Iraqi Governorates Research Articles

Assessment of women's awareness of reproductive health concepts in an Iraqi community.

Researches indicate that reproductive and sexual health awareness is a major health indicator in communities. This study aimed to assess women's awareness of reproductive health in the Iraqi community. A cross-sectional survey in Iraqi governorates was implemented, and a convenient sample of 3416 women participated in the study. Data were collected using a well-designed structured questionnaire. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis and description statistics. The study found low awareness about reproductive and sexual health among women. While one-third showed adequate awareness regarding premarital care, child marriage, and breastfeeding. Only 21% and 10% of the participants, respectively, having adequate awareness of sexually transmitted disease types and contraceptive methods. Remarkably, a large majority lacked awareness of healthy sleep patterns. 47% of the participants expressed adequate awareness of the stress effects on health. Overall, using health facilities appropriately and regularly was present in only 5% of the participants with the preferential to private sector. Low reproductive health awareness was significantly associated with low educational levels among participants (p-value < .00001). The study revealed that awareness of sexual and reproductive health among Iraqi women is unsatisfactory in the majority of its determinants. Education programs targeting all Iraqi communities are crucial for improving understanding of this vital subject. Future research is advised to examine the effect of digital health system platforms in disseminating knowledge of reproductive health and preventing diseases.

The Prevalence of Liver Flukes in Slaughtered Camels (Camelus dromedarius) of Different Iraqi Governorates

The Prevalence of Liver Flukes in Slaughtered Camels (Camelus dromedarius) of Different Iraqi Governorates

Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects and their Non-Inherited Risk Factors among Children through the Period 2019-2023: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common types of congenital disabilities. The frequency of CHD among their patient populations also remains the leading cause of their increased mortality, accounting for an estimated 50% of all causes of death from abnormalities. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the prevalence of non-inherited risk factors among children with cardiac defects and compare the prevalence of congenital heart defects among children in different governorates in Iraq related to non-inherited risk factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study design was used to study congenital heart defects in children in Babylon Centre for Catheterization and Cardiac Surgery in Al-Imam Sadiq Hospital Babylon province, Iraq, from 15/10/2023 to 13/6/2024. A nonprobability convenience sample of 542 patients aged 0-18 years with CHD was collected by administering a constructed tool for the study. The data were collected from all Iraqi governorates, including the north, center, and south, as well as east and west countries. Result: The study shows the mean age of children was 2.2 ±9.2 years. The majority of children included were within infant age groups, almost equal in their sexes, giving girl to boy, 1.04:1. The age at screening and diagnosis of Echo was more than half in the first month, and the type of defect was Ventricular-septal-defect (VSD) and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The study findings show that there is a statistically significant relationship between risk factors related to maternal medication history, including Folic acid Supplements. Maternal diseases such as Rubella, with CHD, and the highest recorded governorates for congenital heart defects are Baghdad, Mosul, and Diyala. Conclusions: The study concludes that most children included were within infant age groups, almost equal in their sexes, and the highest recorded governorates for congenital heart defects are Baghdad, Mosul, and Diyala. Also, the most frequent CHD is VSD and TOF, the history of maternal medication use, including folic acid supplements, and maternal diseases such as Rubella were significant factors in assessing the risk or outcome.

The Relationship between Electronic Marketing and Consumer Behavior "An Applied Study on a Sample of Customers of Al-Rafidain Bank – Iraq"

The current research aims to understanding the relationship between e-marketing and consumer behavior through study applied to a sample of Rafidain Bank customers, and the current research focuses on surveying the opinions of a sample of customers dealing with Rafidain Bank in three Iraqi governorates (Babil, Karbala, and Najaf), numbering (325) Customers. the researcher examined, through a set of hypotheses, the effects of the independent variable, which is electronic marketing, on consumer behavior, and consequently the effects of the latter on the bank’s profitability. A questionnaire was designed to survey the opinions of the individuals in the aforementioned research sample, according to a scale to be respected the quintet, and these phrases included five axes distributed between the study variables, demographic information of the study sample, elements of electronic marketing, elements supporting electronic marketing, indicators of the efficiency of banking services, and finally consumer behavior. The descriptive analysis resulted in tables that displayed the initial statistical results and analytical results that address the research hypotheses, whether negative or positive. the study reached the following conclusions the most important of which is that The dimensions of consumer behavior are arranged as follows: education, attitudes, perception, motives, and finally, the study proved the existence of a strong relationship between the independent variable and the mediator on the bank's profitability clearly, so the recommendations were confirmed that this relationship should be under the attention of the relevant parties in the upper and middle management and that they should take it into account when working on developing the marketing mix strategies for banking services at Rafidain bank to enhance its pioneering role in banking work at the level of Iraq and the world.

