World Health Survey for the Gulf Nations: State of Kuwait Specific

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The World Health Survey for GCC in Kuwait (WHSK) was conducted in 2009 and aimed to collect information about the health and well-being of the residents of the country, as well as the functioning of the health system. It collected information about both the Kuwaiti population and the non-Kuwaiti residents, living in standard households, in collective households and those who were employed as domestic workers. The results indicated that health of the Kuwaiti population is highly variable, with a significant proportion of the respondents indicating health problems, such as issues with mobility and caring for themselves. These problems are more likely to occur amongst women and older adults, with these groups forming the core of those that need to be targeted. Quality of life was reported to be high, although those that live in collective households and domestic workers report less control over their lives, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. The main issue in Kuwait is the exposure to risk factors for poor health. These include smoking, poor dietary habits and inadequate physical activity. Smoking is predominantly concentrated among Kuwaiti men, which is a concern for this group, especially as rates are not falling among the young. Physical activity and diet can be considered as more of a threat than smoking behaviour in Kuwait because poor diets and obesity are on the increase, and low levels of activity are particularly a problem among women. Diet is poor across all population groups. Overweight and obesity is a problem in all groups – there are many people who have major risk factors for poor health. Health among respondents was not common, although arthritis, diabetes and asthma were reported by a significant proportion of Kuwaiti nationals. Screening for women’s cancer is inadequate, especially breast cancer screening. The health system in Kuwait was also assessed in the survey, which found that over 70% of the population needed some form of health services in the past three years for those who live in standard households. For those in collective households and domestic workers there were few who reported healthcare, possibly indicating inadequate provision or access for these groups. Satisfaction with the health system was positive, although the ability to make decisions about their own health care was comparatively low. Health expenditure was high for the Kuwaiti population, at about K.D. 210 in the previous months. Overall, health in Kuwait is good, although there are some clear areas that could be addressed to ensure better health in both the short and long-term. A major aspect of this is to reduce the proportion of people who are obese and to reduce smoking, while encouraging better nutrition. Ensuring access to healthcare for all is another way to improve health in the nation, and also to ensure that the costs for healthcare are not deterring people from accessing healthcare.