Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 68 in total

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  1. Secondary metabolites produced by marine streptomyces as antibiofilm and quorum-sensing inhibitor of uropathogen Proteus mirabilis
    Younis KM, Usup G, Ahmad A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Mar;23(5):4756-67.
    PMID: 26538254 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5687-9
    Quorum-sensing regulates bacterial biofilm formation and virulence factors, thereby making it an interesting target for attenuating pathogens. In this study, we investigated anti-biofilm and anti-quorum-sensing compounds from secondary metabolites of halophiles marine streptomyces against urinary catheter biofilm forming Proteus mirabilis without effect on growth viability. A total of 40 actinomycetes were isolated from samples collected from different places in Iraq including marine sediments and soil samples. Fifteen isolates identified as streptomyces and their supernatant screened as anti-quorum-sensing by inhibiting quorum-sensing regulated prodigiosin biosynthesis of Serratia marcescens strain Smj-11 as a reporter strain. Isolate Sediment Lake Iraq (sdLi) showed potential anti-quorum-sensing activity. Out of 35 clinical isolates obtained from Urinary catheter used by patient at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, 22 isolates were characterized and identified as Proteus mirabilis. Isolate Urinary Catheter B4 (UCB4) showed the highest biofilm formation with highest resistance to used antibiotic and was chosen for further studies. Ethyl acetate secondary metabolites extract was produced from sdLi isolate. First, we determined the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of sdLi crude extract against UCB4 isolate, and all further experiments used concentrations below the MIC. Tests of subinhibitory concentrations of sdLi crude extract showed good inhibition against UCB4 isolate biofilm formation on urinary catheter and cover glass using Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy respectively. The influence of sub-MIC of sdLi crude extract was also found to attenuate the quorum sensing (QS)-dependent factors such as hemolysin activity, urease activity, pH value, and motility of UCB4 isolate. Evidence is presented that these nontoxic secondary metabolites may act as antagonists of bacterial quorum sensing by competing with quorum-sensing signals for receptor binding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  2. Fulltext Hepatitis C infection and detection of antibodies, RNA and genotypes among female healthcare workers in Baghdad
    Waqar, A.K., Nik Shamsidah N.I., Nor Aini M.N., Waqar, Abd Alqahar Al –Kubaisy
    JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):14-20.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major public health problem worldwide. About 130- 200 million people
    are infected with HCV worldwide leading to 500,000 deaths annually (WHO 2014). Healthcare workers (HCWs)
    have played an important role in the transmission of HCV infection, either as victims or as sources of infection.
    Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HCV, antibodies (Abs) RNA and genotypes among the female HCWs
    in Baghdad and to identify whether HCWs were infective or only infected.
    Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1001 women attending 17 health care centres in
    Baghdad, Iraq, was carried out. Information on type and duration of their occupation was obtained. HCV Abs
    (anti-HCV) were tested using a third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA-3) and immunoblot assay (Lia
    Tek-111). Molecular analysis using RT-PCR and DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA) for HCV-RNA and genotype
    detections were carried out for 63 serum samples.
    Results: Only 160/1001 (15.98%) were HCWs. Anti-HCV and HCV- RNA seroprevalence were significantly higher
    (6.37%, p=0.0057, 88.83%, p= 0.011 respectively) among HCWs than non HCWs. HCWs were at a significantly
    higher risk of exposure to HCV infection (OR=2.75, 95% C.I. =1.31-5.79). There was no significant association
    between HCV genotypes and the HCWs. HCV-4 showed higher expression (62.5%) among HCWs.
    Conclusion: Female HCWs were infective and infected with HCV, thus there is a need for medical equipment
    to be sterilized and cleaned thoroughly.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  3. Determination of biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen for semi-arid river environment: application of soft computing models
    Tao H, Bobaker AM, Ramal MM, Yaseen ZM, Hossain MS, Shahid S
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Jan;26(1):923-937.
