Sulaimani City Research Articles

The Social Support Perceived by Patients with Schizophrenia at Ali-Kamal Center in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan of Iraq

Background: Schizophrenia is a major mental disorder marked by a diverse range of symptoms. Patients’ perception of social support affects the progress of schizophrenia. Aim: This study aimed mainly to assess social support perceived by patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The present study quantitative- descriptive study on a convenience sample of 100 patients experiencing schizophrenia recruited from the outpatient psychiatric clinic of Ali-kamal Center in Sulaiamani City/Iarq. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used which includes sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and a multidimensional of perceived social support scale. The interview method was employed to collect the data. Results: Low social support was perceived by patients with schizophrenia. Gender P = 0.05; economic status,P = 0.04; and educational level P = 0.01 were statistically significantly associated with low social support among the sample. Conclusion and Recommendation: The role of social support emphasized by schizophrenic patients and the essential need for treatment that includes psychological treatment is also addressed to improve prognosis; moreover, additional studies are needed about the effect of social support on schizophrenic patients.

Male Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Their Clinical Practice in Maternity Hospital at Sulaymaniyah Polytechnic University and University of Sulaymaniyah Colleges of Nursing

Background: The field of nursing remains dominated by women in many countries. Males joining the nursing and midwifery fields are becoming more numerous, and with that comes more problems during training. It is crucial to comprehend the experiences and difficulties faced by male nursing students during their nursing education, as these obstacles differ depending on the culture. Aims: The objectives of the study are to explore the perceptions of male nursing students at Sulaimani Polytechnic University and University of Sulaimani Colleges of Nursing about their clinical maternity hospital. Materials and Methods: A quantitative-descriptive design has been carried out in Sulaimani city. A non-probability, convenience sample size of (100) students was included in this study over a period of 1 month. Through an extensive review of relevant literature, a questionnaire was designed for data collection. Results: The results confirmed that male nursing students generally feel more comfortable performing procedures that do not involve exposure to private parts compared to those that do involve such exposure. The association between age groups, marital status, Residency College, and comfort level is not significant (P > 0.05). While, the P = 0.045, indicating that the association between class and comfort level is significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study indicated that while the participants regarded the maternity clinical practice to be difficult, they did not show any interest in doing the maternity course. It was believed that male nursing students’ experiences with maternity clinical practice would be enhanced by acceptance and more specialized training in the clinical setting.

Investigating Vitamin D Status: A Key Factor in Gestational Diabetes among Pregnant Women

Background: Vitamin D deficiency within the general population suggests the emergence of glucose intolerance. The relationship between insufficient vitamin D levels and gestational diabetes mellitus remains a subject of ongoing discussion. Objectives: The investigation looked into the connection between vitamin D levels and the chances of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytic study includes 262 pregnant women who attended the Gestational Diabetes Center and Antenatal Counseling Center at the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City. The study used convenience sampling, and the data was collected from November 1st, 2021, to October 1st, 2022. The study used a specific questionnaire divided into four sections: demographics, medical, and obstetric. Simultaneously, the Roche Elecsys vitamin D3 assay determined serum vitamin D status. Results: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus had a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D inadequate levels (p =0.000), Significant variance in residency (p =0.000), education (p =0.000), body mass index (p =0.038), age at marriage (p =0.023), history of using the contraceptive pill (p-value =0.000), parity (p =0.001), and gravidity (p =0.014) were additionally identified between the two groups of gestational diabetes mellitus and non-gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus had higher rates of vitamin D deficiency than those without, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Assessment of First Aid Knowledge among Students of Nursing College in Sulaimani City

Assessment of First Aid Knowledge among Students of Nursing College in Sulaimani City

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the vestibular rehabilitation benefit questionnaire in the central Kurdish version

