Background: Because Iraq’s people has been exposed to many traumas, including war and displacement, mental problems in Iraq are a serious concern. An important factor in the prevention and control of mental illnesses (MIs) is adequate awareness of these conditions and their related factors. This study aims to evaluate the awareness of MIs among the population of Mosul City, Iraq. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to assess public awareness of MI. Data was collected from participants who agreed to participate while visiting six different health institutions in Mosul City during the data collection period. Data was collected from participants over a four-month period using a questionnaire and analyzed with the SPSS software program. Results: Among the 800 participants enrolled in this study, 68% reported experiencing unhappiness in the past months. Genetic inheritance as a cause of MI was acknowledged by 52.0% of participants. Inappropriate behavior and feelings of sadness were identified as signs and symptoms of MI by 48.5% and 47.8% of participants, respectively. The most commonly reported effect of MI was harmful consequences for oneself or others, followed by educational impairment, reported by 47.5% and 45.1% of participants, respectively. Regarding the treatment of MI, 76% of participants chose consulting a psychiatrist, while 32.6% believed that a religious leader could treat a mentally ill patient. The overall level of accepted awareness among the study population was 40.4%, with no significant differences observed across socio-demographic groups. Conclusions: Experience with MI was common among participants; however, awareness of MI was generally low in the study population. It is recommended to improve health literacy, reduce stigma, and provide adequate MI treatment and counseling centers that are acceptable and accessible to all individuals.
Background: Mental health among adolescents has become a pressing global concern, especially in resource-constrained settings where inadequate services, social stigma, and structural obstacles contribute to significant treatment disparities. While digital mental health solutions offer promising alternatives, their implementation in low- and middle-income countries presents distinct challenges that require thorough assessment. Objective: This review systematically examines digital mental health approaches for youth in developing nations, focusing on program varieties, adoption challenges, enabling factors, and policy implications to enhance program success. Method: Using established scoping review methodology, we conducted a comprehensive search in May 2025 across databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar), employing targeted search strategies related to youth digital mobile health (mHealth) and digital technologies in developing contexts. After screening, 12 qualifying studies were identified from 1,158 publications analyzed using PRISMA-ScR standards (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Results: The findings revealed that: (1) digital tools such as mobile applications and remote counseling, were effective, especially when customized to local contexts and developed with youth involvement; (2) major obstacles included access to technology, low digital skills, and shortage of trained providers; and (3) effective approaches leveraged community health workers and integrated digital and in-person components. The global health crisis both boosted digital adoption and highlighted persistent rural–urban disparities. Conclusion: Digital mental health strategies can transform youth care in developing regions; however, realizing this potential necessitates coordinated efforts to strengthen technological foundations, culturally adapt programs, and train healthcare personnel. Moving forward, initiatives should emphasize collaborative approaches and consistent assessment methods to guarantee fair and lasting benefits.
Introduction: Exogenous steroid use is the most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome, and prolonged exposure can lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency. When the source of steroid exposure is unclear, diagnosis may be delayed, significantly increasing the risk of serious complications. This case describes a child who developed Cushingoid features and adrenal insufficiency despite having no prior steroid prescriptions. Notably, the onset of symptoms coincided with the use of a weight-gain remedy. Case presentation: A ten-year-old boy presented with significant weight gain over a one-month period following the recent use of a nutritional supplement, despite having no prior history of steroid use. Clinical examination revealed Cushingoid features, and laboratory tests indicated secondary adrenal insufficiency. The supplement was discontinued, and prednisolone was initiated with a gradual taper. Eventually, prednisolone treatment was stopped after confirming full recovery. Discussion: Although a definitive causal link to the remedy has not been established, the patient’s clinical presentation, history, and laboratory findings strongly suggest glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency. Full recovery was achieved after discontinuing the remedy and gradually tapering the steroids. Conclusion: This case highlights an unusual pediatric presentation, emphasizing the importance of carefully reviewing all over-the-counter remedies and, when appropriate, analyzing their contents to identify undisclosed ingredients in similar situations.
Introduction: During the global coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were multiple reports of burnout among healthcare workers. A series of spikes in COVID-19 cases in Qatar led to increased efforts to track down, isolate, and test the close contacts of confirmed positive cases. The Department of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) established the Track and Trace (T&T) team at five different geographical locations in Qatar from March 2020 to December 2022. The aim of the present study was to examine the degree of burnout among MOPH nurses working in the T&T team in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 nurses from a total of 258 members of the swabbing team across five T&T field stations from October 1 to October 20, 2021. The degree of burnout—specifically personal accomplishment (PA), depersonalization (DEP), and emotional exhaustion (EE)—was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, were used to define participant profiles. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe’s test were used to determine significant variations in burnout scores across participants’ profile categories at the 5% significance level. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to identify a significant relationship between participant profiles and burnout levels. Scheffe’s test was then performed to determine which pairs of burnout score means differ significantly at the 5% level Results: A total of 101 nurses were eligible for and enrolled in the analysis. The majority were female ( n = 69, 68%), married, aged 31–40 years (74%), and Filipino ( n = 39, 39%) or Indian ( n = 38, 38%) nationals. Most were living with their families ( n = 86, 85%). Additionally, most of them had more than 10 years of professional experience and had been part of the T&T swabbing field team for over 11 months. The nurses in the T&T team exhibited an average burnout level ranging from low to moderate. Regarding the three domains of burnout, 81% of nurses had low EE ( n = 82%, x = 12.8, SD = 9.25), 48% had low DEP ( n = 49%, x = 5.56, SD = 4.64), and 50% had a moderate level of PA ( n = 51%, x = 38.01, SD = 7.26). Filipino nurses and those categorized under “other nationalities” reported higher levels of EE and DEP compared to Indian nurses. Conclusion: Despite the multiple surges of COVID-19 cases in Qatar and the physical and emotional stress they caused among nurses in the swabbing field, only low to moderate burnout was recorded. Furthermore, the results showed no substantial correlation between lack of PA and EE, regardless of gender or nationality, or between DEP and nationality. To successfully manage burnout among nurses in the T&T swabbing field teams, periodic burnout evaluations and debriefing were proposed.
