European Journal of Medical and Health Research
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Current Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Internal Medicine
Full text linkThis paper presents a comprehensive overview of the current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in internal medicine, highlighting its transformative potential in improving diagnostics, treatment and management, prognostication, and operational efficiency. The discussion encompasses AI-driven imaging analysis, including advanced techniques such as convolutional neural networks that enhance the accuracy and speed of radiological and pathological diagnoses. AI applications in electronic health record analytics and laboratory data interpretation are examined, demonstrating how predictive models and natural language processing facilitate early disease detection and more informed clinical decisions. The integration of AI in personalized medicine and clinical decision support systems is explored, with emphasis on tailoring treatment plans and optimizing therapeutic monitoring through real-time data analysis. Furthermore, the paper reviews the development of predictive analytics and risk assessment models that enable targeted interventions and proactive patient care. Operational efficiency is addressed through the investigation of workflow optimization, virtual assistants, and administrative automation, which collectively contribute to reducing clinician workload and enhancing patient satisfaction. The paper also identifies key challenges and ethical considerations, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and regulatory uncertainties, while providing recommendations for future research and policy development. The findings indicate that, although AI holds significant promise in revolutionizing internal medicine, multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing evaluation are essential for ensuring safe, equitable, and effective integration into clinical practice
Evaluating Postoperative Infection Risks and Management in Mesh Hernia Repairs: Insights from Al-Imam Al-Sadique Teaching Hospital, Babylon
Full text linkBackground: A hernia is characterised by the protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. Incisional hernias, which develop at sites of previous surgical incisions, are relatively common and often pose significant treatment challenges. A major postoperative complication is mesh-related infection, leading to considerable morbidity and presenting a serious clinical management issue.Aim of the Study: This study aims to present our institutional protocol for managing mesh-related infections and to provide a narrative review of surgical site infections following hernia repair, with a focus on associated risk factors and treatment strategies.Methodology: This prospective interventional study was conducted at Al Imam Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital over a three-year period, from January 2022 to July 2024. A total of 40 patients diagnosed with mesh infections after incisional hernia repair were included. Data collected encompassed demographic information, clinical characteristics, identified risk factors, and treatment outcomes.Results: Among the 40 patients analysed, the mean age was 52.3 years, with a female predominance (32 cases, 80%). Key risk factors for mesh infection included advanced age, obesity, smoking, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. Conservative management led to infection resolution in 77.5% of cases, while 22.5% required surgical removal of the mesh.Conclusions: Mesh-related infections following incisional hernia repair are multifactorial in origin. Although conservative treatment is effective in most cases, mesh explantation is necessary for refractory infections. Preoperative optimisation of modifiable risk factors plays a critical role in reducing infection rates. Continued research and advances in surgical techniques are essential to improving patient outcome
Introducing Integrative Health in a Crisis-Stricken Country Like Lebanon: Can It Bring Relief?
Full text linkLebanon is currently facing a multifaceted crisis marked by economic collapse, political instability, and the deterioration of its healthcare system. In response to increasing medical costs, shortages in essential drugs, and a lack of access to specialised care, this paper explores the potential of integrative health as an alternative and complementary solution. Integrative health encompasses a holistic approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies such as acupuncture, mindfulness, and herbal medicine, aiming to address not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual well-being. The study highlights the relevance of integrative practices in managing chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and stress-related disorders, all of which are exacerbated in crisis conditions. Despite its potential, the integration of integrative health into Lebanon's medical landscape faces significant challenges, including limited practitioner training, a lack of regulatory frameworks, and resistance from conventional medical institutions. Drawing from global research and successful models such as the Institut Rafaël in France, the paper argues for a collaborative, evidence-informed strategy involving policy reform, public awareness campaigns, professional training, and pilot projects. It advocates for integrative health to be recognised not as an alternative to conventional care, but as a complementary and patient-centred model capable of improving health outcomes and resilience, particularly in underserved communities. Ultimately, this paper positions integrative health as a viable and urgently needed component of healthcare reform in Lebanon. Its successful implementation could enhance the quality of care, promote mental and emotional well-being, and contribute to rebuilding a more inclusive and sustainable health system amid ongoing national adversity
