kufa Journal for Nursing sciences

Background: The removal of femoral arterial sheaths post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often associated with pain, which can affect patient recovery. Multiple strategies have been suggested to mitigate these sensations, with controlled expiratory pressure (CEP) identified as a potential method for pain alleviation during procedural pain.
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of controlled expiratory pressure (CEP) on pain perception during the removal of femoral arterial sheaths following percutaneous coronary Intervention (PCI).
Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was performed at AL-Najaf Center for Cardiac Surgery and Cardiac Catheterization between (16th October to 1st December 2024). A purposive sample ( non-probability) of (128) patients after PCI procedures . Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
Results: The current result indicated a significant reduction in pain intensity during the femoral sheath removal at a p-value of 0.05.
Conclusion: Controlled expiratory pressure is an effective, non-invasive technique for reducing pain post-PCI during femoral arterial sheath removal. This approach could offer an easy-to-implement adjunct to standard care, improving patient comfort.
Recommendations: According to the findings of the current study, the controlled expiratory pressure of valsalva maneuver should be for managing pain, and further studies are recommended to explore its clinical applicability and long-term benefits.

Background: Lower levels of rubella virus antibody in early pregnancy could result in more severe Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) among infants born to infected mothers. Maternal age at infection and gestational age could also influence the severity of CRS outcomes, where higher maternal age and infection early in the first trimester might lead to worse outcomes.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of reduced antibody levels on congenital rubella syndrome severity in first trimester rubella infection.
Methodology: The retrospective cross-sectional was carried out on 186 pregnant women attending the Antenatal clinics. Blood samples were collected and tested for RV-IgM and R-VIgG by using the ARCHITEC System Ci4100. The inclusion criteria were those women in their first trimester of pregnancy attending Thi Qar hospitals, while excluding women with a history of congenital abnormalities and rubella vaccination.
Results: Advanced maternal age (39-49 years) was associated with a 30% increase in CRS severity, while infection during the first trimester (5-8 weeks) was linked to a 50% higher risk of severe CRS outcomes.
Conclusion: The study provides evidence on the importance of monitoring of rubella infection in pregnancy, knowledge of variable manifestations of CRS, and consideration of maternal age within clinical management to investigate its influence on adverse fetal outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between chronic diseases, antibody levels, and rubella infection severity during pregnancy.

Background: Recently, oral contraceptives have been the subject of concerns over the risk of gallbladder disease associated with their use.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the use of oral contraceptive pills and gallstones.
Methodology: The design of the study was descriptive analytic, involving 51 females consecutively recruited from the Teaching Hospital for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sulaimani Province/Kurdistan Region/Iraq from 3/7/2024 to 31/8/2024. The study tools included two parts. The data were collected through direct interviews, and the association between the use of oral contraceptives and gallstones was determined by chi-square. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 24.0 software (IBM SPSS Statistics). The level of significance was set at p=0.01. Inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results: The results show that there was a statistically significant association only between the level of education and the use of oral contraceptive pills. However, there was no statistically significant association between BMI, gallstones, and the use of oral contraceptive pills.
Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association between the use of oral contraceptive pills and gallstones.

