Effect of Using and Preparing of Food on Diarrhea Disease for Children

Introduction: In Iraq diarrhea is the main cause for clinical presentation among under 5-years child population next to pneumonia and it's also more common in rural than in capital Baghdad. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban Baghdad Hospital Central for Children and in Al-Mohmmodia Hospital which was in rural city. Data were collected from the patient's record registration for each hospital (age, No. of child who is infected with diarrhea, Nutritional status, breast-feeding and water supply, and socio-economic status). Also, precoded questionnaires with sociodemographics, maternal and child characteristics, child feeding, and environmental conditions. Result: Total diarrhea percent under-10 years children in the urban capital Baghdad were lower than Baghdad's rural, that were 13.73 and 69.68 respectively. The difference in diarrhea percent among males and female for both hospitals was big and the difference was statically significant (p<0.01). Children in the age group less than one year had the higher prevalence of diarrhea to the extent of 51.16% in rural Al-Mohmmodia than capital Baghdad 14.34%, followed by the age 1 year and above had the lowest prevalence. The difference in the prevalence of diarrhea in different age groups was showed to be statically significant (p<0.01). Similarity, decreasing birth weight, immunization and vitamin A consumption, personal hygiene, overcrowding, garbage and exceta disposal, source of water, and caregiver status were found associated with increased diarrhea incidence (p<0.01). Conclusion: in this study the prevalence of diarrhea was higher in under-five children in rural Baghdad than capital Baghdad which was significantly associated with child's sex, child's age, maternal education level, and socio-economic parameter. Therefore, this study to show the differences between Baghdad city and its rural of diarrheal incidence in children less than 10 years, and to see which season effect diarrhea incidence more. The other objective is to find out association between certain risk factors and diarrhea among children less than 10 years. Keywords: Diarrhea- risk factors- nutrition status- stunting- parasites and bacterial infection.

Health Professional’s Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Adolescent Pregnancy Care in Primary Health Care Centers in Erbil City

Background and objectives: The World Health Organization defines adolescent pregnancy as pregnancy in which the mother is under the age of 20 at the time the pregnancy ends. About 16 million girls ageing between 15 and 19 years give birth every year. The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude among nurses and physicians in Erbil Primary Health Care Centers regarding adolescent pregnancy care and comparing them. Methods: A quantitative; descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in maternal and child health care units at twenty-three Primary Health Care Centers in Erbil city, between November 15th , 2018 and November 15th, 2019. Non-probability, Convenience sampling technique was used for selecting sample which includes 95 from the total of 100 health professionals. Data was collected through interview (face to face) by using questionnaire form which was designed by the investigator. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test. Results: Health professionals mean age + SD was 41.95 + 8.40 years, ranging from 27 to 62 years. The median was 42 years. Less than half (42.1%) of the sample were nurses, and the rest were physicians of different specialties. The highest percentage of the nurse’s knowledge and attitude were in medium level (42.5% and 47.5%, respectively). The highest percentage of physician’s knowledge and attitude were in high level (58.3% and 65.5% respectively). There were significant difference between them regarding their knowledge (p = 0.32) and attitude (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Health professionals working in maternal and child health care units need improving their knowledge and attitude regarding adolescent pregnancy care. Nurses need more information and training sessions regarding that

Perspectives and pregnancy outcomes of maternal Ramadan fasting in the second trimester of pregnancy

