Iranian Journal of War and Public Health
Year:2024 | Volume:16 | Issue:2|Papers Count:14

Aims: This research investigated the relationships between self-efficacy and social support among users of prostheses post-lower limb amputation. Understanding these relationships is crucial for comprehending how individuals adapt to life post-amputation and how their perceived capabilities and social interactions influence their rehabilitation and overall well-being. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in Baghdad City at the Rusafa Health Department from October 1, 2023, to March 24, 2024. The study sample comprised 200 patients selected through the non-probability sampling method. The used questionnaire was validated by experts, and its reliability was confirmed through a pilot study. Data were gathered through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: A notable percentage of lower limb amputees utilizing prostheses exhibited low self-efficacy (60%) and moderate social support (40.5%). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between social support and self-efficacy, particularly in managing fatigue (r=0.133), coping with pain (r=0.198), handling emotional distress (r=0.172), addressing other symptoms (r=0.180) and health issues, and overall self-efficacy (r=0.173). Conclusion: Interventions focused on enhancing social support networks significantly enhance self-efficacy and overall well-being in this demographic, ultimately fostering improved adjustment and quality of life post-amputation.

Aims: The proportion of strength in knee flexor and extensor muscles is an important factor in balance and fall prevention. This study aimed to compare the isokinetic strength of knee muscles in healthy sighted girls and those with visual impairment. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on sighted and visually impaired female students in June 2023 in Tehran, Iran. The samples were selected by convenience sampling (n=52; 22 visually impaired and blind, 30 sighted). Maximum torque (normalized to body weight), average power, and the ratio of agonist to antagonist muscles in knee flexion and extension at three angular velocities (60, 120, 180 degrees per second) were evaluated and compared between the two groups using an isokinetic dynamometer. Data was analysed by an independent t-test. Findings: The maximum isokinetic torque of knee extensor muscles in sighted individuals at angular velocities of 60, 120, and 180 degrees per second in both the dominant and non-dominant legs was significantly better than their visually impaired counterparts. However, visually impaired individuals had significantly greater maximum torque in knee flexion at a speed of 60 degrees per second in both legs (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed at other speeds. Additionally, a significant difference was found in the mean power in the dominant and non-dominant legs at three angular velocities (60, 120, and 180 degrees per second) in favor of sighted individuals. Conclusion: Visually impaired individuals had significantly higher values for maximum torque and power compared to individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, intervention programs to address this deficiency should commence early in the growth period of visually impaired individuals.

Aims: The quality of life among amputees is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life among amputees and its associated socio-demographic characteristics. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive correlational study was carried out at the Al-Rusafa Health Directorate in Baghdad City from October 1, 2023, to March 21, 2024. The study sample comprised 200 clients selected through non-probability sampling. The used questionnaire underwent validation by experts, and its reliability was confirmed through a pilot study. Data were collected via interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: The average age of the participants was 49.68 years, with the majority being male (65.5%), married (63%), and having completed middle school (49.5%). Among the participants, 42.5% were retirees, with most having incomes of 100 to less than 200 dollars per month (47%). Health conditions, particularly in the lower extremities (73%), led to amputation, with an average of 14.71 years since the amputation and 48.5% since the use of prostheses. The simple linear regression analysis showed that increased healthcare services were linked to enhanced physical, psychological, social, and overall quality of life (p=0.0001). Conclusion: There is a robust and positive correlation between healthcare services for amputees and their comprehensive QOL, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects.

Aims: This study aimed to determine amputation-related factors that affected the activities of daily living in persons with amputations. Instrument & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Babylon Rehabilitation Centre from August 1st and November 20th, 2023. The study sample consists of 250 amputees using a standardized questionnaire. Data were collected through the interviews and analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. Findings: A significant portion of amputees (63.6%) exhibited poor activities of daily living, with factors such as age (p=0.0001), gender (p=0.008), amputation reasons (p=0.0001), site (p=0.005), and duration (p=0.0001) being predictive variables according to simple linear regression analysis. Conclusion: Amputees are poorly able to do the activities of their daily living.

Aims: Dealing with nuclear and radiological emergencies is a highly intricate task. Such accidents have a far-reaching impact on a large number of individuals and professionals. The management of nuclear accidents brings forth various ethical dilemmas. These ethical considerations revolve around the principles of respecting autonomy, non-harm, beneficence, and justice. The aim of this research is was to analyze the ethical issues and suggest solutions to mitigate them in case of nuclear and radiation accidents. Information & Methods: This was a systematic review study carried out in 2022. To conduct this study, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were used without time limit. Findings: Bioethics was a field seeking to determine the appropriate behaviors for individuals in various health-related circumstances. It considered factors such as health status and participation in healthcare. SHAMISEN (Nuclear Emergency Situations- Improvement of Medical and Health Surveillance), on the other hand, took a comprehensive approach to health by considering all aspects of a situation. One of the most significant ethical dilemmas in nuclear or radiation accidents was how to protect vulnerable groups during disaster situations. Conclusion: Eight themes of bioethics, justice, humanitarian activities, rights of the injured, injured triage, emergency evacuation, rights of vulnerable groups, and rights of medical response professionals are used to categorize ethical difficulties in nuclear/radiation accidents.

