Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke in the Iraqi population: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Stroke is a highly prevalent condition with high rates of death and disability in Iraq and around the world. Knowledge of stroke and its associated risk factors is essential for disease prevention and rapid response when confronted with a stroke patient. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess stroke knowledge and identify factors associated with awareness among the Iraqi public. Material and methods: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted on the Iraqi population. The self-administered online questionnaire contained three sections. The study got ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Baghdad. Results: The results showed that 26.8% of the participants reported knowledge regarding identifying all risk factors. In addition, 18.4% and 34.8% of the participants recognized all symptoms and mentioned all possible consequences of stroke, respectively. Previous medical history with chronic diseases had essential relationships with the response when faced with a person having an acute stroke. In addition, there was a significant relationship between gender, smoking history, and identification of early stroke symptoms. Conclusion: There was a lack of knowledge about risk factors for stroke among the participants. There is a need for an awareness program among the Iraqi people to raise their understanding of stroke that can reduce stroke mortality and morbidity.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Breast Cancer and Self Examination Among Females in UAE.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women worldwide with a steadily increasing global annual incidence. This study aims is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of females in the UAE toward BC and Breast Self-Examination practice in the seven Emirates. This was a face-to-face questionnaire-based study using CAM (Breast Cancer Awareness Measure) conducted over 3 months (from March to June 2019) on a random sample of females across the UAE. Of the 400 females who filled the questionnaire, 112 (28%) did the CBE at least once, and 184 (46%) practice BSE. Only 33% of participants were aware of the incidence of the BC in the UAE and those females were more likely to practice BSE (P < 0.05). In contrast, the majority showed a high awareness level in identifying cancer as a curable (91.5%) and non-transmittable (87%) disease that can be diagnosed at its earlier stages (93%). Only 11% of the participants identified weight reduction as a way to prevent BC. Knowledge of breast cancer sign/symptoms were good, as 41-87% of respondents were able to identify at least a single sign/symptom. The lack of awareness of BC among females in the UAE is of concern as it leads to low practices of screening and early detection, which ultimately will result in increased morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Further initiatives should be taken to increase practice, knowledge and awareness on early detection and screening for BC in the UAE community.

The Era of E-Cigarettes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Vaping Preferences, Reasons for Use and Withdrawal Symptoms Among Current E-Cigarette Users in the United Arab Emirates.

Electronic cigarette (E-cig) use has increased substantially among the young population, who adopt using E-cig for various reasons. Our present study aimed to explore vaping preferences and reasons for using E-cig among current users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to assess physical and psychological symptoms experienced while using E-cig during intermittent fasting. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 23 to May 22, 2020, to solicit responses from current E-cig users in the UAE. Data were collected about sociodemographic profile, tobacco cigarette smoking, vaping preferences, reasons for use, and withdrawal symptoms during fasting in Ramadan. A convenience sample of 591 adult E-cig users were initially recruited, of whom 392 participants with complete responses were included in our analysis. The majority of participants were males (n = 275, 70.2%) and around 28.6% (n = 112) were dual users. Vape tank/Box-mod was the most used type of E-cig (50.3%). Most of the participants (n = 317; 80.9%) believed that E-cigs are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. During fasting time, around 46.2% (n = 181) of E-cig users have experienced various physical symptoms, while 51.0% (n = 200) of users have experienced various psychological symptoms. E-cig use is gaining popularity within the UAE after the recent legalization as these devices are commonly advertised and claimed by manufacturers to aid smoking cessation. The effectiveness of E-cig in aiding smoking cessation should be investigated with a higher level of evidence, especially in a new context of usage as the UAE, considering various types of devices, hundreds of E-liquid brands, and the influence of concurrent poly-tobacco use.