National Population Health Survey Project in the State of Kuwait

Kuwait National Population Health Survey (KNPHS)

Kuwait National Population Health Survey (KNPHS) is a Ministry of Health (MOH) project which aims to assess population health status, trends and needs and to evaluate the impact of public health interventions to influence health policies, improve population health and prevent disease. In the last two decades there are tremendous changes in Kuwait population particularly in demographics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status which directly and indirectly affect the health and wellbeing of Kuwait population. There are several institutes and national offices that are performing surveys according to their needs to assess some health parameters. However, the survey design and data collection methodology are quite different. Moreover, the surveys have been conducted at inconsistent time intervals and very infrequently. The KNPHS is needed due to the limitations of health data on disease incidence among Kuwait population (both nationals and residence of the country). Data that will be obtained from KNPHS will be representative of the population, comprehensive in the health determinants included, systematically designed, and comparable to internationally conducted national population health surveys. Information and data generated from KNPHS in Kuwait will allow to formulate a periodic set of recommendations that will have its impact on policy makers to inform development of health strategies and health policies, to plan for health and health related services, and to allocate resources and health expenditure. This survey will be a sustainable and cost-effective tool to collect comprehensive and representative baseline data regarding health, health determinants, health care, and health related information and to develop national health statistics. ​​

Common Questions

 

    • 1. What is National Population Health Survey?
      • The National Population Health Survey is a national household survey of population health in the State of Kuwait. It is an internationally accredited survey and has been implemented in many countries.
      • The survey is essential to strengthen the health database by collecting field information to assess the needs and effectiveness of healthcare provided in the country, as well as identifying new health challenges and ways to deal with them in accordance with the best international standards to improve the quality of healthcare services.
    • 2. Why should we participate in this health survey?

      Participating in the survey helps the Ministry of Health to collect the necessary data to improve health services and raise the level of care provided to everyone.

    • 3. What is National Population Health Survey?
      • This survey is being conducted in cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the Central Statistical Bureau, the Ministry of Interior, the Public Authority for Civil Information and other entities
      • 8000 households (12,000 participants) are selected to participate in the survey, which is a sample that represents the population in the State of Kuwait.
    • 4. Is the survey for Kuwaitis only?

      The survey includes all residents, Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti.

    • 5. What is the timeframe required to complete the survey project?

      Completing the project will take approximately one year.

    • 6. What are the criteria for selecting participants?
      • Participants are selected in a scientific, spontaneous, and unbiased manner so that this sample represents all members of the society in Kuwait.
      • The number of participants from each household selected in the sample ranges between 1-4 participants depending on the family size.
    • 7. How is the first visit done for each house?
      • The selected head of household will receive a notification via Sahel application informing them that they have been selected to participate in the survey.
      • If that is not possible, the head of the household will be contacted by the Ministry of Health hotline 151.
      • If that contact cannot be made, an official team from the Ministry of Health will visit the house (initial visit) to explain the project to the head of the household and obtain his consent to participate, while specifying the place and time of the next visit.
    • 8. How to verify the identity of the medical team responsible for conducting the survey?

      Team members carry Ministry of Health ID cards specific to the National Health Survey project. A barcode on the back of the ID card leads to information about the survey project on the Ministry of Health's official website. The Ministry of Interior is also aware of the names of the field team members working on the project.

    • 9. Is there an awareness campaign about the survey?

      Yes, there is an awareness campaign about the project, and you can refer to the Ministry of Health’s website and the ministry’s social media sites, as well as the survey project social media sites, to obtain the required information, in addition to the official programs of the Ministry of Information.

    • 10. What will the survey consist of?
      • Survey teams will visit selected participants at home or they can meet them at the health center (according to the head of household's choice). Participants have the right to choose between a home visit from the field team or going to one of the health centers designated for the survey in each governorate.
      • The participant will fill out the questionnaire for the National Population Health Survey with the help of the survey staff.
      • In addition, the survey team will conduct general physical examination of the participants, including oral health and dental checks, vision tests, body mass index measurements, and blood pressure measurements.
      • Some laboratory blood tests will be done for blood count, cholesterol, and other things.
    • 11. What is the home visit time (or health center visit time, depending on the choice of the head of the household)?

