Workers In Kuwait Research Articles

Acceptability of Telepsychiatry among Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait

The challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expose them to abuse, harming their mental wellness. Telepsychiatry offers hope by allowing prompt diagnosis, management, and treatment of mental health issues. Yet, the acceptability of this technology among OFWs has not been studied, and specialized psychiatric services for them are scarce. This study assessed telepsychiatry acceptance among OFWs in Kuwait. Using a cross-sectional design, participants with mental health concerns in a Philippine Embassy shelter were selected. Tailored telepsychiatry software facilitated secure online video consultations and psychotherapy sessions with a Philippines-based psychiatrist. Acceptance was measured with the telemedicine satisfaction and usefulness questionnaire. Fifty-five (55) female OFWs participated; most were household service workers (n = 53; 96.36%) with a median age of 35. Mental health disorders were diagnosed in 22 participants (40%) – including acute stress disorder (n = 14; 25.45%), major depressive disorder (n = 5; 9.09%), brief psychotic disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), and adjustment disorder (n = 1; 1.82%). Acceptance-wise, the majority of the participants expressed satisfaction with the telepsychiatry service provided (mean = 4.77; SD=0.48). This pioneering research demonstrates the viability of telepsychiatry in providing vital psychosocial support to distressed OFWs in Kuwait. Sustaining and expanding this service across various countries is essential to ensure access to culturally sensitive and responsive mental health resources, thereby promoting mental health equity and the overall well-being of migrant workers

Organizational Culture and Resulting Leadership Behaviors: Empirical Evidence from Social Workers in Kuwait

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the influence of Bureaucratic, Supportive, and Innovative organizational structures on Consideration and Initiating Structure leadership behaviors. The study comprised survey of 261 purposively sampled social workers employed in Kuwaiti governmental social organizations. The Organizational Culture Index (OCI) and the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ) were used for data collection, and Structural Equation Modeling was used to examine these relationships. The results of this study demonstrate that Bureaucratic cultures significantly affect both the Consideration and Initiating Structure behaviors. Moreover, Supportive organizational culture predicts Consideration, whereas little evidence is found to support if Innovative Culture has any impact on Consideration or Initiating Structure.

Arab identity and attitudes toward migration in Kuwait and Qatar

This paper explores the attitudes of expatriate workers towards the future of migration to the Arab Gulf states. We conduct an online survey and framing experiment administered to more than 2900 expatriate workers in Kuwait and Qatar. We find that Arab migrants are less supportive of future migration than other migrants and also exhibit high levels of ethnic-group bias in favor of fellow Arabs. Evidence from the framing experiment suggests that Arab migrants disfavor Indian workers, even though workers from South Asia are less likely to pose competition for jobs. Our findings provide empirical evidence for ethnic boundary policing within the migrant community and speak to the conditions that encourage anti-migrant sentiment and in-group favoritism among Arab expatriate workers in the Gulf region.

Safer Working at Heights: Exploring the Usability of Virtual Reality for Construction Safety Training among Blue-Collar Workers in Kuwait

Virtual Reality (VR) construction safety training modules have reached a level of maturity which renders them as a serious alternative to traditional safety training modules. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usability of a particular safety training module related to “Working at heights” for blue-collar construction workers in Kuwait. A mixed study approach was applied based on a semi-quasi experimental research design, utilizing a control group/experimental group with pre-/post-test measurements, supplemented by observations. The findings indicate a statistically insignificant higher learning effectiveness of the workers exposed to the VR approach. Observations confirmed that trainees require an extended time of preparation to become familiar with moving within the virtual environment and using the related hardware. Furthermore, younger users with less work experience reported a higher usability than older users with more work experience. VR content developers are encouraged to investigate the possibilities of simplifying the virtual environment to make it more relevant for blue-collar workers, reduce the complexity of the hardware, and intensify the feeling of the consequences resulting from users’ choices. Construction companies and educational institutions training construction blue-collar workers can benefit from the VR approach to safety training if they allow sufficient time for familiarization with the virtual training module.

