European Journal of Medical and Health Research
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Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of a Sample of a Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centers Toward Febrile Convulsion in Children Under 5 Years Old in Baghdad, Al-Resafa (2018)
No full textBackground: Febrile convulsions are common in children under five years of age and often cause significant fear and anxiety among parents. Insufficient parental knowledge may lead to inappropriate management during convulsive episodes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding febrile convulsions in children under five years of age and to identify the main sources of their information. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 200 mothers attending six primary health care centers in Al-Rusafa, Baghdad, from 17 January to 20 June 2018. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire after a pilot study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and p-values were applied, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Febrile convulsions were reported in 49 children, with males accounting for 76.5% of cases. Most mothers recognized fever as a risk factor for febrile convulsions (89.5% among mothers of affected children versus 83% among others). Awareness of the role of family history was also high (96.6% and 74.5%, respectively). Negative attitudes toward social stigma were common in both groups, while approximately one-fifth perceived febrile convulsions as life-threatening. Regarding practices, lowering body temperature was reported by 62.7% of mothers of affected children and 77.3% of those without affected children. Hospitals and primary health care centers were the main information sources for mothers of affected children, whereas relatives were the primary source for others. Conclusion: Family history and male sex were significant factors associated with febrile convulsions. Mothers demonstrated acceptable knowledge and attitudes but inadequate practices. Health facilities were the principal information sources, highlighting the importance of strengthening parental education on febrile convulsions
The Prognostic Values of Inflammatory Markers in Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Study
No full textBackground: The Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) classification system, currently the standard for identifying stages of colon cancer, is not able to adequately describe the entire prognostic variation between patients. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the systemic inflammation is crucial in tumorigenesis and survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of m-GPS and NLR as preoperative inflammatory markers for patients who underwent curative resection with colon cancer. Methods: A total of 210 patients with colon cancer who received curative resection treatment at single tertiary center were included in this retrospective study. The patients m-GPS and NLR values were obtained for cancer-specific survival (CSS) at five years. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards methods. The main aim was to investigate the relationship of these inflammatory markers with long-term survival. Results An m-GPS of >0 was an independent predictor of CSS (HR = 3.92; 95% CI: 1.80–8.56; p = 0.001), while NLR did not remain significant on multivariable analysis (p = 0.044). Patients with m-GPS of 2 showed dramatically worse survival. Notably, the prognostic superiority of m-GPS was most evident in patients with stage II/III disease, and it may have a role as an adjunct to TNM staging for risk assessment. Conclusions: Our results suggest that m-GPS is a strong independent prognostic factor in CC, especially for stage II or III patients, for whom treatment can be difficult to decide. The implementation of inflammation markers, such as m-GPS, into the clinical decision-making could improve adjuvant therapy selection and the follow-up care of patients. We suggest that prospective validation studies be conducted to verify these findings
Peripheral Neuropathy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Case Controlled Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground: Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not merely lung disease, it is considered as a multi system disorder with significant extrapulmonary manifestations. Peripheral neuropathy (PNP) is increasingly recognized as one of these manifestations, yet potentially under-recognized comorbidity. This study aims to determine the prevalence of PNP in COPD patients using nerve conduction study (NCS) and correlates its association with hypoxemia, smoking history, disease severity and frequent exacerbation of COPD. Methods: One hundred participants were included in this study, divided into two subgroups (50 COPD patients, 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Diagnosis and severity of COPD were based on GOLD 2023 criteria. All participants underwent a full clinical and neurological exam, including a standardized NCS of multiple upper and lower sensor/motor nerves. Results: The prevalence of PNP was 32%. Sixteen of the fifty COPD patients subgroups were found to have varying degrees of PNP, while none in the controlled subgroup (p <0.001). The majority of the affected group were clinically asymptomatic, 75% were having a silent PNP. The neuropathy was predominantly distal, length dependent and axonal, with the Sural nerve being the most affected (100%). Patients with thee abnormally NCS results were significantly older (p =0.004), had higher cumulative smoking exposure (>20 pack-years, p =0.043), more severe advanced GOLD stages (p=0.022), lower oxygen saturation (SpO2 <88%, p=0.026) and a higher frequent exacerbations (p=0.036) compared to COPD patients with normal NCS. Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy (PNP) is a common, predominantly subclinical and considered as systemic manifestation of COPD. It is largely associated with chronic hypoxemia, severe COPD disease, heavy smoking and frequent exacerbations. Depending on routine clinical assessment for the neuropathy is insufficient. Electrophysiological study is essential for early identification, which may guide a more proper management plan improving the quality of lif
Hepatitis B and C Virus Coinfection and Screening Participation in Nasarawa State, Nigeria: A Facility- and Community-Based Study
