Sociocultural Factors that Affect Kuwaiti Mothers\u27 Decision to Stop Breastfeeding

The major aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge of Kuwaiti women about the impact of BF on both mothers\u27 and infants\u27 health conditions and to describe the beliefs of Kuwaiti women about factors that cause insufficient breast milk. It also attempts to examine the influence of sociocultural factors that affect Kuwaiti mothers\u27 decision to stop BF. A sample of 870 Kuwaiti mothers coming from six Kuwaiti governorates were selected. The questionnaire that was used consisted of six sections, containing closed-ended questions to measure the identified variables (sociocultural information, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on infants\u27 health condition, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on mothers\u27 health condition, and factors that caused cessation of exclusive BF). The study reveals that the majority of Kuwaiti mothers combine BF and formula feeding and that few practiced exclusive BF. Moreover, findings show a significant association between knowledge about the benefits of BF for infants\u27 health and some of the mothers\u27 sociocultural variables, such as the residential area. Kuwaiti mothers\u27 employment status also has a significant impact on their knowledge of the benefits of BF for infants\u27 health, with employed mothers having better knowledge than unemployed ones. The main causes of stopping BF among Kuwaiti mothers were dry breast milk and non-flow from the breasts. BF is optimal for infants\u27 and mothers\u27 physiological and psychological well-being. The present study demonstrates that only few Kuwaiti mothers practiced exclusive BF and that the majority practiced combined BF and formula feeding

Sociocultural Factors that Affect Kuwaiti Mothers\u27 Decision to Stop Breastfeeding

The major aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge of Kuwaiti women about the impact of BF on both mothers\u27 and infants\u27 health conditions and to describe the beliefs of Kuwaiti women about factors that cause insufficient breast milk. It also attempts to examine the influence of sociocultural factors that affect Kuwaiti mothers\u27 decision to stop BF. A sample of 870 Kuwaiti mothers coming from six Kuwaiti governorates were selected. The questionnaire that was used consisted of six sections, containing closed-ended questions to measure the identified variables (sociocultural information, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on infants\u27 health condition, knowledge of the impact of exclusive BF on mothers\u27 health condition, and factors that caused cessation of exclusive BF). The study reveals that the majority of Kuwaiti mothers combine BF and formula feeding and that few practiced exclusive BF. Moreover, findings show a significant association between knowledge about the benefits of BF for infants\u27 health and some of the mothers\u27 sociocultural variables, such as the residential area. Kuwaiti mothers\u27 employment status also has a significant impact on their knowledge of the benefits of BF for infants\u27 health, with employed mothers having better knowledge than unemployed ones. The main causes of stopping BF among Kuwaiti mothers were dry breast milk and non-flow from the breasts. BF is optimal for infants\u27 and mothers\u27 physiological and psychological well-being. The present study demonstrates that only few Kuwaiti mothers practiced exclusive BF and that the majority practiced combined BF and formula feeding

Illness-Related Attitudes toward COVID-19 and Precautionary Practices among Kuwaiti Males during the Total Lockdown and Curfew in Kuwait: Illness-Related Attitudes toward COVID-19 and Precautionary Practices among Kuwaiti Males during the Total Lockdown and Curfew in Kuwait

COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic that affects individuals’ physical and mental health. The aim of this descriptive cross sectional study was to investigate relationships between precautionary practices (washing hands, taking vitamins, and eating a healthy diet) and attitudes about illness related to COVID-19 (worry about illness, concern about pain, hypochondriacal beliefs, thanatophobia, and treatment experience). This study used non-probability sample method to recruit the participants. The study sample was restricted to males who were 18 and older and who lived in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 430 males volunteered to participate in this study. The participants completed an online questionnaire that included three sections with questions about demographics, types of precautionary behavior related to COVID-19, and attitudes toward COVID-19. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between following preventative health behaviors related to COVID-19 and men’s illness-related attitudes toward COVID-19. Individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about health significantly affect their mental health condition. Therefore, there is a need to increase individuals’ attitudes, and beliefs that precautionary behavior is important for avoiding COVID-19, which could reflect on their physiological and mental health condition.   Key words: Illness, Attitudes, COVID-19, Precautionary Practice, Males, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus

Social Media as a Health-related Information Source about the Coronavirus among a Sample of Kuwaiti Youth: Social Media as a Health-related Information Source about the Coronavirus among a Sample of Kuwaiti Youth

Due to the rapid dissemination of COVID-19, the public community has begun following social media as a main source of health-related information daily due to the grave, life-threatening implications on patients’ health. The current study aims to (1) detect socio-demographic differences, knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and general health, and social media trust among youth; (2) determine the degree of using social media and traditional media among youth; and (3) examine the relationship between using social media to track COVID-19 news (symptoms, general health knowledge, and social media trust) and the degree of using social media. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 663 Kuwaiti youth from all governorates in Kuwait. A self-administrated questionnaire consisted of demographic information and variables related to using social and traditional media to receive information about COVID-19. Findings detect that females and older youth participants show higher COVID-19 general health knowledge and more trust in social media. Males reported highest in following Satellite TV channels, and Instagram as sources of health information. The youngest age group reported a greater use of social media in general. The primary social media platform for following the news is Twitter, with Kuwait TV being the main source of traditional media. Keywords: Social Media; Health Information; Coronavirus; Youth; Kuwait.   &nbsp