KUWAIT, Jan 28(Kuwait Times): Kuwait has been rated second amongst Arab countries in terms of life expectancy rates, coming in behind Qatar and ahead of the UAE, according to the Arab League's latest annual economic and social report. The new results have been attributed to the increased levels of health education and awareness in the country, with the advanced health and education infrastructure facilities in Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar leading to better medical services and greater longevity overall.
Kuwaiti life expectancy has now increased to an average of 77.4 years, said the report, which has been widely quoted in the regional media. Speaking to the Kuwait Times yesterday, Consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Nabil Al-Ateeqi agreed that the advances in Kuwait's health and educational infrastructures in recent years are primarily responsible for these results.
Increasingly we are following Western society and becoming more advanced in the medical area, environmental issues and better living standards," said Dr. Al-Ateeqi. "Things are more hygienic now; people are becoming more aware of cleanliness and more educated about their own health", the medical expert continued, explaining that as awareness increases Kuwaitis are seeking more knowledge about health-related issues and visiting their doctors for regular health checks and screening for specific diseases, such as breast cancer and heart disease.
There are four main areas: education, social economic status, exposure to the internet and other media, and increased hygiene standards," said Dr. Al-Ateeqi. One such example he cited is the decrease in the incidence of Hepatitis A. He revealed that many years ago the rate of Hepatitis A infection among the local population was 99 percent, which has since been drastically reduced to around 30 percent simply because of increased personal hygiene levels.
Dr. Al-Ateeqi did express some surprise at the results, however, considering the high rates of obesity and diabetes within the Kuwaiti population. Reports from 2007 suggested that Kuwait has the highest rate of obesity in the Arab region. It claims 75 percent of women aged between 20 - 60 were overweight or obese while 50 percent of men rated for the same age group.
There has also been concern over the high levels of Type 1 Diabetes among young Kuwaitis in the 6-18 age range, where the condition is found in 269.9 per 100,000. While Kuwait's statistics rate similarly to those found in Western nations with high rates of childhood diabetes, they are the highest of any Arab nation. Indeed, since detailed medical records on the condition first began being kept in the early 1980s, the percentage of the population diagnosed as diabetic has increased fourfold. Recent studies
show that approximately 140,000 Kuwaitis are diabetic. over 16 percent of the population.
Dr. Al-Ateeqi attributed this extremely high ratio to the increase in fast food outlets in the country and the sedentary lifestyle of the majority of Kuwaitis. "Being rated second place for increased life expectancy is somewhat surprising," he said. "That is, considering the high rates for diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease among Kuwaitis.
As a gastroenterologist Al-Ateeqi noted that there has been a steep increase in requests for life-changing surgical operations to reduce obesity. "I believe people are becoming more aware of their health now than ever before," he told the Kuwait Times. "With increased wealth and status, and the increase in exposure to Western medical methods, people in Kuwait are becoming more aware of their own health.
While Kuwait still has high rates of diseases, however, Dr. Al-Ateeqi believes that the Kuwaiti people are keen to do something to change this unenviable statistic. The senior doctor explained that many patients consult him after trying dieting and exercise routines to no avail to request operations to reduce their stomach size, such as gastric band surgery, seeing this as their only remaining option to lose weight. "As a last resort they come for surgery and it is so sought-after that there is a two-yea
r waiting list at the hospital where I work," he revealed.
Doctors in Kuwait have seen a steep increase in the numbers of patients seeking their help, as more and more people seek advice and medical help for health problems. "There is an increase in the number of people aged over forty asking if taking aspirin will help to decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes," Dr. Al-Ateeqi revealed. "As they are starting to read more in books and on the Internet, listening to the radio and watching TV programs they are becoming more aware and seeking our help".
In addition to the positive news about increased life expectancy, Kuwaitis have also experienced a very welcome reduction in infant mortality rates. Dr. Al-Ateeqi suggested that the introduction of laws preventing women under 18 from marrying may have had a strong positive impact in reducing the number of babies dying due to mothers giving birth at a very young age.
The medical expert was also supportive of the increase in young women going into further education and entering the workforce, which he explained has meant more women delaying marriage and childbearing until later in life, a phenomenon that can benefit the subsequent children, as well as their mothers.
There is a belief [among medical experts] that babies born to mothers around the age of 25 have a better chance of survival," he explained. "There is also a trend that Arab families are moving towards forming smaller family units than before.
Dr. Al-Ateeqi was overwhelmingly positive about future trends, pointing out that despite Kuwait's high rates of obesity and diabetes levels of health awareness and education are increasing. "As people become more aware of their own health they are likely to take more care of themselves and their families," he said. "This can only be a step in the right direction for Kuwait's population".