Karbala Journal of Medicine

Background: The use of medicines; in general, is divided into prescription-only medicines and over-the-counter drugs. The former requires a medical prescription; the latter are available for self-medication of common minor and easily treated illnesses. However, in the developing countries, prescription-only medicines can easily be purchased without a prescription, resulting in potential misuse and unnecessary risk for individuals.
Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and practice among University of Kerbala students of about self-medication.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study has been implemented in the University of Kerbala among seven colleges included both medical and non-medical colleges selected by a multistage cluster sampling technique while the students were chosen by simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaire papers in Arabic during April and May 2019.
Results: The selected sample have a low mean knowledge score (4.83 ± 2.16) about the proper use of medications and drug safety. Especially regarding appropriate antibiotic use, with a correctness rate of 25.4. Two thirds of the sample (62.1%) practiced self-medication with no significant difference between medical and non medical students.
Conclusion: This study showed that selected sample from the University of Kerbala has low level of knowledge about the proper use of medications and drug safety. About two-thirds of selected sample practiced self-medication for both over the counter and prescription-only medications. There is an irrational use of antibiotics, which needs attention by health institutions in Iraq.

Introduction: Diagnostic ultrasonography is used as a radiological modality for assessing clinically suspected mammary lesions based on certain radiological criteria.
Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the association between ultrasound based radiological findings and biological markers (estrogen receptor ER and HER2\NEU) in invasive mammary carcinoma.
Materials and methods: In this study 100 samples were collected retrospectively; each sample consist of one Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained histological section of invasive mammary carcinoma diagnosed by core needle biopsy together with the relevant immunohistochemical sections for ER and Her2Neu. The histological and immunohistochemical sections were carefully reviewed by two independent pathologists for assigning appropriate grading by using Nottingham modification of Bloom-Richardson system and an appropriate immunohistochemical scoring. For each sample, patient age, cytological report and the relevant sonographic data were extracted from the patient clinical request forms in the archive of data. The results were statically correlated by using chi square test.
Results: The study enrolled 100 histological sample of invasive mammary carcinoma diagnosed by core needle biopsy, 52% from the right breast and 48 % from the left one, age range of patient was from 28 to 80 years with a mean age of 53 years. 64 % were estrogen receptor positive, 54% were HER2\NEU positive. There was a significant statistical correlation between ER and HER2\NEU positivity with the ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymph node metastasis. While a non-statistical relationship was achieved between ER and HER2\NEU positivity with various sonographic findings in invasive mammary carcinoma.
Conclusion: Ultrasound based findings of a primary malignant breast mass are of no help to predict ER and HER2 status of invasive mammary carcinoma.

Background: Countries are impacted by an increase of a group for unhealthy behaviors that strongly contribute to the raise of chronic diseases that have a close connection to daily life behaviors. These diseases include high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to assess the healthy lifestyle behaviors among medical college students, and found out relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors with their demographic characteristics.
Methodology: The descriptive research design was conducted at medical colleges in university of Kerbala during Sep 26th 2022 to 19th, March, 2023. The sample was collected from a non-probability convenience sample of 150 students between4th January and 27th February 2023. The data were described analyzed through use of a descriptive (frequencies, percentage…) and inferential (Spearman correlation coefficient) statistical analysis procedures.
Results: The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the sample were female (68.7%), most of participants were single (88%), the highest percentage of the sample was living at their family (92.7%), and (61.3%) of them were resident in rural areas with high monthly income. Concerning the healthy lifestyle activities of the students; four fifths (79%) were at moderate level and this was not significantly associated with demographic characteristics.
Conclusion: The results of this study show more than four fifths of the sample have moderate level of health behaviors. Fundamental applicable programs should be undertaken as soon as possible to improve students’ health behaviors

Background: The scientific engagement of medical students can be fostered by introducing the project-based learning (PtBL) strategy early in the curriculum. The PtBL approach in this study considers gestational diabetes and hypertension. However, the medical education literature does not show the short- and intermediate-term outcomes of PtBL.
Objectives: To explore the short-term and intermediate outcomes of the PtBL approach in improving medical students' academic knowledge and skills at the College of Medicine, University of Kerbala.
Methods: A mixed-method study was designed to assess the short and intermediate-term outcomes of PtBL in medical education. The project started after assessing stakeholders' needs. A four-month PtBL course was designed, which was endorsed by the curriculum committee. The study included twenty-four- 4-year medical students and ten faculty members as course facilitators. Five research teams were developed. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from each participant. The research projects were designed to engage students in screening gestational diabetes and hypertension. The project outcomes were assessed through post-tests, mini CEX, semi-structured feedback questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic (content) analysis.
Results: Most participants (98%) expressed satisfaction with the contents and delivery of the course. Ninety percent of the students reported significant improvement in their conceptual background and clinical and research-based skills. Students also reported improved teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills. Faculty reported improvement in students' scientific engagement. All faculty recommended introducing PtBL in other areas of the curriculum.
Conclusion: The PtBL approach is an effective method to improve scientific engagement and active learning. Carefully designed projects can economically and effectively address public health problems.