Respiratory Distress syndrome in Full Term Neonates in the First Week of Life in Thi-Qar Province
Full text linkBackground: Respiratory distress in full-term neonates during the first week of life is a critical clinical issue, often manifesting as tachypnea, grunting, and retractions. Although typically associated with preterm births, full-term neonates also experience respiratory distress due to conditions like Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN), meconium aspiration syndrome, and infections. Aim: This study aimed to assess the causes, outcomes, and associated maternal, neonatal, and delivery characteristics of respiratory distress in full-term neonates admitted to neonatal care units in Thi-Qar Province. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in multiple hospitals across Thi-Qar Province, including Bent Al-Huda and Alshatra hospitals. Data were collected from neonates admitted with respiratory distress symptoms. Key neonatal factors, including age at admission, birth weight, gestational age, and the need for resuscitation, were documented. Maternal factors, such as age, infection status, antenatal care, and labor complications. Results: TTN was the most prevalent diagnosis (55%), followed by birth asphyxia (15%) and sepsis (10%). A significant association was found between TTN and cesarean delivery (p=0.0001), as well as between maternal infection and neonatal sepsis (p=0.009). Conclusion: Respiratory distress in full-term neonates is influenced by multiple factors, with TTN linked to cesarean delivery. Early recognition and targeted management are essential to improve outcomes, especially in high-risk cases involving maternal infections and delivery complications
Relation Between Hypertensive Retinopathy with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Proteinuria in Hypertensive Patient
Full text linkBackground: Hypertensive retinopathy is almost always associated with other target organ damage. Relationship of hypertensive retinopathy with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and proteinuria was inconclusive in previous studies.Objective: To assess the relation between Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Proteinuria in Hypertensive Patient with Retinopathy in Tertiary Care Hospital.Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study and conducted at the Department of Medicine and Cardiology in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Total 100 hypertensive retinopathy patients were included in the study. Following informed written consent, physical examination, relevant investigations were done. In all cases, Ethical issues were maintained properly and collected data were analysed by SPSS 20.Results: Among 100 participants, mean age was 57.15 (±12.989 SD) years [age range 29-85] and 61% were male & 39% were female. Mean value of Systolic (SBP) and Diastolic Blood pressure (DBP) in Grade (G)-1, G-2 and G-3 hypertension were 150.8 (± 5.4) & 94 (± 2.6) mm Hg, 170.3 ± 4.9 & 101.0 ± 4.7 mm Hg and 188.0 ± 7.0 & 102.6 ± 6.5 mm Hg respectively and it is significantly associated with severity of LVH (p value < 0.001 in both SBP & DBP). Proteinuria is also associated with severity of hypertension (p <0.001) but there were no association of Hypertensive retinopathy with LVH and proteinuria (p value 0.32 and 0.27 respectively).Conclusion: LVH & Proteinuria is associated with severity of Hypertension but Hypertensive retinopathy is not associated with LVH and proteinuria, though further large cohort is recommended for final comment
The Relationship Between Form Four Examination Performance and Academic Outcomes in Health Sciences Non-Degree Programs in Health Training Institutions in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study explores the relationship between Form Four examination performance and academic success in health sciences non-degree programs in Tanzania. Using a quantitative correlational research design, it involved 54 tutors and 308 students from various health training institutions in Mbeya. Findings show that while Form Four examination performance is a significant predictor of academic success in health sciences non-degree programs, it is not the sole determinant of student outcomes. The findings reveal that other critical factors—such as personal commitment, study habits, teaching quality, and institutional support—also play pivotal roles in shaping academic performance. While 71.1% of students had strong secondary school results (Division I or II), 64.2% achieved a GPA of 3.1 or higher at the college level, indicating that motivation and study habits can compensate for weaker entry qualifications. Correlation analysis reveals strong relationships between motivation, study habits (r = 0.942), and teaching quality (r = 0.855). Form Four results correlated moderately with college success (r = 0.538 to 0.492, p < 0.001), while institutional support alone showed weaker predictive power. The study also discusses the debate on raising entry qualifications, with 59.3% of tutors and 80.5% of students supporting the change, while others stress the importance of motivation and institutional support. It is recommended that health training institutions adopt a balanced admission approach that considers both academic qualifications and non-academic factors such as motivation and study habits. Additionally, enhancing academic resources, faculty development, and student support systems is essential to producing competent healthcare professionals
Comparative Study among Kirkuk University Students on Oral Health Knowledge and Attitudes
