The changing pattern of mortality in Kuwait

There have been significant changes in Kuwait's mortality causes between 1969 and 1985: the chronic conditions doubled in percentage while the infectious diseases percentage decreased by two-thirds. Since 1975 the percentage of deaths caused by chronic conditions has exceeded that caused by infectious diseases. These patterns are attributed to changing life styles that have led to improvements in the quality of life in the country. In the Kuwait of the future, many more people will be in the older age categories, which will increase the number of residents who are particularly vulnerable to such degenerative diseases as cardiovascular conditions and malignant neoplasms.