Mathematical Methods in Determining Spatial Development Priorities for The Industrial Sector at The Level of The Iraqi Governorates: A Study of Quantitative Measures to Determine Investments in Industrial Urbanization

The levels of development exhibit significant disparities across countries and even among different parts of the same governorates. The major focus of many planners and decision makers was to investigate and analyze the regional variation in development levels. The study aims to examine the regional disparities in investment within the industrial sector throughout the governorates of Iraq. This analysis is not just based on quantitative indicators, but also takes into account the specific investment requirements of each governorate. To overcome this issue, we do the following actions: A mathematical model is constructed to elucidate the regional differences in investment amongst governorates. This model use factor analysis to quantify the association between various variables studied. Utilize the Ridge Regression Model to assess the influence of the factors on the geographical distribution of investment. The study aimed to determine the allocation of investment in the industry sector among the Iraqi governorates. The priorities for distribution were as follows: ''Al-Muthanna'', ''Missan'', ''Wasit'', ''Salahuddinni'', ''Thi-Qar'', ''Diala'', ''Kerbala'', ''Kirkuk'', ''Al-Qadisiya'', ''Al-Anbar'', ''Al-Najaf'', ''Babil'', ''Nineueh'', ''Basrah'', and Baghdad. This allocation aimed to achieve a balanced regional development. The value of the challenge coefficient (R^2= 0.84 and the correlation coefficient) (R= 0.91), which indicates the strength of the effect of the economic variables on the investment sector. This value is the spatial distribution of industrial investments among the governorates, and this is confirmed by the decrease in the value of (MSE) as it reached 3319.41, which confirms the increase in the efficiency of the model at (k= 0.016).

Progress and scenario-based projections of health service availability and coverage towards UHC in the post-conflict and post-pandemic Iraq: a Bayesian hierarchical regression approach

BackgroundTwo decades have passed since the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003. Iraq has long suffered from conflicts and instability, where the people have limited access to healthcare. The...

Some Chemical and Biological Methods to Control Pepper Root Rot Disease in Iraq

Background: Pepper growing fields in the Babil and Wasit governorates in Iraq, are suffering from a decline in production due to the spread of root rot diseases. The use of biological control techniques, such as the use of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere and natural plant extracts, along with chemical fungicides, has recently contributed to reducing the damage of plant pathogens globally. Methods: In this research, the main cause of root rot disease in pepper plants was isolated and diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction technology using (TEF-1α) gene, antagonistic activities of 75 rhizobacterial isolates, natural extracts of garlic and nerium and the fungicides of Promess and Tecto 500 SC were tested in vitro against the pathogen, then the superior bacterial isolates were identified. The ability of biological and chemical agents to control the disease was tested under greenhouse conditions according to the completely randomized design (CRD). Result: The results of isolation showed that the fungus Fusarium solani was dominance and the isolate Fsw45 was the most virulent. 3 of 75 rhizobacterial isolates outperformed the pathogen in an antagonistic tests and identified as Pseudomonas mendocina, P. fluorescens and Staphylococcus kloosii also the fungicides and botanical extracts showed significant antagonistic activities as well in vitro. Under greenhouse conditions, the fungicide treatments excelled in disease control by 100%. As for the 3 bacterial isolates, they achieved a significant reduction in the percentage of disease incidence and disease severity index, their abilities were higher than the nerium and garlic extracts.

