No abstract

Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Iraq exceeding only by coronary heart disease and war related death. Ageing with overweight plays a critical role in predisposing people to stroke; weight loss behaviors can have profound effect in protecting seniors with obesity from stroke. Aim of study: The study aims to assess the efficacy of the Health Belief Model in enhancing weight loss behaviors to prevent stroke among overweight and obese geriatrics homes residents in Baghdad city. Methods: This study used a randomized controlled trial approach. Sixty-three seniors from Baghdad geriatrics homes with BMI > 25 Kg/m2 participated in the study and randomly allocated into one of two groups, experimental (intervention group) and control (nonintervention group). A mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to measure the change among participant’s beliefs over three times (T1, T2, and T3(

Diabetes is a serious public health problem, and exercise plays an important role in preventing it. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy model of Health belief-based health education in improving exercise behaviors among Mosul University employees to prevent Diabetes disease. This study used an experimental design by employing a randomized control approach. The study comprised 81 individuals selected by using a simple random sampling method from five colleges of Mosul University. The sample is divided into two groups: the experimental (41) subjects and the control group (40) individuals. The data is gathered three times (T1, T2, and T3) by adopting the exercise health belief model scale. The study revealed that the sample’s mean age (SD) is 45.26 (SD = 8.59) and most of the participants are male (59.3%) and have bachelor’s degree certificates (40.7%). On the other hand, the study indicated a significant change in participants’ perceived seriousness, F (2, 79) = 9.265, P < .000, perceived benefits of exercise in preventing diabetes, F (2, 79) = 7.868, P < .001, perceived barrier F (2,79) = 7.643, p = 0. 001. The Bonofonei test proved that the change in participants' beliefs is related to the experimental group. This study is clinically important because it shows the role of health education in enhancing some beliefs related to exercise and its role in Diabetes prevention. Keywords: Health Belief Model, Exercise, Diabetes Meletus

Objective: evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance (AFP) System's Structure at Al-Russafa Health directorate in Baghdad City. Methodology: descriptive study using evaluation approach conducted to measure the efficiency of AFP Surveillance System structure for period from November 27th 2014 to June 30th 2015. The study adopted the non-probability multi-stage sampling approach. As nineteen health facilities under surveillance are chosen and interview is conducted with a total of 50 health worker how are involved in the AFP Surveillance System. The data are gathered from sample by using questionnaire specifically developed for each of sample stage. Results: the study results indicates that the certain of system's structure component are efficient and available such as the system owns a legal authorization and availability of field's guide that is used in AFP surveillance. On the other hand, the study proved that some of system's structure elements need to strengthen and enhance such as unavailability of special budget line, lack of necessary materials to work and lack of training for workers in the system. Recommendations: The present study recommends that there is a necessity for the distribution of AFP manual for all health institutions under surveillance as well as monitor the uses of the manual by those who are working in the system. The study also recommends the need to provide resources and material needed in the system works and the creation of a training curriculum for those who are working in fields of AFP Surveillance in order to get the maximum benefit from this system.    

Background: Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential in protecting women from the devastating effects of these infections. This is the first study that attempts to assess the knowledge about one of the most embarrassing diseases in women with Islamic Turkmen culture.Purpose: This study aimed to assess women’s knowledge of STDs in Telafer City and its association with sociodemographic factors.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 451 women over 18 years old from Telfer City in Iraq. The study was conducted using a convenient sampling technique from 1 December 2021 to 15 June 2022. The study’s data were collected using a STDs knowledge questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used to describe sociodemographic characteristics and the level of knowledge of STDs among women. In addition, the inferential statistics of ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine the association between the women’s characteristics and knowledge.  Results: The study signaled that the overall mean score of knowledge of STDs was (6.67±5.85). The vast majority of participants had a low level of knowledge about STDs (73.8%; n=333). Only about (14.4%; n=64) had moderate knowledge, and approximately (11.8%; n=53) of women were highly knowledgeable about STDs. The study also proved the presence of a statistically significant positive association between women’s knowledge regarding STDs with marital status (p˂0.000) and educational level (p˂0.000).Conclusion: The majority of respondents showed low level of knowledge about STDs. Marital status and educational level were associated with this knowledge. This study necessitates the construction and employment of a women-tailored health education program about STDs in Iraq and Telafer City.