No full textBackground: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection accelerates liver disease progression and increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes, complicating clinical management. Globally, HBV–HCV coinfection is relatively uncommon but clinically significant. In Africa, reported prevalence varies across settings. In Nigeria, hepatitis screening is largely indication-based—typically occurring during antenatal care, blood donation, or in response to clinical suspicion—which may contribute to delayed diagnosis and linkage to care. However, Data on HBV–HCV coinfection and screening participation in Nigeria remain limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 852 adults in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, recruited from facility- and community-based settings in Keffi, Lafia, and Akwanga Local Government Areas between May and November, 2025 using multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires collected sociodemographic information and prior hepatitis screening history. Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid diagnostic tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with polymerase chain reaction confirming coinfection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV–HCV coinfection was 1.6%, highest in Keffi (2.5%), with no significant geographic variation. Screening uptake was 42% for HBV and 40% for HCV. Willingness to participate in free screening programs was high (92.4%) across locations. Conclusion: Although HBV–HCV coinfection prevalence was low, screening coverage remains suboptimal, potentially contributing to delayed diagnosis and linkage to care. Strengthening routine hepatitis testing and implementing targeted community-based strategies are essential to improve early detection and support hepatitis elimination efforts in endemic settings
Characterization of Hematological Changes and Coagulopathy Patterns in Iraqi Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
No full textBackground: A Complex Multisystem Disorder Representing A Significant Proportion Of COVID-19 Survivors Emerging evidence indicates that persistent hematological abnormalities and coagulopathy may play a role in the pathophysiology of long COVID symptoms. However, existing data document limited information on the prevalence and patterns of hematological abnormalities in residents of the Middle East, especially Iraq. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to investigate the hematological changes and the patterns of coagulopathy in patients from Iraq who have presented to private clinics in Baghdad with post-COVID-19 syndrome, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with the identified hematological abnormalities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at National centre of teaching laboratories / Baghdad medical city between January 2023 and December 2023. We included a sample of 312 patients meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for post-COVID-19 syndrome; symptoms persisting beyond 12 weeks after acute infection. Complete Blood Counts, Coagulation Profiles, D-dimer levels, Fibrinogen levels, and inflammatory markers were all assessed using comprehensive hematological analysis. The data collected from the above tests were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and a p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of respondents to the survey was 47.3 (13.8 SD), with 58.3% female respondents. Hematological abnormalities were identified in 67.3% of the sample; some of the most prevalent included elevated D-dimer levels (62.5%), lymphopenia (43.6%), elevated fibrinogen levels (38.1%), and thrombocytopenia (28.2%). Factors significantly associated with persistent hematological abnormalities included the severity of the initial COVID-19 infection and the presence of chronic co-morbidities and prolonged duration of symptoms (p<0.01). Respondents reporting severe fatigue and dyspnea had significantly higher levels of D-dimer than those with mild fatigue and dyspnea (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our survey indicated that there is a high prevalence of persistent hematological abnormalities and hypercoagulability in Iraqi patients presenting with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Continued inflammation and hypercoagulability may be contributing factors to the pathophysiology of long COVID. Extended hematological assessments and/or anticoagulant therapy may be of value to this group of patients. Further prospective longitudinal studies are needed to determine the most effective treatment for this group
Protective Role of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) on Gastric Mucosal Histopathology in Indomethacin-Induced Ulcer Model in Rats
No full textNSAIDs actually create a large number of gastric ulcers, and with few treatments available, it presents a challenge to clinicians. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine has shown to protect against gastric injury (gastric mucosa injury). However, there is still not a lot of histopathological proof regarding the gastroprotective effects of Curcuma longa extract in models of NSAID-induced gastric injury. This study aimed to examine the effects of Curcuma longa extracts on the gastric mucosa in rats through histopathological analysis of indomethacin- induced ulcers. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allotted to one of five groups: a Normal Control Group, an Ulcer Control Group that received indomethacin (30 mg/kg), a Standard Group that received omeprazole (20 mg/kg) and two treatment groups that received Curcuma longa extract (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg). All groups of rats received oral treatment for seven consecutive days, with indomethacin administered on day seven. Gastric tissue was harvested from each rat and evaluated for ulcer index, histopathology, and mucosal architecture. Indomethacin administration produced significant injury to the gastric mucosa, characterized by extensive deep ulcerations, submucosal edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the mucosa. Treating the rats with Curcuma longa extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the ulcer index compared with the Ulcer Control Group (p < 0.001) and improved histopathological scores. The 200 mg/kg dose of Curcuma longa produced greater protection, as mucosal architecture was maintained and epithelial desquamation and inflammatory cell infiltration were minimal, findings similar to those observed in omeprazole-treated rats. Histopathological scores indicated that the integrity of the gastric mucosa had been restored entirely and that there was a significant reduction in the number of hemorrhagic erosions along with preserved glandular structures. Curcuma longa extract exhibits potent gastroprotective effects against gastric injury induced by indomethacin via mechanisms that maintain the architecture of the gastric mucosa, along with anti-inflammatory action. There is therefore a significant potential for Curcuma longa to be used as a therapy for NSAID-induced gastric injury
The Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Pathogenic Bacteria in Respiratory Tract Samples in Basra City, Iraq