COVID-19 shock 2020: impact on foreign and Kuwaiti workers and contrasts with employment, earnings and consumption during normal times

ABSTRACT This paper uses micro-level data from the 2013 official Kuwait Household expenditure survey covering 2961 households; and three 2020 COVID-19 shock-related CEO, labor force and household surveys to juxtapose the consumption profiles of foreign workers in Kuwait. The paper contributes to a growing literature on foreign workers by focusing on foreign workers’ employment and earnings and consumption profiles following the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper compares differential consumption responses of 250 foreign and Kuwaiti households during the COVID-19 shock with profiles that existed during 2013, which was a shock-free year. Moreover, since foreigners represent nearly 70% of the population, OLS regressions were applied to the 2013 microdata and the 2020 household survey to inquire if standard consumption functions deployed in the economic literature hold in the case of foreign households in Kuwait and vets how their consumption responded to income shocks. Our data and empirical analysis corroborate that Kuwait’s foreign community bore the brunt of COVID-19 in terms of employment, earnings and living conditions. Moreover, our results broadly indicate congruence with Friedman’s permanent income hypothesis, and that for given income levels, consumption heterogeneity holds for foreign workers according to age cohorts, giving support to the life cycle hypothesis. The findings carry significant implications to Kuwait’s dichotomous labor markets, and to households’ income and consumption policies especially to Kuwait’s transformative policy to realize sustainable growth.

A Hopeful Gamble: Living the Faith as Migrant Workers and Transnational Mothers

This article is based on a qualitative research study involving Filipinas who are both migrant workers in Kuwait, Italy, Hong Kong and Taiwan and mothers of children aged between 0 and 18 years at the time of their departure from the Philippines. The article seeks to answer the following question: how does one’s Christian faith assist women in coping with labour migration and the resulting transnational mothering? In an analysis of data gathered from the participant mothers, the concept of ‘strategising to gain access to a better life’ emerges as central to how the participants navigate transnational mothering as labour migrants. In particular, the participant mothers identify their faith as one of the factors in which they invest. From a theological perspective, such ‘investing in faith’ is interpreted as an integral component of an ongoing spirituality that is hinged on an active relationship with God. On the one hand, their experience of living the faith reveals encountering the sacred in mundane events, amidst the challenges associated with labour migration and transnational mothering. On the other hand, their experience of hopeful gambling attests to the reality of evil or ‘dis-grace’ in the here and now.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting world economies, business revenues, and the livelihood of many individuals, and has also resulted in accumulated medical waste. Countries, governments, and health workers are striving to contain this virus by applying different strategies and protocols. This research investigates and identifies the significant determinants that influence the acceptance and Adoption of non-hazardous medical waste recycling behaviour in Kuwait. This article questions whether healthcare workers in Kuwait are actually behaving differently regarding non-hazardous medical waste recycling during the pandemic as opposed to previously. The study uses a deductive research approach involving a quantitative methodology by applying the theory of planned behaviour as a framework. From an overall perspective, individuals have positive intentions and behaviours toward recycling. However, COVID-19 and the fear of spreading the virus had a positive impact on the healthcare workers' recycling behaviour in public hospitals in Kuwait.

Depression Among Health Workers in Kuwait

Introduction: People with depression have persistent sadness which interferes with productivity and daily activity. Subsequently decreasing work accuracy or increasing the medical errors in the medical field. The increasing amount of medical errors that was suggestive of depression encouraged us to estimate the extensiveness of depression among health workers in the hospitals in Kuwait. Aim: To provide basic data that will contribute to the design of preventive measures that will reduce the prevalence of Depression among health workers. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in AlFarwaniya Hospital & Mubarak AlKabeer Hospital in 2016. Data was performed using IPad and analyzed using SPSS. Results: The highest percentage of depression is among the ones whose ages are between 30 to 39 which is 12% (37) out of 52.4 % (162). It shows that females had depressive symptoms more than males, 7.1% of males were depressed compared to the 12.2% who were females. It seems that Kuwaiti health workers show depressive symptoms more than the non-Kuwaiti. It shows that doctors have highest depression rate (28%) then the nurse and finally the other careers. Married individuals show 68% are depressed which is the highest, single individuals with (28%) and divorced with (1.7%). Smokers were with 25% and nonsmokers with (19%) of depression. Chronic diseases don’t show significant effect on depression. Conclusion: This study showed that there is a difference in the prevalence of depression between the genders as well as the social status. Establishment of new rules to decrease working hours and held workshops and seminars on overcoming depression are great solutions to reduce stress among health workers.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Examine the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Kuwait.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers to determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and well-being, and to identify the factors associated with adverse psychological effects. This study was conducted 5 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. We used an online questionnaire to collect data from 378 healthcare workers. To examine the psychological impact, three standardized questionnaires were utilized. This includes the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the WHO Well-Being Scale (WHO-5) to measure depression, anxiety, and quality of life, respectively. More than half of the participants (52.9%) exhibited moderate or high levels of depression, and 40.5% reported moderate or high levels of anxiety. Unmarried HCWs reported more severe levels of depression; moderately severe depression (24.0% vs. 16.1%) and severe depression (12.4% vs. 6.8%). Unmarried HCWs also reported more severity of anxiety as well as lower overall wellbeing. Understanding how personal factors such as marital status can influence the degree of psychological distress can allow us to make better investments in supporting the mental health needs of HCWs in Kuwait. Governments and organizations must establish protective measures, such as continually assessing the mental health status of HCWs throughout the pandemic and providing support services for HCWs in need to minimize adverse consequences and ensure optimal health system operation.