Exposing Milk Adulteration in Iraq Markets

This study evaluated eighteen unflavored milk samples from local markets in Karbala, Diyala, Basra, Kirkuk, Wasit, and Babil, Iraq, to detect adulteration. Using total solids measurements, refractive index tests, and iodine starch tests, we aimed to assess milk quality. Except for sample No. 6, all samples tested negative for starch, indicating minimal thickening agent adulteration. However, samples 4, 5, 11, and 13 failed the refractive index test, suggesting water adulteration. These findings highlight the need for better monitoring and regulation to ensure milk purity and protect public health across different Iraqi regions. Highlights: Identified milk adulteration in six Iraqi governorates. Sample 6 tested positive for starch adulteration. Samples 4, 5, 11, 13 failed refractive index test. Keywords: milk adulteration, Iraqi markets, quality control, refractive index, starch test

An Analytical Study of the Number of Communicable Diseases and Health Institutions in Iraq using Two-Way Analysis of Variance, Friedman and Scheffe Tests

In this research paper, data were analyzed from Environmental Statistics in Iraq (Health Indicators for 2019)/ Central Statistical Organization /Iraqi Ministry of Planning. The data represents the number of health institutions distributed across all governorates of Iraq (government hospitals, private hospitals, popular clinics, specialized health centers (dental, chest, allergy, asthma, other specialties), primary health care centers (main and subsidiary), other health institutions (insurance clinics). health care, health homes), training health center, family medicine health center, family planning center, central health laboratories, forensic medicine, blood bank). In addition to other data representing the number of infections with communicable diseases in Iraq (polio, acute flaccid paralysis, whooping cough, measles, German measles, mumps, congenital tetanus, adult tetanus, hydatid cysts, typhoid, malaria, schistosomiasis, bacillus dysentery, rabies, Diphtheria, chicken pox, hemorrhagic fever, Malta fever, pneumonia, cholera, scabies, cutaneous leishmaniasis, black fever, animal bites, meningitis of all kinds, bird flu, swine flu). It was determined whether there are significant differences in the number of health institutions in terms of their distribution across all governorates of Iraq, or not. Also, is there a significant difference in the number of infections with communicable diseases in all governorates of Iraq or not? If there is a significant difference in the number of health institutions or the number of infections with communicable diseases, whichever number is higher. The study included the total number of health institutions in Iraq, as well as the total number of communicable diseases of various types in all governorates of Iraq. The results were obtained by applying the Friedman test, in addition to two-way analysis of variance, as well as the Scheffé test.

Quantitative of uranium levels in blood samples of cancer patients collected from different regions in Iraq

Since the armed confrontations in 1991 and 2003, as well as during the ISIS war (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), the extensive use of depleted uranium in battles and weapons has likely significantly impacted human health, notably by increasing the risk of cancer. Depleted uranium is a heavy metal and radioactive material that can contaminate the environment and enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. In this study, uranium concentrations were measured in blood samples taken from the control group and the patient group from several different governorates of Iraq (Hilla, Basra, Baghdad, Tikrit, Kut, Samawah, Maysan, Nasiriyah and Mosul). The concentration was determined using a CR-39 track detector. The nuclear reaction uses a source of nuclear fission fragments, which is (n, f), which is obtained by bombarding uranium 235 with thermal neutrons from the source (Am–Be) and 3.024 × 109 n cm−2. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program and showed that the range of uranium concentrations in healthy individuals was 0.56–2.26 μg/l. Patients had levels ranging from 1.47 to 4.57 μg/l. The accepted value for ICRP is 0.810 μg/l. This study shows that there is an increase in uranium levels in blood samples in individuals with leukemia compared to healthy individuals. This increase may be the result of armed confrontations and the use of depleted uranium.

The Correlation Between the Size, Independence and Experience of Internal Audit and its Impact on Reducing Financial Corruption: Evidence from the Public Sector in Iraq

Financial corruption crimes in the public sector are prevalent in numerous developing nations, frequently stemming from political, economic, or social problems, among other things. In order to combat these unethical behaviours in the public sector, governments are aggressively striving to improve the internal audit function. This requires recruiting an adequate number of auditors who can carry out their duties with the highest level of professionalism, fostering the autonomy of the audit function and auditors, and improving the effectiveness of auditors through training, qualifications, and education. In the end, this will help decrease the financial corruption that hinders the long-term progress of Iraq. The goal of this study is to assess the magnitude, autonomy, and expertise of internal auditing in Iraq's public sector entities, as well as the extent of financial corruption within this sector. To accomplish the goals of the study, we created a survey and administered it to a randomly selected group of internal auditors in 15 Iraqi governorates, excluding the Kurdistan Region. We issued a total of 174 questionnaires, each containing two axes. The initial segment has three facets of internal auditing (magnitude, autonomy, and expertise) and a total of 27 inquiries. The second axis consisted of 14 questions that assessed financial corruption using regression analysis. The study used basic and numerous linear tests to investigate the hypotheses, ultimately determining that the inclusion of more staff was essential for carrying out certain audit responsibilities. The department lacks a proportional allocation of internal auditors compared to the workload, resulting in the audit body's weak independence. This is primarily due to the administration's interference in the transfer and employment of individuals based on its own discretion, as well as corruption prevalent in government units, particularly in investment spending. The results also revealed a direct relationship between size, independence, internal auditing experience, and financial corruption.

