Public perceptions toward primary care in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study

An increase in the use of emergency departments in hospitals, influenced by multiple factors, is one of the main problems faced by healthcare leaders in Kuwait. A lack of confidence in general practice and low awareness of the severity of the situation highlight the need for reassurance by emergency specialists. Despite Kuwait's substantial investment in its primary health care infrastructure, the patterns of its utilization have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate people's perceptions of primary care services in Kuwait.

This study was conducted between October 2023 and June 2024 in Kuwait. We used a convenience sampling technique to include individuals of the Kuwaiti population aged ≥18 years; we excluded primary care physicians. A paper-based, validated questionnaire was distributed to primary healthcare visitors. Overall, the sample comprised 655 participants.

Participants who were followed at primary care clinics and those who selected them as their first choice demonstrated greater awareness of the primary care role and higher scores regarding their impression of primary care doctors than those who did not. However, 53% of the participants believed that the emergency department was more important than a primary care center. Participants who acknowledged that the primary health care center is the first choice for treating medical problem were significantly more likely to have good impressions and good awareness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.77-5.02; p < 0.001) and (AOR = 5.09; 95% CI: 2.98-8.69; p < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, those who believe that the primary health care center holds more importance than the emergency department were more likely to have good impressions and awareness (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.68-3.25; p < 0.001) and (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.72-4.04; p < 0.001), respectively.

Several factors influence people's awareness of primary care. Therefore, stakeholders should promote awareness programs to increase the awareness of the value and role of primary care.