KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health is launching a national health survey to collect data on the health status of Kuwait’s population. The project aims to help health authorities understand disease patterns and provide a solid database for shaping future health policies to improve public health, said Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad.
Dr Al-Sanad announced the launch of the first phase of the survey Thursday. The project, commissioned by the Cabinet and in collaboration with various local agencies, is part of efforts to enhance the national health data infrastructure. He highlighted that over the past three decades, Kuwait has experienced significant changes in demographics, lifestyle, social, and economic conditions, which have created a new health reality and altered the prevalence of certain diseases such as chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which affect the quality of life of both citizens and residents.
Who will take the survey
The National Health Survey will collect data from 12,000 participants of all ages and nationalities, selected randomly from 8,000 households across Kuwait’s different governorates. Heads of the selected families will be notified via the Sahel app or through the Mobile ID app. An accredited health team will visit the household in person to provide information about the survey. The team, which consists of a doctor, nurse, and field researcher, will conduct the survey and perform required tests with the consent of the head of the household.
How the survey will work
After coordination and approval from the head of the household, the survey will be conducted using smart devices. It will include physical measurements such as height and weight, dental exams, vision tests, blood pressure measurements, respiratory function tests, and some laboratory tests like cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The survey and tests are expected to take no more than two hours. Results will be provided through the "Kuwait Health” app or "Sahel” app.
Is it mandatory?
Dr Al-Sanad emphasized that participation in the survey is voluntary but a valuable contribution to improving healthcare services in Kuwait. The data collected will support evidence-based planning and policy-making, assist in identifying health needs, and help analyze the current health indicators in the population. It will also contribute to monitoring diseases and evaluating the usage of healthcare services in Kuwait, providing up-to-date data to support scientific research for widespread publication. He assured that the Ministry of Health is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of participants’ personal information according to the highest security standards.
Dr Al-Sanad called on all families to cooperate with the field teams and participate in the survey, as it will enhance the health system’s ability to make informed decisions and develop effective policies that will contribute to improving health and lifestyle in Kuwait.