Determinants of diabetes in Kuwait: evidence from the World Health Survey

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly among countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). We analysed data from the World Health Organization’s World Health Survey conducted in Kuwait in 2013 in order to distil the main demographic and socio-economic determinants of diabetes. A subjective measure of diabetes was used given the low blood chemistry measurement response rates. An analysis of key risk factors indicated that obese, hypertensive and insufficiently active respondents were more likely to be diabetic. In addition, when examining the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, our results showed that diabetic patients were more likely to have been diagnosed with two or more chronic conditions compared to non-diabetics. Finally, results from the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that people’s weight, age and employment status were the most significant predictors of diabetes. Although not the focus of this paper, similar results yield for the entire population (i.e. nationals and expatriates). Given the cost associated with diabetes and that diabetics were more likely to suffer from multiple chronic conditions, the government should devote more effort to preventive types of healthcare.