Diabetes Mellitus and Its Risk Factors among Migrant Workers in Kuwait.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is growing enormously worldwide, and actions need to be taken in order to minimize the burden of diabetes mellitus and reduce its complications. Since two-thirds of Kuwait’s population are expatriates, the prevalence of and factors associated with diabetes among migrant workers was assessed as it has a significant impact on migrant workers’ quality of life, health, and productivity. The data used in this study was for all migrant workers who attended Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for physical examination in the year 2018. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to assess the relationship between diabetes mellitus and the other independent factors where odds ratios with confidence intervals were delineated. Information for a total of 3477 participants was recorded in the dataset for 2018. Of the total participants, 10.1% had diabetes mellitus. About 49% of the participants were overweight. The largest age group of participants was between 31 and 40 years of age. A small percentage of the participants were diagnosed with hypertension at 11.8%. Additionally, 76.1% of the participants reported themselves as non-smokers. Diabetes was positively associated with age, hypertension, and nationalities. However, no association was found between BMI and smoking tobacco. This is the first study in SIMC to assess DM and its associated risk factor among migrants, since migrant workers are neglected subpopulations that need our focus and attention to achieve justice and fairness. The findings revealed that the prevalence of DM among our study population was considerably lower. However, a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and being physically active, need to be introduced to prevent any further damage.

Violence against Female Domestic Workers in Kuwait

This study aims to examine the types and severity of violence and abuse encountered by female domestic workers in Kuwait. Methodologically, the study employed a quantitative approach. This study found that in terms of ethnicity and origin, Philippine and Sri-Lankan females dominated the social care and domestic workers sector in Kuwait. The statistical analysis showed that 82 % encountered physical abuse; 45%, sexual abuse; 88 %, psychological abuse; and 70 %, battering abuse. The paper recommends changes to Kuwaiti criminal laws to include proper prosecution of those who abuse domestic workers. It also recommends the implementation of proper protective mechanisms for these female workers.

Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 Vaccines against Symptomatic COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers in Kuwait: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Estimating vaccine effectiveness (VE) against severe, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among healthcare workers (HCWs) is necessary to demonstrate protection from the disease. Between 24 December 2020 and 15 June 2021, we determined the factors associated with vaccine coverage and estimated VE against SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs at a secondary hospital in Kuwait. Methods: We extracted sociodemographic, occupational, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and vaccination data for eligible HCWs from the hospital records. Vaccine coverage percentages were cross-tabulated with the HCW factors. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios in vaccinated versus unvaccinated. Results: 3246 HCWs were included in the analysis, of which 82.1% received at least one vaccine dose (50.4% only one dose of ChAdOx1, 3.3% only one dose of BNT162b2, and 28.3% two doses of BNT162b2). However, 17.9% of HCWs were unvaccinated. A significantly lower vaccination coverage was reported amongst female HCWs, younger age group (20–30 years), and administrative/executive staff. The adjusted VE of fully vaccinated HCWs was 94.5% (95% CI = 89.4–97.2%), while it was 75.4% (95% CI = 67.2–81.6%) and 91.4% (95% CI = 65.1–97.9%) in partially vaccinated for ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2, respectively. Conclusions: BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 vaccines prevented most symptomatic infections in HCWs across age groups, nationalities, and occupations.