    PMID: 30421367 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3663-x
    Surface and ground water resources are highly sensitive aquatic systems to contaminants due to their accessibility to multiple-point and non-point sources of pollutions. Determination of water quality variables using mathematical models instead of laboratory experiments can have venerable significance in term of the environmental prospective. In this research, application of a new developed hybrid response surface method (HRSM) which is a modified model of the existing response surface model (RSM) is proposed for the first time to predict biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in Euphrates River, Iraq. The model was constructed using various physical and chemical variables including water temperature (T), turbidity, power of hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, calcium (Ca), chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulfate (SO4), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS) as input attributes. The monthly water quality sampling data for the period 2004-2013 was considered for structuring the input-output pattern required for the development of the models. An advance analysis was conducted to comprehend the correlation between the predictors and predictand. The prediction performances of HRSM were compared with that of support vector regression (SVR) model which is one of the most predominate applied machine learning approaches of the state-of-the-art for water quality prediction. The results indicated a very optimistic modeling accuracy of the proposed HRSM model to predict BOD and DO. Furthermore, the results showed a robust alternative mathematical model for determining water quality particularly in a data scarce region like Iraq.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  4. Megacities' environmental assessment for Iraq region using satellite image and geo-spatial tools
    Tao H, Hashim BM, Heddam S, Goliatt L, Tan ML, Sa'adi Z, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Mar;30(11):30984-31034.
    PMID: 36441299 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24153-8
    Urban areas are quickly established, and the overwhelming population pressure is triggering heat stress in the metropolitan cities. Climate change impact is the key aspect for maintaining the urban areas and building proper urban planning because spreading of the urban area destroyed the vegetated land and increased heat variation. Remote sensing-based on Landsat images are used for investigating the vegetation circumstances, thermal variation, urban expansion, and surface urban heat island or SUHI in the three megacities of Iraq like Baghdad, Erbil, and Basrah. Four satellite imageries are used aimed at land use and land cover (LULC) study from 1990 to 2020, which indicate the land transformation of those three major cities in Iraq. The average annually temperature is increased during  30 years like Baghdad (0.16 °C), Basrah (0.44 °C), and Erbil (0.32 °C). The built-up area is increased 147.1 km2 (Erbil), 217.86 km2 (Baghdad), and 294.43 km2 (Erbil), which indicated the SUHI affects the entire area of the three cities. The bare land is increased in Baghdad city, which indicated the local climatic condition and affected the livelihood. Basrah City is affected by anthropogenic activities and most areas of Basrah were converted into built-up land in the last 30 years. In Erbil, agricultural land (295.81 km2) is increased. The SUHI study results indicated the climate change effect in those three cities in Iraq. This study's results are more useful for planning, management, and sustainable development of urban areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  5. Appraisal of domestic solid waste generation, components, and the feasibility of recycling in Erbil, Iraq
    Shuokr Qarani Aziz, Hamidi Abdul Aziz, Mohammed Jk Bashir, Mohd Suffian Yusoff
    Waste Manag Res, 2011 Aug;29(8):880-7.
    PMID: 21242179 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X10387462
    Solid waste collection and disposal are among the most vital services provided to about 700 770 residents of the city of Erbil in northern Iraq. As such, proper waste management systems that consider both the quantity and composition of domestic solid waste are strongly required to address the increasing amount of solid waste. Unfortunately, these essential data are not easily available. The present study sought to gather data on the quantity and composition of domestic solid waste collected from different quarters in Erbil, and the feasibility of recycling these wastes. The solid waste generation rate (GR), uncompacted density, and weight percentages of combustible and incombustible materials were determined based on the collected materials (i.e., food, plastic, paper, metal, glass and cloth). The results show that the average GR and uncompacted density were 0.654 kg capita(-1) day(-1) and 175.72 kg m(-3), respectively. The weight percentages of food, plastic, paper, metal, glass, and cloth as components of domestic solid waste were 79.34, 6.28, 5.9, 3.6, 3.42 and 1.45%, respectively.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  6. Consumer perception on generic medicines in Basrah, Iraq: preliminary findings from a qualitative study
    Sharrad AK, Hassali MA
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2011 Mar;7(1):108-12.
    PMID: 21397885 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2009.12.003
    BACKGROUND: The use of generic medicines has been increasing steadily internationally, primarily because of cost concerns. Knowledge and use patterns of generic medicines in Iraq have not yet been measured.
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore consumers' perception and knowledge on issues relating to generic medicine use in Basrah, Iraq.
