UHD Journal of Science and Technology

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Core Antibodies and Occult Hepatitis B Infection among Blood Donors in Erbil Governorate, Iraq

2025-05-30T18:46:12+00:00

The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a considerable risk to blood transfusion safety, especially through occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), defined by undetectable Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) yet the presence of HBV DNA in the bloodstream. Identifying and investigating the prevalence of OBI is essential as these infections can get past normal screening tests, which can lead to accidental transmission through transfusion. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of total hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and identify OBI among blood donors in Erbil Governorate, Iraq. A total of 31,631 blood donors were tested for total HBcAb between September 2024 and January 2025, using the Liaison XL chemiluminescence immunoassay machine. Out of these 31,631 blood donors, 388 (1.23%) showed positive results for the total HBcAb. Among the positive cases, 65 samples were randomly chosen to detect OBI by viral load detection using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. All samples were negative for HBsAg during routine screenings. Occult OBI was detected within 17 (26.15%) of the HBcAb-positive, HBsAg-negative blood donors. Despite the application of HBcAb screening, the absence of molecular testing may continue to provide an opportunity for HBV transmission. Incorporating HBV DNA testing for positive cases may enhance the safety of blood transfusions.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Sulaymaniyah Solid Waste Dumpsite Using Leachate and Soil Pollution Indices

2025-05-26T15:59:54+00:00

Global urban population is rising that resulting more waste production. Globally, municipal solid waste (MSW) generation considered as a serious threat on the global environment and human wellbeing. Leachate from solid waste dumps poses significant environmental and health risks, particularly due to contamination in soil and water caused by heavy metals. In this study, environmental impacts of MSW are assessed and estimated for Sulaymaniyah city, KRG, Iraq, which is located at 10 km south of the city in the Tanjaro dumpsite. Soil and leachate samples were collected and analyzed for various expected pollutant, to assess the environmental contamination through using pollution indices. For assessing the leachate pollution index (LPI), some parameters were determined, such as potential of hydrogen (pH), total dissolved solid, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), and chloride (Cl). LPI value (20.1377) is much higher than the related standards. High concentrations of metals, such as cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), found in the soil near the site, however, the contamination level is not serious based on the checked pollution indices, such as pollution index (PI) and nemerow PI (PInemerow). PI for Cd, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn were 0.158, 0.024, 0.088, 0.176, 0.613, 0.786, and 0.225, respectively, whereas, PInemerow value was 0.606, which classified the soil as a non-contaminated soil. Results of this study reveals that the Tanjaro dumpsite needs an engineered landfill and decent leachate treatment right away; since present conditions far over safe limits and threaten soil and water quality.

Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Competence in Managing Preeclampsia at Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani city

2025-04-11T00:35:23+00:00

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most commonly reported complications during pregnancy, affecting approximately 2–15% of all pregnancies. It is characterized by the onset of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, or evidence of organ dysfunction. This condition poses a serious threat to both maternal and fetal health, significantly increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the number of pregnant women with high blood pressure has been increasing, with cases doubling from 1.8% in 2008 to 3.7% in 2021” reported in the United States. Risk factors for preeclampsia included race, advanced maternal age, obesity, null parity, multifetal pregnancy, and co-existing medical disorders. Managing preeclampsia is important because it can lead to complications for both the mother and baby. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge and competence in managing preeclampsia at the Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani city, Iraq, from January 5, 2024, to June 13, 2024. The study included 25 nurses working in the emergency care unit and labor room of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. A questionnaire format was created according to the aim of the study and delivered by a team of five experts, consisting of two parts. Part one: The sociodemographic characteristics of the nurses, and the second part assessed their knowledge and practices regarding the management of preeclampsia data were collected through a structured face-to-face questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. Results: The majority of nurses were over 35 years old, with a mean age of 36 (standard deviation = 12.86). In terms of education, most nurses held a diploma (48%), and 64% were married. Around 56% of nurses reported participating in workshops or programs related to preeclampsia in the obstetrics field. When asked to define eclampsia, 80% of the nurses answered correctly, and the same percentage correctly identified the best anticonvulsant for managing preeclampsia. Overall, the nurses demonstrated a fair level of knowledge in managing preeclampsia. No significant association was found between age and knowledge level, suggesting age did not influence knowledge or competency in managing preeclampsia. Conclusion and Recommendations: Based on the study’s findings, the nurses demonstrated a fair level of knowledge in managing preeclampsia, especially in treatment and prevention. To improve patient care and reduce maternal and fetal risks, addressing the gaps in nurses’ knowledge through regular training courses and educational programs is essential. These efforts will enhance their qualifications and ensure better care for women with preeclampsia.