Doctoral research

The last research project presents a case report examining the application of an innovative preventive health screening tool for early detection of modifiable risk factors in non- communicable diseases (NCDs). The case focuses on an individual with elevated NCD risk, documenting baseline screening results across metrics such as physical activity levels, sleep quality, and handgrip strength. Over a twelve-week period, the project tracks the effectiveness of personalized lifestyle interventions recommended based on screening data. This case provides practical insights into the screening tool’s utility in a non-clinical setting, highlighting its role in empowering self-management and informing future improvements for broader preventive health applications.

The complementary research project will investigate the statistical relationships among the metrics acquired through the preventive health screening tool. By analyzing these correlations— whether positive, negative, or statistically insignificant—the study aims to clarify how each metric interacts. Understanding these associations will enable practitioners to design health-promoting interventions with greater precision, ensuring that the recommended "dose" of lifestyle modifications is tailored to individual needs at the optimal time.

The second phase of this doctoral thesis involves qualitative research designed to examine the challenges and opportunities related to self-management practices for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the State of Kuwait. This phase employs semi-structured interviews to capture in-depth insights from a cohort of highly educated professionals working in academia and the medical field, providing a nuanced understanding of their perspectives on health behaviors and self-care strategies. To complement these findings, a nationwide survey is conducted among the general population, offering a broader assessment of public attitudes, barriers, and facilitators influencing self-management practices across diverse demographic groups. Together, these studies aim to inform tailored interventions that enhance self-care capabilities and improve health outcomes in Kuwait.

The second phase of this doctoral thesis involves qualitative research designed to examine the challenges and opportunities related to self-management practices for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the State of Kuwait. This phase employs semi-structured interviews to capture in-depth insights from a cohort of highly educated professionals working in academia and the medical field, providing a nuanced understanding of their perspectives on health behaviors and self-care strategies. To complement these findings, a nationwide survey is conducted among the general population, offering a broader assessment of public attitudes, barriers, and facilitators influencing self-management practices across diverse demographic groups. Together, these studies aim to inform tailored interventions that enhance self-care capabilities and improve health outcomes in Kuwait.

Title: Holistic Evaluation of Lifestyle and Performance Diagnostics (HELP-D): A Theoretical Framework for Screening and Managing Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a cluster of chronic conditions represented by slow health-to-disease transitions and convoluted disturbances in biological networks that underpin human pathologies. The collective burden of NCDs accumulates into an annual death toll of approximately 41 million individuals. Research has identified several modifiable NCD risk factors, which may serve as the behavioral precursors to disruptions in these biological networks. Furthermore, lifestyle-based interventions indicate efficacy in managing or reversing NCDs. Consequently, our objective was to design a theoretical framework for screening and managing NCDs in local gymnasiums, presenting the facilities as the nexus between healthcare and lifestyle medicine. We utilized a quasi-structured narrative review using predefined search terms combined with Boolean operators across three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and ProQuest) from December 1, 2024, to June 12, 2025. The literature search consisted of three phases, starting with preliminary search strings and evolving to 14 distinct keywords. Henceforth, snowballing and forward citation search strategies were applied to correspond with the broad scope of the review. Additionally, we employed a prioritization method to assess the relevance of inclusion and utilized a modified feasibility assessment framework to compare screening modalities. Our quasi-structured narrative review evolved into the Holistic Evaluation of Lifestyle and Performance Diagnostics (HELP-D) framework. The theoretical framework comprises a sociodemographic analysis, a prescreening tool, a lifestyle questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, an overhead squat assessment, handgrip strength testing, and a maximal oxygen uptake evaluation, alongside assessments of potential confounding factors (e.g., caffeine intake). To illustrate its potential diagnostic and inferential significance, the model is applied to the population of the State of Kuwait. Although the embedded screening tools are grounded in empirical research, the model has contemporary limitations that necessitate a pilot study. Contingent upon validation, the theoretical HELP-D framework holds promise for widespread adoption.

Title: Modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Kuwait: a review of public adherence, barriers, and recommendations.

Abstract: Communicable diseases have historically posed significant challenges to public health. While the transmission of infectious pathogens has been contained in most countries, the global health landscape has shifted toward an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The major categories of NCDs—cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus—account for approximately 41 million deaths annually, representing 74% of global mortality. This growing burden necessitates urgent measures to alleviate the escalating strain on healthcare systems. Accordingly, our narrative review explores modifiable risk factors for NCDs, the adherence of the Kuwaiti population to these risk factors, and barriers to adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Applying predefined keywords and quality appraisal of the evidence, our review identified several modifiable NCD-associated risk factors in Kuwait, including insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, tobacco use, environmental pollutants, excessive body weight, and unhealthy sleep patterns. Plausible sociocultural and environmental barriers in Kuwait to health-promoting behaviors are the Arid climate and over-availability of ultra- processed food. We recommend adopting a hypo-caloric Mediterranean diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining healthy sleep patterns, and avoiding tobacco exposure as pivotal approaches to managing NCD risk in the Kuwaiti population. Even though our review focuses on Kuwait, comparable trends of rising NCD rates and sociocultural and environmental constraints are likely present across other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, suggesting that these recommendations may have regional relevance. Future research and targeted public health initiatives will be essential to promote these lifestyle modifications and address shared challenges across the region.

The preliminary phase of this doctoral research focuses on reviewing measurement tools commonly used in strength and conditioning for their application in preventive healthcare assessments related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This scientific evaluation examines the validity, reliability, and feasibility of these tools to construct a comprehensive, quantitative testing battery. Advanced measurement technologies, performance diagnostics, and self- assessment metrics are being explored to support proactive health management and enable individuals to monitor their health outside of clinical settings. This foundational work aims to synthesize current scientific insights, laying the groundwork for further studies within the research project.