    METHODS: A qualitative approach was used to gather information from consumers in Basrah, Iraq. A purposive sample of 14 consumers in Basrah was interviewed face-to-face using a semistructured interview guide.
    RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the interviews identified 5 major themes: understanding of the term "generic medicine," preference for generic medicine, refusal of generic medicine, generic substitution, and education on the use of generic medicines. Not all the consumers were familiar with the term "generic medicine;" they were familiar with the term "commercial medicine." Most of the participants understood that generics cost less compared with their branded counterparts. Most of the consumers said that their physicians and pharmacists had given them information on generics.
    CONCLUSION: Knowledge of generic medicines may be lacking among consumers in Iraq. Development of consumer education on generics by health care providers is required to support the implementation of the policy on generic medicines in Iraq.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  7. The Factor Structure of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale in Veterans Experienced Chemical Weapon Exposure
    Sharif Nia H, Pahlevan Sharif S, Boyle C, Yaghoobzadeh A, Tahmasbi B, Rassool GH, et al.
    J Relig Health, 2018 Apr;57(2):596-608.
    PMID: 28748326 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0458-1
    This study aimed to determine the factor structure of the spiritual well-being among a sample of the Iranian veterans. In this methodological research, 211 male veterans of Iran-Iraq warfare completed the Paloutzian and Ellison spiritual well-being scale. Maximum likelihood (ML) with oblique rotation was used to assess domain structure of the spiritual well-being. The construct validity of the scale was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha, Theta (θ), and McDonald Omega (Ω) coefficients, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and construct reliability (CR). Results of ML and CFA suggested three factors which were labeled "relationship with God," "belief in fate and destiny," and "life optimism." The ICC, coefficients of the internal consistency, and CR were >.7 for the factors of the scale. Convergent validity and discriminant validity did not fulfill the requirements. The Persian version of spiritual well-being scale demonstrated suitable validity and reliability among the veterans of Iran-Iraq warfare.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq War, 2003-2011
  8. Feedforward backpropagation, Genetic Algorithm approaches for predicting reference evapotranspiration
    Shafika Sultan Abdullah, M.A. Malek, Namiq Sultan Abdullah, A. Mustapha
    Sains Malaysiana, 2015;44:1053-1059.
    Water scarcity is a global concern, as the demand for water is increasing tremendously and poor management of water resources will accelerates dramatically the depletion of available water. The precise prediction of evapotranspiration (ET), that consumes almost 100% of the supplied irrigation water, is one of the goals that should be adopted in order to avoid more squandering of water especially in arid and semiarid regions. The capabilities of feedforward backpropagation neural networks (FFBP) in predicting reference evapotranspiration (ET0) are evaluated in this paper in comparison with the empirical FAO Penman-Monteith (P-M) equation, later a model of FFBP+Genetic Algorithm (GA) is implemented for the same evaluation purpose. The study location is the main station in Iraq, namely Baghdad Station. Records of weather variables from the related meteorological station, including monthly mean records of maximum air temperature (Tmax), minimum air temperature (Tmin), sunshine hours (Rn), relative humidity (Rh) and wind speed (U2), from the related meteorological station are used in the prediction of ET0 values. The performance of both simulation models were evaluated using statistical coefficients such as the root of mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The results of both models are promising, however the hybrid model shows higher efficiency in predicting ET0 and could be recommended for modeling of ET0 in arid and semiarid regions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  9. Assessment of groundwater nitrate contamination hazard in a semi-arid region by using integrated parametric IPNOA and data-driven logistic regression models
    Rizeei HM, Azeez OS, Pradhan B, Khamees HH
    Environ Monit Assess, 2018 Oct 04;190(11):633.
