A multicentre point prevalence survey of hospital antibiotic prescribing and quality indices in the Kurdistan Region Government of Northern Iraq : the need for urgent action

Background: Rationale antimicrobial use is crucial to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threats. No study has been undertaken in Iraq, using validated methodologies, to document current antimicrobial use and areas for improvement given high AMR rates. Objectives: To assess antibiotic prescribing patterns in this region using the Global PPS methodology to identify targets for quality improvement Methods: Point prevalence survey (PPS), using the Global PPS methodology, conducted among the three major public hospitals in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)/northern Iraq from September-December 2019. Prevalence and quality of antibiotic use were estimated/assessed using agreed quality indicators. Results: Prevalence of antibiotic use was high (93.7%;n=192/205); with third generation cephalosporins as the most commonly prescribed antibiotics (52.6%;n=140/266). Reasons for treatment was recorded for only 61.7% (n=164/266) of antibiotics and high use (89.9%) of parenteral therapy was observed. All therapy was empirical, no stop/review dates were recorded and no treatment guidelines were available. Majority of the prescribed antibiotics (62%; n=165/266) were from the WHO Watch list. Conclusions: Prevalence of antibiotic use was the highest not only in the region but globally including Africa, coupled with significant evidence of sub-optimal prescribing practice. Swift action is needed to improve future prescribing to reduce AMR. One-two areas should initially be targeted for quality improvement including development of local guidelines, documentation of antibiotic indication and/or stop/review dates

Prevalence of obesity and associated factors among secondary school students in Slemani City Kurdistan Region, Iraq

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 regressions were 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

Health and safety management assessment among administrative staff and health and safety committee members in University of Sulaimani

Abstract: In any occupational field, all staff members, workers, administrators, and managers should know the available occupational health and safety (OHS). In general, the issue of workplace safety could not be achieved effortlessly. Based on the health and safety management system (HSMS) guidelines, a systematic approach should be existing, which employers administer to minimize the available risks of illness and injury. This comprehensive approach consists of identifying, assessing, and controlling the possible risks to the workers. The main challenges of HSMS guidelines are to decrease the possible ambiguity and hazards and proper management of the job. The present study was carried out to evaluate the safety and health management in the University of Sulaimani, its staff's knowledge and attitudes regarding main elements of health and safety management, and the level of the health and safety principles among the university staff. A total number of 135 administrative staff and health and safety committee members were studied in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Two standard questionnaires were used to collect critical data on the participants' health and safety management evaluation and their knowledge, attitude, and skills about health and safety management training programs. The collected data were analyzed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. The results indicated that most of the participants (56.3%) worked in colleges and 43.7% in the directorate sector. Their age range was from 25 to 74 years, with more participants belonging to 35-44 and 45-54 years. Most of the participants (68.9%) were males. Regarding the participants' knowledge of and attitude toward managerial aspects of health and safety, it was seen that most of them were well aware. Regarding their health and safety responsibilities, it was concluded that most of them had enough knowledge. In terms of the participant's knowledge of health and safety program components, they had sufficient knowledge of most of the components. The main objective of occupational health and safety assessments is to specify the possible risk to workers and staff members' safety and health. However, the effect of occupational health guidelines within the universities on the improvement of university staff's health and safety has not been clarified precisely yet

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused