Iraqi Adolescents Research Articles

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Arab Version of the Adolescent Food Parenting Questionnaire (AFPQ) in Kut City, Iraq.

Background Food parenting behaviors have been increasingly critical to adolescent nutritional health. These behaviors play a decisive role in shaping food intake and weight status in adolescents through autonomy support, coercive control, modeling habits, healthy structure, and determining snacking patterns. To our knowledge, there is no available food parenting questionnaire in the Arabic version; therefore, a reliable and validated Arabic version of the questionnaire to assess food parenting behavior among Iraqi adolescents is required. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Adolescent Food Parenting Questionnaire (AFPQ) into Arabic (AFPQ-A) for adolescents aged 16 to 18 in Kut City, Iraq. Methodology The original version of AFPQ was translated according to a 10-step protocol after being authorized by the developer. The modified kappa statistic (κm), the sum content validity index/universal agreement (S-CVI/UA) method, the scale-level content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave), and the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) were used by four independent experts to assess the content validity of the AFPQ for adolescents and parenting. Face validity was assessed among the adolescents (n = 30) and their respective parents. Results The translation process into the Arabic version produced minor modifications to the original questionnaire. The S-CVI/Ave score for the parent version was 0.95, while the I-CVI/UA score was 0.81 for the adolescent version. The κm values of 1.00 were found in the majority of the items. These scores indicated that the AFPQ items possessed good content validity. Both the parent and adolescent versions demonstrated excellent face validity, with the sum of face validity index/average (S-FVI) scores of 0.95 and 0.94, respectively. Conclusion The AFPQ-A has been demonstrated to be a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of food parenting behaviors in Iraqi adolescents.

Association between textual and pictorial warnings on tumbac (waterpipe tobacco) boxes and motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among Lebanese and Iraqi adolescents

BackgroundWaterpipe tobacco smoking has increased tremendously at a global level among all age groups, particularly young people. Previous studies have examined the impact of waterpipe tobacco pictorial health warnings on adults but scarce studies were done on adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of textual versus pictorial warnings on tumbac boxes and the motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among adolescents located in two Eastern Mediterranean countries Lebanon and Iraq.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022, involving 294 adolescents waterpipe smokers from Lebanon and Iraq. The questionnaire included the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Smoking-11, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Waterpipe Harm Perception Scale, Waterpipe Knowledge Scale, Waterpipe Attitude Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Motivation to Stop Scale.ResultsWhen adjusting the results over confounding variables, the results showed that compared to finding the warnings to stop smoking not efficacious at all, adolescents who find the warnings moderately (aOR = 2.83) and very (aOR = 6.64) efficacious had higher motivation to quit. Compared to finding the warnings not increasing their curiosity for information about how to stop waterpipe smoking at all, participants who confessed that warnings increased their curiosity a little (aOR = 2.59), moderately (aOR = 3.34) and very (aOR = 3.58) had higher motivation to quit. Compared to not considering changing the tumbac brand if the company uses pictorial warnings, adolescents who would consider changing the tumbac brand (aOR = 2.15) had higher motivation to quit.ConclusionPictorial and textual warnings on waterpipe packs were associated with higher motivation to stop waterpipe smoking. Public health education programs for this purpose seem warranted.