Background: Surgery is the main treatment for hydatid liver disease (HLD), focusing on removing the cyst and preventing parasite spread. Advances in laparoscopic surgery (LS) have improved treatment options, moving from simple drainage to more complex procedures like pericystectomy and hepatectomy. Laparoscopy offers benefits such as reduced morbidity, faster recovery, and better visualization of complications. However, it’s not suitable for all cases, such as large cysts, ruptured cysts in the biliary tract, or multiple cysts. Challenges include potential cyst fluid spillage and allergic reactions, though these are less common than in open surgery.
Objectives: to evaluate the outcomes of LS for HLD specifically focusing on complications.
Methodology: a case series prospective study that was conducted in Safeer Al-Imam Al-Hussain Surgical Hospital/ Iraq/ Karbala for a period of 1 year and involved 30 patients that were treated laparoscopically for HLD.
Results: The mean age of the study sample (n=30) was 43.7, Females were more than males with M:F ration of 1:1.3, most of the study sample patients live in urban areas (63.3%), abdominal pain was the most common presentation, 21 patients (70%) had single cystic lesion, 5 patients had couple cysts (16.7%) and 4 patients (13.3%) had 3 cysts, The right lobe of the liver was the most common site of the cysts, successful LS was done for 26 patients (86.7%), 4 patients were converted to open surgery for various causes.
Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of HLD have the advantages of minimal invasiveness, shorter operative time and shorter hospital stay after surgery, still in some cases conversion to open surgery may be mandatory. LS is a viable option for treating HLD with numerous benefits over traditional open surgery. However, careful patient selection is crucial to manage potential complications effectively.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the cancer care needs and quality of life of women with breast cancer in Babylon.
Methodology: The study was conducted between 1 June 2022 and 1 September 2022 in the Oncology Unit of Imam Sadik Hospital and the Babylon Oncology Center. The sample of the study consisted of 160 women with breast cancer who met the sample criteria. It was a cross-sectional study. The data were collected with the sociodemographic and clinical characteristic form, the cancer need questions short form (CNQ-SF), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF).
Results: The mean age of women was 51±13.13; 34.4% were primary school graduates, 90.6% were married, 80.6% had children, 76.3% were housewives, 94.4% were non-smokers, 55% had income equal to expenditure, 39.4% is the second stage. 61.3% of the women had less than one year of disease duration, and 63.1% had no family history. The mean scores of the sub-dimensions of cancer needs form were; Physical needs 19.31±5.27, psychological needs 30.78±10.02, interpersonal communication needs 6.91±2.37, patient care and support needs 16.84±3.98, and Health information needs 24.23 It is ±6.92. The mean score of the sub-dimension of the quality of life scale; general quality of life 6.34±1.54; physical health 19.76±4.41, psychological health 17.74±3.96, social relations 9.31±2.28, environmental health 23.21±5.02. There was a statistically significant difference between the total score of cancer needs scale and the sub-dimensions of the quality of life scale (physical health, social relations, environment, psychological health, and general quality of life) at the weak-moderate level (r= -0.298, -0.323, -0.368, -0.433, -0.473), respectively.
Conclusion: Women diagnosed with breast cancer in Babylon, Iraq, experience moderate levels of needs and quality of life Their most prompted concern was access to health information.

Background: Amniotic membrane dressings are highly effective in managing burn wounds. They offer a cost-effective solution and contribute to reduced pain and accelerated wound healing in cases of burn injuries.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the utility of Amniotic Membrane dressings in treating second-degree burns.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental investigation was conducted at the Suleimani Emergency Hospital for Burn and Plastic Surgery. The study included 101 patients with second-degree burns, who were purposefully divided into a study and control group. The study monitored dressing changes and the healing process in both groups from April 3rd to December 2022. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: The study\'s findings reveal statistically significant differences concerning pain scores between the study and control groups. Notably, there was a significant reduction in pain experienced during dressing changes (P < 0.001), and the healing duration was notably shorter in the study group. Additionally, no significant associations were found between the cause of burns and their location and the total burn surface area. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed between socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education) in the two groups.
Conclusion: This study concludes that the use of Amniotic Membrane dressings significantly reduces the frequency of dressing changes and accelerates the healing process for second-degree burns.

Background: Respiratory distress is a leading cause of NICU admissions and can lead to severe complications if not promptly identified and managed. Despite its prevalence, limited research has examined the specific neonatal risk factors contributing to respiratory distress in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, creating a knowledge gap in neonatal healthcare.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the neonatal risk factors associated with respiratory distress among newborns admitted to NICUs in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq.
Methodology: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted at two hospitals using a purposive sampling technique to recruit 218 neonates with respiratory distress. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and hospital records, with statistical analysis performed using SPSS 24 to determine associations between neonatal characteristics and respiratory distress causes.
Results: Among the study population, 57.8% were male, and prematurity was identified in 68.8% of cases. RDS was the leading cause (64.2%), followed by TTN (27.5%) and MAS (8.3%). Significant associations were found between respiratory distress and gender, birth weight, gestational age, APGAR scores, and plurality (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Respiratory distress accounts for a substantial proportion of total admissions to the NICU, with significant contributions from RDS, TTN, and MAS. Prematurity (68.8%) and SGA (65.7%) were found to be significantly associated with RDS (p < 0.001).

Background: Inadequate pain management for hospitalized children is a major issue, often due to gaps in healthcare providers\' knowledge. Nurses play a key role in effective pain relief, and proper training and compassion are essential for children\'s well-being and recovery.
Objectives: To assess the nurses\' knowledge and attitude regarding pediatric pain management in Dr. Jamal Ahmad Rashid\'s Pediatric Teaching Hospital and Hiwa Cancer Hospital.
Methodology: A quantitative descriptive study design was conducted at Dr. Jamal Ahmad Rashid’s Pediatric Teaching Hospital and Hiwa Cancer Hospital in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq. A non-probability (purposive) sampling technique was used, and 182 nurses working in pediatric care from both hospitals participated. All statistical computation is enhanced using statistical methods (SPSS 24).
Results: Of 182 nurses, 67.6% had positive attitudes, and 42.9% had a good understanding of pediatric pain management. There were significant differences between hospitals (p = 0.000), with nurses at Hiwa Hospital outperforming those at Dr. Jamal Hospital in both knowledge (86.5% vs. 25.4%) and attitudes (88.5% vs. 59.2%). The knowledge and attitude gaps, particularly at Dr. Jamal Pediatric Teaching Hospital, highlight the need for targeted training.
Conclusion: The study presents important details about the attitudes and knowledge of nurses in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, regarding the care of pediatric pain. While the majority of nurses demonstrated fair to good knowledge and positive attitudes.

Background: Monkeypox, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has historically been endemic in Central and West Africa. This study assesses the knowledge of University of Kufa medical group students about monkeypox, focusing on its etiology, transmission, clinical features, prevention, and management.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge levels of medical students at the University of Kufa regarding monkeypox and to identify relationships between students\' knowledge and demographic variables.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 among 618 students from the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy at the University of Kufa. A stratified random sampling technique ensured proportional representation across colleges. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire, with a Cronbach\'s alpha of 0.85. The data were analyzed using SPSS (v26), employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as the Chi-square test.
Results: Most participants (95.1%) were aged 17–27 years, with females comprising 69.9% of the sample. While 63.4% of students had prior knowledge of monkeypox, primarily sourced from the internet and social media (77.7%), the overall knowledge level was moderate. Significant relationships were identified between students\' knowledge and their gender (p ≤ 0.015), prior knowledge, and information sources (p ≤ 0.0001).
Conclusion: The study highlights moderate knowledge levels about monkeypox among University of Kufa students, with knowledge gaps in specific areas. Educational interventions and curriculum integration are essential to address these gaps and enhance preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. Targeted educational programs, enhanced use of digital platforms, and awareness campaigns should be prioritized.

Background: Women undergoing cosmetic operations has increased significantly. The decision to doing plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures influenced by several factors. Also, there are several complications results from performing plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures ranging from mild to severe complications, such as infections, systemic toxicity, hematologic and electrolyte issues, intravascular fluid changes, and wound complications, and death.
Objectives: To assess physical, technological and demographic factors of women toward plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures.
Methodology: This Was cross sectional, descriptive study comprised 178 women who performed plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure. a questionnaire was constructed which was designed after an intensive review of the various literature sources. IBM Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS V. 25) was applied for analysis purposes.
Results: The total 178 women enrolled in this study their mean age and SD were (26.78 ±6.582), with 35.4% being secondary school graduates and institute graduates. Most had barely sufficient incomes, with 51 students and 114 singles. Rhinoplasty was the most common type of plastic surgery, laser hair removal common type of cosmetic procedure. Most participants were not influenced by physical factors, but were highly influenced by non-invasive procedures and advancements in technology. There was a significant association between age, education, marital status, and income level for various procedures.
Conclusion: Cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery are common among women for aesthetic reasons, with technological advancements motivating women. Some types of plastic surgery were associated with socio-demographic factors such as age with rhinoplasty, liposuction, blepharoplasty, filler and abdominoplasty.