Full text linkBackground: Dental and pharmacy students are at the frontline of patient contact, so they need to be role models to their patients and communities about oral health and oral care, which is closely linked to the development of many dental and systemic diseases.Aim of the study: To assess the self-reported dental and oral health behaviours of Iraqi dental and pharmacy students in Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq.Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study involving 300 participants, 178 dental students and 122 pharmacy students in their final year at the university. Hard copies of the questionnaire were distributed and included questions to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices in various oral health topics. Frequency analysis and chi-square tests were then used to determine the differences between the dental and pharmacy students on the topics in question.Results: The positive responses to questions in all three domains showed a significant positive difference in favour of the dental students in 25 out of 29 questions. 89% of the dental students recognised the relationship between oral health and general health, whereas 70% of the pharmacy students shared this awareness (p-value=0.000). Dental students excelled in understanding the purpose of tooth brushing, with 96% recognising its role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease, whereas 73% of the pharmacy students recognised this relationship (p-value=0.000).Conclusions: Dental students outperformed pharmacy students in their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to oral health
Assessing the Impact of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis on Hepatitis B Vertical Transmission in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Full text linkHepatitis B remains a significant global public health issue, with 296 million people living with chronic infection. Chronic infection can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, causing 1.1 million deaths annually. The burden of hepatitis B is particularly high in developing countries, including Iraq, where high rates of vertical transmission contribute to the disease's prevalence. This study evaluates the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against vertical transmission of hepatitis B in Duhok city, Kurdistan region of Iraq. A total of 44 pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B were included. All infants received hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 24 hours of birth, followed by the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, 2, and 6 months of age. At 7 months, none of the infants tested positive for HBsAg, and all demonstrated protective levels of hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb >100 IU/L). These findings indicate a high success rate of the implemented PEP regimen and endorse the continued use of PEP as an effective strategy for preventing vertical transmission of hepatitis B and providing strong immunity in the infants. Future study should further investigate the effectiveness of additional preventive measures and calls for broader implementation of similar protocols in other regions
Follicular Flushing in Iraqis’ Poor Responders and It’s Effect on Number of Oocyte and Number of Embryos and Grading during Oocytes Retrieval in ICSI
Full text linkBackground: In assisted reproductive technique treatments, follicular flushing is a technique used during oocyte retrieval. The goal of oocyte retrieval is to maximize the number of oocytes recovered. It does not appear to improve outcomes in normal-responding patients. Several studies have shown that in poor responders a low oocyte count reduces the rate of pregnancy; an additional oocyte should therefore substantially increase the chances of success. Aim of study: To investigate the impacts of follicular flushing on the number of oocytes and number of embryos and grading during oocytes retrieval in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Patient and methods: An interventional comparative study that was conducted for a period of 18 months from February 2023 till August 2024. It included 40 infertile females who attended the infertility consultation room and diagnosed as poor responders with normal male analysis. They were divided into two groups: Group A included 20 women underwent follicular flushing following aspiration and group B included 20 women underwent follicular aspiration alone. The outcome evaluated were the number of oocytes retrieved and number and grading of embryos. Results: Patients in group A had a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved and lower MII oocytes, MI oocytes, and number of injected embryos compared with group B. Conclusion: Follicular flushing may enhance the retrieval of oocytes in poor responders, maximizing the chances of successful fertilization
Problem Behaviours: From Assessment to Treatment of Behavioural Crises
Full text linkPsychological development is characterised by a progressive change in the interaction between the individual and environmental events, which together determine a continuous exchange of influences. Among these interactions, problem behaviours that are not considered relevant to the context in which the individual operates also serve a “functionally adaptive” role. This type of behaviour generally disrupts learning and socialisation, creating situations of discomfort that the individual learns to use to exercise control over their environment. In this way, they develop “strategies” (problem behaviours) through which they can regulate and/or influence events in the context.However, this obstructive and disruptive role in development is not always evident, especially when viewed from a strict psychopathological perspective