    PMID: 30288624 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7013-8
    Groundwater hazard assessments involve many activities dealing with the impacts of pollution on groundwater, such as human health studies and environment modelling. Nitrate contamination is considered a hazard to human health, environment and ecosystem. In groundwater management, the hazard should be assessed before any action can be taken, particularly for groundwater pollution and water quality. Thus, pollution due to the presence of nitrate poses considerable hazard to drinking water, and excessive nutrient loads deteriorate the ecosystem. The parametric IPNOA model is one of the well-known methods used for evaluating nitrate content. However, it cannot predict the effect of soil and land use/land cover (LULC) types on calculations relying on parametric well samples. Therefore, in this study, the parametric model was trained and integrated with the multivariate data-driven model with different levels of information to assess groundwater nitrate contamination in Saladin, Iraq. The IPNOA model was developed with 185 different well samples and contributing parameters. Then, the IPNOA model was integrated with the logistic regression (LR) model to predict the nitrate contamination levels. Geographic information system techniques were also used to assess the spatial prediction of nitrate contamination. High-resolution SPOT-5 satellite images with 5 m spatial resolution were processed by object-based image analysis and support vector machine algorithm to extract LULC. Mapping of potential areas of nitrate contamination was examined using receiver operating characteristic assessment. Results indicated that the optimised LR-IPNOA model was more accurate in determining and analysing the nitrate hazard concentration than the standalone IPNOA model. This method can be easily replicated in other areas that have similar climatic condition. Therefore, stakeholders in planning and environmental decision makers could benefit immensely from the proposed method of this research, which can be potentially used for a sustainable management of urban, industrialised and agricultural sectors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  10. Fulltext Cannabis and amphetamine use among adolescents in five Asian countries
    Peltzer K, Pengpid S
    Cent Asian J Glob Health, 2017;6(1):288.
    PMID: 30881756 DOI: 10.5195/cajgh.2017.288
    Introduction: There has been a global increase in illicit drug use among young people. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lifetime cannabis and amphetamine use, as well as to explore factors associated with substance use among adolescents in five Asian countries: Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, and Vietnam.
    Methods: 38,941 school children (mean age 15.4 years, SD=1.5) completed the cross-sectional Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Topics covered in the questionnaire included cannabis and amphetamine use. Personal, parental, and environmental attributes were explored as predictors of cannabis and amphetamine use. Logistic regression was used to assess the contribution of potential predictors on lifetime cannabis and lifetime amphetamine use.
    Results: Overall, the prevalence of lifetime cannabis use was 0.9% and lifetime amphetamine use was 1.0% among research participants. Cannabis use was influenced by male gender (Kuwait, Mongolia), parental smoking habits (Kuwait, Iraq), and current cigarette smoking in all countries. Amphetamine use was associated with suicidal ideation (Kuwait, Malaysia, Vietnam), school truancy (Malaysia, Mongolia, Vietnam), being a victim of physical assault (Kuwait, Mongolia), bullying victimization (Iraq, Malaysia, Vietnam), as well as anxiety and current cigarette use in all countries.
    Conclusions: Our preliminary results show the importance of personal attributes such as mental distress and environmental stressors on lifetime cannabis and lifetime amphetamine use. Future prospective studies are needed to identify causal relationships among personal attributes, parental attributes, environmental stressors, and illicit substance use.
    Study name: Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  11. Geographical differences in semen characteristics: Comparing semen parameters of infertile men of the United States and Iraq
    Palani A, Sengupta P, Agarwal A, Henkel R
    Andrologia, 2020 Apr;52(3):e13519.
    PMID: 32003032 DOI: 10.1111/and.13519
    The declining trend of male fecundity is a major global health and social concern. Among numerous other confounding factors, variations in male fertility parameters in different regions have repeatedly been suggested to be influenced by geographic locations. The impact of overall lifestyle, behavioural patterns, ethnicity, work stress and associated factors upon health differ greatly between developed and developing countries. These factors, individually or in combination, affect male reproductive functions ensuing the discrepancies in semen qualities in connection with geographic variations. However, reports comparing semen characteristics between developed and developing countries are sparse. The present study finds its novelty in presenting a comparison in semen parameters of infertile men in the United States (n = 76) that fairly represents the population of a highly developed region and Iraq (n = 102), the representative of male populations of a developing region. Samples were collected and analysed according to WHO (WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, WHO; 2010) criteria by means of the Mann-Whitney test. The US population demonstrated lower sperm concentration, total count, and total and progressive sperm motility with a higher seminal total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as compared to the Iraqi population. This report encourages further investigations concerning the confounding factors leading to such alterations in semen qualities between these two geographic areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq/epidemiology
  12. Fulltext Factors influencing pap smear practice among primary school teachers in Diyala City, Iraq
    Oras Zaki Saadoon, Rahmah Mohd Amin, Saad Ahmed Ali Jadoo
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(1):19-28.