Positive Association Between Family and Teachers' Tobacco Use on the Smoking Behaviors of Iraqi Adolescents Attending Schools - A Cross Sectional Study Using the Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Objective: Adolescent tobacco and E-cigarette use have been rising globally in the past decade. Iraq's post-war conflict and economic crises posed psychosocial and mental health trauma, contributing to increased vulnerability to drug and substance use among adolescents. This study looks to assess the potential relationship between current tobacco and E-cigarette smoking and exposure to smoking at home and school among Iraqi adolescents attending schools. Methods: Data analysis for the 2019 Iraq Global Youth Tobacco Survey, a cross-sectional study completed by 2560 Iraqi adolescents aged 11 to 17 years old was conducted. The survey tool which includes demographic, tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco use questions is anonymous and self-administered using paper-based bubble sheets that are scannable. Current tobacco and E-cigarette use (defined as past 30-days) were the main outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the main outcomes and the following variables: participants' demographics, exposure to smoking, attitude and knowledge scores. Results: Current tobacco and E-cigarette smoking prevalence among Iraqi adolescents attending school were 14.9% (95% CI: 13.5%-16.4%) and 9.7% (95% CI: 8.6%-11.0%), respectively. Exposure to smoking at home was high among fathers (39.1%), mothers (13.9%), siblings smoke (23.9%), other individuals smoke (56.1%). The percentages of students who witnessed people smoking within school premises was 45.7% and observed teachers smoking in schools was 57.6%. The current use of tobacco smoking among Iraqi adolescents was significantly and positively associated with exposure to smoking by the father (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.85), mother (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.30-2.60), sibling (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 2.62-4.67), teacher (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.10-1.98), and people in school (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.57-2.53). Similarly, the current use of E-cigarettes was significantly associated with father smoking (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.29-3.16), sibling smoking (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: 2.04-4.67), and people smoking in school (AOR2.02; 95% CI: 1.39-2.95). Conclusion: Stricter policies need to be enforced to ensure safer school environments that do not expose adolescents to smoking habits of teachers or other students.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia and Hypertension in Iraqi Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the world. It is a chronic disease with multiple complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the prevalence of dyslipidemia and hypertension in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Iraqi adolescents. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on adolescent patients with T1DM for more than two years and aged 10-18 years old. For each participant, the age, gender, onset and duration of the DM, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level in the blood were recorded Results: Of 70 subjects, there were 42 (60%) girls. The duration of the DM was predominantly between 2-5 years (59%). Around half of the cases were diagnosed between 5 and 10 years. Girls had a significantly higher mean BMI than boys [21.5 kg/m2 for girls and 18.6 kg/m2 for boys (P-value 0.001)]. Seven (10%) patients were diagnosed with hypertension. LDL was high in 22 patients (31%) with the majority of them (15/22) having an LDL value of between 100-130 mg/dL. Most of the participants with a high LDL were girls (18/22) with a statistically significant gender difference (P-value = 0.018). There were significant correlations between high blood pressure and BMI (P-value = 0.004) and elevated LDL levels (P-value = 0.008). Conclusion: The study revealed that hypertension and dyslipidemia were seen in 10% and 31% of children with T1DM respectively. The elevated LDL and BMI were significantly higher in female patients than in males. Besides, there were significant associations between high blood pressure and BMI and elevated LDL levels.

Prevalence of Sagittal Molar Relationship Among Iraqi Adolescents in Erbil City/Iraq

Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of Angle’s molar classification and recording sagittal malocclusion, among (15- 18) years-old-school students; by studying two factors: gender and the socio-economic status, which are represented by the school type as private or public schools. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 593 aged between 15 – 18 years old. Students were included from randomly selected male, female and mixed high schools. Distributed in different areas in Erbil city. Excluding those who previously had orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, missing upper or lower first molar, and students with any contagious diseases. The molar relationship was determined by direct clinical examination according to Angle’s classifications and sub-classifications. Statistical analysis was obtained using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Pearson Chi-Square test was used to determine the significance among the data’s variables. Results: The findings showed 90.2 % of the subjects had malocclusion, and the prevalence of malocclusion was as the following: Class I 59.1%, Class II 24.7%, Class III 16.2%, respectively. According to gender, Chi-square was significant in molar classification and sub-classification. As for the school type, Chi-square was not significant in molar classification, but it was significant in sub-classification at p-value ≤0.05. Conclusions: Malocclusion is relatively high in Erbil city among adolescents.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among sample of Iraqi adolescents

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among sample of Iraqi adolescents

Is Complicated Birth One of the Early Childhood Traumas? A Framework for Birthing Trauma, Its Impacts, and Proliferation