Background: Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a multi-drug resist pathogen, its presence in semen, may be a factor in infertility by triggering the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing sperm DNA fragmentation.
Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate semen quality in the presence of Burkholderia cepacia compared to semen quality associated with other bacterial strains.
Methodology: In this case-control study, semen analysis was performed on 105 men to evaluate their infertility status due to the presence of infection. According to WHO guideline, 5th edition, 2010, semen was evaluated for all parameters. Sperm DNA fragmentation was also assessed to evaluate sperm DNA integrity. Using the VITEK 2 system, the isolated Burkholderia strain was identified, and its antibiotic resistance was tested.
Results: Among the 105 semen samples collected, bacterial isolates were found in 57 cases, with 8 isolates confirmed to be Burkholderia cepacia. The group infected with Burkholderia cepacia showed a significant reduction in progressive motility (p<0.05). And 75% of Burkholderia cases were isolated from immunocompromised individuals. 50% of the isolates exhibit weak biofilm formation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using VITEK AST demonstrated 100% sensitivity to amikacin, gentamicin, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin, while sulfamethoxazole demonstrated the highest level of resistance.
Conclusion: As a result of the association between Bcc infection and compromised sperm function, microbiological screening should be considered in cases of unexplained male infertility.

Background: Urinary stone disease , also known as urolithiasis, refers to the condition characterized by the formation of stones or calcifications in the urinary system.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice concerning Stone in Patients with Urolithiasis in Sulaymaniyah City/ Iraq.
Methodology: A Quantitative, descriptive-analytic design was conducted in Shar and Teaching Hospital from 6th November 2024 to 25th January 2025. A total of 130 participants were included in this study through a convenience sampling method. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire that focused on sociodemographic factors and assessment of patients knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding urolithiasis.
Results: A third of the 130 people who took part in the study had a positive outlook on the topic of preventing urinary stone illness, and the same percentage had strong knowledge on the subject. individuals older than 39 years old demonstrated significantly higher results on the knowledge test compared to younger individuals (p=0.047). In terms of knowledge, females also outperformed males (p=0.044). Also, for individuals with a diploma or an institute-level education, there was a highly significant correlation between educational attainment and knowledge levels (p=0.000).
Conclusion: It was found that patients lacked sufficient knowledge regarding the prevention of urinary tract stones. Additionally, no correlation was identified between the patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and their awareness of stone prevention.

Background: Hemodialysis is very important management model for patients with end-stage renal disease; and involve several invasive procedures, including (vascular access cannulation, connecting and disconnecting dialysis machines, managing catheters and administering intravenous medications). All of these actions increase risk of infection. The nurses should be application of aseptic techniques and consistent use of protective equipment, such as gloves, to protection both patients and healthcare providers. Nurses are dominant to preventing the spread of infections. Nurses requiring not only practical skills but also comprehensive knowledge of infection control measures. Their expertise and caution are crucial in maintaining patient safety and reduction the complications such as infection, the importance of continuous training and adherence to best practices in hemodialysis units.
Objectives: To assess nurses\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\&amp;amp;#039; knowledge concerning Infection control in Hemodialysis Units and to find out the relationship between nurse\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\&amp;amp;#039;s knowledge and their demographic data.
Methodology: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted from October 18, 2023, to April 20, 2024, at the Hemodialysis Unit of Al-Sadder Medical City in Al-Najaf. A non-probability convenience sample of 62 nurses was included, focusing on those with at least six months of work experience in the unit. The research tool, developed and validated by the researcher, consisted of two parts: demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education, and training) and 25 items assessing knowledge of infection control strategies and practices. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and validated through expert review and a pilot study, yielding a Cronbach\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\&amp;amp;#039;s alpha of 0.87. Data collection occurred from February 5 to February 20, 2023, using semi-structured, self-reported questionnaires, with strict adherence to ethical guidelines, including informed consent and confidentiality. Knowledge levels were classified as poor or good based on a scoring system, providing a robust framework for evaluating nurses’ infection control knowledge.
Results: The majority of nurses (77.4%) demonstrated poor knowledge concerning infection control, with a mean score of 1.42, below the acceptable threshold of 1.5. Only 22.6% showed good knowledge, indicating a significant gap in infection control understanding.
Conclusion: The study findings point to critical areas requiring intervention to improve nurses’ knowledge about the infection control in hemodialysis units. Also, a significant association between level of education and their knowledge highlights the importance of providing nurses with opportunities for formal education and advanced training.
Recommendations: Nurse in hemodialysis units must take the opportunity for continuing their education to maintain knowledge and skills