Molecular epidemiology of the Old World screwworm fly (OWSF) in Iraq, and the genetic structure of various OWSF populations worldwide

Despite being endemic in Iraq, no reports have been published in the past 10 years to update the molecular epidemiology of the Old World screwworm fly (OWSF), Chrysomya bezziana, in this country. In the present study, 130 sheep from 10 Iraqi governorates were found infected with C. bezziana larvae, whose identities were PCR-confirmed based on the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene, and 23 isolates from various tested governorates were successfully sequenced. Although most isolates (n = 20) belonged to the common haplotype circulating in Iraq, two new haplotypes were detected. Significant changes in OWSF epidemiology in Iraq were also suggested, since infestations were detected, for the first time, in Nineveh governorate. Isolates of the present study were combined to those previously published from Iraq and worldwide, collected after searching the GenBank, and various genetic and population structure analyses were conducted. These isolates displayed a great statistically significant value when tested for the purifying (negative) selection, suggesting the limited occurrence of genetic variations, which was evidenced by the high sequence conservation (C = 0.937) value detected. A few isolates from Africa were revealed during our search, and clustered in a separate lineage other than that of the Asian isolates. The latter displayed different genetic variation patterns when compared. For example, isolates from geographically separate regions, e.g., the Gulf Arab countries and South-Eastern Asia had marked genetic differences. On the other hand, isolates from regions with close geographic proximity (the Gulf Arab countries and Iran) had limited genetic subdivision. This is not the case when comparing isolates from 10 islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. Populations from Sumatra and Sumba were isolated and displayed high genetic variations toward the other populations. On the contrary, populations from Sulawesi, Lombok and Sumbawa displayed limited genetic variations. This is particularly important, since it can help detecting the dynamics of establishing the sterile insect technique over various regions as an effective control strategy against the OWSFs.

Finding the Optimal Allocation of Checkpoints Using the Dynamic Programming method

This research aims to use the competent mathematical method through which it is possible to find the best allocation for the main checkpoints in one of the Iraqi Governorates, which contains 17 administrative units. The Dynamic Programming (DP) method and the method of background calculations were used for this method. The problem of the research lies in the fact that many administrative units in this governorate are subjected to organized attacks by terrorist gangs, which lead to the loss of the lives of many citizens, security forces, as well as private and public properties for them. The security reality of some administrative units requires a set of important data through which the best solutions are found to preserve these administrative units from terrorist and criminal operations and incidents. Therefore, this research focused on the use of one of the important scientific methods, the DP method, to find the Optimal Allocation (OA) of checkpoints in those administrative units, which hopefully contributes to reducing terrorist attacks, breaches, and other criminal incidents. The researchers used the checklist, which contains many questions that were asked of some civilians and state employees. The results proved to us that the proposed allocation will lead to an increase in the population density in the governorate by about 38 thousand people through the reallocation of checkpoints to administrative units, as some of them need to reduce the number of checkpoints and others need to increase the number of checkpoints. The used program is Excel. Paper type: Research Paper

Uranium concentrations indicator for cancer patients before and after Radiotherapy

One of the most dangerous diseases facing the world is cancer, and because cancer is closely linked to a high level of uranium in the blood, some governorates of Iraq, especially the southern ones, have witnessed a recorded spread of cancer because they are areas contaminated with uranium because of the wars to which they were exposed. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the uranium concentration. Regarding blood samples taken from people with different types of cancer, the study included 30 45 samples collected from the Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar Governorate, and the patients were from various administrative units. The samples were divided into 15 samples for healthy people as a control group, 15 samples for cancer patients who received chemotherapy and then 15 samples the same the patients took samples after they received radiotherapy. A track detection technique using a CR-39 track detector was applied to determine the uranium concentration. The maximum concentration reported in the group of patients following radiation was (3.0579 ± 0.5115) ppb, while the lowest value was in the group of healthy persons (1.3756 ± 0.3257) ppb.