Objective: Birthing trauma (BT) (i.e., complicated birth) is an early life complex trauma for the baby and mother that never been empirically examined or considered within the trauma field as a traumatic stressor for the newborn. The goal of current study is to examine its effects on mental health and neurocognitive functioning and explore its proliferation to other life traumas. Method: Current study utilizes a novel developmental-based trauma framework (DBTF) to empirically test assumptions about some of its negative delayed psychosocial and neurocognitive effects in ado-lescents, and the dynamics of its proliferation to other potentially dependent traumas. A commu-nity sample of 410 African American and Iraqi adolescents have been administered measures of traumas (CTS), birthing trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD (CTD), existential anxiety and WISC IV. We controlled for the numerous cumulative stressors and traumas that could potentially be playing a role. .Results: Correlations and path analyses and multigroup invariance found that BT predicted elevated symptoms of post-trauma spectrum disorders, reduced IQ scores, and increased discre-pancy IQ index. These relationships were strongly invariant across gender and cultural groups. BT directly predicted other early childhood traumas, and indirectly all other life trauma types, which support BT proliferation hypothesis. These relationships were strongly invariant across gender. Conclusion: Screening for Birthing Trauma as one of the serious early childhood trauma is impor-tant. Early intervention with BT victims to provide early psychological and educational help and prevent proliferation dynamics is important.

Dentoskeletal Parameters Comparison of Different Types of Overbite in Class I Occlusion (Lateral Cephalomtric Study)

This study is intended to evaluate the skeletofacial and dental parameters in different types of overbite and to compare among them. Materials and Methods: It was carried out on a sample of 150 Iraqi adolescents (65 males and 85 females), aged (12-15) years with class I malocclusion have different overbite (open, normal and deep bites).The sample were selected according to certain criteria among the students of intermediate schools in the center of Mosul city. Lateral cephalometric radiograph was taken for each subject. Twenty-one cephalometric measurements (nine angular and twelve linear) and five ratios had been determined. Results: There are significant differences among the three types of overbite concerning total anterior facial height, upper anterior facial height and lower anterior facial height variables. Also, upper posterior dental height and lower posterior dental height show a significant difference between them. Anterior cranial base to mandibular plane angle, palato mandibular plane angle, occluso-mandibular plane angle, gonial angle and summation of posterior angles are significantly different among the different types of overbite in both sexes and the total sample. All skeletal and dental ratios are significantly different among the three types of overbite in both sexes and total sample. Conclusions: The study concludes that open bite group possesses significant higher values of total and lower anterior facial height, upper and lower posterior dental height, while deep bite group possesses significant higher value of upper anterior facial height.

Prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among Iraqi adolescents: Iraq GYTS 2012

BackgroundThe use of any form of tobacco by 13–15 year old individuals is 10% globally as identified through the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among Iraqi adolescents.MethodsA cross sectional study was carried out on 1750 participants selected randomly from preparatory and secondary schools in Baghdad, Iraq in 2012. Through a multistage stratified random sample scheme. The GYTS questionnaire was applied.ResultsThe study results indicated that 21.8% of Iraqi adolescents are tobacco users (male 27.1%, female 12.7%). Cigarette smoking was noted as the main type of tobacco use (13.9%) followed by shisha (4.8%) and pipe (1.4%). The stepwise logistic regression indicated a number of predictors of tobacco use. Male adolescents were twice more likely to be tobacco users than female students (OR 2.31; 95%C.I: 1.57-3.42). Furthermore, students whose parents or sibling were smokers had doubled the risk of tobacco use relative to those with no parents or siblings current smokers (OR1.97; 95%C.I: 1.04-2.77 and OR1.86; 95%C.I: 1.21-2.87 respectively). Having close friends who smoked was also identified as an important risk factor towards adolescent tobacco use. Those who reported that some of their friends smoked were 2.67 times more likely to be smokers (95%C.I: 1.83-3.89), while those who reported that most/all of their friends were smokers were 8.18 times more likely to be smokers themselves (95%C.I: 4.65-14.39).ConclusionSmoking rates among Iraqi adolescents were found to be among the higher rates of adolescent smoking prevalence in the Middle East. Multiple family and peer related characteristics were related to tobacco use. Preventive activities should take place to curb the tobacco epidemic in Iraq.

