UHD Journal of Science and Technology

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

Nza Hamid Al-Barznjy — 2025-07-27

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

Sura Mahdi Mohammad — 2025-08-01

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

Amani Fadhil Abbas — 2025-08-10

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.

The Effectiveness of Geographic Information Systems in Sustainable Urban Planning in Iraq: An Analytical Study of Experts’ Opinions

Nawshirwan Mahmood Rahim — 2025-08-12

This descriptive analytical study assesses the effectiveness of geographic information systems (GIS) in supporting sustainable urban planning in Iraq. The study aims to gather and analyze the opinions of specialists and experts in urban planning, environmental management, and GIS across various cities in Iraq. A sample of 100 experts from Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Mosul, and Najaf was selected based on their experience and competence in projects utilizing GIS. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions and a Likert scale, focusing on four main dimensions: Experts’ knowledge and use of GIS, the effectiveness of GIS in urban planning, its role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the challenges faced in implementing these systems in Iraq. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical analysis software. The results showed that most experts had a good level of knowledge of GIS and considered it an effective tool in improving the accuracy of urban planning and facilitating decision-making. However, some challenges were identified, such as the lack of updated data and the technical capacity to use complex software. The study also indicated that GIS significantly contributes to achieving SDGs, especially in the areas of environmental sustainability and monitoring urban expansion. However, there is a need to improve institutional support and provide updated data and financial resources to implement GIS more effectively. Regarding statistical analysis, the results of the analysis of variance test showed significant differences in the effectiveness of GIS based on experience level, with more advanced experts showing greater effectiveness in using the system. The t-test revealed a significant difference between those who received formal GIS training and those who did not, with the trained group demonstrating higher knowledge levels. Finally, the correlation analysis results indicated a positive relationship between GIS knowledge and its effectiveness in urban planning. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of GIS in enhancing sustainable urban planning in Iraq, highlighting the challenges faced in its implementation in this context.

Climatic Impacts on Drug Therapy Usage: A Comparative Study of Kurdish Populations in Sulaimani, Iraq, and Stockholm, Sweden

Shena Ali Faris — 2025-08-21

The geographical area is influenced by climate impacts, which, in turn, affect the use of different drug therapies during seasonal weather fluctuations. Thus, this study investigates how geographical climate differences influence drug therapy usage by comparing two Kurdish populations residing in Sulaimani, Iraq, and Stockholm, Sweden. It also highlights significant variations in healthcare practices, demonstrating how environmental conditions shape medication patterns. Data collection was conducted through a structured online survey, covering sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and medication practices, followed by statistical analysis using Python and SPSS. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were applied to spatially analyze environmental variables across the two cities, enabling the validation of sampling locations and the statistical determination of optimal limitations for the sample collection dataset. In Stockholm, 73.33% of respondents reported that the cold and humid climate affected their health behavior, whereas in Sulaimani, 50.27% described the climate as moderate but highly variable. The study revealed that the key statistical values such as antibiotic usage were significantly higher in Sulaimani (38.03%) than Stockholm (14.00%, P < 0.001), indicating a more treatment-focused approach in Sulaimani versus a preventive focus in Stockholm. Similarly, painkiller usage was significantly higher in Sulaimani, correlating with climate-related seasonal illnesses. Meanwhile, multivitamin usage in Stockholm reached 44.67%, surpassing Sulaimani’s 37.77%, reflecting a stronger emphasis on preventive healthcare strategies in colder climates. These findings emphasize that climate, more than cultural differences, significantly influences drug therapy patterns. The study determines that healthcare strategies should integrate climate variability, prioritizing preventive care in colder climates and infection control in warmer regions. Finally, the study concludes with key findings and outlines directions for future research, emphasizing the need for further investigation into climate-adaptive healthcare approaches.