HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among a group of Iraqis

This study aimed to build a baseline profile of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Iraqis toward HIV/AIDS. Questionnaire interviews were conducted in 2006 with 335 people attending HIV testing centres in Baghdad. Most respondents [82.7%] had heard about AIDS, mainly from the mass media [71.0%], and 91.9% knew that AIDS is an infectious disease, most commonly via sexual relationships [74.9%]. There was no association between knowledge level and acceptance of caring for an HIV-positive relative or marrying an HIV-positive partner, but there was a significant association between low knowledge level and negative attitudes towards sharing food, sitting on the bus and working at the same place with an HIV-positive individual

Cholera outbreak in Baghdad in 2007: an epidemiological study

In 2007 there was an epidemic of cholera in Iraq with 4667 cases. The first case in Baghdad was diagnosed on 19 September 2007 and the last case on 13 December 2007. In all, 136 cases were reported [2.9% of the country total] in 6 of the 13 districts of Baghdad. The median age of the cases was 11 years [range = 0.3-71 years]. There were 3 deaths giving a case fatality rate of 2.2%. Bacteriological testing confirmed that the outbreak was caused by Vibrio cholerae 01, biotype El Tor, serotype Inaba. The strain was resistant to trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole, but sensitive to tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Efforts are needed in Baghdad to establish safe drinking-water and proper sanitation as limited availabilty of tap-water and sewage contamination probably contributed to the spread of the disease

social profile on a sample of obese adults in baghdad city

Obesity should be recognized as a primary medical condition that is progressive, chronic and relapsing. Simply, obesity refers to an excess of body fat or adiposity. The aim of this study is to explore some variables of social aspect of Iraqi obese. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four medical centers in Baghdad city from 15[th] October 2002 through February 2003. A sample of [400] adult obese aged [20-60] years of both sexes with inclusion and exclusion criteria was studied. A socio-demography data were collected by direct interview technique. Height and weight were measured, Body mass index [BMI] was calculated and subject of 30kg/m2 and more were considered as obese. Obese were classified into three classes. The peak of obesity [34 percent] was found at age [40-49] years. BMI distribution significantly associated with educational level of male but not of female. Marital state showed significant relationship with different classes of obesity for female but not for male. Obesity has no significant association with social relationships. The feeling of social acceptance was strongly associated with the degree of obesity. There was a significant difference between both sexes in their trials for dieting. Both sexes of different age groups are affected with increased prevalence in middle age group. Obese have ordinary social relationship with others and a normal sexual relationship with partners. The obese consider obesity as being unwanted or dangerous status, still their trials to lose weight are not convincing. There are many barriers for not exercising in Iraqi obese