Abstract Background There are controversies over the effects of Ramadan fasting on pregnancy outcomes, and women’s perspectives of fasting are diverse. This study aimed to assess the perspectives and pregnancy outcomes of maternal Ramadan fasting in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods A case-control study was conducted at Hawler Maternity Teaching Hospital of Erbil, Iraq from October 2017 to January 2018. Out of 301 participating women, 155 fasted during the second trimester of their current pregnancy, while the remaining 146 did not. Mothers were asked concerning their fasting behaviors and perception of fasting during pregnancy. The main outcomes of this study were gestational diabetes, preterm labour, preeclampsia, low birth weight, Apgar score, height, weight, and head circumference of the newborn. Results About 80% of the women in the fasting group fasted for 21–29 days during Ramadan, out of whom 38.7% completed fasting for the entire Ramadan period. The results revealed that the decision to fast during pregnancy was negatively associated with the mother’s educational level and occupation. Weight gain during pregnancy in the fasting women was approximately 0.4 kg less than those who did not fast. The incidence of gestational diabetes was 2.6% in the fasting women, while it was 8.3% in the non-fasting mothers (P = 0.02). Regression analysis showed that women who did not fast during the second trimester of pregnancy were 1.51 times more likely to develop gestational diabetes [odd ratio (OR) 1.51; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.06, 0.74, P = 0.01]. It was also found that among the women in the fasting categories, those who fasted for 21–29 days during pregnancy had a lower risk of gestational diabetes compared to the other groups. More than half of the mothers in the fasting group (60%) perceived that fasting during pregnancy was compulsory for healthy and non-healthy women, comparing with those who did not fast. Conclusion It was found that fasting during the second trimester of the pregnancy decreased the risk of gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Most of Iraqi women did not fully recognize their right to be exempted from fasting during pregnancy by the Islamic law

Clinical Nutrition 2017: Understanding obesity among women in Erbil, the autonomous region of Kurdistan, Iraq using nutritional indicators and geographic data- Lisa Pawloski- George Mason University

International audienc

Publications and grant applications.

BackgroundResearchers in universities and academic institutions must be in a leading position in generating research evidence to inform and direct national policies and strategies, improve service delivery, and achieve the main objectives. This study aimed to determine the factors that promote or hinder research productivity and quality among university academics in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 949 university academics from all public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The authors developed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, challenges, satisfaction, and motivation for conducting research. Data were collected using a Google form. Frequencies, percentages, and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data.ResultsMost university academics (94.6%) believed that research was part of their job, but only 51.6% were satisfied with their role as academic researchers. The lack of financial motivation was the main reason for dissatisfaction, while the main incentive to conduct research was the passion for science. Around 21% of the university academics had not published any research, while 53.1% published 1–5 articles. Half of the participants (49.7%) lacked training in writing research proposals, and the majority (86.1%) have not applied for international grants. Approximately half of university academics (46.9%) shared their research findings with stakeholders, and the primary method was by sharing their published papers (59.4%), followed by seminars (42.2%). One of the important challenges in conducting research was the lack of funding (62.8%).ConclusionsThe academics at universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are passionate about their role as researchers, but face many challenges in conducting effective research. A strategic plan is needed to provide an encouraging environment for university academics regarding infrastructure, financial, and technical support. More studies are needed to identify the root factors of academic staff needs and challenges.</div

Comparison between different holders of academic titles with their research practice and the level of satisfaction.

Comparison between different holders of academic titles with their research practice and the level of satisfaction.</p

Satisfaction and motivation for conducting research.

Satisfaction and motivation for conducting research.</p

Comparison between different academic titleholders with their attitude regarding research support and usage.

Comparison between different academic titleholders with their attitude regarding research support and usage.</p

Data on research and teaching activity.

BackgroundResearchers in universities and academic institutions must be in a leading position in generating research evidence to inform and direct national policies and strategies, improve service delivery, and achieve the main objectives. This study aimed to determine the factors that promote or hinder research productivity and quality among university academics in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 949 university academics from all public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The authors developed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic data, challenges, satisfaction, and motivation for conducting research. Data were collected using a Google form. Frequencies, percentages, and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data.ResultsMost university academics (94.6%) believed that research was part of their job, but only 51.6% were satisfied with their role as academic researchers. The lack of financial motivation was the main reason for dissatisfaction, while the main incentive to conduct research was the passion for science. Around 21% of the university academics had not published any research, while 53.1% published 1–5 articles. Half of the participants (49.7%) lacked training in writing research proposals, and the majority (86.1%) have not applied for international grants. Approximately half of university academics (46.9%) shared their research findings with stakeholders, and the primary method was by sharing their published papers (59.4%), followed by seminars (42.2%). One of the important challenges in conducting research was the lack of funding (62.8%).ConclusionsThe academics at universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are passionate about their role as researchers, but face many challenges in conducting effective research. A strategic plan is needed to provide an encouraging environment for university academics regarding infrastructure, financial, and technical support. More studies are needed to identify the root factors of academic staff needs and challenges.</div