Journal of Ideas in Health
Not a member yet
207 research outputs found
Sort by
Workplace violence against medical students- A Turkish perspective
Background: Workplace violence against healthcare providers including the medical students being an important issue all over the world. The aim of this study is to survey the medical students about exposure to workplace violence (WPV) while they are doing their medical training in private tertiary hospitals.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among all medical students (4th, 5th, and 6th class) attending a teaching hospital at Bezmialem Vakif University (BVU), Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 150 students in the 2017-2018 academic year were recruited in this study. Data were collected using a modified questionnaire through a face to face interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.
Results: About one-third of the surveyed students (54, 36.0%) exposed to violence and 71.3% of them witnessed incidents of violence against healthcare providers at the workplace. The prevalence of physical violence and verbal abuse among medical students was reported at 5.5% and 92.6% respectively. About 81.5% were females compared to 18.5% of their counterparts. Patients (38.9%) and their relatives (61.1%) were the main sources of the violence respectively. More than half (57.0%) of students exposed to violence at outpatient services and 25.9% at the emergency room and 16.7% at inpatient wards. Few of them (22, 14.7%) thought that they will get support if they make a complaint.
Conclusion: Being a medical student and has direct contact with patients and their relative is not always safe practice. Our results suggested a high prevalence of verbal and physical abuse against medical students. Health sector authorities should adopt a restrictive and clear strategy to protect medical students and other healthcare providers
Predictive factors of successful extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for renal stones: evidence of retrospective study
Background:
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has proved to be effective in treating ureterolithiasis. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors related to success ESWL among patient presented with renal stone.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted among 40 patients who underwent ESWL at the urology department, Baquba Teaching Hospital, Diyala University, Iraq. Data was collected between1st October 2018 and 31st January 2019 for renal stones diagnosed by non-enhanced spiral computed tomography (NCCT). The success rate defined as no stone or the remnant stones < 4 mm. We analyzed predictive factors by using multiple linear regression.
Results:
The success rates ranged from 50-90%. In the univariate analysis, body mass index (BMI), skin-to-stone distance (SSD)and the renal stone-attenuation value (in Hounsfield units, HU) were found to be significantly correlated with the outcome of ESWL (p<0.05). However, in the multiple linear regression, only the HU (B = -0.619, P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.03 to 0.07) was theindependent predictive factor.
Conclusion:
Hounsfield Unit is an independent predictive factor influencing the success of ESWL for treating renal stones
Evaluation of self-medication among Iraqi pharmacy students
Background: Practicing self-medication is common and a worrisome issue because of irrational drug use. This study aimed to evaluate self-medication knowledge and views among the final year pharmacy students in Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from December 2018 to January 2019. A pre-validated and self-administered questionnaire was recruited to survey pharmacy students at the University of Baghdad and Al-Rafedain University College. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 (SPSS v. 20) software used to save and analyze the data. Results expressed as numbers and percentages.
Results: A total of 344 students (response rate: 94.24%) with a mean age of 22.10 years included in this study. Most of them were female (61.60%). Self-medication was high in the past year (84.88%), and most of them (86.04%) got their medications from pharmacies. About (62.79%) of students used antibiotics as self-medication for a few days, although a significant number were aware of bacterial resistance. The main reasons to self-medicate were quick relief desired, convenience, and avoiding waiting at clinics. The reasons against it were a misdiagnosis, adverse effects\u27 risk, and wrong medication use. Doctor visits sought necessary in cases of worsening symptoms, severe pain, and serious problems. Headache, cough, and diarrhea were the most frequent indications.
Conclusion: The self-medication prevalence is high; the knowledge is moderate, and the views about the self-medication concept are generally appropriate
Neonatal bacterial colonization of the intestine—Implications for the practitioner
Background: Neonatal intestinal bacterial colony balance has correlations with positive and negative health situations. The understanding of how neonate colonization occurs is therefore extremely important in providing life-extending and holistic care for infants. Certain medical interventions can impede optimal intestinal colonization. However, with proper screening and identification, side effects can be limited and compensated for, and complications can be minimized in an already compromised population. This study aims to identify influences on neonate microbiomes to create best practices for increased health outcomes. Develop mitigations for factors leading to intestinal microbiome conditions linked to negative neonate outcomes and increase opportunities for healthy colonization.
