Individual-related factors associated treatment adherence among hypertensive patients

Background: currently, some of the most prevalent illnesses are attributable to external sources, such as chronic disorders that threaten people's health. The goal of the study was to investigate the differences in individual characteristics associated with treatment adherence among hypertension patients. Methods: in this descriptive cross-sectional study, 176 hypertensive patients who reviewed primary healthcare facilities in Babylon Province were included. Experts were used to ensure the study questionnaire's validity, and a pilot study was used to ensure its reliability. Using standardized questionnaire and interviewing methods, data were collected and analyzed. Results: according to the study's findings, participants' average ages were 59 (10.86), 67% of them were over 60, 55.1% and 65.3% of them were men and married respectively, nearly half of them had moderate monthly income, the unemployed percentage was 61.9%, and 36.4% had completed their secondary education. Two-thirds, or 70.5%, of hypertension patients reported poor treatment adherence. Ages 30-59, male patients, married, high-income, and college-educated patients showed significantly better treatment compliance (P<0.05). Conclusions: every individual characteristic for patients with high blood pressure is regarded as a predictor of therapy adherence. The current study is one of the few in Iraq to evaluate treatment adherence and look into the various elements that may influence it using the survey approach. Future research on the subject of antihypertensive treatment adherence in the hypertensive population in Iraq employing a representative sample, a qualitative methodology, and more factor exploration may offer additional insights

The epidemiological profile associated with lifestyle risk factors and nutritional status for COVID-19 patients in the Iraqi population

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of covide19 infection and to identify the lifestyle factors and nutritional status associated with the epidemiological profile of covid19 patients. Methods. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in the eighteen Iraqi governorates, from 1st August to 20th of October 2020. At the end of this study, 433 participants were recruited . Results. The prevalence of coronavirus infection was 37.18%. Smoking and Active physical activity were relatively higher for covid19 patients who are male, and belonged to the under 45 age range were 91.3%. It notices that covid19 patients who smoking and had active physical activity were married, residence in urban, and worked. Likewise, covid19 patients who had equal or more than institute/college level of education are smokers and had active physical activity. Obesity prevalence was higher for patients aged <45 (92.2%), and higher for females (51%). The proportion of obese was generally higher for married and for those living in urban areas (92.2%). Obesity was significantly more common among those in worked (70.6%). Conclusions. Of note is the high prevalence of covid19 infection observed. A strong correlation between the prevalence of active physical activity among covid19 patients and gender, marital status, residence, education, and occupation. As unexpected, the prevalence rate of obesity among covid19 patients on correlating with socio-demographic status did not yield a significant difference

The food hygiene practices among workers in restaurants of Wasit Governorate, Iraq

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices related to food hygiene among those working in restaurants. Method: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 5 to April 30, 2019, within restaurants located in Hay, Kut, Numania, Badra, Azizia and Suwera cities in the Wasit Governorate of Iraq. Those included using simple random sampling technique were food handlers of either gender. Data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire. Results: Of the 330 subjects from 55 restaurants, 320(96.9%) were males and 10(3%) females. The overall mean age was 31.6±9.5 years (range: 15-55 years). Overall, 193(58.4%) subjects were married, 279(84.5%) had work experience <10 years, 90(27.2%) had professional training, 212(64.2%) had studied up to secondary level, and 113(34.2%) were working as waiters. Of the total, 127(38.48%) subjects correctly described food hygiene, and 197(59.69%) acknowledged the necessity of obligatory periodical check-ups. Hygiene practice scores were poor in 223(67.57%) cases. Conclusion: The food hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice of food handlers in restaurants of Wasit governorate were found to be poor. Keywords: Restaurants, Health, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Hygiene, Surveys