Background and objectives: The vestibular rehabilitation benefit questionnaire is a new patient-reported outcome measures with psychometric properties, to assess the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation. The present study aims to cross-culturally adapt the questionnaire into the central Kurdish dialect and to examine its psychometric properties. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Sulaimani city- Kurdistan Region of Iraq from March to September 2022, on 127 patients diagnosed with vestibular disorders between 18 to 79 years old. The vestibular rehabilitation benefit questionnaire Kurdish version was created through a regulated process of cross-cultural adaptation. The Kurdish participants were responded to the questionnaire, vertigo symptom scale short form and dizziness handicap inventory to assess validity of the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by randomly selecting 40 participants to repeat the questionnaire responses over a 24-hour timeline. Results: The results revealed that the ? for subscales of dizziness, anxiety, motion-provoked dizziness, quality of life and the scale of vestibular rehabilitation benefit questionnaire -total were 0.81, 0.82, 0.78, 0.77, and 0.92, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.96 for the questionnaire total scale; 0.97 and 0.93 for symptoms and quality of life subscales, respectively. Spearman rho correlation coefficient revealed a powerfully positive relationship between total the questionnaire and dizziness handicap inventory, and a strong positive relationship between total questionnaire and vertigo symptom scale short form. Conclusion: The vestibular rehabilitation benefit questionnaire Kurdish version is a reliable and validated patient-reported outcome measures that can be utilized for the Kurdish-speaking population.

The effect of Translated Film Cartoons in Increasing Educational Values on Children of Kindergartens from the vision of their parents

The objective of this research is to decide how translated film cartoons affects in increasing educational values on children of kindergartens from the vision of their parents. Moreover, to realize how these film cartoons have an effect on children within the determination of the level of their efficacy according to the difference in (gender and type of their kindergartens), then the identification of consequential positive and negative aspects of these translated film cartoons on children. The author used qualitative analysis within a survey and questionnaire forms as a tool for this survey which were filled out by the parents of children of kindergartens inside the Sulaimani city, the researcher used systematic random sampling for the questionnaire within 350 parents. Eventually this study proved that translated film cartoons have effects in an educational value of children from kindergartens, however it confirmed that the difference in gender and type of kindergartens have not any roles in the efficacy of translated film cartoons on children of kindergarten according to their parent’s point of view, hence the efficacies either on male and female children also children from private and public kindergartens are the same. Beside this, according to the results the most important superb values which children will learn from translated film cartoons are about (health, hygiene and esteem), however the most harmful behaviors that children will take from these film cartoons are the behaviors of (insulting, cursing and lying).

The Effect of Blended Learning in English Language Proficiency Courses on the Language Performance of Kurdish EFL Postgraduate Students in Sulaimani City

Recently, the effect of the blended learning strategy as compared with the face-to-face instruction in English language teaching has become a popular topic of research. This study focuses on the effect of implementation of Blended Learning (BL) approach in English Language Proficiency courses in Sulaimani city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) on the language proficiency of both Elementary and Pre-intermediate level course participants. The study utilizes the quasi-experimental research design involving 104 Kurdish postgraduate students, who were allocated into a treatment group (blended learning) and control group (traditional face-to-face classroom), from these two levels. Thus, the main goal of this study is to investigate whether there are any significance differences in obtained language proficiency between participants of the two groups between groups and per level. The sampling has been taken from the population who were enrolled in an English language proficiency course at the public universities’ language centres in Sulaimani city. The experiment was carried out during an intensive course lasted for six weeks (100 hours) in which the classes of English language proficiency were taught four days per week. The experimental group was taught using blended learning (i.e. an equal combination of both virtual and face-to-face teaching) and the control group was only instructed with regular face-to-face teaching. Overall, the results show that the participants who were taught using both blended learning and traditional teaching methods outperformed the control group who were only taught in face-to-face classrooms. Additionally, the pre-intermediate experimental group achieved higher language performance than the pre-intermediate control group and improved their overall language proficiency slightly higher than the elementary group. The findings of this study bring further evidence and support for the integration of blending learning into English language classes, particularly in the language proficiency courses of the universities’ language centres. This study also has a number of teaching implications for EFL teachers which will be highlighted at the end of the paper.

