Journal of Ideas in Health (JIDHealth)
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Unveiling the facilitators and barriers of adopting healthy diets among Indonesian teenagers during covid-19 pandemic
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted shifts in dietary habits among Indonesian teenagers, with some embracing healthier choices while others succumb to unhealthy options, especially during confinement. Identifying the factors influencing these dietary changes is essential for crafting effective interventions to promote better nutrition during this challenging time. This study aimed to determine the factors facilitating teenagers\u27 shift to healthy, well-balanced diets.
Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 396 teenagers aged 15-17 in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, Indonesia was conducted in the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed using an online survey platform. Nutrition literacy was assessed through health literacy measures related to adolescents\u27 nutrition and diet. Predictors of the outcome were determined by logistic regression analysis.
Results: The results showed low economic status, comorbidities, and COVID-19 modules significantly predicted the shift to healthy diets. After adjusted analysis, only low economic levels (OR 0.30, 95% CI [0.13-0.70], p<0.05) and comorbidities (OR 0.33, 95% CI [0.12-0.93], p<0.05) were independent barriers against teenagers shifting to healthy diets, while choosing food without preservatives (OR 2.22, 95% CI [1.18-4.16], p<0.05) and maintaining body weight (OR 3.04, 95% CI [1.79-5.16], p<0.05) independently facilitated it.
Conclusion: The strategic actions aimed at improving dietary practices and nutrition literacy in teenagers should be designed to narrow the socioeconomic gap
Knowledge of antibiotic prescription guidelines among doctors in Ramadi PHC Centers, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: The inappropriate use of antibiotics remains a critical driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a significant threat to global public health. Poor adherence to antibiotic prescribing guidelines among healthcare providers contributes to the development and spread of resistant bacterial strains. In Iraq, the extent of this problem, particularly in primary healthcare settings, remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians regarding antibiotic prescription guidelines in primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Ramadi, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2024 among 92 doctors working in PHCs in Ramadi. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes toward antibiotic use. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: Among 92 respondents, 52.2% were female, and the majority had less than two years of experience. Although 77.2% reported that their facility provided antibiotic guidelines, only 46.7% had received regular training. Notably, 98.9% acknowledged that misuse of antibiotics contributes to resistance. However, 28.3% still believed antibiotics were effective against viral infections. Attitudes showed that 65.2% consult infectious disease experts before prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Conclusion: The study highlights moderate awareness but variable adherence to antibiotic prescription guidelines among doctors in Ramadi PHCs. Interventions focusing on continuous training, access to updated guidelines, and multidisciplinary support are essential to enhance rational antibiotic use
Obstructed kidney due to prolapsed ischemic ureterocele in old age female: a case report
Get PDFBackground: Ureteroceles are congenital dilations of the distal ureter, usually diagnosed in childhood. Adult presentations are uncommon, and ischemic prolapse through the urethra is exceedingly rare, particularly in elderly women. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent obstruction, infection, or renal impairment.
Case presentation: A 72-year-old woman presented with severe right loin pain, vomiting, and a recent episode of gross hematuria. Imaging showed right hydronephrosis and a dilated ureter without calculi. A necrotic cystic mass protruding from the urethra was discovered during cystoscopy, consistent with an ischemic prolapsed ureterocele. Aspiration allowed reduction of the mass into the bladder. Endoscopic deroofing of the right ureterocele was performed using a monopolar TUR system, followed by bilateral ureteroscopy, which confirmed unobstructed ureters. The patient recovered well, with normalization of renal function and complete resolution of hydronephrosis. Follow-up cystography and flexible cystoscopy at three months showed no residual ureterocele or vesicoureteral reflux.
Conclusion: Ischemic prolapsed ureterocele in adults is exceptionally rare. Endoscopic deroofing is a safe and effective treatment, even in elderly patients, with favorable functional outcomes
Tracking the 2024 measles outbreak: updates from Iraq
Get PDFThe history of measles spans centuries, marked by devastating outbreaks until the identification of the measles virus in the early 20th century and the subsequent development of a vaccine in 1963. Despite vaccination efforts, measles resurged globally in 2019 after years of decline. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted vaccination campaigns, leading to missed doses and heightened risks of outbreaks. By November 2020, over 94 million individuals were at risk of missing vital vaccines. As of May 2024, around 63 countries faced genuine measles outbreaks, with Iraq ranking third, reporting approximately 25,429 cases. Iraq\u27s healthcare system, already strained by decades of crises, struggles to manage the outbreak amidst challenges such as limited access to healthcare, vaccine hesitancy, and the suspension of vaccination campaigns. Urgent interventions are needed to address these challenges and prevent further escalation of the measles outbreak in Iraq
Community knowledge, attitudes, and practices about toxoplasmosis in Unguja Island, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Toxoplasmosis is among the globally neglected zoonotic diseases caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Humans get infected after ingesting or coming into contact with oocysts from the feces of infected cats. Illiteracy about the infection is one of the significant risk factors for its transmission. The study aimed to determine the community knowledge, attitudes, and practices that influence toxoplasmosis transmission in Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, which was done from February to April 2023. Semi-structured questionnaires collected data on 139 respondents\u27 demographics, practices, knowledge, and attitudes regarding toxoplasmosis. The chi-square test was used to assess the statistical association between variables at a p-value of < 0.05.