    MyJurnal
    Cervical cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women in Iraq. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing Pap smear practice among married primary school teachers in Diyala City, Iraq. A total of 222 teachers (aged 20 years to 63 years) residing in Diyala City were enrolled in a cross sectional study from 1st August till 30th September 2012. The sampling method was a self-administered survey using a multistage sampling technique. The prevalence of Pap smear practice was very low (12.6%). Relatives and friends were the main source of information about the Pap smear test for more than one third (41.9%) of the respondents. However, the medical doctor’s advice was the most important reason for undergoing a Pap smear test in more than two third (60.7%) of respondents. Only 32.4% of the teachers have good knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear test, but 76.1% of them showed a positive attitude toward learning about cervical cancer and Pap smear. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis results only the husband’s encouragement (p= 0.003, prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 0.256, 95%CI 0.10-0.63) was significantly associated with Pap smear practice. A more effective educational program is needed to educate Iraqi women about cervical cancer and screening tests, including Pap smear.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  13. Modeling of wastewater quality in an urban area during festival and rainy days
    Obaid HA, Shahid S, Basim KN, Chelliapan S
    Water Sci Technol, 2015;72(6):1029-42.
    PMID: 26360765 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2015.297
    Water pollution during festival periods is a major problem in all festival cities across the world. Reliable prediction of water pollution is essential in festival cities for sewer and wastewater management in order to ensure public health and a clean environment. This article aims to model the biological oxygen demand (BOD(5)), and total suspended solids (TSS) parameters in wastewater in the sewer networks of Karbala city center during festival and rainy days using structural equation modeling and multiple linear regression analysis methods. For this purpose, 34 years (1980-2014) of rainfall, temperature and sewer flow data during festival periods in the study area were collected, processed, and employed. The results show that the TSS concentration increases by 26-46 mg/l while BOD(5) concentration rises by 9-19 mg/l for an increase of rainfall by 1 mm during festival periods. It was also found that BOD(5) concentration rises by 4-17 mg/l for each increase of 10,000 population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  14. Fulltext A pilot study on the willingness of premarital Malays on premarital thalassaemia screening
    Nor Ezzati Nor Albashri, Noor Fadzilah Zulkifli, Asral Wirda Ahmad Asnawi, Zetty Nadia Mohd Zain, Rashidah Mohamed, Sathar, Jameela, et al.
    Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2017;2(202):33-34.
    MyJurnal
    Thalassaemia is one of the most common autosomal recessive blood disorders in the world and its carrier status is prevalent in nearly 15% of Malaysian population. The global and economic burden for lifelong care of those affected increases every year. Currently, there is no policy on thalassaemia-carrier screening for couples prior to marriage besides HIV/AIDS screening in Malaysia. Other countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have established a policy for thalassaemia prevention by conducting premarital thalassaemia screening. Zero thalassaemia cases in new-born child in Cyprus have proven that thalassaemia can be prevented. This study aimed to investigate the willingness of premarital Malays on premarital thalassaemia screening.

    A set of questionnaire was distributed to 57 persons at premarital course sites and wedding fairs and expositions held in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Components in the questionnaire included: 1) demographic 2) knowledge about thalassaemia, signs and screening method 3) attitudes towards thalassaemia premarital screening 4) practices of premarital thalassaemia screening. Analysis for the questionnaire was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  15. Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella typhi infection in Iraq, 2019-2021
    Nassir KF, Ali BM, Ibrahim ZH, Qasim ZJ, Mahdi SG, Mustafa NM, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):74-79.
    PMID: 38287761
    INTRODUCTION: Salmonella typhi could infect the intestinal tract and the bloodstream or invade body organs and secrete endotoxins. It is endemic in developing countries. It is increasingly evolving antimicrobial resistance to several commonly used antimicrobial agents.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done at Iraqi Communicable Disease Control Center, where all confirmed cases of Salmonella typhi are reported, for a period 2019-2021. All demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients, comorbidities, type of samples, distribution of S. typhi by age and gender, time distribution in each year and profile of bacterial resistance and sensitivity to antibiotics were gathered and analysed.