A Cephalometric Comparison of Pharynx and Soft Palate in Iraqi Adolescents and Adults Population

Aims: This paper aims to estimate and compare the pharynx and soft palatal dimensions of Iraqi ado-lescent and adults with class I normal occlusion at Mosul City and to identify any gender dimorphism within each group. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 160 normal Iraqis what were separated into two groups (80 adolescents and 80 adults). Each group was additionallydi-vided into two subgroups according to gender (40 of each gender). Twelve linear measurements were made in all subjects; gender dimorphism and comparison between two age groups were analysed by students t test.Results:No gender differences in all variables except in retropalatal airway space (U-MPW) in the adolescents group. While, in the adults the only significant gender differences were found in the thickness of posterior nasopharyngeal wall (ad1-Ba)and in the vertical airway space (Pm-Eb).The adults had significantly larger values for superior nasopharyngeal(pm-ad2) and inferior naso-pharyngeal depth (pm-ad1) than adolescents .While ,adolescents had larger value for superior nasopha-ryngeal thickness (ad2-s) and posterior nasopharyngeal thickness(ad1-Ba) than adults in both genders .The adult male had a higher value for (Pm-Eb) than adolescent male .While ,adolescent female had a higher value for soft palate thickness (SPT) than adult female. Conclusions: Data derived from this study should be a useful reference for assessment of sleep apnea and other conditions in the Iraqi popu-lation.Developmental changes were found in all nasopharyngeal parameters except the Pm-ba(sagittal depth of the bony nasopharynx).

The Relationship of Palatal Dimensions for Iraqi Adolescents with Different Dental Angle Classifications

Aims: To determine and compare the palatal dimensions of Iraqi adolescents with different Angle classifications in Mosul City, and to determine the correlation among the palatal dimensions. Materials and Methods: the sample consist of 142 orthodontic models of school students aged 13 – 17 years with different occlusal relationships (class I normal occlusion, class II (division 1 and 2) and class III malocclusions). Eleven palatal parameters were measured by using dental vernier and included; dental arch width at the canine, 1st premolar, 2nd premolar, 1st molar , arch depth at canine and 1st molar, palatal height at canine,1st premolar, 2nd premolar, 1st molar and arch perimeter. The mean and standard deviation were calculated , analysis of variance(ANOVA), Duncan's multiple analysis range test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Class I normal occlusion had wider inter 1st premolar width and shallower palate at the canine ,premolars and molar region as compared with malocclusion groups in both genders, while Class II division 1had narrower and higher palate than other occlusal groups. Class II division 2 had shorter canine and molar depth than other occlusal groups in both genders in addition Class II division 2 had smaller arch perimeter as compared to other occlusal groups in females. The correlation among palatal dimensions revealed that palatal widths, arch perimeter and molar depth were highly and positively correlated with each other, while palatal height measurements were only positively correlated to each other and negatively poorly correlated to other measurements in all occlusal groups except in Cl II division 1 in males .This shows a highly significant correlation of palatal height at 2nd premolar and 1st molar with inter premolars and 1st molar width. Conclusions: Differences exist in most of palatal dimensions among different types of malocclusion and Class I normal occlusion these differences may help to define the dental characteristics of these problems and simplify their therapeutic managements and palatal expansion may be considered before or during treatment class II division 1.

Iraqi adolescents: Self-regard, self-derogation, and perceived threat in war

A year into the 2003 US–Iraq war, how were adolescents in Baghdad faring? Conflict-related events typically lower psychological well-being; in contrast, investment in and protection of threatened identities should lead to self-esteem striving and, presumably, better well-being. How threatened do Iraqi adolescents feel? Is their self-esteem related to their sense of threat? Do age, religion, ethnicity, and gender alter the link between perceived threat and self-esteem? We use data from 1000 randomly selected adolescents living in Baghdad during July 2004. Iraqi adolescents reported high levels of threat; those feeling more threatened reported higher levels of self-esteem. Social background correlates with both self-esteem and perceived threat, but controlling for social background does not eliminate the relationship between self-esteem and perceived threat. We interpret our results in light of theory and research concerning social identity, mortality threats, and war trauma.

