Abstract For efficient undergraduate medical research education at the College of Medicine, University of Zakho, three research modules, known as "Student Selected Components" (SSCs), have been added to the college’s academic curriculum. These modules aim to enhance research skills and encourage problem-solving via community-based health projects. More than 50 peer￾reviewed publications and around 30 national and international conference presentations were the result of this program, which was under the mentorship of college academics and external researchers. This project has substantially enhanced the university's academic reputation and approval. This paper investigates the transformational effect of SSCs in fostering students’ research orientation, development, and institutional reputation. Moreover, it represents a successful experience, serving as a model for other colleges in the country to follow.

Abstract Background: Anemia can adversely affect cognitive development in infants and children, potentially leading to challenges in cognition, motor control, social interaction, and neurophysiological functioning. Full-term infants do not develop iron deficiency anemia within the first four months of life, as they are born with sufficient iron stores accumulated during their intrauterine life. These stores are usually adequate for four to six months of postnatal life. However, exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months without iron supplementation can increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia, as breast milk does not provide enough iron to meet the growing infant’s demand. The American Academy of Pediatrics, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) all recommend that exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal method to feed a newborn during the first six months of life. The Aim of the Study: This study correlates the association between extended exclusive breastfeeding and anemia in infants under two years of age in Zakho, Iraq, and compares the findings with global studies. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to February 2024, involving 637 children aged 6 months to 2 years old in Zakho City. Data were obtained through interviews with parents using a validated questionnaire. Anemia was diagnosed based on hemoglobin levels. The study received ethical approval from the University of Zakho's ethical board. Data were analyzed using SPSS and chi-square tests. Results: The distribution of breastfeeding duration among male and female infants showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.426). However, a significant association was observed between the mother’s age at delivery and breastfeeding duration (P = 0.007). Similarly, the mother's occupation demonstrated a significant correlation with breastfeeding duration (P = 0.006), with non-employed mothers being more likely to breastfeed for a longer duration. Among the children who were breastfed, 59.8% (128 out of 214) were anemic, while 40.2% (86 out of 214) were not anemic. Conclusion: Breastfeeding duration is influenced by maternal age, education, and occupation, with higher-educated mothers tending to breastfeed for longer periods. The percentage of anemia decreases with higher maternal education; however, most anemic children in this study are breastfed. The study’s findings are subject to several limitations, including the small sample size, reliance on maternal self-reports of breastfeeding duration, and infant health history. Future research should incorporate larger sample sizes and a detailed assessment of dietary habits and environmental influences to better understand the relationship between breastfeeding duration and anemia in infants

Abstract Backgrounds: Obesity among children is a global health issue, with a significant increase in prevalence over the past three decades. Over 379 million children and adolescents globally are overweight or obese. Magnesium is fourth among the most abundant cations after calcium, sodium, and potassium. Magnesium is essential for biological functions. It can lead to deadly outcomes such as vasospasm of cardiac arteries, arrhythmias, and even unexpected death. Methodology: A cross￾sectional case-control research design was used to evaluate data from 100 children 50 boys, and 50 girls, aged 2-14 years at Zakho General Hospital in Iraq. The sample was obtained between April 1st, 2022, and April 1st, 2023. Demographic data, blood collection, and anthropometric measurements were used. Serum magnesium levels were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Ethical approval was obtained from the College of Medicine/University of Zakho. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and independent t-tests. Results: The study found that the majority of obese children are 5-10 years old, with males dominating. The mean serum magnesium level for all participants was 2.082 ±0.190 mg/dl which is a bit higher in the obese than normal￾weight children with no significant difference. Conclusion: The serum magnesium level is not significantly related to body weight in children. Further studies are recommended focusing on the dietary intake and physical activity that are the main confounders for this association.

Abstract Background Diarrhea is defined as three or more loose or watery bowel movements per day and any additional bowel motions that mothers deem abnormal or extra frequent in children. It is important to note that among children in underdeveloped countries, diarrhea is one of the main causes of illness and death. Severe diarrhea causes significant fluid loss and can be fatal. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the mothers' knowledge, attitude, and behavior about the home-based care of diarrhea in Zakho, Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq, for children under the age of five. Methodology The study was cross-sectional in design. The study period was extended from March 1 to April 1, 2022. The study was conducted in Zakho cities in Kurdistan, which is located in the north of Iraq. The data were evaluated using a statistical tool for social sciences (SPSS, version 26; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and two different methods. We conducted our research through in-person interviews. Results A total of 400 mothers participated in the survey, and 100% responded. Thus, the analytical method contained the data from 400 respondents. In this study, we found that only 233 (58.25%) of the mothers had good practice in the prevention and home-based treatment of diarrheal diseases in children under the age of five, whereas 282 (70.5%) of the mothers had good knowledge and 208 (52%) had a positive attitude. Conclusion This research showed that 70.5% of the mothers had excellent knowledge about the prevention and home￾based treatment of diarrheal diseases. In terms of attitude, 52% showed a good attitude toward the prevention and home-based management of diarrhea, and 58.25% of the mothers who participated in this study had good practices for prevention and home-based care of under-five diarrhea.