Fiscal and real repercussions of the Central Bank of Iraq’s real estate initiatives by using Multiple Correspondence Analysis

The importance of the study stems from the fact that Iraq’s economy is facing a housing crisis, especially in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, great demographic pressure due to pronounced population growth over the past two decades. The Central Bank of Iraq undertakes several initiatives represented in granting real estate loans, mainly through the Real Estate Bank at very low interest, and in the last two years, the interest has become zero. The purpose of the study is to analyze the fiscal implications of the Iraqi central bank’s real estate initiatives, as well as its real impact on the spatial dimension of the Iraqi governorates through new housing in those governorates. Using data mainly from the Central Bank of Iraq’s bulletins, the study obtained a 6-year sample of study variables for 15 Iraqi governorates. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was used to test such repercussions. One of the study’s findings is that the greatest impact of the Iraqi central bank’s real estate initiative was the fiscal and real repercussions for the year 2021, and the highest relative impact was in Baghdad governorate, with fiscal and real returns distinct from the rest of the governorates. One of the conclusions reached is that the strength of the fiscal repercussion was more important, more significant, and stronger than the real impact of the initiatives of the Central Bank of Iraq. Similarly, it was concluded that Baghdad was the first governorate that benefited from the effects of the initiative.

Relationship of ACE1 and ACE2 genetic polymorphisms on SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of symptoms in different regions of Iraq

This study was conducted in the laboratories of the Biology Department - College of Science - Tikrit University, the laboratories of the Food Science Department - College of Agriculture - University of Anbar, and the Public Health Laboratories - Anbar for the period from December 2021 AD until February 2022 AD, study involved taking samples from hospitalized COVID-19 patients of both sexes, after a confirmed positive PCR test result. As well as those lying in quarantine in three Iraqi governorates (the isolation unit in Karkh, Yarmouk and Kadhimiya hospitals, the Al-Shifa quarry hospital in Anbar, the public health laboratory in Anbar, and the quarantine hospital for thousands in Erbil), in addition to outpatient clinics. They were distributed by 30 patients and 20 healthy subjects from each governorate, with ages ranging from 18-80 years, randomly to men and women in order to determine the role of genetic polymorphisms in the ACE inhibitor gene in the study samples. The results of the genetic polymorphisms of ACE-1rs4646994, ACE-2rs2106809, and ACE-2rs4240157 showed that there were non-significant differences between the frequency of alleles and genotypes in the patient's group compared with the healthy group. The DD mutant genotype of ACE-1rs4646994 appeared in the patient's group in Baghdad and Anbar with a high percentage, while patients in Erbil showed the highest percentage of the heterozygous genotype ID compared to healthy subjects, with an OR= 0.922, OR= 2.750, and OR= 1.118, respectively, for the mutant allele D. Therefore, it is not considered a risk factor for the disease in Baghdad, in contrast to Anbar and Erbil. The polymorphism of ACE-2rs2106809, the homozygous genotype CC was dominant in patients in the aforementioned provinces and may not be considered a risk factor for the disease. The results of ACE-2rs4240157 gene polymorphism, the heterozygous CT genotype showed a high percentage in patients in Baghdad and, while in Anbar patients, the normal genotype TT appeared to be the highest percentage compared to healthy subjects. The C mutant allele in Baghdad, Anbar, and Erbil patients reached OR= 1.306, OR= 4.333, and OR= 9.00, respectively, so this allele is considered a risk factor for the disease. We can conclude from this study the role of each of the polymorphisms rs4646994 ACE-1 and rs4240157 ACE-2 in infection with COVID-19 and the severity of its symptoms according to the geographical region and race, in contrast to rs2106809 ACE-2, as it is possible to conduct clinical studies to demonstrate the role of genetic polymorphisms with Relationship to diseases depending on the region and race.

