University of Duhok (UoD)

Authors: HAWAR A MOHAMMEDSADIQ, NAWZAD SULAIMAN MURAD, RONAK HASSAN MOHAMMAD BARWARI. Publication date: 2019. Journal: Journal of Duhok University. Volume: 22. Issue: 2. Pages: 251-257. Description Introduction: Foot ulcers and their complications are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an annual incidence of 1% to 4%. The present study aimed to assess the physical examinations of the feet of patients with T2DM. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, a total of 210 patients previously diagnosed with T2DM were purposively invited for a foot physical examination between the 1st of Feb 2018 and 10th of Apr 2019. The foot assessment was performed by using a 60-second Diabetic Foot Screen. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54.40 (20-79 years old), and they had the disease for the past nine years. Most of the patients were females (63.3%) and non-smokers (85.2%). The study revealed that 3.8% of patients had a history of foot ulcers, 1.4% had an amputation, and 3.3% had Charcot. Hypertension was the most common complication (52.4%), followed by nephropathy (46.7%) and retinopathy (41.9%). Most of the patients required yearly screening (left foot: 82.4%; right foot: 80.5%), followed by every 6-month screening (left foot: 16.2%; right foot: 19.0%). The patients with complications had a significantly higher level of foot ulcer, either in the left or right foot, except for retinopathy and hypertension. In addition, the patients with a longer duration had a higher level of foot ulcer severity in the left (r = 0.143; P = 0.039) and right (r = 0.150; P = 0.031) feet. Conclusions: The present study suggests that patients with T2DM have a higher level of foot ulcer, and its severity is higher in those with complications either in the left or right foot except for retinopathy and hypertension.

NURSES’AWARENESS AND EXPERIENCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN DUHOK CITY

Authors: Sara Jawad Kadhim, Khalid Ibrahim Mohammed Saber, Ronak Hassan BARWARI Publication date: 2022/1/1 Journal: Mosul Journal of Nursing Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Pages: 82-88 Publisher College of Nursing, University of Mosul Description Background and aim Nurses’ awareness and experiences about covid-19 are essential aspects to facilitate their clinical practice and communicate and understand patients’ needs. Awareness refers to the consciousness level of nurses that produces appropriate nursing implementation. While experiences help nurses adapt to work in a critical environment. The aim of the study was to assess nurses’ awareness and experiences during the covid-19 pandemic. Methods: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study design that was conducted among nurses who are working at the teaching hospitals of Duhok city. The current study was carried out for four months, and the period of data collection lasted from the 10th of June to the 10th of October 2021. The data were collected from the participants by the direct interview method according to the questionnaire structured for the study. Results: The finding refers to there being a significant correlation between the ages of participants and their awareness about covid-19. Also, nurses' awareness was significantly affected by age and educational background. As for experience, there was no noticeable effect, and nurses stated the lack of staff and the provision of supplies during the covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Nurses' awareness and experience are essential at the time of managing covid-19 patients. They were having a sufficient awareness level about the manner of infectious outbreak. Their demographic characteristics, such as age and educational background, also positively affected their awareness, which made them devoted to providing nursing care in order to obtain a good recovery and control the pandemic.