Kuwait has the highest incidence of IDDM in children in the region, and an apparently increasing incidence has been demonstrated over the last decade.

A descriptive study was conducted in Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait to evaluate the use of the paediatric emergency room (PER) by children under 12 years of age over an 11-week period. Socio-demographic data on the families, reasons for the visits, the pattern of referral and the diagnoses were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 277 children were enrolled in the study, the majority of whom (81%) were generally well, only 4% requiring admission to hospital. The paediatrician in the emergency room considered that 64% of visits were not emergencies. Some form of treatment and one to two routine investigations were needed in 21% and 21.6%, respectively. Stated reasons for seeking medical care were: symptoms of the child (34%), unavailability of primary clinic at night (22%) and perceived better services in hospital (20%). The median of parental satisfaction at the end of the visit was 95%. We conclude that most visits to the PER at Al-Amiri Hospital are inappropriate and that intensive health education is required to improve use of the PER and to increase public awareness of the difference between primary care and paediatric emergency facilities.