Violence and Child Mental Health Outcomes in Iraq: Mapping Vulnerable Areas

Few studies have been conducted in Iraq regarding the association of violence at multiple ecological levels and child mental health outcomes. Therefore, the study objectives were (1) to conduct a nationwide analysis to explore violence at multiple socio-ecological levels and children’s mental health outcomes, and (2) to identify the most vulnerable children according to the spatial distribution of Iraqi governorates. This cross-sectional study used the 2018 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 6), which included 12,358 mothers or caretakers who provided complete information regarding their parenting and disciplinary practices for their children between the ages of 5 and 14. Logistic regression was employed to examine the factors associated with children’s depression and anxiety. This study showed that 22% of children had depression, while 38% experienced anxiety. Notably, children residing in Iraq’s south/central regions, specifically in areas, like Nainawa, Najaf, and Basrah, exhibited notably higher anxiety and depression. The research also showed that living in unsafe neighborhoods, women’s acceptance of domestic violence, and the use of severe physical punishment as corporal discipline were all associated with the development of anxiety and depression. This study addresses the scarcity of information on children’s mental health outcomes in Iraq at national and governorate levels, emphasizing the need for urgent national-level policy discussions to achieve key Sustainable Development Goals related to ending all forms of violence against children by 2030.

Robust Modeling for Factors Affecting in Relative Humidity in Basra Governorate

Basra Governorate is considered among the Iraqi governorates, with high levels of relative humidity sometimes, which makes the weather uncomfortable during the year. It was necessary to building in this research a robust regression model to study the effect of some factors such as the maximum and minimum temperatures, the amount of rainfall, atmospheric pressure, and the average amount of dust falling. When building linear regression models, many problems occur in which failure some of the hypotheses model. In this research, least squares estimates were compared with robust and found the preference for the method of S.

The 2022 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever outbreak in Iraq

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic, zoonotic, viral, and tick-borne disease that causes hemorrhagic symptoms. The disease has been reported in Iraq since 1979 comprising six cases between 1989 and 2009. Subsequently, 11, 3, and 33 cases were reported in 2010, 2018, and 2021, respectively. This study describes the 2022 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) outbreak in different Iraqi governorates. In the 2022 outbreak, 212 cases of human CCHFV were reported between January 1 and May 22. These included 97 (46%) cases confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 115 (54%) suspected cases. Most human cases have been reported for livestock breeders and butchers. Approximately half of the confirmed cases (48%) were reported in the Dhi Qar governorate, whereas the others were reported in Missan, Muthanna, Wasit, Diwaniya, Karkh/Baghdad, Rusafa/Baghdad, Kirkuk, Basra, Najaf, Nineveh, Babylon, and Karbala. Patients with CCHFV showed symptoms of the pre-hemorrhagic phase, including sudden fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, nose bleeding, and abdominal and joint pain. Later, hemorrhagic symptoms started with unexplained bleeding lesions, ranging from small petechiae to large hematomas. The factors responsible for the re-emergence of CCHFV included a shortage of veterinary services during the COVID-19 pandemic and illegal slaughtering of animals outside the abattoirs. This led to massive tick infestations that acted as viral vectors. In conclusion, this is the first report documenting the 2022 CCHFV outbreak in Iraq, with a total of 212 patients and 27 overall deaths, including 13 laboratory-confirmed cases. The authors recommend improving veterinary services provided to farmers. Additionally, future studies need to be done including the sero-epidemiology and molecular studies on local livestock and ticks to understand their roles in circulating the virus to humans.

Iraqi Population Trusts in Electronic Healthcare Records: A Cross-sectional Study.

This study investigated the perceptions of Iraqi patients regarding Electronic Healthcare Records (EHRs) in terms of trust and propensity to share and exchange medical and personal information and data within the healthcare ecosystem. During the period of April to June 2022, a researcher-assisted questionnaire was disseminated to adult Iraqi patients attending public or private healthcare facilities in a subset of Iraqi governorates. Data collection was followed by descriptive and inferential analyses. In total, 552 respondents filled out the questionnaire. The findings revealed that 71.6% of respondents were conversant with EHRs and trusted them as data collection and storage systems. In addition, 10% of respondents did not want their EHRs to be shared between healthcare professionals and institutions. However, only 3.6% of participants were willing to share all of their personal information with healthcare professionals. Female respondents were considerably more willing to share their full names with healthcare professionals than male respondents, despite the society's reputation for conservatism. The findings of this study highlighted the necessity of tailoring initiatives to enhance patients' trust in EHRs and their interactions with healthcare professionals other than medical physicians.