Risky driving behaviours among medical students in Erbil, Iraq

This study aimed to assess risky driving behaviours among medical students in Erbil, Iraq, and to explore the relationship between risky driving behaviours and perceptions of risky driving. This self-administered questionnaire-based survey was conducted from January to May 2014 among a random sample of 400 medical students at Hawler Medical University in Erbil. The questionnaire was designed to assess the frequency of engagement in 21 risky driving behaviours, the perceived risk of each behaviour and the preference for each behaviour as ranked on a 5-point scale. A total of 386 students responded to the survey [response rate: 96.5%]. Of these, 211 reported that they currently drove a vehicle [54.7%]. Drivers most frequently engaged in the following behaviours: playing loud music [35.9%], speeding [30.4%], allowing front seat passengers to not wear seat belts [27.9%] and using mobile phones [27.7%]. Least frequent driving behaviours included not stopping at a red light [3.9%], driving while sleepy [4.4%], driving after a mild to moderate intake of alcohol [4.5%] and drunk driving [6.4%]. Mean risky driving behaviour scores were significantly higher among males [P <0.001] and those who owned a car [P = 0.002]. The mean risk perception score was higher among >20-year-olds [P = 0.028]. There was a significant positive relationship between the preference for risky behaviours and risky driving behaviours [beta = 0.44; P <0.001]. Medical students in Erbil reported high frequencies of several serious risky driving behaviours. The preference for risky behaviours was found to be an important predictor of risky driving behaviours among medical students in Erbil

Assessment of referral characteristics of a sample of patients attending the secondary care units at Erbil Teaching Hospital

The referral system constitutes a key element of health system. With limited research on this important aspect of health system in Iraqi Kurdistan, this pilot study examined the referral characteristics of a sample of patients attending the secondary care units at Erbil Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Iraq. A cross sectional study on 193 patients visiting the secondary care units in Erbil Teaching Hospital was conducted. A specially designed questionnaire was administered to these patients by direct interview. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of the patient and referral characteristics including the type, source and reasons for referral. The study showed that the self-referral rate at this secondary care setting was 25.4% with 30.6% of the actual referrals being of self-requested type. The source of referral was mainly from emergency hospital [43.1%] followed by physicians' private clinics [30.6%] and primary health care centers [26.4%]. Self-referral was significantly more common among females [32.3%] and never married [31.55] than males [18.6%] and singles [14.3%], respectively. Self-requested referral was significantly higher among those who had history of previous visits to this particular hospital [40.0% vs. 21.6%]. A relatively high proportion of patients seen in this secondary care setting were not referred. Even among those referred a relatively high proportion had asked for this referral. This results in inefficient use of physician's time and other resources on problems that can be managed at the lower level. A more comprehensive epidemiological study is recommended to look at different aspects of the referral system and understand its main shortcomings and needs for improvement

Epidemiology of burn injury in Erbil government: a hospital based study

The aim of this study was to find out the burden of burn injury and identify the high risk groups in Erbil city which could help in implementing effective preventive measures. The case records of patients with burn injury admitted to the Emergency Management Center in Erbil city from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2007 were reviewed. Data on age and sex of patients, extent and aetiology of burn injury, and monthly and seasonal variations of injury were extracted from the case records. Out of 1920 burn patients admitted to the hospital; 452 died with an overall mortality rate of 23.54%; 70 [15.49%] were children and 382 [84.51%] were adults. The mortality rate was significantly higher among adults than children, 35.30% and 8.35%, respectively [p<0.001] and among females than males, 34.38% and 9.63% respectively [p<0.001], giving a male: female ratio of 0.22:1. The highest mortality rate was among adult females [47.88%] particularly the 15-29 years age group [53.07%]. The trend of injury and mortality showed fluctuation with increasing frequencies during the summer months. Flame injury was the main aetiology of burn [94.47%], which was significantly more common than scald injury among adults compared to children and among females compared to males. The study reports a high rate of mortality from burn injury with very high total body surface area [TBSA] burned especially among young adult females, and identifies the significance of burn injury as a public health problem and a social concern