The variation of the cranial base parameters in Class I, II and III skeletal relationships

Aims: To detect the variation in cranial base parameters among the skeletal relationships of Class I, II and III for both sexes. Materials and Methods: The sample was consisted of 90 lateral cephalometric radiographs 30 for each class (Class I, II and III skeletal relationships of ANB angle 0–2, over 2 and less than 0 degree respectively). The radiographs were for Iraqi adolescents who live in Mosul City of age 15–18 years. The subjects were collected from the Department of Pedodontics, Orthodontics and Preventive dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul. The radiographs were traced to determine the ANB angle to group the sample into Class I, II and III skeletal relationships, the statistical analysis of cranial base lines (SN, SBa, SCo, SAr and SBa), and the cranial base angles (NSBa, SBaAr, SBaCo, SBaN) was carried out to find their variation among the three skeletal relationships. Results: Revealed that there was no significant difference at (p < 0.05) significant level between sexes. There were significantly increase in mean value of Class II in comparing to Class I and III skeletal relationships for both sexes in the cranial base parameters (lines SN, SBa, NBa, and angle NSBa) and insignificantly greater in the cranial base parameters (line SCo and angle SBaN). Conclusion: There were significantly differences among the Class I, II and III groups in the (SN, SBa, NBa and NSBa) parameters for males, while in females were in the (SN, SBa, NBa and NSBa) parameters. The sex variation was insignificant difference for all the parameters in the three skeletal group

Normal faciolingual inclination of tooth crowns for Iraqi adolescent in Mosul City

The purposes of this study are to determine the faciolingual inclinations of tooth crowns in Class I normal occlusion of Iraqi adolescent in Mosul City, investigate the possible significant differences between genders, and determine the correlation of the faciolingual inclination of teeth crown with each others.The sample of this study consisted from 35 Iraqi adolescents (19 males and 16 females) aged 12–16 years selected according to certain criteria from Mosul City. Stone casts were taken for each subject, the faciolingual inclinations were made on the dental models of the subjects by using torque angle gauge. The data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program and it was found that each tooth distally to the central incisor had more lingual inclination than did its neighbor. The females had more labial inclination of upper lateral incisor and more lingual inclination of the lower canine, premolars and first molar as compared with the males. Most intraarch teeth torque correlation were positive and decreased with remoteness while most interarch teeth correlation showed weak negative correlation.

Three dimensional cephalometric measurements of craniofacial skeleton of adolescent with Class I normal occlusion in Mosul City

The aims of the present study were to establish the cephalometric craniofacial skeletal norms of Iraqi adolescents by me-ans of linear and angular analyses of po-stero–anterior and lateral cephalometric radiographs and to reveal any correlation between the variables measured. The sample consisted of 101 Iraqi ad-olescents (52 males and 49 females) aged 12–15 years with Class I normal occlu-sion. Postero–anterior and lateral cephalo-metric radiographs were taken for each adolescent, and twenty cephalometric radi-ographic measurements (6 angular, 10 lin-ear and 4 ratio) were determined. Skeletal comparison between males and females showed that the angle of palatal plane inclination in relation to anterior cranial base (SN–PP) was significantly higher in females whereas the gonial angle (ArGo-Me) was significantly higher in males. For linear measurements, mandibular base len-gth (Go–Gn) showed no significant sex differences. The remaining linear measure-ments showed significant sex differences with the males having higher values. All ratios showed no significant differences between males and females.

Downs cephalometric norms for Iraqi adolescents in Mosul City

The purpose of this study is to develop cephalometric standards for Iraqi adolescents in Mosul City, using Downs' analysis, and to compare them with those of white Americans. The lateral cephalometric radiographs (108) Iraqi adolescents (57 males and 51 females) with age range was (12) to (15) years (with a mean of 13.7 years) were carried out. The subjects were chosen on the bases of having class I normal occlusion and well-balanced faces. Measurements were taken for all dento-skeletal variables in Downs' analysis. Norms were established for the Iraqi sample and the comparison between both sexes was carried out. No significant difference was demonstrated between males and Females. When the measurements of this study were compared with Downs' original data for white Americans, the Iraqi adolescents showed a highly significant greater values of facial convexity angle, mandibular plane angle, Y-axis angle, occlusal plane angle, lower incisors inclination to the occlusal plane and to the mandibular plane and the distance of upper incisors to Apog line. The interincisal angle and facial angle were significantly higher in Downs' original standards than the present study