Alaa Salih | AL-Mustansiriyah University (original) (raw)

Papers by Alaa Salih

International journal of diabetes research, 2024

Womens Health Care and Issues, Jun 29, 2023

Background: Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine is still recommended for pregnant women even in countries... more Background: Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine is still recommended for pregnant women even in countries that declared elimination of neonatal tetanus (NT) and consequently the maternal tetanus (MT). Many factors may affect TT vaccination during pregnancy. Awareness is a key factor that greatly affect the pregnant women to receive tetanus toxoid vaccination during pregnancy. Aims of study: To assess the awareness of women regarding different aspects of tetanus and tetanus toxoid vaccination as well as to identify the factors influencing their awareness. Subjects and Method: A cross sectional study conducted in Baghdad from first of April to the end of September 2021. Convenient sample of women in reproductive age, attended the designated primary health care centers for the study were enrolled. An interview questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data pertaining to awareness of women about tetanus toxoid immunization and tetanus infection. Results: The total number of women enrolled in the study was 400, the study found that that 35.2% and 35% of women had good and fair level of awareness respectively. Good awareness level was significantly higher among older aged women and those with higher level of education as well as working women. Good awareness was more prominent among women's having1-2 children (39%), as compared to those having five and more children (21.3%). Antenatal care attendance and place of delivery shown statistical significant link with level of awareness. Women identify family members and friends as their primary sources of information about tetanus infection and immunization. Conclusion: Women's awareness was acceptable regarding Tetanus and TT immunization. Yet still there is a place for proper health education targeting young women to bridge gap in the connection between the tetanus immunization status of women and the occurrence of Maternal neonatal tetanus (MNT), as well as need for the appraisal of the components of health information delivered by health care providers to women attending antenatal care clinics.

International Journal of Family Medicine & Healthcare, Jun 29, 2023

Background: Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adult age groups characterized by chroni... more Background: Acne is very common in teenagers and younger adult age groups characterized by chronic inflammation of pilosebaceous glands. It is the most common skin disease, affecting nearly 80 percent of persons at some time between the ages of 11 and 30 years. The majority of medical students are adolescents who are the most sufferers of acne and the ones suffering from emotional and social stress. Method: A cross-sectional study of analytic element was conducted on a convenient sample of medical students from six medical colleges in Baghdad. Questionnaires covering the demography, clinical acne pattern, treatment modality and psychological relation were designed and distributed online to the students and the results were analyzed by SPSS and presented by suitable charts and tables, association was assessed by chi square test. Result: A cross-sectional study included 768 students of medical colleges in Baghdad, age range 17-27 years with mean ± SD (20.4 ± 1.8) The study shows that the most common types of acne are whiteheads (38.67%) & papule (36.71%) but cysts, papule, and pustules are associated with the highest rate of complications. It's mostly distributed on the face (90.75%). On the subject of acne severity, most cases are almost clear (42%) followed by mild and moderate (34%, 20%). Regarding the effect of skin type on the appearance of acne, this study revealed that normal/ combined skin type has the highest association of acne appearance (50%) but the oily skin has the highest severity (5.2%) and the highest rate of complications (72.6%) if compared with other types of skin. It shows that females have more complications associated with acne than males. Conclusion: Females are at higher percentage to get acne, especially those who have oily skin. Whiteheads are the most common types, the common sites on face and chest, about quarter of the students have moderate-severe acne, certain types of food (as dairy and high carb), stress, were among factors having significant association with acne complications (74%,47% respectively), face washing as treatment showed improvement of acne.

Saudi journal of medicine, May 17, 2024

Background: Imposter syndrome is a psychological condition in which a person's fails to acknowled... more Background: Imposter syndrome is a psychological condition in which a person's fails to acknowledge and recognize their achievements regardless of having proof for fear they might come across as a fraud. Objectives: To find out the rate of imposter syndrome and its relation to grade and gender among medical students. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study conducted between December 2023 and February 2024, among a convenient sample of students from college of medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University. Data was collected via selfadministrated questionnaire based on Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) to determine the prevalence of imposter syndrome. Results: Five hundred and fiftythree students enrolled in this study. According to Clance IP scale, 281(50.8%) of the study group were designated as moderate Imposter characteristics. The results showed that moderate Imposter characteristics was observed among 109 (46.58%) of male students and 172 (53.92%) of female students. Moreover, intense IP experiences was noticed more among male students (6.41%) in comparison to (4.39%) of female students. The results demonstrated that moderate Imposter characteristics was a shared complained among the four grades students enrolled in the study, as (47%,51.56%,53.41%& 51.85%) of the 2 nd ,3 rd ,4 th and 5 th students respectively. Furthermore, 5 th grade students reported the highest rate (8.64%) of intense IP experiences in comparison to other grades. Conclusion: The imposter phenomenon exists in a meaningfully high rate among medical students. Both genders are at equivalent risk of having an imposter phenomenon. Medical college administrations need to implemented some interventions that can address this problem and improve the wellness of medical students.

Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, Feb 1, 2021

International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology

Background: The concomitant occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure is common wi... more Background: The concomitant occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure is common with increased mortality. WATCH-DM risk score is newly developed that assists heart failure prediction in the future five years. Objective: To predict the risk of heart failure among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in outpatient setting, using the novel WATC DM risk score. Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was applied involving a convenient sample of diabetic patients in single diabetic center in Baghdad over period of 1 year, where each one interviewed and asked about sociodemographic data, previous myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft then Blood pressure measured, ( electrocardiography)ECG performed and the patient send for investigations need for WACH-DM risk scoring including fasting blood sugar, Serum Creatinine and HDL-C, risk score calculated for each patient according to the WACH–DM score. Results: The sample included 112 diabetic patients of w...

Archives of Community and Family Medicine

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a natural alkaloid that stimulates the central nervous syst... more Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a natural alkaloid that stimulates the central nervous system (1,2) Caffeine is the most widely consumed drug in human history and is used by more than 80% of the world's population. (3) The major source of the caffeine consumption are beverages like coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks, while chocolate and other cocoa-containing foods contribute fewer amounts of caffeine to the diet, and medications. (4,5

$Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and progression of refractive errors among EL-mustansiriyah medical students$

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology, 2018

D uring the past decades, population-based studies on refractive errors (RE), which is defined as... more D uring the past decades, population-based studies on refractive errors (RE), which is defined as an error in focusing light on the retina and is a frequent leads to reduced visual acuity, [1] have revealed substantial variations in prevalence related to ethnicity, education level, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. [2] The three most common types of RE are as follows: • Myopia-this is difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. • Hyperopia, also known as hypermetropia-this is difficulty in seeing close objects clearly. • Astigmatism-this is distorted vision resulting from an irregularly curved cornea. [3] RE cannot be prevented, but they can be diagnosed with the help of an eye examination and can be treated with corrective glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. If corrected in time and by eye-care professionals, they do not impede the full development of good visual function. [4] For students, the inability to read standard-sized print, to see the chalkboard, overhead projection, or the computer, or to discriminate color can have a significant impact on their education. [5] Medical students who spend prolonged periods of time on reading and close-up work are a select Objectives: Refractive errors (RE) are defined as an error in focusing light on the retina and are a frequent reason for reduced visual acuity. The 3 most common types of RE are: myopia, which is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly; hypermetropia, which is difficulty seeing close objects clearly; and astigmatism, which is distorted vision resulting from an irregularly curved cornea. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of RE among medical students at Al-Mustansiriya Medical College and to evaluate associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Mustansiriya Medical College to assess RE among medical students. The data collectors were divided into 6 groups to gather data provided by the students of each annual cohort. Some incomplete forms were excluded. Results: In this study, it was determined that about 33% of all students at Al-Mustansiriya Medical College had RE, with myopia being the most prevalent type (57.58%), especially in the fourth year students (25%), while the least common was hypermetropia (2.73%). There was quite a difference in the ratio of males and females with RE (38.48% and 61.52%, respectively). Conclusion: Myopia was the most common eye problem observed among medical students. The incidence of myopia was greater in females than in males in all cohorts.

Saudi Journal of Medicine

Background: Immunization remains one of the paramount public health interventions and a cost effe... more Background: Immunization remains one of the paramount public health interventions and a cost effective method to reduce both the ailment and death associated with infectious diseases. Uptake of vaccination is dependent not only on providing of the vaccination services but also on other influences including awareness and practice of women. Objectives: To assess tetanus toxoid immunization status of mother’s. In addition, to address the factors influencing their immunization status. Method: Cross sectional study conducted in ten primary health care centers in Baghdad for the period from February until the end of October 2020. Convenient sample of mothers, who had delivered a live baby within the previous 12 months from the study and attended the selected primary health care centers in Baghdad were recruited. An interview questionnaire used to collect data regarding history of tetanus toxoid vaccine up take of the mothers during their last pregnancy. Results: The total number of mother...

... IRAN Sakineh Nouri Saeidlou1, Türkan Kutlay Merdol2, Peyman Mikaili1*, Yener Bektaş3 1 ... Ir... more ... IRAN Sakineh Nouri Saeidlou1, Türkan Kutlay Merdol2, Peyman Mikaili1*, Yener Bektaş3 1 ... Iran. Middle Eastern Journal of Age and Aging, 3(1). 9. Salarvand, S., AliAbedi, H., Hoseini, H., Salehi, S., Karimollahi, M. (2008). The ...