Background: Midwakh smoking is a non-traditional form of tobacco use that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the Gulf region. Although many users are aware of its health risks, quitting remains challenging. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the motivation to quit and the factors influencing cessation among midwakh smokers in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between January 2022 and July 2022 using data from Qatar’s National Health Information System at Hamad Medical Corporation. Adults aged ≥18 years with a history of midwakh smoking ( n =117) who could communicate in Arabic or English were randomly selected and provided informed consent. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Of the 117 participants, 73.5% reported attempting to quit midwakh in the past 12 months, primarily due to health concerns (87.2%) and cost (10.5%). Most quit attempts were unassisted (69.8%), while 14.0% used nicotine replacement therapy, 11.6% received counseling, and 5.8% used telephone support services. Among those who attempted to quit, 59.3% remained abstinent for several months. Current smokers ( n =75) had a mean readiness-to-quit score of 7.2 out of 10 (SD=3.7). During healthcare visits, 69.4% were asked about their smoking status, and 47.0% were advised to quit. Subgroup analyses showed that males were older and more often motivated by health concerns, whereas females were younger and less likely to use cessation aids. Qatari participants were more likely to use quitlines, while non-Qataris more frequently reported lifestyle-related reasons for quitting. Conclusion: Health concerns and poor tolerance to midwakh were the primary motivators for quit attempts. Although healthcare providers routinely assessed smoking status, provision of cessation counseling and support was limited. Enhancing brief advice and referrals to cessation services is essential to support quitting among midwakh users.
Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a complex phenomenon that varies within and across populations. The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Qatar has been reported to range from 17% to 40%. Objectives: To investigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated factors among the adult population of Qatar. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-dimensional questionnaire focusing on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, perceptions of the risk of contracting COVID-19, conspiracies surrounding COVID-19, trust in the health system, and general attitudes and literacy regarding vaccines and vaccination. Descriptive analyses and multiple linear regression were performed to identify significant predictors. Results: A total of 1,160 adults aged 18 years and older, residing in Qatar and able to communicate in Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali, or Filipino, participated. Three in four participants were found to have moderate to high COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Female gender, older age, Qatari nationality, Arab ethnicity, receiving negative information about the vaccine from friends, social media, or healthcare workers, low functional vaccine literacy (VL) level, and missing flu vaccination were strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age, female gender, Qatari nationality, low VL, belief in conspiracy theories, low trust in healthcare, low perception of disease risk, influenza vaccination, and receiving negative information about the vaccine were identified as significant predictors. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was associated with factors such as strong belief in conspiracy theories, low perception of disease risk, and low trust in the health system, which may serve as key targets for future interventions to address vaccine hesitancy.
Infertility affects 10–16% of Sudan’s population and is a major public health concern exacerbated by the ongoing war, which has severely disrupted access to essential healthcare services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Even before the conflict, Sudan’s IVF landscape faced significant challenges, including socioeconomic constraints, limited investment in healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of trained specialists, and high treatment costs. Cultural and religious factors significantly reduced demand for IVF services, while geographical disparities in fertility center distribution created inequitable access. The war has intensified these pre-existing barriers, displacing populations, diverting resources from healthcare, and driving medical professionals away. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the psychological toll of war have further reduced access to IVF, leaving infertile couples with few options. Despite these challenges, international aid, public awareness campaigns, and innovative solutions such as mobile clinics, telehealth services, and financial assistance programs provide hope for recovery. To rebuild Sudan’s reproductive healthcare system, it is crucial to prioritize infrastructure reconstruction, enhance specialist training, and implement policies that ensure equitable access to fertility treatments. Addressing these challenges through sustained investment and targeted interventions is essential to restoring reproductive healthcare services and enabling Sudanese couples to fulfill their dreams of parenthood.
Language and communication play a critical yet often overlooked role in shaping mental health outcomes, particularly among ethnically diverse young populations. This letter explores the complex relationship between language, communication, and mental health equity in children and adolescents in multicultural contexts, such as those prevalent in the Gulf countries. It highlights the impact of language-related disparities on the utilization of mental health care services. Drawing from recent research, this letter underscores the urgent need for strategies to bridge these gaps, promote inclusivity, and ensure equal access to mental health services. It also suggests potential directions for future research to better comprehend and address these challenges.
