A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding the Perspectives of Obesity in Kuwait

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Obesity is highly prevalent in Kuwait, therefore Kuwaitis are at tremendous risks of developing diabetes, various cancers, cardiovascular diseases and chronic degenerative disorders. Although there has been a torrent of research on obesity in Kuwait and the Middle East in general, the majority of this research focuses on the epidemiological trends associated with obesity, rather than the perceptions of Kuwaitis on obesity definition, causation, consequences and effective interventions. Owing to the lack of literature on obesity perspectives, we are proposing to conduct a mixed-methods study to understand individuals’ beliefs about ideal body size and their views about the underlying social, psychological, environmental and lifestyle risk factors of obesity. Furthermore, the respondents’ perceptions on the social, psychological and health consequences of obesity, as well as opinions about barriers/facilitators of weight management and effective interventions will be explored. Data collection will involve the utilization of a chain-referral mechanism (snow-ball sampling to recruit participants. Participants will go through an in-depth, 60 minute, semi-structured interview and will be presented with Stunkard’s figure rating scale to assess body size preferences. All interviews will be transcribed (typed up verbatim) and analyzed using the method of Grounded Theory as put forth by Strauss and Corbin. A series of ANOVAs and t-tests will also be used to compare differences in mean Stunkard’s figure rating scores between underweight and overweight men and women. This research will allow us to ascertain the general perceptions of obesity in Kuwait, while also exploring the beliefs on the risk factors and effects of obesity. Additionally, it will allow us to explore the effectiveness of current and future intervention practices for obesity in Kuwait. We believe that the results from the study will be a first step to understanding obesity in Kuwait, ultimately contributing to Kuwait’s fight against obesity and its associated health risk factors. This research will also help with the development of an obesity treatment clinic, specifically designed for overweight and obese individuals, that is founded on the structural pillars of participant-driven research.