Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. Patients with PD face numerous challenges in managing their chronic condition, particularly in countries with scarce healthcare infrastructure. Objective This qualitative study aimed to delve into neurologists’ perspectives on challenges and gaps in the Iraqi healthcare system that influence the management of PD, as well as strategies to mitigate these obstacles. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with neurologists from five different Iraqi provinces, working in both hospitals and private neurology clinics, between November 2024 and January 2025. A thematic analysis approach was employed to identify the main challenges and gaps in the healthcare system, along with potential mitigation strategies for improving PD management in Iraq. Results Fourteen neurologists participated in this study. Among them, 71.4% identified medication adherence as a major challenge, followed by motor symptoms (64.3%). Physical dependency due to motor impairment was the most reported limitation affecting daily life and disease management. Neurologists cited several factors influencing patients’ knowledge, including educational background, depression or family support, were mentioned by neurologists. Significant gaps in the Iraqi healthcare system were noted, such as the lack of specialized abnormal movement disorders clinics, multidisciplinary collaboration, a universal healthcare system, insufficient public PD awareness, and the presence of unregulated pharmaceuticals in the market. Conclusion Addressing these challenges requires policy-driven reforms, enhanced regulatory oversight and the integration of multidisciplinary care frameworks to optimize the management of individuals with PD. Strengthening patient education and professional training programs could further raise public awareness and improve care quality. Future research should focus on evaluating the effects of these proposed interventions on clinical outcomes for PD patients and promoting more patient-centered care for individuals with PD in Iraq.
Background: Obesity tends to appear in modern societies and constitutes a significant public health problem with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Objective: This study aims to determine the agreement between actual and perceived body image in the general population.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted with a sample size of 300. The data were collected from eight major populated areas of Northern district of Karachi Sindh with a period of six months (10th January 2020 to 21st June 2020). The Figure rating questionnaire scale (FRS) was applied to collect the demographic data and perception about body weight. Body mass index (BMI) used for ass
... Show MoreBackground: Arterial stiffness is related with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease events. Patients with atherosclerotic disease show to have larger diameters, reduced arterial compliance and lower flow velocities. Aim of study : To compare between patients of two age groups with concomitant diseases diabetes and hypertension in regard to intima media thickness and blood flow characteristics in order to estimate the blood perfusion to the brain via the common and internal carotid arteries. Subject and Methods : 40 patients with (diabetic and hypertension) diseases were enrolled , they were classified according to age. Color Doppler and B mode ultrasound was used to determine lumen Diameter (D), Intima – media thickness (IMT)
... Show MoreThe present study dealt with taxonomic characters of species Zygophyllum fabago L. in Iraq . this study included the exo-morphological characters which indicated that the species was sub-shrub with solid stem and swallow nodes ,with compound bifoliate and stipulate leaves, the flower is complete and perfect with clawed petals . stamen colored with scaly appendage , fruit capsule with ribs . Anatomical study of vegetative parts indicate that the sclerenchymal tissue was very diffuse in stem such as fibers and sclerides ( stone cells ) , the leaves were bifacial . The geographical distiribution of the species plants was studied . The results supported with photographs
The excessive and prolonged use of any relevant material is known as substance abuse. The study’s objective is to determine the epidemiology of substance abuse’s growth in Iraq over the 4 years between 2020 and 2023.
A retrospective study was applied for the purpose of collecting the sample, as the study was epidemiological and related to substance abuse among Iraqis for 4 years from the beginning of 2020 to 2023. Participants’ data were collected from records that were available in the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment
Recently, the increasing demand to transfer data through the Internet has pushed the Internet infrastructure to the nal edge of the ability of these networks. This high demand causes a deciency of rapid response to emergencies and disasters to control or reduce the devastating effects of these disasters. As one of the main cornerstones to address the data trafc forwarding issue, the Internet networks need to impose the highest priority on the special networks: Security, Health, and Emergency (SHE) data trafc. These networks work in closed and private domains to serve a group of users for specic tasks. Our novel proposed network ow priority management based on ML and SDN fullls high control to give the required ow priority to SHE dat
... Show MoreTraining nursing students on different pediatric nursing procedures by interactive learning methods prior to their dealing with children can ensure providing them with an adequate knowledge base and skills. There is a gap between theory and clinical practice. One of the methods proposed to block the gap between training and clinical practice is to transform traditional education systems into new method-based learning. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of simulation, blended, and self-directed learning methods on nursing students’ skills in some pediatric nursing procedures.