Analysis of organic pollution impact on purification capacity at the Tanjero River in Sulaimani City

Analysis of organic pollution impact on purification capacity at the Tanjero River in Sulaimani City

Prevalence and Determine Knowledge and Attitude of Tobacco Smoking Among Secondary School Students in Sulaimani City

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate and assess knowledge and attitudes among secondary students in Sulaimani city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students, from eight randomly selected secondary schools in Sulaimani city, Iraq. 1200 students participated in this study during six months from October 2022 to April 2023. The respondents were explained about each section of the questionnaire form. It describes behaviors, knowledge, beliefs, opinions, and other variables related to tobacco use. Results: The prevalence rate of current tobacco use (all types) is 21.8%, from this rate; 13.2% were cigarette smoking, 11.9% waterpipe, 24.7% used electronic smoke such as vape and pods and 50.2% of students used all types of tobacco product. The prevalence rates of tobacco use in males (31.3%) and females (12.1%). The rates were higher among students whose mother and father, schoolmates, relatives, and friends were smokers than those whose parents, schoolmates, relatives, and friends were non-smokers. A higher rate of smokers have not thought about the harmful of other people’s cigarettes on them, 16.7%, 25%, 9.9%, and 4.8% of smokers have not thought definitely, probably not, probably yes, and definitely yes. Regarding the attitude of the smokers, it showed statistically that there were significant associations for example only 6.6% of smokers were with the banning of smoking in public places while 21.7% of them were with not banning smoking in public places. Conclusion: Despite the prevalence rate of smoking in Sulaimani City being relatively lower than in other cities in Iraq the rate is still high. The rate was higher in males than females. In addition, there were factors connected with smoking initiation which are parents, schoolmates, relatives, and friends smoking. A higher rate of smokers did not think about the harmful of other people’s cigarettes to them and a lower rate of smokers were with the banning smoking in public places.

Relation between Thyroid Function Tests and Body Mass Index among Thyroid Dysfunction Patients

Background: Obesity has the potential to impact thyroid function through various pathways, even in individuals considered euthyroid. The relationship between thyroid function and body mass index (BMI) remains a subject of ongoing debate. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to ascertain the correlation existing among thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, and BMI in patients experiencing thyroid dysfunction within the context of the Smart Health Tower. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Smart Health Tower in Sulaimani city from November 9, 2021, to March 1, 2022. One hundred and sixty-six patients with thyroid dysfunction (128 individuals had hypothyroidism, eight individuals had hyperthyroidism, and 30 individuals were the other type of thyroid dysfunction) were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 43.62 ± 11.17 and 50.6% of the participation were male. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI value: Underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal (BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Results: The highest rate of age group was between (30 and 40) years old (84%) of them were male. The participants with higher BMI had higher TSH and this trend continued from underweight to Obese. The mean TSH of the underweight group was 0.47 ± 0.61 mIU/L, the normal weight group 1.5 ± 1.91 mIU/L, the overweight group 2.8± 3.87 mIU/L and the obese group 2.7 ± 2.37 mIU/L. Conclusion: A significant relationship between serum TSH and BMI and mean TSH increased as BMI increased. Further large-scale data from the population are required to confirm these findings.

Doppler Ultrasonographic Indexes and Its Relation to Transplanted Kidney (Allograft) Function in Sulaimani City Centre

Doppler Ultrasonographic Indexes and Its Relation to Transplanted Kidney (Allograft) Function in Sulaimani City Centre

Evaluation of Age-Friendliness in Primary Health Care Centers in Sulaimani Governorate, Iraq

