days in small and big clams were investigated. Clams subsampled in laboratory and field experiments were analyzed for Hg, Cu, V, Cd and Pb. Results showed the ability of clams to survive under the transplantation conditions. Accumulation of biofouling materials was a problem at only two transplantation sites and was overcome by periodic cleaning. Statistical analysis of laboratory experimental data showed significant accumulation of all test metals and significant depuration of Hg, Cu, V and Cd. Rates of metal accumulation and depuration differed in relation to clam size class. Field experiments indicated statistically significant increases in Hg and Cu concentrations in the transplanted clams at most stations, no change in Cd concentrations and an increase or, occasionally, a decrease in V and Pb concentrations.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1992

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nickel and vanadium in air particulate matter in Bahrain during the burning of oil fields in Kuwait.

Inhalable air particulate matter (APM) was collected in Bahrain from July 31, 1991 to August 4, 1991, during the burning of the oil fields in Kuwait. The filters collected were black and the levels of APM ranged from 139 to 673 micrograms m-3 with an average value of 199 micrograms m-3. APM were analysed for their contents of PAHs, Ni and V. Analysis was carried out for 32 PAHs and total PAHs ranged from 3.1 to 9.1 ng m-3 and averaged 5.3 ng m-3. The highest individual PAH levels were benzo[ghi]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene. The concentration of Ni and V ranged from 7 to 42 and 11 to 42 ng m-3, with an average value of 22 and 26 ng m-3, respectively. A strong correlation was found between Ni and V (r = 0.98, P less than 0.01). The results show that the smoke from burning oil wells in Kuwait has contributed to the concentrations of particulate matter, PAHs, Ni and V in APM in Bahrain.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed1987

Treatment of alcoholism in Kuwait: a prospective follow-up study.

The outcome of routine drug-supportive psychotherapy treatment of 100 patients with alcohol-related problem in Kuwait's only psychiatric hospital was evaluated in four 6 month's intervals. Patients were assessed on 9 post-treatment questions reflecting improvement or deterioration. Correlation of follow-up changes to pre-treatment data shows that non-Kuwaitis do better than Kuwaitis in resuming employment and social reintegration. Patients on chronic benzodiazepine prescription were less likely to become abstinent, had poor social re-integration and more re-admissions. Good relationships with the family were clearly associated with a better treatment outcome. Scores of weighted follow-up findings were calculated to assess patients' status at each follow-up. Progress during the whole follow-up period was measured by the direction of slope calculated from linear regression model for individual scores. The relationship between pre-treatment conditions and patterns of follow-up was evaluated cross-sectionally (answers distribution) and longitudinally (direction of slope). A pattern of shift emerged where different patient groups crossed over to the opposite end of the score scale. Kuwait society's indulgent attitudes towards Kuwaiti patients with alcohol-related problems in employment have to be changed and utilization of the role of the Arab extended family in therapy is stressed.

Adult↗