Pattern of services utilization in two communities in Basrah: a household survey

A household interview survey was carried out in Basrah during the period March-April 1995. It was planned to provide indicators on selected aspects of population health. In this paper, selected indicators on services utilization are presented and discussed. The study revealed relatively low coverage rates by antenatal care for pregnant women [47.4%] with primary health care centers being the main source for such care [78.4%]. However, the percentages of women who were hospital delivered and supervised by medically qualified personnel were fairly high: 65.5% and 75.4% respectively. The same was true for immunizations despite the clear drop out of infants from successive doses. Primary health care centers seemed to be the main source of curative care [29.7%] but doing nothing or practicing self-medication were prevailing in this population

Smoking habits among medical students in Basrah university

A survey of smoking habits of medical students in Basrah University, before and after the blockade, revealed a prevalence of 16.5% and 22.1% in 1990 and 1992 respectively. The prevalence rate was significantly higher among students who came from other governorates [24.1% and 28.6%] in both years. The study showed that 49% of medical students smoke before attending the college, while it has increased significantly to 61.1% after the blockade. Stress relief and self enjoyment were the main reasons for starting smoking mainly after the blockade. A strong association was found between smokers and presence of friends who smoke and also between smoking and failure years. In spite of the student awareness of smoking hazards, their wish to quit smoking has reduced after the blockade. Non smokers were significantly more aware of smoking related diseases and more in favour of smoking control