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Background: People with schizophrenia have a higher risk of mortality compared to the general population, which has not improved over time. The majority of premature deaths are due to comorbid physical diseases, driven by interrelated factors operating at the individual level, through health systems and influenced by social determinants of health. A holistic understanding of this problem and the causal pathways linking these factors together is lacking. Aims: This study aims to understand why the mortality gap between people with schizophrenia and the general population is not improving by developing a causal loop diagram (CLD), a systems thinking approach which enables empirical research and theoretical knowledge to be combined into a visual representation of causal relationships and feedback loops. Method: The CLD was constructed using published literature, including both quantitative and qualitative studies, to identify key variables and relationships, and refined through consultation with experts in the topic area. Results: A total of 21 variables and 68 connections were included in the CLD, with 23 distinct feedback loops identified. Stigma and social support had the most connections, while unemployment was involved in the greatest number of feedback loops. Most feedback mechanisms served to reinforce behavioural risk factors, inadequate healthcare and social disadvantage. Conclusions: The CLD has created a holistic and dynamic understanding of the causal pathways driving the mortality gap between people with schizophrenia and the general population, providing insights into why it has persisted over time. One of the key findings was the critical role of social determinants in shaping health outcomes, highlighting the need for person-centred models of care and multisectoral government action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online teaching behavior and teachers' acceptance of it can have an impact, as its acceptance will play a vital role in the learning process. E-learning, distance education, and accredited courses previously were part of informal learning. However, it appears that it can gradually replace the formal education system. On the other hand, online courses eliminate practical components such as face-to-face training, and clinical and laboratory sessions; As a result, learners lose the opportunity to train, cooperate and build relationships. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the faculty members’ attitudes toward readiness to teach online at Iraqi universities, and to identify the relationship between some of the demographic factors (age, gender, and educational status) and their attitudes toward using online teaching. Methodology: A descriptive exploratory design was conducted, and an online questionnaire was administered to (99) nursing faculties from different Iraqi universities between 1st March and 20th May 2022. A standardized questionnaire was used to achieve objectives of the study. Permission was granted through informational consent to collect data from the participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS program (V.24). Results: The descriptive data analysis revealed that the age range of the participants represented (48.5 %), (MS=2.1, SD= 0.89), is primarily between (36-45) years old. about half of participants (50.5%) had a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MS=2.15, SD=0.64). The inferential statistics revealed a substantial relationship between age of the participants and items related to utilizing various instructional techniques in an online setting (χ2 (2, N =99 = 26.562, p < 0.05), and managing course time with facilitation techniques (χ2 (2, N =99 = 25.098, p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant relationship was found between the gender of the participants and item related to communicating with students via email (χ2 (2, N =99 = 10.737, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant relationship was discovered between participants' educational level and items related to spending weekly hours to grade assignments (χ2 (2, N =99 = 21.889, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The development of creative teaching strategies and curricula that cater to the demands of tomorrow's nurses has become a problem for nursing education programs today, with the rapid changes in the methods of communication and information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cervical cancer is mostly caused by high-risk Human papillomavirus HPV, with an estimation prevalence of HPV of 99.7% worldwide. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an HPV test for primary cervical screening in 2014. An HPV-DNA test, which provides higher protection against invasive cervical carcinomas, is replacing the long-standing Pap smear as the primary method of cervical cancer screening. Objective: To explore nurses' experience and knowledge of HPV DNA testing and how screening impacts on women's health through increasing awareness and proposing actions for health education strategies. Method: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted on a purposeful sample of 25 qualified nurses, who were all employed in regional hospitals within a gynecological department in Kirkuk, Iraq. The nurses were interviewed with a semi-structured topic guide between November 2021 and February 2022. Responses were transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analysed using a content thematic analysis approach. Results: Four themes with associated sub-themes emerged following coding and peer review. Participants had lack of experience and fragmented knowledge of HPV DNA testing/screening. Culturally sensitive resources for patients and training for nurses was identified key requirements. Conclusions: Currently, there are no facilities for a HPV testing/screening services available in Iraq. The role of nurses undertaking HPV screening is not established and yet nurses represent the largest sector of health professionals. The dissemination of a collaborative HPV screening training programme to include clinical competence and knowledge for nurses and gynaecologists may improve knowledge, and could also be effective in improving patient awareness and engagement with cervical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The greatest protection against cervical cancer can be achieved through the combination of cervical screening via repeated Pap tests and HPV vaccination before first sexual intercourse. This study aimed to explore women's perceptions and experiences of Pap test and colposcopy examination to avoid advance stage of cervical cancer. Methods: An exploratory qualitative approach was carried out using face-to face semi-structured interviews with 22 women attending for their Pap test appointment or