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 central project of this doctoral thesis aims to synthesize findings from preceding research to develop an innovative preventive health screening tool accessible outside of traditional medical clinics. This tool will assess modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Data will be collected using questionnaires that evaluate daily physical activity, sleep quality, and other lifestyle factors, complemented by objective measures such as handgrip strength. Together, these metrics provide a comprehensive risk profile for NCDs, highlighting risk factors that are largely modifiable through self-management practices. This project ultimately seeks to bridge the gap between clinical and community-based preventive healthcare, empowering individuals to monitor and manage their health proactively.

The second project, ‘’ Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities for Non-Communicable Disease Self-Management in Kuwait: Insights from Semi-Structured Interviews with Experts and Members of the General Population,’’ aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of adopting self-management practices, which includes behavioural modification and health monitoring. The semi-structured interviews—a qualitative research method—is conducted amongst academics, healthcare professionals, and members of the general public in order to provide information from various sources.

The first research project, "Modifiable Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases in Kuwait: A Review of Public Adherence, Barriers, and Recommendations," aims to contextualize the link between lifestyle habits and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This review examines the four primary NCDs—cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus—by exploring the modifiable risk factors associated with these conditions and assessing the contemporary lifestyle habits of the Kuwaiti population. The methodological quality of the included evidence is systematically graded. Additionally, barriers to adopting healthy lifestyle habits are analyzed, with the goal of developing evidence-based, practical recommendations for healthier living.

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.