No abstract

Some maternal antineuronal antibodies may contribute significantly to the risk of childhood autism.

Background: Asymptomatic gallstones can be identified as incidental finding during routine ultrasound examination for other abdominal condition. Methods:This study was a cross-sectional, which was conducted at the ultrasound departments of Al-Basrah General Hospital and Al-Fayhaa Hospital in Basrah city, over a period of six months from June to December 2015.A total sample of 1001 participants were included in the study, interviewing them was done using a questionnaire covering information about socio-demographic characteristics and medical history related to the risk of gallstone formation in general population (history of DM, family history of gallstones, history of smoking and history of oral contraceptives use in females). Results:The prevalence of gallstone was 13.6%. It increased with advanced age. Female gender, people with low level of education, and women who had more than 4 children were more liable to have gallstones.Those with medical history of diabetes mellitus, persons with family history of gallstones, high serum cholesterol, and overweight or obesity also showed significant association with gallstones.No association was found between gallstones and history of smoking, history of hemolytic anemia, and history of oral contraceptive use. Conclusion:The prevalence of asymptomatic gallstone was relatively high in this region. Female gender, age, high cholesterol level, family history of gallstones, and increased BMI were independent risk factors for gallstones formation.

Background and objective: Post partum depression is considered an important public health concern worldwide with its negative impact on mothers and children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of post partum depression among women in Basrah. Methods: Data were collected by interviewing women 8-12 weeks post partum using a questionnaire including information on socio-demographic and prenatal, natal and postnatal medical history. Postpartum depression was assessed using an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: A total of 302 women were included in the study. The prevalence of postnatal depressive symptoms was 31.5%. The results showed no significant relationships between depression symptoms and education, occupation, monthly income and parity, while several obstetric and psychosocial variables were significantly associated with postnatal depression. On multiple regression analysis, history of depressive symptoms, anaemia during pregnancy, exposure to violence and relationship with mother or daughter in law remained significant factors (P <0.001) Conclusion: A substantial number of women in Basrah showed postpartum depression. Further research is required to affirm these determinations.

Background: patient's right is the one of the basic issues in health care. Implementation of patient's rights law is intended to secure good medical practice and can improve the doctor-patient relationship if both of them are aware of it. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge and awareness of patients about their rights and duties. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for the period from 1st December 2013 to 28th February 2014 among patients of both sexes aged 17 years and more attending 16 primary health care centers in Basra city using a self-administered questionnaire. The study included 886 out of 1010 patients invited to participate in the study giving a response rate of 87.7%. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 19. Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions among the various groups and a P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Eight hundred and eighty six (886) patients were included in the study aged 17-71 years with a mean age of 39.3 ± 13.8 years. Of them, 537 patients (60.6%) were females and 349 patients (39.4%) were males. Most patients (77.2%) didn't know about the existence of patients' list of rights, even though they were aware about some of their rights, 72.2% of them disagreed to be prevented from access to information related to their health status, and 76.6% of them were aware about the privacy of such information. Most of the patients (73.5%) disagreed to withhold some information relevant to their health conditions, and 83.2% of them agreed to notify the PHC Center if they change their residential address. Conclusion: There was a lack of patients' knowledge regarding the patients' rights. Recommendation: Extensive education of patients about their rights through mass media and legislation of such rights are recommended.