      The head of the household has the right to choose a suitable time for the visit as follows:

      • 4 PM, or
      • 7 PM
    • 12. How long does it take the medical team to complete the survey work?

      From 2 to 3 hours
    • 13. Will the questionnaire be paper-based or electronic?

      The survey will be conducted electronically using tablets specifically designed for this purpose.

    • 14.Who are the members of the survey team expected to visit the house?

      The team consists of three to four members (doctor, nurse, surveyor, and supervisor).

    • 15.Was training offered to the medical teams conducting the survey?

      Yes, the teams have been professionally trained by the Ministry of Health to perform their duties to the highest extent, adhering to the best international quality standards. Furthermore, all team members are medical and administrative staff employed by the Ministry of Health.

    • 16. Is it possible to perform comprehensive blood tests through the survey team?

      Yes, the teams have been professionally trained by the Ministry of Health to perform their duties to the highest extent, adhering to the best international quality standards. Furthermore, all team members are medical and administrative staff employed by the Ministry of Health.

    • 17. Do I need to be fasting while participating in the survey?

      No.

    • 18. If I had a blood test done several days ago, will another blood sample be taken during the survey?

      Yes.

    • 19. How will the test results be obtained?

      Your test results will be delivered to you via Sahel application or Q8Seha application.

    • 20. Is a blood test mandatory, or is it enough to complete the questionnaire only?

      For the survey and required health data to be complete, a blood test is necessary in addition to the questionnaire, and we encourage this.

    • 21. Will my personal information be safe?

      Yes, the Ministry of Health maintains the confidentiality of your personal information and is committed to protecting it with complete secrecy and privacy in accordance with the highest security standards.

    • 22. How will the ministry use the collected data?

      This data will be used to:

      • Provide information that assists the Ministry of Health and other national bodies in evidence-based planning and identifying health needs for decision-making regarding health-related policies.
      • Evaluate current health indicators to analyze the health status of the population in the State of Kuwait
      • Measure the prevalence of certain health conditions and their associated risk factors, and enhancing disease surveillance in the State of Kuwait.
      • Assess patterns of healthcare service utilization in Kuwait.
      • Provide up-to-date health data to support scientific research for widespread publication.
    • 23. Is this survey associated with any fees or costs?

      No, participation in the National Population Health Survey is completely free and this is part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to improve health services and to continue health planning.

    • 24. What benefits will I gain from participating in the survey?

      Your participation helps to improve health services in your area and in Kuwait in general. It also helps in measuring the health situation and health needs of the population so that we can ensure a better future for our beloved Kuwait. You will also receive a free check-up at your home (or health center) to check on your health.

    • 25. Can I refuse to participate in the survey?

      Participation in the survey is optional, and we encourage everyone to participate because of the positive impact this has on maintaining your health and contributing to the development of health services provided to you.

    • 26. Will the survey results affect health services in my area?

      Yes, the survey results help the Ministry of Health allocate the necessary resources and improve health services based on the actual needs of the population in each area.

    • 27. Will my participation in the survey affect the health services currently provided to me?

      No, the survey will not affect the health services you receive; on the contrary, it aims to improve them based on the data and results that the survey will achieve.

    • 28. Does the survey include questions about chronic diseases?

      Yes, the survey includes questions about chronic diseases and other health issues in addition to risk factors affecting health, to ensure that necessary care is provided and services are improved.

    • 29. Can I provide feedback or suggestions about the survey?

      Of course, we welcome all your suggestions and comments. You can submit them through the official channels available at the Ministry, and we always strive to improve your experience.

    • 30. Will there be any follow-up from the ministry after the completion of the survey?

      Yes, based on the results, the Ministry of Health may target the groups most in need for follow-up or implement health programs and initiatives.

    • 31. What if I have other questions about the survey or health services?

      You can always contact the Ministry of Health for more information. We are here to serve you and answer your questions.


    For any inquiries: - Please contact us during official working days on the Ministry of Health (MoH) hotline (151).

    Or contact us via MoH WhatsApp at 24971010.