Background: While warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are used to manage thromboembolic events, they possess several features that impact adherence. Objective: To assess medication adherence and self-efficacy in patients receiving warfarin or DOAC treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Ibn Al-Bitar Hospital in Baghdad from December 2022 to May 2023 on patients receiving either warfarin or DOACs. The Arabic version of the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) questionnaire and the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6C) questionnaire were used to assess adherence and self-efficacy. Results: 181 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 56.9% received warfarin and 43.1% received DOACs. The mean ARMS score was 13.71, and 81.77% of the patients were adherent to anticoagulant therapy. There was a significant difference in adherence between the warfarin and DOAC groups. The mean SES6C score for the participants was 50.01. Patients in the DOAC group had significantly higher self-efficacy compared to those in the warfarin group. The adherence score correlated significantly with patients’ gender, education level, hospitalization and duration of anticoagulant use, while the SES6C score did not correlate with any of the independent variables. There was a significant negative correlation between self-efficacy scores and medication adherence scores. Conclusions: Patients receiving DOACs showed a higher self-efficacy to manage chronic diseases and lower medication adherence as compared to warfarin. Higher self-efficacy was associated with higher adherence to treatment.
Background: The purposes of this study were to determine the photogrammetric soft tissue facial profile measurements for Iraqi adults sample with class II div.1 and class III malocclusion using standardized photographic techniques and to verify the existence of possible gender differences. Materials & methods: Seventy five Iraqi adult subjects, 50 class II div.1 malocclusion (24 males and 26 females), 25 class III malocclusion (14 males and 11 females), with an age range from 18-25 years. Each individual was subjected to clinical examination and digital standardized right side photographic records were taken in the natural head position. The photographs were analyzed using AutoCAD program 2007 to measure the distances and angles used in t
... Show MoreBackground: Chief complaint of patients attending dental clinic represents the first step towards treatment plan. However, most of patients are not aware but the extent and severity of periodontal disease, which could be also, misdiagnose by the dentist. Aim of the study: To investigate whether reported chief complaint(s) are consistent with oral hygiene status Materials and methods: Records of 1102 patients, attending periodontics clinics in the college of dentistry/ university of Baghdad, were used to determine ten most commonly reported chief complaints. Sample of patients was further subdivided according to gender and age. In addition, plaque and gingival index were recorded to determine oral hygiene status. Results: Patients mostly
... Show MoreBackground: osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, skeletal microstructure breakdown, increased bone fragility, and fracture susceptibility. Osteopenia is the preceding step to osteoporosis because it causes a decrease in bone mass, osteoporosis reduces a person's quality of life. Periostin (encoded by Postn), its name is derived from the fact that it was first detected in periosteal osteocytes and osteoblasts. Periostin deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis and weak bones. Study objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine periostin levels in serum of Iraqi patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia, and it is also possible to consider periostin as a diagnostic factor to follow the progression o
... Show MoreCytokines are A type of protein that is made by certain immune and non-immune cells and has an effect on the immune system. Some cytokines stimulate the immune system and others slow it down. Interleukins (ILs) can be divided into several families with more than 40 subfamily members. They can interact with a variety of cells that alter the immune system and act on a wide range of cancers. In the past several years, ILs have attracted substantial attention because of their distinct roles in CRC that provide a new and promising strategy for CRC. In general, ILs facilitate CRC by promoting tumorigenesis, tumour growth, angiogenesis, and cancer cell invasion and metastasis and inhibit CRC via complex pathways. The Bioassay Technology Human Inte
... Show MoreThe purpose of research is highlighting the role of tax expenses in promoting direct foreign investment in Iraq, The main objective of the increase in the field of tax expenses is to manage the competition in the production of goods and services locally, in addition to the various qualities of the economical. As the search contributes to the idea of the role of the policy of the tax expenses in the promotion of foreign companies operating in Iraq. The analytical and transparent transparency used by adoption of cases of the relevant body of the tax body. For each image or form of tax expenses have been reliably related to the promotion of direct foreign investment, the taxpayers highlighted the annual controls, tax cuts as the sample was
... Show MoreBackground: The treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis has advanced significantly with the use of biologic treatments. Objective: To compare the effectiveness, safety, and impact on quality of life of biologic therapies versus conventional systemic therapies for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, using evidence from 2015 to 2025, focusing on the implications for understudied regions such as Iraq and the Middle East. Methods: Data was collected using "Embase," "MEDLINE," "PubMed," and "Cochrane Central Register." The study includes 45 randomized controlled trials. Additionally, 25 key real-world evidence studies were included for qualitative synthesis to provide context on long-term drug survival, quality of life, and regional applicab
... Show MoreBackground: Occupational exposure to hazardous drugs occurs in all aspects of anticancer drug handling. Proper recommendations and guidelines should be applied to control and reduce exposure. Objective: To assess pharmacists' knowledge and practice regarding the safe handling of anticancer drugs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at seven major hospitals in Baghdad City, Iraq, from December 2023 to February 2024. A pre-designed questionnaire was given to pharmacists who handled anticancer drugs in chemotherapy units. The questionnaire comprises sociodemographic data, knowledge of the safe handling of cytotoxic drugs and thoughts about exposure and risk, practices for safely handling cytotoxic drugs, and challenges for s
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