Methods: The research team conducted a literature review via PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Academic Search Ultimate to collect data regarding neonatal bacterial colonization of the intestine.
Results: Normal colonization is affected by birth age, birthing method, time spent in direct skin to skin contact with mother and feeding type. Iatrogenic influences include the use of oral and topical antibiotics, proton blockers, and practices that limit direct contact.
Conclusion: The nursing process and policy adaptations can have a positive effect on developing a protective neonate intestinal microbiome. Awareness of risks and early clinical signs can improve positive interventions that may prevent life-threatening complications in susceptible neonates.
 
Serum low density lipoprotein receptor related protein-6 is a discriminator of occluded coronary artery assessed by coronary angiogram
Background: Human lipoprotein receptor-related protein -6 (LRP6) plays a role in the development of coronary artery disease. This study aimed to determine the serum level of the LRP6 in patients referred to the coronary angiogram taking into considerations the findings of coronary angiography, evidence of dyslipidemia, obesity and co-existed diabetes mellitus.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 96 patients who referred to coronary angiogram as an interventional diagnostic test for coronary artery disease. The patients were grouped into Group I (negative angiogram); Group IIA (non-obstructed coronary vessels, positive angiogram) and: Group IIB (obstructed coronary vessels, positive angiogram). The anthropometric measurement, blood pressure, and fasting serum lipid profile and glucose were determined. The serum levels of LRP6 were determined by using the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA).
Results: A non-significant higher serum level of LRP6 observed in patients with a positive angiogram 0.175 ± 0.074 ng/ml (Group IIA) and 0.166 ± 0.063 ng/ml (Group IIB) compared with the negative angiogram (Group I: 0.160 ± 0.019 ng/ml). The area under the curve of LRP6 in patients with positive angiogram was significantly lower than that with a normal angiogram.
Conclusion: We conclude that the serum level of LRP6 is a good discriminator of patients with coronary artery disease as the area under the curve of the serum levels of LRP6 is significantly decreased as the number of occluded coronary vessels increased.
Assessment of malnutrition among the internally - displaced old age people in the Tikrit City, Iraq
Background: With the steady increase in the number of old age people, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the health expenditures, the importance of preventing malnutrition is becoming more critical than ever. This study aimed to assess malnutrition among the internally- displaced old age people in Iraq.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between November 2016 and March 2017 at the Dream city camp for the internally - displaced persons in Tikrit city, Iraq. Data was collected using the valid (Arabic) version of the mini - nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) interviewed, and the nutritional status assessed via the MNA, body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumferences (MAC) and calf circumferences (CC) measures.
Results: A total of 142 eligible old age persons, of which 40.2% were malnourished, and 35.2% were at risk of malnutrition. Among those with malnutrition, 40% were males, and 60% were females. Concerning comorbidity, 80% with positive malnutrition, had chronic diseases. DM reported a higher prevalence (46.5%) compared to other chronic diseases.
Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition was high among the old age people resident at the displacement camp in Iraq. Both the deteriorating security situation and the lack of proper services have combined to exacerbate the nutritional status of older persons in displacement camps
Therapeutic potentials of Excoecaria agallocha against gram-positive and gram-negative fish bacterial pathogens
Background: The present investigation of a mangrove plant, Excoecaria agallocha, which is a popular medicinal substitute for the treatment of microbial ailments, were evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.
Methods: Antibacterial activity was performed using agar diffusion method, disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiotic susceptibility assays. Experimental fish fed diet containing 0 (control), 5, 25, and 50 mg kg-1 E. agallocha leaf methanol extract for 28 days then challenged individually with E. coli or S. agalactiae and mortalities were recorded over a ten-day post-infection period.