ARC Journal of Diabetes and Endocrinology, 2020

Saudi Journal of Medicine, 2022

Background: currently the Elderly population is rapidly increasing and with this increment comes ... more Background: currently the Elderly population is rapidly increasing and with this increment comes more challenges for the healthcare system, non-adherence to medications especially in elderly can lead to economic and human lost that is avoidable by improving patients' compliance and address the related issues leading to the non-adherence. Objectives: 1-assess the level of adherence knowledge and belief to medications. 2-identify the related factors causing the non-adherence. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers in Baghdad targeting geriatric age group of both genders attending the primary healthcare centers and having at least one diagnosed chronic disease, the study enrolled10 healthcare centers from both sides of Baghdad. Patients were directly interviewed and data was collected using a questionnaire. Results: The study showed that (83.4%) of the sample (n=385) had low adherence level, this percentage tend to increase as the age incre...

IRAQI JOURNALOF COMMUNITY MEDICINE, 2010

Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, 2021

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a multi-factorial functional gastrointestinal disorder in... more Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a multi-factorial functional gastrointestinal disorder in which abdominal pain and change in frequency and consistency of stool are symptoms of IBS (but not specific) this disorder appear to be common in the third world. Aim: to shed light on prevalence of IBS among medical students and to assess the risk factors. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at a college of medicine in Baghdad, the study was done on convenient sample of students, both male and female. To achieve this study a questionnaire form was designed according to Rome’s III criteria, and questions regarding life style. Excel was used for data entry and presentation, Chi square test for risk assessment. Result: The prevalence of IBS among 300 medical students was 20%. Female sex was significantly associated with IBS. Conclusion:One fifth of medical students suffer from irritable bowel syndrome with females were more likely to develop it.

Journal of General Practice

Background: Menstruation is the periodic and cyclical discharge of blood, mucus and cellular debr... more Background: Menstruation is the periodic and cyclical discharge of blood, mucus and cellular debris from the uterine mucosa, which occurs due to progesterone withdrawal after ovulation in non-fertile cycles. Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls remaining ignorant of the scientific facts and hygienic health practices, which sometimes result into adverse health outcomes. Aim: To determine the level of knowledge of adolescent females about menstrual cycle and their practice and restrictions during menstruation. Subjects and method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to involve 1084 female students aged 15-21 years in Baghdad from 10 randomly selected secondary schools in different districts of Baghdad during the period April the 10 th through May using direct interview questionnaire, each student was interviewed separately & privately, scoring for knowledge was calculated using Excel, and knowledge was classified as good or poor. Results: Good knowledge had been seen in 36% of them, as the mothers formed the major source of knowledge (74%), Food quantity or quality during menstruation was not changed in 38%, while 21% of girls consume fruit & vegetables during menstruation. 84.2% of the girls restrict their physical activity while menstruating. 22.6% of the girls did not take a bath during menstruation at all while 13.3% took bath after the 1 st day. Analgesics were used without prescription in 54% of the girls during menstruation, 14% required medical help for various menstrual causes and Absenteeism from school from 23.6% from total. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding menstruation was poor in the majority of the girls, and mothers were their major source of information, certain practices were restricted during menstruation such as bathing and physical activity and absenteeism from school was considerable.

Open Journal of Psychiatry

Background: Worldwide elderly population and their life expectancy are increasing gradually. Long... more Background: Worldwide elderly population and their life expectancy are increasing gradually. Longevity in most cases brings down poorer health as well as functional status. Thus, it is necessary to understand the problems as well as social, psychological, and medical needs of elderly people in order to plan their optimal care. Objectives: To assess the mental health status (depression and memory state) of elderly people attending Geriatric clinic in medical city, and to determine the influence of some sociodemographic factors on elderly mental health status. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly people aged 60 years and more who attended geriatric clinic of medical city in Baghdad, from 1st of April to the end of June 2015. Special questionnaire form had been used for data collection via direct interview. The evaluation of the mental state was performed by using modified version of Wechsler Memory Scale and geriatric depression scale. Results: A total of 400 elderly persons were enrolled in the study, 109 (27.3%) of them had impaired memory. The analysis of data revealed that the age and marital status had statistical significant association with memory state. Nearly three quarter (72.8%) of study group had depression according to geriatric depression scale. The majority of studied women had depression (90%), and the same percentage was observed among widowed elders joining in the study.

Archives of Internal Medicine Research

Background: Globally in 2013 about 382 million people are diabetics, 90% of them are type 2, that... more Background: Globally in 2013 about 382 million people are diabetics, 90% of them are type 2, that meticulous diet control is crucial in a treatment as diabetes is the 8 th leading cause of death worldwide. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice towards sweeteners in a sample of type 2 diabetic patients as few researches cover this subject in Iraq. Patients and method: A cross-sectional study in which convenient sample of 440 diabetic were collected and interviewed from the Centers of Diabetes and a primary health center in Baghdad during the period from 14 th of March to 3 rd of July 2014. Knowledge has been studied, in addition to assessment of other variables, including gender, age, education and disease duration. Results: The results showed that 52% of the sample use sweeteners in diet 79% used 5-10 tablet/ day. Conclusion: Majority of our sample have good knowledge and their practice of using sweeteners is in the approved range of tablets number by the FDA.