Background: The aging of the global population has increased the demand for primary care of older adult’s health disorders. As the first point of contact for healthcare, primary care services should be accessible and adaptable to the needs of older people. This study aims to assess the age-friendliness of healthcare services at the primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Sulaimani Governorate, Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included all 87 PHCCs in Sulaimani governorate (61 centers in Sulaimani city, 16 in Raparin Administration, and 10 in Garmyan Administration). In each of these health facilities, data were collected regarding the physical, architectural, and clinical age-friendliness of these centers. A modified age-friendly PHCCs toolkit was used as a tool for assessing the PHCCs, and then a scoring system was utilized to estimate the overall friendliness of the PHCCs. Results: The Sulaimani governorate selected 13 out of 87 PHCCs (14.9%) to be age-friendly; all of them were in Sulaimani city. However, this study found that only 3 out of 87 (3.4%) centers were in the range of the WHO age-friendly recommendations with a score of >75%, while 64 (73.6%) centers were partially age-friendly with a score of 50–74% and 20 (23%) centers were not age-friendly with a score <50%. Conclusion: Only 3.4% of PHCCs in Sulaimani Governorate were age-friendly, and most of the centers were partially age-friendly. Geriatric doctors and geriatric nurses were not recruited, and geriatric training programs for medical staff were not satisfactory.

Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Children in Pediatric Hospital at Sulaimani City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that causes gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and it is the most common cause of infectious gastritis. Helicobacter pylori is an infection that is typically acquired during childhood. It is widely accepted that the infection may occur early in life and may persist for decades before causing diseases. Objective: The study aim was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Kurdistan pediatric hospital at Sulaimani city-Kurdistan Region /Iraq. Methods: This scientific investigation is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study based on a prospective collection of data carried out from May to August 2023. Recruitment was probabilistic; A questionnaire sheet was prepared and used to collect personal. Information by a face-to-face interview for each study subject. Results: Across sectional study included 219 samples, 111 boys and 108 girls, aged 1 to 15 years were evaluated. The mean age of enrolled children was 5.48 years. Stool samples were positive for H pylori in 97 (44.3%) children. There was a significant correlation between a positive H pylori status and a family who shared cutlery (P value = 0.01). The current study shows that no significant association was found between the prevalence of H pylori infection and individuals' ages, gender or socioeconomic levels and the child’s parents' education level. Conclusion: Hp infection is common among children aged 1to 5 years in Kurstan Region. Often asymptomatic, it is facilitated and exacerbated by unsanitary conditions and low-level education.

Consumers’ Perception and Purchase Intention Towards Local Food: A Case Study in Sulaimani City

Local food production in a short distance for consumers depends on a social structure and supply chain system. In simple terms, the local food system is all about producing and selling food within a particular area. Decisions by individuals, households, and society regarding the utilization and disposal of food, as well as efforts to share food with others, are influenced by various factors such as gender, age, and social dynamics. Additionally, actions aimed at fostering transformations in food environments are also taken into account in order to achieve these goals, a questionnaire- based was carried out in the Sulaimani City in KRG-Iraq. Data was collected from consumers who were participated by an online-google form. A total number of 469 questionnaires were validated. A principal component analysis was run, followed by cluster analysis. The results lead to 3 cluster solution: “local food consumers”, “local agricultural supporters”, “health concerned”, being statistically significant different in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. The results are useful for future development policies of the local products.

Kurdish EFL Students’ Attitudes towards the Use of Authentic Listening Materials in Improving their Oral Language Proficiency

It is argued that supplementing EFL classes with authentic listening materials helps EFL students be equipped with necessary skills and prepares them for real-life situations. Additionally, such materials tend to increase EFL learners’ interest and motivation in language learning. This study aims to explore the attitude of Kurdish EFL university students regarding the importance of authentic listening materials for improving their language proficiency. Moreover, it seeks to investigate any potential challenges faced by Kurdish EFL university students when they are exposed to authentic listening materials. To achieve these aims, this study employed a mixed method research design using a questionnaire and interview questions. A total of 76 students from the University of Human Development in Sulaimani City participated in the study. Of these, 18 volunteers have been interviewed to provide further details to corroborate the collected data from the questionnaire. The questionnaire’s findings has revealed that the overwhelming majority of the respondents have a positive attitude towards authentic listening materials in EFL classes. The results further showed that more low-proficiency students reported difficulties, such as vocabulary and cultural obstacles than high-proficiency ones. The findings of the interviews mainly supported the questionnaire data. It can be concluded that the use of authentic listening materials could motivate Kurdish EFL university students and enhance their oral language proficiency. Therefore, communicative English classes at the tertiary level should be supplemented with authentic listening materials to prepare students for real-life communication.

