Mother’s Knowledge and Practices Concerning Early Colostrum Feeding in Erbil Governorate: A Comparative Study

The first milk called colostrum is the promotes a baby’s growth and development. The objective of the study is to explore the level of knowledge and practices among mothers in three different areas, and compare between related areas regarding first colostrum feeding, in the Erbil governorate- Iraqi Kurdistan region. A descriptive study was conducted in three selected provinces in Erbil Governorate. During the period started on 2nd of Jan. to the end of May. 2019. non-probability of 400 normal vaginal delivered in the three general hospitals were recruited. A special tool was constructed by researchers, a direct interview was adapted. Data collection was done and entered into the computer. A special SPSS software version 23 was used to analyzing the data, including frequency, chi-square, and two-tailed t-test to access the purpose of the study. The study found that the mothers in Shaqlawa city were more knowledgeable, compared with mothers in another two areas Erbil city and Koy-Sanjaq city. However, mothers in all three provinces were not practiced colostrum feeding after birth. statistically, a significant association was found between the mother’s knowledge and residency areas, SES, age, and level of education. And found a statistical association between mothers’ practices and SES, age of mothers, and level of education. The study found a statistically significant difference between Erbil city and Koy�Sanjaq city; between Shaqlawa city and Koy-Sanjaq city concerning mothers’ practices respectively, while non�statistically differences were found between Erbil mothers and Shaqlawa mothers, non-statistically significant differences between practices of Erbil city mothers and Shaqlawa city mothers. Whereas the study reveals statistically differences between Erbil city mothers, Koy-Sanjaq city mothers, also found a non-statistically significant difference among mothers in Koy-Sanjaq and Shaqlawa regarding knowledge. The mothers in Shaqlawa city had better knowledge and all three districts complained of poor practices regarding colostrum feeding, baby-friendly hospital is recommended for all provinces in Erbil governorate

Effects of a Home-Based Nursing Intervention Program on Caregivers Care Adherence of Children Affected with Type I Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that affects many children worldwide. Caregivers of children with T1DM play a crucial role in managing the child's health, but often face challenges in adhering to the recommended care guidelines. This study aimed to find out the effects of home-based nursing intervention programs on caregivers regarding the home care of children affected by T1DM. A quasi-experimental design with pre-and post-test control and intervention groups was used. This study was conducted in Akre, Duhok, Iraq, with 60 caregivers (30 in an intervention group and 30 in a control group) of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus who were registered at the Gulan General Hospital in Akre city and were selected using the systematic sampling method between 3rd of January to 5th of September, 2022. A home-based nursing intervention program (5 months) was provided to the intervention group, while standard care was provided to the control group. A t-test, chi-squared analysis, and a structural equation model were used for data analysis of the iterative measurements. The end result shows the home-based nursing intervention program changed the behaviour of caregivers toward diet and insulin, modification of the diabetes care plan, intervention behaviour, and additional diabetes care practices were significant differences between groups. The home-based nursing intervention program was effective in increasing the frequency of diabetes management and taking responsibility for managing diabetes at home

The Effectiveness of Massaging, Swaddling, and Reflexology Intervention in Mothers’ Practices Regarding Infantile Colic

Background and objectives: During the first few months of a baby's life, the parents should deal with terrible condition of infantile colic, in which the infantile cries, groans, or otherwise displays signs of suffering. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage, swaddling, and reflexology intervention programs in the practices that mothers use to treat infantile colic. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was employed to investigate 60 mothers (30 subjects in the intervention group and 30 subjects in the control group) who attended treatment and routine follow-ups in outpatient primary health care centers for infantile colic in Erbil from August 1, 2022, to December 1, 2022. A format for health education programs was constructed and designed based on related literature. The data were collected through face-to-face interview techniques, the post-test was administered after one month of intervention with the program. ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant Findings: According to the findings, almost all of the infants in both groups were in their second month of life. Comparing mothers` practices for massaging, swaddling, and reflexology score between the control group and the intervention group before the intervention program (pretest) showed no statistically significant difference. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the mothers` practice for massaging, swaddling, and reflexology score between the control group and the intervention group after the intervention program (post-test). Moreover, there was a statistically significant median increase in massaging, swaddling, and reflexology scores (between the pre- and post-test) of both groups. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that massage therapy, swaddling, and reflexology care can be significantly effective in managing infantile colic