    RESULTS: Most samples were taken from blood. The mean age of cases during 2019, 2020 and 2021 was 18.7 ± 6.5, 17.7 ± 14.1 and 17.3 ± 12.8. Males constituted 56.7%, 58.5% and 39.8%, respectively. Some cases had comorbidities. Most cases had headache and fever. Some of them had nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and epigastric pain. The age and sex were significantly associated with years of reporting. The most months of case reporting were June-July (2019 and 2021), Jan. -Feb. (2020). There was an obvious increase in S. typhi resistance to ceftriaxone (92.2%, 86.1%, 88.8%) and ampicillin (77.1%, 76.9%, 81.27%). There was a gradual increase in sensitivity to tetracycline (83.1%, 88.1%, 94%), cotrimoxazole (86.7%, 86.1%, 92.2%), ciprofloxacin (78.3%, 90.1%, 87.8%) and cefixime (77.7%, 72.3%, 72.7%).

    CONCLUSIONS: There was a sharp rise in resistance rates of the S. typhi in Iraq (during 2019-2021) to ceftriaxone and ampicillin, while there were highest sensitivity rates to imipenem, aztreonam and chloramphenicol. The following recommendations were made: (1) Improvement of general hygiene and food safety measures. (2) Emphasis on vaccination and surveillance of Salmonella infection. (3) Rational use of appropriate antibiotics through implementation of treatment guidelines. (5) Educate communities and travelers about the risks of S. typhi and its preventive measures.

    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq/epidemiology
  16. Traditional foodstuffs and household food security in a time of crisis
    Muhialdin BJ, Filimonau V, Qasem JM, Algboory H
    Appetite, 2021 10 01;165:105298.
    PMID: 33989697 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105298
    Traditional foodstuffs play an important role in household food security. No research has, however, attempted to examine traditional foodstuffs in light of disasters and crises. Such research can provide a useful outlook on how traditional foodstuffs can aid households in a situation of disrupted food supply. This outlook becomes relevant in view of future disastrous events that can undermine household food security, especially in poor disadvantaged communities. This study examined the role of traditional foodstuffs during a major crisis. The study adopted an ethnographic perspective and the method of semi-structured household interviews to explore how traditional foodstuffs were used by communities in the city of Mosul, Iraq, under the ISIS administration and during the liberation war (2016-2017). The study showcased the critical role of traditional foodstuffs in survival of local households. It highlighted the importance of cross-generational knowledge of traditional foodstuffs in community preparedness for disasters and crises. The study proposed to integrate traditional foodstuffs into governmental strategies on household food security in Iraq, and beyond. It suggested including traditional foodstuffs in the humanitarian food supply chains in the regions prone to disasters and crises. Future research should examine the prerequisites for such inclusion, especially from the viewpoint of societal and political acceptance of traditional foodstuffs and methods of their production.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  17. Fulltext Prevalence of obesity and associated factors among secondary school students in Slemani City Kurdistan Region, Iraq
    Muhammad Saeed Qadir, Rampal, Lekhraj, Sherina Mohd Sidik, Salmiah Md Said, Zhian Salah Ramzi
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2014;10(2):27-38.
    MyJurnal
    Obesity is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The objective of
    the study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and factors associated among secondary school students aged between 13 to 17 years at Slemani City Centre, Iraq. Methodology: A cross sectional study design was used. The calculated sample size was 1656. Probability proportional to size sampling technique was used to select the sample. A validated pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Weight and height were also taken. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square test was used to determine an association between two categorical variables. Independent t-test was used to compare two means. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors for obesity. Results: The response rate was 92.54% and the overall mean age of the 1588 respondents was 15.42 (95% CI = 15.35, 15.49) years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.6% and 11.3% respectively. Variables significantly associated with overweight and obesity (age, monthly family income, education level of parents, body part satisfaction and body size perception) were entered into the logistic regression model. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the predictors for overweight and obesity were age, monthly family income, body part dissatisfaction and body size perception. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high (20.6% and 11.3% respectively). The predictors of obesity among secondary school students aged between 13 to 17 years old at Slemani City Centre Kurdistan Region, Iraq were age, family income and body image dissatisfaction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  18. Fulltext Factors related to low birth weight babies in Baghdad City, Iraq
    Mohammed A. Abdal Qader, Shamsul Azhar Shah, Zaleha Md Isa, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Idayu Badilla, Tiba Nezar Hasan
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(2):45-49.
