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.

Introduction: Needle-stick and sharp injuries (NSSI) pose a serious problem and a major risk of work-related transmitted diseases among healthcare workers. The extent of NSI in the Kurdistan region / Iraq hospitals has been unknown. The factors related to NSIs among healthcare workers were evaluated in the present study. The main purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of NSI and its associated factors among the respondents. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 randomly selected healthcare staff with a working experience of at least 1 year in the hospital. The study location is a surgical specialist hospital-cardiac center, situated in Erbil/Iraq. The self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic, employment and individual characteristics, as well as data on NSSI, suffered in the past 12 months. Results: The majority of participants (34%) were in the 30 to 35year age group. Most were male (60.7%), married (61.3%), have at least degree qualification (89%). The prevalence of NSSI was 67%. Needle stick was the main frequent of NSSRs (66%). Needle recap was all the time done among health workers 104 (69%), they almost use both hands for recap 136 (91%). Education, working environment satisfaction, sleeping quality of the health staff have been considered the main indicators of NSSI. Conclusion: The rate of NSSI was considered high in this study compared to the rates in many developing countries. Arrangement schedules for work and sleeping of staff could decrease the NSSI rate.

Background and objective: COVID-19 illness is a serious public health concern worldwide. The people in Iraqi Kurdistan have little knowledge about Coronaviruses. It was noticed that in the Kurdistan Region, the COVID-19 infection was not dealt with as required in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practice. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge and attitudes of Kurdish people in addition to their practices concerning COVID-19. Methods: This study adopted an online cross-sectional survey design and was conducted from March 23 to April 2, 2020, to collect data from Iraqi Kurdistan Region citizens who were asked about their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19. Results: The majority of the study participants were young and male (62.5%). Most respondents (92.9%) were optimistic that the government could take necessary procedures to reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection. Less than half of the participants wore masks and gloves when they left home (41.4%, 45.1% males and females respectively). Most of the participants had good knowledge (74%), and good practice (64.6%), and the vast majority had a positive attitude (98.1%) concerning COVID-19. Conclusions: Less than half of the participants who got engaged in this study wore masks and gloves whenever they went out. Hereby, the participants are to be provided with an extensive health education program so they can increase their awareness of COVID-19 infection.

Background & Objectives: Coronaviruses disease 2019 is a serious public health concern worldwide. The major style of a person is not identical to another person’s style in extensive areas including Iraqi Kurdistan where people have little knowledge about Coronaviruses. It is noticed that Coronavirus infection is not dealt with as required in terms of the expressed knowledge, attitudes and the practice taken. This study aimed at finding out the level of knowledge and attitudes of Kurdish people in addition to their practices concerning Coronaviruses. Methods: This study adopted an online cross-sectional survey design from March 23 to April 2, 2020 to collect data from Iraqi Kurdistan Region citizens who willingly took part in this survey and have been asked to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices in terms of Corona virus. Results: The majority of the study participants were young and male gender (62.5%). Majority of respondents (92.9%) were optimistic that the government could take necessary procedures to reduce the risks of Coronaviruses infection. Less than half of the participants wore mask and gloves when they leave home (41.4%, 45.1% respectively). Most of the participants had good knowledge (74%), good practice (64.6%), and vast majority had positive attitude (98.1%) concerning Coronaviruses. Conclusion: Less than half of the participants who got engaged in this study wore masks and gloves whenever they go out. Hereby, the participants are to be provided with an extensive health education program so that they can increase their awareness of Coronaviruses infection.