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a collection of neurological, psychological, and developmental anomalies that manifest in early life, affecting individuals across all racial, cultural, and socioeconomic groups. Its prevalence has grown significantly over the past 20 years. Exposure to digital devices has increased alongside the rise in ASD prevalence. Research suggests that prolonged screen time can negatively impact a child's brain development, language, literacy, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between screen time and the probability of developing autism spectrum disorder. Methodology This study employed a case-control design to examine 231 children in Zakho City diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The study was conducted from October 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. The participants included neurotypical individuals and individuals with autism. Data were gathered through standardized questionnaires and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). The study was approved by the College of Medicine/University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and ethical permission was obtained. Results The study revealed a uniform age distribution between cases and controls, with a majority of male participants and a smaller percentage of female participants. ASD patients had a significantly longer duration of exposure to electronic devices compared to controls, with cases averaging 3.61 hours of screen time daily (t-test: t = 0.0001). Conclusion In summary, screens have a major impact on children's neurodevelopment and may increase their risk of developing ASD. However, no appreciable distinction was observed between children diagnosed with ASD and those without regarding early exposure to screens. Our findings can be used to create guidelines for children's media consumption and to raise awareness of this issue. Further research is needed to evaluate the association

ABSTRACT Background: Neonatal jaundice, which affects 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm infants globally, is a common physiological problem in neonates. It was linked to various factors like gestational age, male sex, birth weight, labor duration, multiple pregnancies, teenage pregnancy, diabetes, Rh and ABO incompatibility, breast-feeding, and vacuum extraction. The current study was designed and carried out to examine the effects of the factors mentioned above, on neonatal jaundice in light of the disparity between the findings regarding factors influencing jaundice in newborns (such as mode of delivery and anesthesia) and the continuously increasing prevalence of cesarean sections. Methodology: Cross-sectional research was carried out on 205 children hospitalized at Iraq's Zakho General Hospital, analyzing data from peripheral venous blood samples. The study involved hematological investigations, cell indices assessment, and a hybrid test. The ethics committee gave its approval to the study, and participants completed informed consent forms. SPSS vs. 26 was used for statistical analysis, with frequencies and percentages employed for descriptive statistics. A Chi-Square and t-test test were used to investigate the relationship between essential demographic characteristics factors and jaundice. A p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Results: A study found 205 newborns with jaundice, with 110 boys and 95 girls. Most were breast-feeding. The majority of mothers were between 20 and 29. The study found 122 cesarean births and 83 vaginal deliveries. Oxytocin was required in 47 cases of spontaneous births. The study found a significant difference in jaundice severity between children born by oxytocin induction and those born spontaneously. The severity of jaundice did not differ significantly between anesthesia techniques. Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with male children and oxytocin infusion being the main predictors. However, a causal link between feeding style and high bilirubin levels is not established.

ABSTRACT Background: Anaemia is a lower concentration of haemoglobin and red blood cells. Nearly 1.62 billion individuals worldwide suffer from anaemia, of which approximately 47% are preschool-aged children. Anaemia due to iron deficiency can be prevented by breastfeeding, taking formula with iron, avoiding cow's milk till the child reaches the age of one year, and including iron-rich foods in the diet. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia and associated factors in children under the age of five who were admitted to Zakho General Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 among children under 5 years in Zakho city. 1404 children were recruited in this study, and the ages ranged from six months to five years. A spectrophotometric method is typically used to assess anaemia by measuring the haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Results: The children that participated in this study were 1404, ages 6 months to 60 months (23.01± 14.77). Age and anaemia were significantly correlated (p-value <0.01), with a higher prevalence of anaemia in younger age groups. In children aged 6 months to less than 24 months, the history of breast-feeding was significantly correlated with anaemia; 164 (59%) of the 278 children with a history of breast-feeding had anaemia (p-value <0.0001). Anaemia and meat consumption were significantly correlated (p-value= 0.007). The frequency of egg intake, the size of the family, and the level of the mother's education had no effect on anaemia. Conclusion: Among children under the age of five, particularly those under two, anaemia is disturbingly widespread, according to our study. As a result, enhanced nutritional therapy and a robust public health education campaign may assist in reducing the prevalence of this hematologic health concern. Additionally, it was shown that a history of breast-feeding and a limited meat diet are the two most significant risk factors for anaemia.