Aims: Spouses of individuals with disabilities often face unique psychological burdens due to the challenges associated with caregiving and emotional support. This study aimed to explore the psychological burdens experienced by wives of individuals with disabilities, focusing on the disability-related factors that contribute to these challenges. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Babylon Rehabilitation Center for Disability from April to June 2024. The study sample consisted of 250 wives of individuals with disabilities. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. Findings: A significant majority (81.6%) of the wives of individuals with disabilities suffered from considerable psychological burdens and the psychological burdens of wives increased by 29.287 times with every decrease in monthly income. Likewise, the results indicated a 27.83-fold increase in burdens for those with severe disabilities, while there was a 2.340-fold increase associated with longer periods of disability. There was a statistically significant difference in psychological burdens based on the reasons for spouses’ disabilities (p=0.001) and the location of the disability (p=0.001). Conclusions: The majority of wives people with disability suffer from significant psychological burdens and low monthly income, the severity of the disability, and the duration of the disability greatly exacerbate these burdens.

Aims: Disability is an inherent part of the human condition, with almost everyone experiencing temporary or permanent injuries at some point in their lives. This research aimed to examine the mediating role of feelings of inferiority in the relationship between the perception of disability, self-concept, and self-efficacy in people with physical disabilities. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan in 2020 employing a structural equation modeling approach. A group of samples including 280 veterans and individuals with physical disabilities, supported by the Martyr Foundation and the Welfare Organization of Isfahan City, Iran was selected using an available sampling method. Data collection instruments included the Self-Efficacy Belief Scale, Beck's Self-Concept Scale, the Inferiority Scale, and the Disability Impact Scale. Findings: The relationship between disability perception and both self-concept and self-efficacy was positive and significant. Furthermore, the perception of disability indirectly affected self-concept by reducing feelings of inferiority (p<0.001). Conclusion: People with physical disabilities tend to have lower self-concept and self-efficacy due to feelings of inferiority. A more positive perception of disability is associated with higher self-concept and self-efficacy and a reduction in feelings of inferiority.

Aims: A lower extremity amputation can significantly impact an individual’s social interactions and overall quality of life. Social support, which includes emotional, informational, and instrumental assistance from others, is crucial in mitigating the negative consequences of reduced social interaction following amputation. This study aimed to investigate the association between social interaction and quality of life among lower limb amputees, specifically focusing on the mediating role of social support. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals with lower limb amputation in Baghdad from April to June 2024. The samples were adults aged 18 years and older who had undergone an amputation at least six months prior and possessed the cognitive ability to participate. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical procedures. Findings: 75.6% of lower limb amputees experienced low social interaction, 74.9% reported minimal social support and 77.1% indicated poor quality of their lives. There was a strong correlation between social interaction and social support (r=0.75), a positive correlation between social interaction and quality of life (r=0.83), and a positive correlation between social support and quality of life (r=0.77) among lower limb amputees. Conclusion: The lower extremity amputees face significant challenges related to social interaction, social support, and overall quality of life.

Aims: Research has demonstrated a negative association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and male gonadal function, with reductions observed in serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Conversely, resistance training has been shown to positively influence these hormones in healthy men. This study aimed to investigate the effect of resistance training on blood glucose, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels in men with type 2 diabetes. Materials & Methods: This semi-experimental study included 20 men with type 2 diabetes (aged 45-60 years) who were randomly assigned to the resistance training or the control groups (n=10 per group). The training group participated in an eight-week supervised program targeting major muscle groups. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-intervention to measure blood glucose, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Data were analyzed by SPSS 26 using the mixed ANOVA and an independent t-test. Findings: The resistance training group demonstrated significant improvements (p<0.05) in blood glucose, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels compared to the control group and baseline measurements. No significant changes were observed in follicle-stimulating hormone (p>0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of resistance training enhance blood glucose control and gonadal function in men with type 2 diabetes.

Aims: Evaluating nurses’ infection control practices is essential for maintaining established protocols and identifying weaknesses and areas for improvement. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate nurses’ practices regarding infection control measures in intensive care units. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Hilla City at the four main teaching hospitals on 200 nurses selected using a non-probability sampling from October 1, 2023, to April 8, 2024. The total number of practices included in the evaluation list was 55 items. The evaluation checklist was validated by experts, and its reliability was verified through a pilot study. Data were collected using three observation methods and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: A considerable portion (81%) of nurses demonstrated inadequate practices in infection control measures within intensive care units, with relatively low average scores. Nurses’ age (p=0.013), education level (p=0.0001), years of experience (p=0.0001), years of experience in the current workplace (p=0.0001), and the number of training courses attended (p=0.0001) were associated with these practices. Conclusion: Older age, higher education level, more years of experience, longer tenure in the current workplace, and participation in more training courses are associated with better nurses’ practices regarding infection control measures.

