No causal relationships can be inferred using these cross-sectional data. However, results suggest that direct patient contact that includes lifting and/or transferring patients may be an important risk factor. Further research is warranted to evaluate effectiveness of back education and prevention programs among hospital staff in Kuwait.

Introduction: Edentulism is the loss of all permanent teeth due to different biological and non-biological factors. Prevalence of edentulism varies considerably between countries, geographic regions and different patients' backgrounds. Purpose of the study: To assess the relationship between socio-demographic factors and edentulism in a sample of patients in Riyadh. Materials and methods: The sample comprised of 279 female patients, edentulous in either arches who attended King Saud University dental institution in the Riyadh region, patients filled out a questionnaire which covered their age, area of living, education level, monthly income, dental preventive attitudes and the reason of attendance. Results: Majority of patients (44%) were uneducated, almost 60% of subjects had a monthly income of less than 3000 SR living mainly in south and east of Riyadh, 71.3% of subjects were considered to have a negative attitude. Increase in the dental preventive attitude was noticed as the degree of education increases. Conclusion: The study revealed a relationship between sociodemographic variables and complete edentulism with age, educational level and socioeconomic status playing a vital role in edentulism and denture demand.More emphasis should be given on improving educational and the socioeconomic status among citizens in south and east of the capital.

BackgroundThe prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not well understood in many Arabian Peninsula countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported CTS in Kuwait.FindingsA cross-sectional, self-administered survey of CTS-related symptoms was used in this study. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for factors of interest. Participants in this study were adult office workers in Kuwait (n = 470, 55.6% males), who worked in companies employing more than 50 people. Self-reported CTS was reported in 18.7% of the group (88/470). CTS was significantly associated with the following demographic factors: female gender, obesity and number of comorbid conditions. Self-identification of CTS was also associated with key symptoms and impairment in daily activities (e.g., wrist pain, numbness, weakness, night pain, difficulty carrying bags, difficulty grasping [Chi-Square Test for Association: P < 0.05 for all symptoms/activities]). However, symptoms such as wrist pain, weakness, and functional disabilities were also frequently reported among those who do not self report CTS (range: 12.1%–38.2%).ConclusionsPrevalence of self-reported CTS among office workers in Kuwait is 18.7%, and the risk factors for CTS in this population included female gender, obesity and number of related comorbidities. The frequency of symptoms in the sample who did not self report CTS suggest that CTS may be under-recognized, however further research is required to assess the prevalence of clinically diagnosed CTS.

Kuwait mandated seat-belt use by drivers in 1976 and by front seat passengers in 1994. The study objectives were to identify and estimate current factors associated with seat-belt use and levels of potentially unsafe driving behaviours in Kuwait. In 2010, 741 adults were surveyed regarding driving habits and history. Only 41.6% of drivers reported always using a seat belt. Front seat passenger belt use was more common (30.5%) than rear seat belt use (6.5%). Distracted driving behaviours were common, including mobile phone use ('always' or 'almost always': 51.1%) and texting/SMS (32.4%). Logistic regression indicated that drivers who were young (18-19 years), male, Kuwaiti nationals or non-Kuwaiti Arabs, drove over the speed limit, had traffic violation tickets or >1 car crashes in the last year, were less likely to use seat belts. Targeted initiatives to increase public awareness and to enforce car-safety legislation, including use of seat belts, are necessary to decrease the health burden of car crashes in Kuwait.

Our research indicates that many unique opportunities exist for physiotherapists in Kuwait. Further development and evolution of Kuwait's physiotherapy professional association could facilitate efforts to advocate for the profession, initiate standards of practice and provide enhanced opportunities for professional collaboration.