Results: Out of 139 recruited respondents, only 18.0% of respondents were aware of Toxoplasmosis. The study revealed several risk factors for Toxoplasmosis transmission, whereby 63.1% of the cat owners didn\u27t deworm their cats regularly, 70.8% didn\u27t clean the cat kennels, and 53.1% didn\u27t wash their hands after cleaning kennels and touching a cat. Furthermore, out of all respondents, about two-thirds didn\u27t drink treated water and 87.8% ate raw vegetables as salads. The study revealed both negative and positive attitudes concerning Toxoplasmosis, where 64.7% of respondents thought that cats cannot transmit pathogens to humans and 66.2% did not agree with people interacting with stray cats, respectively. There was an association of awareness of the disease\u27s existence with high education levels (P value = 0.001) and sex (females) (P = 0.002).
Conclusion: The study revealed a low awareness of the existence of the infection despite the higher interaction of cats with humans in the study area. We recommend the provision of public health education focusing on how the disease is transmitted, the relationship of the disease with cats, the management of cat feces, clinical signs of the disease, its treatment, and control
The experiences of adult children caring for a parent with Korsakoff’s syndrome
Get PDFBackground: Korsakoff’s syndrome (KS) is a debilitating psychoneurological disorder that can occur in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD). People with KS experience a sudden onset of symptoms including confabulation, anterograde and retrograde amnesias, apathy, issues with vision and gait, and lack of insight. Frequently an adult child of the parent with alcohol-induced KS becomes the caregiver, regardless of the status or quality of the relationship with their parent. While there is a rich literature base in the areas of adult children of parents with AUD and caregiving, there are no studies that have explored the experiences of adult children caring for a parent with alcohol-induced KS. This study aimed to explore the experiences of adult children who provide care for a parent or parental figure suffering from alcohol-induced Korsakoff syndrome (KS).
Method: This study used a generic qualitative approach with thematic analysis using both in person and web-based video interview methods and field notes to address this gap in the literature. Eight individuals participated in the study, men (n=2) and women (n=6), with participants ranging in age from 31 to 43 years (average age 37 years).
Results: Five themes emerged: addiction and the adult child, experiencing caregiver burden, experiencing a variety of emotions, professional healthcare experiences, and observations of symptoms. These themes emerged over seven anchor events in their caregiving experiences: interactions with their parent pre-diagnosis, parent’s medical emergency, hospitalization, diagnosis, housing, legal, and financial.
Conclusion: The results provide a foundation for future research in the areas of KS, caregiving, and adult children of parents with AUD. They also provide a basis to inform the development of interventions with this population and demonstrate a need for more awareness of KS among healthcare professionals.
Prevalence of burnout among medical students at Al-Nahrain University, Iraq: a cross-sectional study
Get PDFBackground: Medical students suffer from high levels of academic exhaustion, negative positions, and insufficient feelings about the academy. This study aims to estimate the rate of burnout among medical students and the related factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st March to 30th April 2023 at the medical college, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. A self-administered standard Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey Questionnaire was recruited to assess the burnout level depending on emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy questions. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to find out the association between variables.