    MyJurnal
    Great importance has been attributed to birth weight all over the world because it is considered as one of the best predictors of prenatal survival and a good indicator of quality life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight babies (LBW) and factors related to it in Baghdad city. A cross sectional study was carried out in four general hospitals in Baghdad city, Iraq. A total of 225 newborn babies, alive, singleton and without congenital malformation were selected randomly from these four general hospitals.The result of the study showed the prevalence rate of low birth weights was 21.3%. Mothers’ educational level, monthly family income, mothers with chronic hypertension, mothers with history of previous low birth weight infants and anemic mothers were significantly associated with low birth weight babies (P= 0.03, 0.01, 0.02,
    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  19. Fulltext The Development and Validation of Quality of Life Scale for Iraqi Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    Mikhael EM, Hassali MA, Hussain SA, Shawky N
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 07 18;12(3):262-268.
    PMID: 33100785 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_190_19
    Background and Aim: The current trend for determining the effectiveness of new treatment or services provided for diabetes mellitus (DM) patients is based on assessing the improvement in both glycemic control and the patient quality of life. Many scales have been developed to assess quality of life among DM patients, but unfortunately, no one can be considered as gold standard. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a brief and specific scale to assess quality of life among Iraqi type 2 DM patients.

    Methods: An extensive literature review was done using Google-Scholar and PubMed to find out scales that utilized to assess quality of life among DM patients. Four relevant scales, three diabetes specific and one general, were selected. The selected scales were carefully evaluated to find out domains that are commonly used to assess quality of life and then the items within the selected domains were reviewed to choose relevant and comprehensive items for Iraqi type 2 DM patients. Ten items were selected to formulate the quality of life scale for Iraqi DM patients (QOLSID). The content validity of QOLSID was established via an expert panel. For concurrent validity QOLSID was compared to glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C). For psychometric evaluation, a cross sectional study for 103 type 2 DM patients was conducted at the National Diabetes Center, Iraq. Test-retest reliability was measured by re-administering QOLSID to 20 patients 2-4 weeks later.

    Results: The internal consistency of the QOLSID was 0.727. All items had a corrected total-item correlation above 0.2. There was a negative significant correlation between QOLSID score and the HbA1C level (-0.518, P = 0.000). A significant positive correlation was obtained after re-testing (0.967, P = 0.000).

    Conclusion: The QOLSID is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used for assessing quality of life among Iraqi type 2 DM patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq
  20. Fulltext Validity and reliability of anti-diabetic medication adherence scale among patients with diabetes in Baghdad, Iraq: a pilot study
    Mikhael EM, Hussain SA, Shawky N, Hassali MA
    BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care, 2019;7(1):e000658.
    PMID: 31354953 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000658
    Background: Medication non-adherence is a common problem among patients with diabetes. Patient-reported medication adherence scales are the most commonly used method to assess patient medication adherence, but up to today there is no specific tool for assessing medication adherence among patients with diabetes in Arab countries. This study aimed to develop and validate a new tool for assessment of adherence to antidiabetic medications among Iraqi patients with diabetes.

    Methods: The Iraqi Anti-Diabetic Medication Adherence Scale (IADMAS) consists of eight items. The face and content validity of the IADMAS were established via an expert panel. For convergent validity, the IADMAS was compared with the Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ). For concurrent validity, the IADMAS was compared with glycosylated hemoglobin. A total of 84 patients with types 2 diabetes were recruited from a diabetes center in Baghdad, Iraq. Test-retest reliability was measured by readministering the IADMAS to the same patients 4 weeks later.

    Results: Only 80 patients completed the study (response rate: 95%). Reliability analysis of the IADMAS showed a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.712, whereas that of the MAQ was 0.649. All items in the IADMAS showed no significant difference in the test-retest analysis, indicating that the IADMAS has stable reliability. There was no difference in the psychometric properties of the IADMAS and the MAQ. The sensitivity and specificity of the IADMAS were higher than that of the MAQ (100% vs 87.5% and 33.9% vs 29.7%, respectively).

    Conclusion: The IADMAS developed in this study is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing antidiabetic medication adherence among Iraqi patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Iraq/epidemiology
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