No full textBackground: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a serious health problem worldwide. They cause a variety of health problems and can even be deadly, particularly such as the elderly and children. Objective: Investigate the prevalence and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Methodology: A sample of 274 clinical specimens (sputum, swabs, pleural fluids, and bronchial washings) was taken in patients with respiratory tract infections in the period between February and October 2024 in the Al-Sader teaching hospital in Basrah. The VITEK 2 Compact system was used to identify bacteria and determine antimicrobial susceptibility through the use of the established microbiological protocols and the CLSI (2024) guidelines. IBM SPSS (v.25) was used to analyze the data statistically; the level of statistical significance was p<0.05. Results: Out of 274 samples, the highest culture positivity was recorded for sputum samples (63.43%), while throat swabs had the lowest (22.22%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common among all isolates, indicating its importance in respiratory infections when compared to other bacteria identified. Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae), showed high resistance against most tested antibiotics. However, some antibiotics, such as amikacin, meropenem, and colistin, remain effective against most of the tested isolates. Also, gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) showed high resistance, especially against macrolides and fluoroquinolones. Conclusion: K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus are the most common respiratory infections. The sustained efficacy of last-line agents such as carbapenems, colistin, vancomycin, and linezolid is vital
Relation between Thrombus Burden and Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE) in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
No full textBackground: A high thrombus burden (HTB) is recognized as an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and infarct-related artery stent thrombosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with drug-eluting stents. HTB is associated with procedural complications such as no-reflow, slow flow, and distal embolization, which may result in larger infarct size, left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), and poorer clinical outcomes. Despite this, the clinical impact of HTB has often been underestimated due to limitations in conventional imaging modalities. Methods: This multicenter observational study included 417 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) at four cardiac centers between December 2019 and December 2020. Eligible patients presented within 12 hours of symptom onset (up to 24 hours in selected high-risk cases) and fulfilled standard ECG criteria for STEMI. Ischemic time was defined as the interval from onset of persistent chest pain to first balloon inflation. HTB was defined as TIMI thrombus grade 4 or 5. LVSD was defined as an ejection fraction (EF) <50% assessed by transthoracic echocardiography on the day of intervention. MACE comprised cardiac death, LVSD, and stroke. Results: The cohort was predominantly male (75.5%), with a mean age of 55.5 years. HTB was observed in over 80% of patients, most commonly TIMI grade 5. TIMI 3 flow was achieved in more than 75% of cases. MACE occurred in 41.7% of patients, mainly driven by LVSD. Mortality was low (0.7%), while stroke occurred in six patients. More than 90% of patients with MACE had HTB. Angiographically visible distal embolization and no-reflow were exclusively associated with MACE. Conclusion: High thrombus burden is strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI and remains a critical determinant of prognosis
Quality of Life among Diabetic Patients Type II in PHCs, Taif City, Saudi Arabia
No full textIn view of the growing number of type II diabetes patients in general, and particularly in Saudi Arabia, it was critical to analyze the quality of life for diabetic patients in Taif city as a first step toward finding solutions to prevent the condition from recurring. Diabetic patients' lives are sadly influenced negatively, both physiologically and psychologically, resulting in despair for the patient and his family. Methods: 385 diabetic patients in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, participated in a cross-sectional study between November 2023 and November 2024. using the DQoL questionnaire in its approved Arabic version. Using the independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA, sociodemographic information and clinical investigations, such as HbA1c and BMI, were sought in order to investigate the impact of these factors on the quality of life of diabetes patients. Study had an Institutional Review Board Approval letter number 2023-698. Results: Particularly among older persons, the majority of patients had Type 2 Diabetes (96.6% vs. 0.8% for Type 1), which is in line with worldwide trends. Three-quarters of participants have had type 2 diabetes for less than 20 years, whereas a sizable portion (19.7%) have managed the disease for 20 to 29 years, and 4.2% have had it for 30 to 39 years. A family history of diabetes was present in 87.3% of the population. Patients are happy with their care, food, social interactions, blood sugar checks, testing, and overall quality of life. They are worried about comorbidities, future emergencies, body shape, and loss of consciousness, though. Conclusion: Research and treatment for type 2 diabetes must be prioritized. The need of attending to the needs of both newly diagnosed patients and those with long-term diabetes cannot be overstated. Community education and preventative initiatives could also greatly reduce the future prevalence of diabetes by taking advantage of the high frequency of family history
Clinical Impact of Factor VIII Prophylaxis in Hemophilia A Patients in Basra, Iraq: A 12‐Month Prospective Study
No full textBackground: Hemophilia A is a chronic inherited bleeding disorder associated with recurrent hemorrhage and progressive joint damage. Prophylactic factor replacement therapy is the recommended standard of care, yet evidence from resource‐limited settings remains limited. Methods: This prospective before–after study evaluated 38 hemophilia A patients receiving factor VIII prophylaxis for 12 months at the Basra Center for Hereditary Blood Diseases. Clinical outcomes including bleeding episodes, bleeding severity, therapeutic response, and dose requirements were assessed. Results: Prophylaxis resulted in a 59.8% reduction in total bleeding episodes, complete elimination of severe and post‐surgical bleeding, and a marked improvement in therapeutic response, with a 367% increase in excellent responders. Younger patients demonstrated superior outcomes. Conclusion: Intermediate‐dose prophylaxis significantly improves clinical outcomes in hemophilia A patients in southern Iraq, supporting its broader adoption in resource‐limited settings