Results: Out of 515 medical students surveyed, 59.2% were females, and 31.7% lived in dormitories. Most were in their fourth year (32.6%), and 82.3% were non-smokers. About 12.6% had chronic illnesses, and 15.5% took regular medication. Stressful life events affected 65.2%, while 68.2% passed the last course. Over half (56.1%) slept less than eight hours daily, and only 21.7% exercised regularly. Among the sample involved in the study, 221 (42.9%) were suffering from a high burnout level. There was significant high burnout among females, who intake regular medication, were exposed to stress, failed in the last course, and those without regular exercise at P-values equal 0.01, 0.03, 0.002, < 0.001, and < 0.001 respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, female gender, exposure to stress, the use of regular medications, academic failure, and aerobic lack are more likely related to high levels of burnout
Role of erythropoietin in anemic children with chronic renal failure in Diyala Governorate, Iraq
Get PDFBackground: Chronic conditions, such as anemia are often attributed to insufficient production of erythropoietin. This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness and safety of recombinant erythropoietin therapy in managing anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 patients diagnosed with anemia due to chronic kidney disease. The study took place from August 1, 2022, to February 30, 2023, at Al-Batool Teaching Hospital in Diyala Province, Iraq. The participants were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 30 patients aged between 80 days and 15 years receiving conservative treatment, while the second group included 10 patients aged 6 to 13 years undergoing hemodialysis. Data analysis, including descriptive and bivariate methods, was performed using SPSS Version 20, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: In this study, group I patients had a mean age of 7.1 years, with two-thirds (66.6%) falling within the 1–10 age range and a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. In group II, the mean age was 9.5 years, with 60% in the 5–10 age group and a balanced gender ratio (1:1). The primary causes of chronic renal failure (CRF) in Group I were cystinosis and reflux nephropathy (26.7% each), while laboratory findings revealed a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 72.19 mL/min and severe anemia with hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 4.7 g/dL before treatment. Treatment significantly improved Hb levels in Group I (7.47 to 10.17 g/dL, P < 0.001) but showed limited efficacy in Group II (6.9 to 8.2 g/dL, P = 0.002).
Conclusion: The findings underscore variable treatment responses between groups, emphasizing the need for tailored anemia management strategies
Assessing knowledge and readiness of senior medical students in diagnosing appendicitis
Get PDFBackground: Acute appendicitis, a common atraumatic surgical emergency, peaks in the second and third decades but can affect individuals of all ages. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and preparedness of senior medical students in accurately diagnosing appendicitis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024, targeting final-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Diyala, Iraq. Using a universal sampling approach, a semi-structured questionnaire was employed, covering socio-demographic data and 30 questions assessing appendicitis knowledge and preparedness. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21.0, applying descriptive statistics, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.
Results: The study surveyed 119 senior medical students on demographics, appendicitis knowledge, risk factors, and diagnostic methods. Most participants were female (73.9%), single (83.2%), and had completed a General Surgery course (75.6%). Knowledge of appendicitis was high, with 86.6% recognizing it as appendix inflammation and 78.2% understanding perforated appendicitis. Clinical exposure was limited, with only 41.2% encountering appendicitis cases. Surgical treatment was preferred (94.9%), with laparoscopic appendectomy slightly favored (54.6%). Common symptoms like pain localization and digestive issues were well-recognized, but awareness of risk factors like diabetes (42.8%) and obesity (59.7%) varied. CT scans (74%) and ultrasound (63.1%) were considered the most effective diagnostic methods, while MRI received mixed responses (27.7% agreement).
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for enhanced clinical exposure, focused training on atypical presentations, education on risk factors and less common complications, and improved understanding of supportive diagnostic tests to strengthen medical students\u27 diagnostic and procedural readiness for appendicitis
Evaluation of salivary IL-10 and IL-8 as predictive biomarker in patient with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Get PDFBackground: The incidence and mortality rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) vary globally, yet the cancer continues to pose significant morbidity and mortality risks. This study sought to assess salivary IL-8 and IL-10 as biomarkers for identifying malignant oral lesions.
Methods: Between March 2022 and May 2023, a case-control study at the Dental Center of New Baquba, Diyala, Iraq, collected saliva for IL-8 and IL-10 measurement via ELISA. An independent t-test compared IL-8 and IL-10 means based on age and gender, while ROC analysis gauged specificity and sensitivity.
Results: The prevalence of OSCC was evenly distributed across genders, with a higher occurrence among patients aged over 55 years (87.5%). OSCC distribution in the oral cavity indicated the lips as the most affected area (40.0%), followed by the tongue (37.0%), and the hard and soft palate (12.50%). Statistically significant differences were noted in IL-10 and IL-8 levels between the study and control groups across all age brackets, except for IL-8 in the age ≤55 (p ≤ 0.05). Elevated mean levels of IL-10 and IL-8 were observed in the older age group (>55), with IL-10 showing a greater increase in males (71.99±3.6), while IL-8 levels were higher in females. IL-10 demonstrated higher sensitivity (90%) and specificity (60%) with an optimal cutoff point value of 43.29, whereas IL-8 exhibited a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 47.5% with an optimal cutoff point value of 44.48.
Conclusion: Individuals aged over 55 showed higher IL-10 and IL-8 levels, particularly in males for IL-10 and in females for IL-8. Salivary biomarkers hold promise for early OSCC detection