PRETERM DETECTION OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES BY ULTRASOUND AND CORRELATION WITH POSSIBLE ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of congenital anomalies in the Iraqi population, the associated risk factors & to emphasize the importance of ultrasound examination during pregnancy especially in the high-risk group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Data were collected from three private ultrasound clinics in different areas in Baghdad, where many pregnant women were examined over one year and those who had abnormal fetus were questioned about any possible risk factor. RESULTS: Results: The study revealed a prevalence of (14/1000). The most common anomalies are those related to the central nervous system. Some of the patients had no risk factors, others had one or more, the most important of which was consanguinity. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The prevalence of congenital anomaly had both geographical and temporal variations, but in general, it was increasing with time and became relatively higher in the middle and south of Iraq compared with the north. This may be related to differences in ethnic, social and demographic factors as well as environmental factors, like pollution and war residues. Ultrasound had a valuable role in screening, detection and follow-up of congenital anomalies. It is a safe, available and cost-effective examination that should be offered to every pregnant woman, especially those with high-risk pregnancies.

ASSESSMENT OF INTERNS' TRAINING IN THE TEACHING HOSPITALS OF BAGHDAD MEDICAL CITY COMPLEX.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The aim of this study is to assess the training of medical interns in Baghdad Medical City Complex. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Medical City Complex, Baghdad. The study targeted all the medical interns who finished year one of internship. A questionnaire form was designed for data collection. A questionnaire form was done according to the Medical Interns' Guideline adopted by the Minister of Health in 2015. RESULTS: Results: A total of 60 interns filled the questionnaire, their mean age is 27.07 years (SD = 2.04), male respondents constituted 48.3%. Twenty-seven respondents (45%) were from Baghdad Medical College. More than half (58%) of them were singles. The mean pre-internship score was 69.32 (SD = 6.6). About half of the interns (29, 48.3%) have a future interest in surgery. Average preparedness for the internship was reported in 45% of interns. Half of the interns had prior ideas about the internship through variable means. A larger percentage of interns reported average/poor quality of training in different aspects of medical internships. Accepted quality of training (above average and excellent) and average one were reported respectively by 19 (31.7%) and 31(51.7%) of interns in general surgery, followed by the internal medicine branch. Thirty-one (51.7%) interns were moderately prepared for their future medical careers. Surgeons and general physicians gained better opinions (above average and excellent) from the interns (17, 28.3%, and 13, 21.6%) respectively. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: There was a deficiency in the preparedness of newly graduated doctors for the internship. But they reported an average skill performance in major medical branches, and some related laboratory and medical procedures, there was a defect in dealing with emergency cases. The Supervision of interns was below average in gynecology and obstetrics units and was good in other branches. The medical school training was poor to help interns in dealing with deaths and legal medicine cases. More than 50% of trainees were prepared for the future medical branches of interest.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT RISK AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES RELATED TO DIAGNOSTIC RADIATION AMONG MEDICAL STAFF IN TEACHING HOSPITALS (WASIT PROVINCE).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The goal of this research is to find out how much medical staff is acknowledged about radiation protection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: In Teaching Hospitals, Wasit Province, a questionnaire study in 165 medical personnel was conducted. Part 1 of the questionnaire included sociodemographic information such as age, gender, and employment, whereas part 2 included 16 knowledge-related questions, divided into two sections: health risk (8 questions) and preventative strategies (8 questions). The descriptive analysis was carried out according to the data types: qualitative data were described using frequency and percentages, while quantitative data was described using the mean and standard deviation. The Chi-square test or Fisher's Exact Test were employed to analyze the relationship between the variables. Participants were given a score of 1 for all accurate answers, and a score of 0 for wrong and "don't know" responses. There were 165 participants general, among them 93 males and 72 females; with a mean age of 35.489.570. RESULTS: Results: Only 27 people (16.36%) had a good knowledge score, while more than half (61.21%) earned an average knowledge score. 30% of radiology technicians had a good level of knowledge, and 26.5 % of those working in radiology units had a good level of expertise as well. Increasing the frequency of radiation exposure showed to have a strong relationship with participant knowledge score, with those with repeated exposure during the day having the greatest proportion (21.4%) of good knowledge. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: This study had shown that there is a need to increase awareness about risks of radiation exposures among those who works in this field. Considering the above, the study recommends making training about the risks and methods of radiation protection compulsory, especially for workers in radiography units. In addition, the curricula of medical institutes must be updated and the latest research findings on ways to prevent radiation should be added. Finally, the issue of exposure to radiation is very important and dangerous, therefore, all sectors of society must join for the best awareness of its risks.