Physical isolation and safety behaviour among oil and gas workers in Kuwait: The mediating role of mental health

PurposeThis paper examines direct and mediation relations among physical isolation variables (social isolation and loneliness), mental health (anxiety and depression), and safety behaviour (safety compliance and safety participation). MethodA cross-sectional study with data were collected by means of a questionnaire among oil and gas workers (foreign employees working at a remote oil and gas field site located in Kuwait), during a 3-month period (from October 2018 to December 2018). Regression analyses (bivariate and hierarchical), carried out on 387 responses, were employed to test the hypothesised model relating physical isolation variables, mental health, and safety behaviour. ResultsThe results provide support for the direct relations for the model, in that both social isolation and loneliness predicted both types of safety behaviour (compliance and participation). Further, the results provide partial support for the mediation relations for the model, as mental health was found to be a mediator of the relationship between loneliness and safety behaviour. DiscussionPhysical isolation variables have negative effect on safety behaviour, while mental health can operate as risk factors. The implications of these results for physical isolation, mental health issues and/or safety behaviour interventions in the industry are discussed.

Developing a Machine Learning Model for Detecting Job Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Front-line Workers in Kuwait

Developing a Machine Learning Model for Detecting Job Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Front-line Workers in Kuwait

Occupational Stressors and Safety Behaviour among Oil and Gas Workers in Kuwait: The Mediating Role of Mental Health and Fatigue.

This paper provides an examination of direct and mediated relationships among occupational stressors (responsibilities towards family and living environment), mental health (anxiety and depression), fatigue (physical and mental fatigue), and safety behaviour (safety compliance and safety participation). In this cross-sectional study, data were collected by means of a questionnaire among oil and gas workers (foreign employees working at a remote oil and gas field site located in Kuwait), during a two-month period (November–December 2018). Regression analyses (bivariate and hierarchical), carried out on 387 responses, were employed to test the links between occupational stressors, mental health, fatigue, and safety behaviour in the hypothesised model. The results provide support for the direct relationship in the model, in that both responsibilities towards family and living environment predicted safety behaviour participation. Further, the results provide partial support for the mediated relationships in the model, as mental health and fatigue were found to mediate the relationship of responsibilities towards family and living environment with safety participation behaviour. It is concluded that occupational stressors have a negative effect on safety behaviour, while mental health and fatigue can operate as risk factors. Given this, it is recommended that organisations need to enhance remote oil and gas workers’ safety behaviour by encouraging them to effectively balance their stress, mental health, and level of fatigue. This can be achieved by actions such as promoting spirituality, boosting workers’ resilience, providing recreational facilities and encouraging communications.

Contribution of Psychological Immunity dimensions in predicting Psychological Flow during coronavirus crisis among health workers in Kuwait

This study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of Psychological Immunity dimensions in predicting Psychological Flow, and the impact of two demographic factors among health workers in Kuwait. This study was performed on random sample consisted of 90 doctor and nurses were chosen from three coronavirus quarries in Kuwait. Psychological Immunity, and Psychological Flow scales were developed, validated and used current study. Psychological Immunity and psychological Flow are found to be at high levels. Furthermore, all Psychological Immunity dimensions are found to be predictors of Psychological Flow, especially optimism, and self-confidence which were found as the most important predictors. None of the demographic factors was found to be a significant predictor of the Psychological Immunity and Psychological Flow among health workers. The study suggests to stimulate awareness in health sector associations about the importance of optimism and self-confidence in protecting mental health during difficult situations.

Disparities in excess deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic among migrant workers in Kuwait

BackgroundThe actual human cost of the pandemic cannot be viewed through the COVID-19 mortality rates alone, especially when the pandemic is widening the existing health disparities among different subpopulations within the same society. In Kuwait, migrant workers were already disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and its unintended consequences. The totality of that effect on mortality is yet to be fully understood.ObjectiveTo estimate excess deaths in the pandemic year of 2020 among the Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti migrant populations.MethodsWe analyzed publicly available retrospective data in Kuwait on total annual mortality historically (from 2005 to 2019) and in 2020. We fitted a quasi-poisson generalized linear model adjusted for yearly trend and nationality to estimate the expected deaths in 2020 in the absence of the pandemic. We calculated excess deaths as the difference between observed and expected mortality for the year of the pandemic in both Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis.ResultsIn the absence of the pandemic, we expected the total mortality in Kuwait to be 6629 (95% CI: 6472 to 6789) deaths. However, the observed total mortality in 2020 was 9975 deaths; about 3346 (3186 to 3503) more deaths above the expected historical trend. Deaths among migrant workers would have been approximately 71.9% (67.8 to 76.0) lower in the absence of the pandemic. On the other hand, deaths among Kuwaitis would have been 32.4% (29.3 to 35.6) lower if the country had not been hit by the pandemic.ConclusionThe burden of mortality brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is substantially higher than what the official tally might suggest. Systematically disadvantaged migrant workers shouldered a larger burden of deaths in the pandemic year. Public health interventions must consider structural and societal determinants that give rise to the health disparities seen among migrant workers.