Assessment of Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety among Menopause Women in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan: Cross-sectional Study

Menopause represents a pivotal developmental juncture in a woman’s life, characterized by a spectrum of physiological alterations and the potential emergence of depressive symptomatology. The manifestation of anxiety and depression during the menopausal phase is intricate and influenced by a confluence of biological, social, and psychological determinants. This study aims to assess depression and anxiety among menopausal women while elucidating their associations with various sociodemographic attributes. A cross-sectional study was executed at the Ali Kamal Consultation Center, encompassing 126 menopausal women. Data compilation utilized a structured questionnaire encompassing sections on sociodemographic particulars, menopausal symptoms, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analysis employing SPSS version 25 encompassed frequency and percentage along with Chi-square tests. A substantial proportion of women (72.5%) reported prevalent anxiety, with a noteworthy 74.2% exhibiting discernible signs of depression. Sociodemographic determinants, including age and age at marriage, body mass index, and marital status, exhibited robust associations with anxiety and depression. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in menopausal women underscores the imperative for targeted interventions. Sociodemographic variables emerged as pivotal determinants influencing the likelihood of developing these psychological symptoms. Notably, occupation and place of residence exhibited no statistically significant correlations.

The Prevalence of Root Resorption in a Sample of Orthodontic Patients Treated in Private Clinics in Sulaimani City/ A Retrospective Study

Objective: Root resorption is an inevitable consequence of orthodontic treatment. This retrospective study aimed to determine theprevalence of root resorption secondary to orthodontic treatment in private clinics in Sulaimani City, Iraq and to compare the difference in the amount of root resorption between varying teeth, regions of the mouth, and the upper and lower arches in order to lessen or eliminate unsolicited and undue impediments.
 Methods: Among the 465 cases with available data, treated in private clinics of the participating practitioners, only 92 were fullyeligible for study. Pre-operative lateral cephalograms were measured using Eastman Analysis on WebCeph. A customized frame wascreated on AutoCAD and pre and post-operative orthopantomograms were measured for root resorption only if they fitted into theframe. Intra and inter-observer reliability were performed to ensure optimal accuracy in the measurements. The millimetermeasurements of root resorption were converted into percentages to identify the prevalence of root resorption in Sulaimani City.
 Results: The root resorption in the different individual teeth resulted in a significant relationship with orthodontic treatment. Factorssuch as age, gender, and duration of treatment were not significantly associated with root resorption. The results of the upper and lower arches indicated no significant differences between the arches. The incisors showed more significant resorption when compared to canines.
 Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment affects the prevalence and severity of root resorption. Age, gender, and duration of treatment have no significant relation with apical root resorption. Different regions of the mouth encounter varying degrees of apical root resorption. Even in the anterior teeth, incisors are more prone to resorption than canines.

Cephalometric Assessment of Skeletal Class II Malocclusion in a Sample of Kurdish Population in Sulaimani City (Retrospective Study)