ABSTRACT: Background: G6PD deficiency, which affects 400 million individuals globally, is an X-linked hereditary enzymopathy that causes acute hemolysis after exposure to specific oxidative agents such as fava beans, more than 37 drugs, and infections viral or bacterial. Neonatal jaundice worsened by kernicterus is one of the condition's significant consequences. It can be prevented by avoiding the oxidative factors that cause a hemolytic episode alongside neonatal screening programs for early detection of afflicted individuals. Objectives: This research aimed at investigating the variability in clinical and biochemical manifestations among children with G6PDD. This is the first study to be carried out in the Zakho area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used, recruiting 112 children attending Zakho Emergency Hospital from January 2022 to April 2023. Laboratory aids involved in obtaining CBC, liver enzyme activities, and blood grouping were all investigated. The IBM SPSS 26 program was used to analyze the obtained data. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between male and female patients in terms of age, time of admission, hemoglobin level, WBC count, and liver enzymes. The majority of cases who visited Zakho Emergency Hospital within 72 hours of exposure to the triggering agent were males (67.9%), with the most common clinical features being jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain. Conclusion: In this study, the three main symptoms in G6PD deficient patients with acute hemolysis were pallor, jaundice, and black urine. These signs appeared several hours or even days after consuming fava beans. The primary clinical symptoms and the patient's gender, family history, or prior newborn jaundice were not related, according to our research.

Abstract.  Background. Healthcare systems are very concerned about childhood obesity, which continues to be a barrier to medical innovation. Over the last three decades, the frequency of childhood overweight/ obesity has increased significantly. Children spend a significant amount of time in front of electronic devices such as cell phones, games, computers, and television that is linked to a decreased physical activity and weight gain. The purpose of the study was to find the association between watching screen media and obesity in school-aged children from Zakho. Materials and methods. This is a cross-sectional, case-control, face-to-face survey study. All students aged 9–15 years from different schools were invited to complete the questionnaire. Well-trained medical students collected the anthropometric measurements of weight and height. Results. A total of 500 students between 9 and 15 years were interviewed. Approximately 72 % of them were males and 28 % were females. There was a significant association between a history of eating while watching screens and obesity (P = 0.003), as well as between the average number of hours spent daily using a computer and obesity (P = 0.016). Conclusions. In summary, this study supported the link between screen usage and childhood obesity in school-aged children. As a result, it is vital to create health promotion initiatives that emphasize a healthy 24-hour period, which includes a balanced amount of time spent engaging in physical activity, watching television, and sleeping.

Abstract Background: Obesity is a growing health problem all over the world. Approximately 18–38% of under 5 years old children have iron deficiency anemia. Obese people are more likely to be have iron deficiency. Studies that dealt with the relationship between iron deficiency and obesity are not homogeneous. Aim: To examine the association between obesity and iron status and the presence of iron deficiency anemia in children. Methods: This case-control study included 100 children between 2–14 years of age who were divided into two age- and sex-matched equal groups of 50 children each. Children with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 95th centile were categorized as obese while the other 50 children with a BMI greater than or equal to 5th centile but less than 95th centile were considered the normal weight group. Children with cardiac disease, liver disease, chronic gastrointestinal disease and chronic hematologic disorders except iron deficiency (with or without anemia) and those taking Vitamin or mineral supplements regularly during the previous year were excluded. Each participant was sent for serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation TS and complete blood count. Iron deficiency is defined as Transferrin Saturation (TS) lower than 16% and IDA is defined as TS lower than 16% and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration lower than 120 g/l or 12 mg/dl for children. The data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and for all data normal distribution was tested so that P-value <0.05 is the level of threshold for statistical significance. Results: The gender distribution between the both group is reversed with male being more common in obese group but no statistical difference. The age distribution shows dominance of the age group 5–10 years in the both group with some differences which are of no statistical significance (P= 0.294). The values of Hemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity and transferrin saturation are obviously similar between the both genders of the whole study population with no statistically significant differences (P = 0.084, 0.469, 0.48, 0.4, 0.571 respectively). Obese children have higher level of Hemoglobin (P = 0.069), Ferritin (P = 0.5) and total iron binding capacity (P = 0.449) but lower levels of serum iron (P = 0.234) and transferrin saturation(P = 0.45) but with no statistical significance. Conclusion: There is no significant association between obesity and iron status and the presence of iron deficiency anemia despite a lower level of serum iron and lower transferrin saturation in obese than normal weight children.