Social Workers’ Knowledge and Ability in Crisis Intervention in Kuwait– A Case of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Summary The main purpose of the current study was to assess whether there are significant differences among variables, such as social workers’ familiarity with the crisis intervention model, receiving up-to-date information about the latest developments in COVID-19, having adequate information about what the symptoms of COVID-19 are, and willingness to work with COVID-19 patients, and social workers’ ability to apply the crisis intervention model when they are working with clients and its three sub-scales (assessing and identifying the problem, establishing a relationship, and formulating an action plan). The cross-sectional survey method was used to conduct the sample of the study. The sample (N = 274) used in the study consisted of social workers in Kuwait. Findings The results showed that CIS is valid and reliable and can be trusted to measure levels according to the purpose of the study. Analysis using T-test showed significant relationships between the CIS and study’s variables at p < .05. Application This study would help to raise the knowledge and awareness about the ability of social workers to apply the crisis intervention model during COVID-19 pandemic when they are working with clients and what variables may be associated with it.

Psychological Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Healthcare Workers in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the 5C and Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scales.

Acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination appears as a decisive factor necessary to control the ongoing pandemic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the highest risk groups for infection. The current study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in Kuwait, with identification of the psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The study was conducted using an online anonymous survey distributed between 18 March 2021 and 29 March 2021. The sampling strategy was convenience-based depending on chain-referral sampling. Psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were assessed using the 5C subscales and the Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (VCBS). The total number of study participants was 1019, with the largest group being physicians (28.7%), pharmacists (20.2%), dentists (16.7%), and nurses (12.5%). The overall rate for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was 83.3%, with 9.0% who were not willing to accept vaccination and 7.7% who were unsure. The highest rate for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was seen among dentists (91.2%) and physicians (90.4%), while the lowest rate was seen among nurses (70.1%; p < 0.001). A higher level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was found among females, participants with a lower educational level, and HCWs in the private sector. A preference for mRNA vaccine technology and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was found among the majority of participants (62.6% and 69.7%, respectively). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was significantly linked to the embrace of vaccine conspiracy beliefs. The highest 5C psychological predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were high levels of collective responsibility and confidence, and lower levels of constraints and calculation. The VCBS and 5C subscales (except the calculation subscale) showed acceptable levels of predicting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance based on receiver operating characteristic analyses. The participants who depended on social media platforms, TV programs, and news releases as their main sources of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines showed higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. An overall satisfactory level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was seen among HCWs in Kuwait, which was among the highest rates reported globally. However; higher levels of vaccine hesitancy were observed among certain groups (females, nurses and laboratory workers, HCWs in the private sector), which should be targeted with more focused awareness programs. HCWs in Kuwait can play a central role in educating their patients and the general public about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2, considering the high rates of vaccine hesitancy observed among the general public in Kuwait and the Middle East.

Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Migrant Workers in Kuwait.

Although the effect of hearing loss on years lived with disability (YLD) is quite substantial, occupational hearing loss among migrant workers is significantly under-studied. In Kuwait, where nearly two-thirds of the population are migrant workers, the burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of ONIHL among migrant workers in Kuwait and explore workplace and individual risk factors that are associated with ONIHL. We obtained data of annual physical exams for the year 2018 conducted by the Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for all industrial workers in the area. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the effects of individual and occupational characteristics on ONIHL. A total of 3474 industrial workers visited the SIMC for an annual exam. The vast majority were men (99%) and non-Kuwaitis (98%) with a median age of 38 years. A total of 710 workers were diagnosed with ONIHL with a prevalence of 20.4%. Age, years of experience, and self-reported exposure to noise were associated with statistically significant higher odds of ONIHL. When adjusted for age, years of experience, and other individual level factors, type of industry was not a statistically significant predictor of ONIHL. The study uncovers the significant burden of hearing loss among the migrant worker subpopulation in Kuwait, an area of occupational health that is often underestimated or unrecognized. Although laws and regulations are in place to prevent and control noise in the workplace, the onus is on local authorities to ensure the necessary training and controls aimed to reduce noise exposure.