Objective: This retrospective comparative cephalometric study aims to identify the cephalometric features of skeletal class IImalocclusion in a sample of the Kurdish population, the result of this study willl be useful in diagnosing and treating orthodontic andjaw surgery.
 Methods: A total of 85 pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs with skeletal class II malocclusion (ANB>=4) and 81 withskeletal class I malocclusion (1=<ANB<4) were obtained from the pre-orthodontic patient records in a private orthodontic clinic inSulaimani city. The patients were between 18 and 35 years old. The lateral cephalometric radiographs were analyzed digitally usingFACAD cephalometric software. Twenty-two variables were measured from each cephalometric radiograph. The correlation betweenClass I and II was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney Test.
 Results: The result showed that the values of SNA, ANB, Y-axis, Convexity angle, Gonial angle, Intermaxillary angle, facial angleand FMA, posterior cranial base, effective maxillary length, LAFH were higher in skeletal Class II than in Class I cases, which indicatesthat skeletal class II Kurdish population have more vertical mandibular growth and prognathic maxilla, retrognathic mandible, andlonger face than class I. Meanwhile, SNB, Mandibular length, TFH, UAFH, Maxillary length, UI-Palatal plane angle, IMPA, andeffective mandibular length values were lower and the difference was statistically significant in the majority of cases.This illustratesthat the incisors are more proclined in class I than skeletal class II, whereas the mandible is shorter in skeletal class II patients. Theseresults summarize the characteristic features of skeletal class II patients in a sample of the Kurdish population in Sulaimani City, whichare caused by etiological factors (genetic, congenital). This information is useful for enabling orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeonsto attain a diagnosis and treatment plan for skeletal class II patients in a shorter period.
 Conclusions: Skeletal class II malocclusion in the Kurdish population is characterized by a prognathic but short maxilla, retrognathic,short, backward, and downward rotated mandible, and a prominent chin.

Evaluation of Developmental Dental Anomalies in an Adult Dentate Iraqi Sub-Population of Sulaimani City by Using Panoramic Radiographs

Objective: The present study attempts to evaluate the prevalence of developmental dental anomalies in patients aged 18 years and over by using panoramic radiographs among the Kurdish subpopulation in Sulaimani city.
 Methods: Seven hundred and ninety-four OPGs between 2010 and 2022 were evaluated retrospectively in this study. Using panoramicradiography to evaluate the frequency of dental anomalies in shape, structure, number, and size.
 Results: The prevalence of dental anomalies diagnosed by panoramic radiographs was 26.6% among the sample. Anomalies of shapewere the most common abnormalities, followed by number, size, and structure. The most common anomaly seen in this study wasdilaceration (18.52%), followed by hypodontia and microdontia (both 16.67%), taurodontism, and macrodontia (16.05.%). Lessfrequent sub-types were amelogenesis imperfecta, peg-shaped lateral incisors and ghost teeth, accounting for 0.62%.
 Conclusions: Tooth shape anomalies were the most prevalent forms of developmental dental defects among the Kurdish subpopulation in Sulaimani city. Dilaceration, hypodontia, microdontia and taurodontism were the most prevalent categories ofabnormalities. The study confirmed that racial variables play a role in the incidence of dental anomalies. In addition, digital panoramicradiography is a beneficial method for the detection of dental abnormalities. Importantly, patient management and the treatment design are dependent on an early diagnosis.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases Knowledge among Adults Population in Sulaimani City: A Descriptive Study

Background: The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease has emerged as a significant global and public health issue within the category of non-communicable diseases. In this study, we have to assess cardiovascular diseases knowledge and risk factors among adult population in Sulaimani City. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was done with 131 people in Sulaimani city was collected the data includes socio demographic, clinical characteristics, and information about some risk factors of cardiovascular disease through direct interview. Results: The results of the present study revealed that 60.3%, 39.7% of the participants were males and female respectively. Most of them married and from urban area, 35.9% was graduated from primary school. 51.9% of them were unemployed. 76.3% of them had insufficient economic state. 81% of them were current and second-hand smoke. More than half of them had no information about heart disease, it is risk factors. Most 80.2% of them did not do regular exercise. Conclusion: From this present study, we have concluded that insufficient knowledge of the participants regarding risk factors of heart disease, especially food drug interaction and drug- drug interaction. More than half and nearly a quarter of them did not sure about existing dyslipidemia and hypertension respectively. The majority of them did not perform regular daily exercise. Keywords: cardiovascular diseases, knowledge, adults, population, Sulaimani city, descriptive study