Background Vaccines remain one of the most effective methods to control infectious diseases; however, COVID-19 vaccines are challenging and novel. Vaccine support is still substantial in general, although vaccination fear has increased dramatically in recent decades. This is the first study aimed to determine the fear of the COVID-19 vaccination and the role of factors and reasons associated with fear in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Results A total of 1188 participants responded to the questionnaire about their fears of the COVID-19 vaccine. The majority of participants had a medium level of fear (56.7%). Fear was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with major demographic characteristics, social media use (51.8%), and losing family members, while other variables (previous seasonal influenza vaccine, previous infection, chronic medical diseases) show no relationship. Fear of side effects such as blood clotting was reported by the majority (45.03%) and indicated positive relation (p < 0.016). On the other hand, a high proportion, 39.9% and 34.01%, were afraid of AstraZeneca and Pfizer (p < 0.001), respectively; however, only about 4.63% had fear of Sinopharm. Conclusions The fear of COVID-19 vaccination was widespread in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. In this way, fear was related to significant variables. To reduce the fear of vaccines and increase public acceptance, authorities and the Ministry of Health should initiate a public awareness campaign. As a result, the public health crisis will significantly improve.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii parasite. University female students are at the age of childbearing and their status of T. gondii infection is important. Thus, early detection and therapy are of extraordinary importance. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among undergraduate female students of University of Duhok. A cluster stratified sampling procedure was used for each college in Duhok University and a proportionate number pulled from each stratum as a simple random sampling procedure. So, the four hundred ninety-six (496) serum samples were collected from November 2017 to February 2018. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and risk factors-related data. The venous blood specimens were examined for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay to detect Anti-Immunoglobulin G and M related to Toxoplasma gondii. Analyzing data were done through the application of SPSS software (Version 23 IBM). The finding of the present study revealed that the mean age of respondents was 21 years (SD ±1.668). Besides, 220 (44.4%) were found out to be seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii Anti-Immunoglobulin G and 55 (11.1%) for Anti-Immunoglobulin M antibodies. In addition, the more dominant risk factors that rose throughout the present study were among those they do not have information regarding toxoplasmosis and took raw or undercooked meat. Likewise, the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was high in female students at University of Duhok.

Background and objectives: Students at the university level are more exposed to changes in physical and social status and lifestyle changes, which will affect students’ eating habits. This study aimed to assess dietary habits among medical science students in Duhok city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 20th January 2019 to 28th April 2019. The cluster sampling procedure enrolled 359 medical science students aged 18-26 years from five medical science colleges in Duhok city. Dietary habits were obtained by direct interview. The questionnaire consists of three parts: socio-demographic characteristics, questions regarding main meals, and measuring dietary habits using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Most of the study participants were males 56.8% with a mean age was 21 years. Slightly more than half of the students 52% claimed they ate three main meals every day and about 11% skipped it. About 45% of the participants ate breakfast every day. The most frequently eaten meals and beverages among students were soft drinks 80%, rice 80%, snacks 72%, and sweats/chocolate 70%. Decreased intake of fruits 60%, vegetables 50%, and dairy products 38% were observed. There were significant differences among males and females in food consumption and beverages namely, sports drinks, eggs, cheese, red meat, chips, and sweets/chocolate. Conclusion: The current study indicated that skipping meals was typical among students. Most students had unhealthy food habits and behaviors according to the standard recommendations for eating and drinking daily. The assessment of dietary habits as a part of the health component can serve as a screening tool to identify adult students to improve their well-being and dietary habits.