Results: Results indicated that both bacterial species are sensitive to tetracycline, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. E. coli was found to be resistant to neomycin. E. agallocha extract concentration of 50 mg/ml produced a zone of inhibition of 18 mm against E. coli, in contrast to 13 mm against S. agalactiae. E. agallocha showed bactericidal activity against E. coli and bacteriostatic activity against S. agalactiae. The highest E. agallocha LC50 activity was 83 mg/ml. The highest cumulative mortality was 90.0 ± 10.0% in control as compared to 26.7 ± 11.5% in the group fed with 50 mg kg-1 E. agallocha extract, significant differences (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Hence, E. agallocha showed antibacterial activity against fish pathogens Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus; therefore, E. agallocha may be used as an alternative therapeutic agent against fish pathogenic bacteria as an additive to feed at a concentration depend, safe, non-cytotoxic doses
Female doctors are more emotionally exhausted than their male counterparts in Iraq
Background: The increasing number of women graduating from medical schools doubles the level of responsibility and increases competition with males. Therefore, the assessment of the emotional exhaustion impact on women has become necessary to avoid over-stress at work. This study aims to assess and discuss the gender differences in nine-item emotional exhaustion (EE) subscale of the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) among a sample of Iraqi physicians.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over the first half of 2014. Data was collected from 576 doctors using a self-administered questionnaire with a multistage sampling technique. An independent sample t-test used to compare the means.
Results: More than half of respondents (310, 53.8%) were females with a mean age (±SD) of 40.43 years (±8.59). Female doctors are less affected than males in term of emotional draining from work (p=0.008) and strained by people (p=0.009) respectively. Male doctors are less affected than females in being used up at the end of the week (p<0.001), stressed by working with people (p<0.001), burned out from work (p<0.001) and frustrated by job (p<0.001). However, both male and female doctors are equal in feeling fatigue in the morning (p=0.286), feeling of working too hard (0.284) and of being unable to stand (0.358).
Conclusion: This study supports the results of previous studies that female doctors show more empathy when dealing with patients, however, they appeared more prone to burnout and stress
Does the quality and novel work save the researcher\u27s effort and raise the likelihood of acceptance?
Research is known to be of high quality when it passes the test of experienced peers, has a potential impact on the development of scientific research, and positively contributes to improving society. While the research considered novel when the researcher has his fingerprint in the world of scientific research, i.e., the outputs brought something new or not known before in the research world. Different reasons, such as repeated studies, plagiarism, grammatical errors, out of the journal scope, and nothing new contribute to pushing the research away from the interest of the publishers. 
Impact of training on practical skills of Iraqi health providers towards integrated management of neonate and child health - a multicentre cross- sectional study
oai:ojs.pkp.sfu.ca:article/2Background: This study aims to assess the mandatory practical skills of caregivers towards the implementation of the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) strategy in primary health care (PHC) centers of Salah al-Din governorate in Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from January to May 2014. An equal sample of 42 trained and 42 non-trained caregivers who are working in 20 PHC centers in Tikrit city and other districts of Salah al-Din governorate of Iraq were included. The study tool was a semi-structured questionnaire with 20 questions covering different required practical skills that caregivers should have. The total score was 100 and in a range of 4- 6 points for each question. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the means of numerical variables.
Results: The mean age of total respondents were (33.18 ± 5.82Years), and the vast majority (63, 75.0%) were females. More than two-third (58, 69.0%) were paramedical compared to 26 (31.0%), who were doctors. Trained caregivers had statistically significant better practice (73.48 ± 13.46) compared to non- trained caregivers (63.95 ± 17.44). Trained doctors had statistically significant better practice (88.15 ± 2.70) compared to trained paramedical staff (66.90 ± 10.84). Trained caregivers from Tikrit city had statistically significantly better practice (80.26 ± 7.38) compared to trained caregivers from districts (67.89± 14.85). The highest proportion (97.5%) of trained caregivers felt the child for fever or body hotness appropriately, and the lowest proportion (59.5%) of them recorded age, height, and weight correctly.
Conclusion: This study showed that training has a positive influence on the implementation of IMNCI interventions. IMNCI-trained caregivers were more likely to correctly classify illnesses than non-trained caregivers