colposcopy examination in the main hospital in Kirkuk, Iraq. The study took place between October 2019 and March 2020. The collected data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The findings revealed gap in knowledge regarding Pap test and colposcopy investigation among participants. Overall, three main categories emerged during data analyses namely, women's awareness of Pap test; challenges to access cervical screening and colposcopy services; women's views and suggestions to improve their access to cervical screening cervices. Conclusion: Currently, women living in Iraq have no access to regular cervical screening due to unavailability of the cervical screening programme in Iraq. This study provides evidence to develop strategies to enhance the existing cervical cancer prevention services. Health policy makers should consider the establishment of regular population based cervical screening. Health promotion efforts and interventions should focus on challenges and barriers influence the screening behavior among women living in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experience of medical doctors in delivering cervical cancer screening in a city in Iraq. Methods: An applied grounded theory approach explored the reported experiences of doctors in the field. A purposive sample of 12 gynaecologists and one general practitioner (GP) working in two main hospitals participated: Semi‐structured interviews took place from June to September 2015. Thematic coding of data was peer reviewed and included participant reading of transcripts and translations from Arabic to English. Theory generation involved synthesis of a prior literature review and interview findings. Results: Gynaecologist and GP experiences showed overwhelming gaps in cervical cancer experience and screening. Iraqi women mainly presented for help with late‐stage cancer. Practical barriers included cultural stigma, low priority for women's health needs, lack of knowledgeable leadership and perceived shortage of adequately trained staff. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for culturally appropriate cervical cancer prevention policies and strategies in Iraq, focused on evidence‐based population‐based cervical screening to identify and prevent advanced cervical cancer among women. Regional educational initiatives should be encouraged and primary healthcare systems supported to undertake screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study estimated service coverage for severe mental disorders (psychosis, bipolar disorder and moderate-severe depression), globally and regionally, using data collected from the Mental Health Atlas 2017. Methods: Service coverage was defined as the proportion of people with a disorder contacting a mental health service among those estimated to have the disorder during a 12-month period. We drew upon 12-month service utilisation data from the Mental Health Atlas 2017. Expected prevalent cases of individual disorders were estimated using the disorder-specific prevalence rate estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 and total population sizes. Methods for assessing the validity of country-reported service utilisation data were developed and applied. Outcomes: From 177 countries, 50 countries provided reliable service coverage estimates for psychosis, along with 56 countries for bipolar disorder, and 65 countries for depression. The mean service coverage for psychosis was lowest in low- [10.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3–30.4)] and lower middle-income countries [21.5% (95% CI 11.9–35.7)] and highest in high-income countries [59.5% (95% CI 42.9–74.1)]. Service coverage for bipolar disorder ranged between 3.1% (95% CI 0.8–11.5) and 10.4% (95% CI 6.7–15.8). Mean service coverage for moderate-severe depression ranged between 2.9% (95% CI 1.3–6.3) for low-income countries and 31.1% (95% CI 18.3–47.6) for high-income countries. Interpretation: The reporting method utilised by the Mental Health Atlas appears to be reliable for psychosis but not for depression. This method of estimating service coverage provides progress in tracking an important indicator for mental health; however, it highlights that considerable work is needed to further develop global mental health information systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific region faces a significant and growing burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental disorders. An emerging issue is the increasing overlap between physical and mental health conditions, which are often the result of interactive effects and lead to more severe consequences. In addition, climate change is amplifying health risks, as it poses both physical and existential threats to Pacific Island communities. The sustainable development agenda provides a holistic opportunity to address these issues; key elements include improving health surveillance and strengthening health systems, within a multisectoral approach, in order to work towards achieving Healthy Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chest pain is a common complaint and encompasses a broad differential diagnosis that includes several life-threatening causes. Objective: The study aimed to assess nurses knowledge regarding chest pain management and respiratory maintains in Cardiac Care Unit. Methodology: A quantitative design (a descriptive study) was carried out to assess nurses knowledge regarding chest pain management and respiratory maintains in cardiac care unit. A non-probability (purposive) sample of (44) nurses who work in CCU unit at Azady teaching Hospital and Kirkuk general Hospital in Kirkuk city. the tools of data collection consisted of (25) items which divided to three parts. Part one, Nurses demographic characteristics, Part two deal with chest pain and part three is the respiratory maintains assessment. The data were collected through the utilization of constructed questionnaire, interview technique. The data were analyzed throught descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. Results: A total of 44 nurses participate in the study, the study shows that (61.4%) of the samples age were (20-30) years old, (63.6%) were male. (68.2%) of them Graduate B.Sc. of Nursing, and (45.5%) of the sample has 1-5 years' experience in Cardiac Care Unit. The relative sufficiency for the chest pain assessment was (69.1) while the relative sufficiency for the maintains repiratory was (87.8). Conclusions: Based on the result, the study concluded that most of the samples were between (20-30) yearts, male, Graduate B.Sc. of Nursing, has 1-5 years' experience in Cardiac Care Unit. According to the grand mean of scores, the nurses has moderate knowledge regarding chest pain management while they have high knowledge regarding respiratory maintains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]