Aims: This research aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of aquatic exercises on the emotional intelligence and quality of life of inactive veterans of Ilam City. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and its statistical population was all veterans in Ilam City, from which a sample of 28 individuals was selected using available and voluntary sampling methods. The samples were divided into the experimental (n=14) and control (n=14) groups. The library method was employed to collect the background and theoretical foundations of the research and two standard emotional intelligence questionnaires including Bar-On (2002) and Quality of Life (2000) were used to gather data. For data analysis, univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance with SPSS 24 was employed. Findings: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in emotional intelligence and quality of life between the experimental and control groups, and the groups were homogeneous. However, after the exercise intervention, improvements in emotional intelligence and quality of life were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (p≤0.05). Thus, aquatic exercises had a significant impact on enhancing emotional intelligence and quality of life in the experimental group. Conclusion: Aquatic exercises lead to improvements in emotional intelligence and quality of life in veterans.

Aims: The current research aimed to analyze the process of public service policy innovation to strengthen the government's connection with veteran of the Republic of Indonesia through improved public services. Participants & Methods: This was an exploratory and descriptive study carried out in Indonesia in 2020. Researchers used a survey of academic literature in the field of public policy to identify relevant concepts for the study of public service innovation. Data was collected from a variety of sources, including government documents and print and electronic media serving as secondary data. The data was then processed and described in narrative form reflecting the realities of the collected information and analyzed accordingly. Findings: The innovation in service policy focused on simplifying the service policy preparation process and facilitating easier implementation. Most of the innovation outcomes addressed solving public service challenges. This showed that public service policy innovators are focused on tackling practical issues with tangible impacts. Conclusion: Key challenges in veteran services include long service times, outdated infrastructure, and limited contact with veterans due to aging.

Aims: Psoriasis is a complex, chronic, immune-mediated, and hereditary skin disease. The present study attempted to determine whether adding CoQ10 to biological therapy can help relieve inflammation in Iraqi patients suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis. Materials & Methods: A prospective, double-blind clinical trial took place in the Department of Dermatology at Merjan Teaching Hospital in Babylon, Iraq, over three months from August to November 2021. 30 individuals from 17 to 72 years old with persistent plaque psoriasis who met the criteria for biological therapy were selected by the available sampling method. Participants were allocated into two groups (each 15 members); Group A was treated with Adalimumab + placebo (corn starch), and Group B was treated with Adalimumab + 100mg CoQ10 adjuvant. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was utilized. The sera were utilized to calculate the human superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde via the ELISA technique. Findings: When compared to the patients before treatment, the two groups showed a substantial decline (p<0.05) after treatment; However, group B, which added CoQ10 to biological treatment, showed a highly significant decrease (p<0.05) in mean SOD level and MDA after treatment. Furthermore, following twelve weeks of treatment, group B's use of combined adjuvant therapy showed even greater recovery, as indicated by a 79% PIC PASI score improvement instead of a 60% PIC score. Conclusion: Daily administration of 100mg CoQ10 supplements to psoriatic subjects for 12 weeks has beneficial effects on reducing oxidative stress.

Aims: The aim of the study is to identify the disease's trend over the months and years, and the demographic and environmental factors of the patients, in which Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is an infectious zoonotic tick-borne disease that causes non-hemorrhagic and hemorrhagic symptoms, has been present in Iraq since 1979, but its prevalence has greatly increased since 2021. Instrument & Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 957 confirmed patients from all over Iraq (except the Kurdistan region) from 2021 to 2023 were included. The study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, and the data were collected from the Iraqi Communicable Disease Control Center. Findings: The trend of cases has elevated in 2021, 2022, and 2023 as 19, 374, and 564 cases, respectively, with a peak during May, June, and July. The age of most patients ranged from 20-49 years, with a mean of 35.8±15.3 years and a higher percentage of males (58.3%). Most patients lived in rural areas (45.6%) and were from south Iraq, particularly Dhi Qar governorate (33.3%). Occupationally, the housewives recorded the higher exposure (35.7%). The higher environmental risk factor was the exposure to raw or uncooked meat (58.7%). The case fatality rate was 16.5%. Conclusion: The disease has a seasonal trend, and most Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever patients were males of economically active age living in rural areas in the south of Iraq. Contact with animals and their products was the higher environmental risk factor, and housewives recorded higher occupational exposure.