Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has wrought havoc upon healthcare and economic systems worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines considered a beacon of hope for normal life to return. We wished to understand the willingness of people in Kuwait to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods An online, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted on 16–18 January 2021 using a validated structured questionnaire to collect data from adults aged 18 years or older living in Kuwait by applying a “snowball sampling” method. Results A total of 7274 people received an online link of the survey on their smartphone or computer, and 6943 people enrolled in this study (95.4%). Kuwaiti nationals represented 79.7% of the study cohort, 54.8% were aged ≥40 years, and 66.7% were females. Hesitancy against a COVID-19 vaccine was remarkably high (74.3%), with 50.8% not planning to take it and 23.5% not sure about taking it. The overall mean perception score was 3.4 ± 2.8, with 66.8% having a negative attitude towards a COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the factors affecting the decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine was done. The decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine was significantly positively associated with younger age (OR = 1.219), being male (2.169), having a higher education level (1.362), vaccinated against seasonal influenza previously (2.706), being a non-Kuwaiti (1.329), being a healthcare worker (1.366), and working in the private sector (1.228). Options to encourage future COVID-19 vaccination were more studies showing the vaccine to be safe and efficacious (68.6%), physician recommendation (41.8%), mandatory travel requirements (39.8%), if a family or friend vaccinated (34.9%) and compulsory by government (33.1%) or for employment (29.8%). Conclusion Our data suggest that considerable vaccine hesitancy persists despite the widespread availability of highly efficacious and safe COVID-19 vaccines.

Gas station workers (GSWs) are at elevated risk of morbidities associated with exposure to petrochemical substances. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and examined demographics and occupation-related risk factors associated with self-rated ill-health among GSWs in Kuwait. Structured questionnaire was used to record self-rated ill-health from 460 selected GSWs of South-Asian origin. Prevalence of self-rated ill-health conditions was computed. Random-intercept multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the demographics and/or work-place related potential risk factors associated with one or more morbidities. Prevalent morbidities were eye(s) complaint (45.2%), asthma/shortness of breath (7.6%), frequent sneezing and allergic rhinitis (44.3%), recurrent headache (48.3%), dizziness (9.8%), tremors (42%), and eczema/skin complaint (44.1%). Furthermore, GSWs were significantly more likely to report one or more ill-health conditions (vs. none), if they were overweight/obese (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.9), married (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5-4.5) or on current job for more than one year (aOR 6.4; 95% CI 2.9-15.4). In conclusion, GSWs suffer from ailments of multiple organ systems and need education and facilitation for self-protection.

Background Attaining greater peak bone mass (PBM) prior to the onset of bone loss is getting increasing public health attention as healthy strong bones are essential to maintain our life. Females are more susceptible to bone loss. Knowledge and awareness about low peak bone mass and its related risk factors are important contributors to its preventive behavior. Objective To screen apparently healthy young Kuwaiti future mothers for low bone mineral density (BMD) and to assess their knowledge level about determinants of PBM and preventive practices. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study on 445 eligible women aged 18–35 years (either students or employees from Kuwait University) was performed. Data on socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were obtained by a semi-structured questionnaire. Their knowledge was assessed using the modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). Bone mineral Density (BMD) was measured using Quantitative Ultrasonography (QUS). Results More than half (59.3%) of females had poor knowledge. A statistically significant relation was noted between the overall knowledge score and age, college, occupation, and socioeconomic class ( P <0.05 for each). Only 13.9% have low Z-score by QUS. By logistic regression, less carbonated beverages and coffee consumption positively affect BMD, while inadequate exercises level, indoor exposure to sunlight, and less frequency of brisk walking negatively affect BMD. Conclusion Unacceptable knowledge score significantly associated with BMD Z-score status. More attention should be devoted to education programs targeting adolescents and young females to promote knowledge about PBM and practice towards accrual and maintenance of bone health.

No abstract