Background Reports suggest increased use of alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs in Iraq in the past decade, which may portend an increase in substance use disorders (SUDs) and, thus, an increased need for treatments. Objectives/Methods To develop better information on the nature and extent of drug and alcohol use in Iraq, the Iraqi Ministry of Health, with support from the U.S. government and technical assistance from U.S. researchers, held an initial Iraqi Community Epidemiology Work Group meeting in May 2012 in Baghdad. Drug seizure data was the primary data source, provided by Iraqi law enforcement and customs officials. Ministry of Health officials presented data from hospitals (medical and psychiatric), outpatient clinics, and health centers, as well as from surveys of medical patients, pharmacy patients, and prisoners. Results The data suggest that the most commonly used substances are alcohol, hashish, and prescription drugs. New drugs in Iraq's drug use scene include the amphetamine-type substances “Captagon” and crystal methamphetamine, and the painkiller tramadol. Seizures of Captagon, methamphetamine, Afghan opium, teriac (a crude form of opium), and heroin at border crossings may indicate that these substances are becoming more popular. A plan for an ongoing program of CEWG meetings was developed. Conclusions Drug and alcohol use in Iraq is increasing and new drugs are appearing in the country. An ongoing program for monitoring drug use trends and informing Iraqi policy makers is important for public health planning, including the development of strategies to identify citizens with SUDs and provide them treatment.

To determine the prevalence of skin diseases among primary-school children in Baghdad, Iraq, a total of 2160 schoolchildren were randomly selected from 30 primary schools. Sociodemographic data were collected from each pupil and exposed parts of the body of each child were clinically examined. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 40.9%. A significant association between the prevalence of skin diseases with education level of parents was demonstrated. The prevalence rates of transmissible and nontransmissible skin diseases were 8.8% and 33.7% respectively. The high prevalence rate may reflect prevailing low socioeconomic conditions. Prévalence des affections cutanées parmi les enfants d'école primaire du gouvernorat de Bagdad, Iraq RÉSUMÉ Afin de déterminer la prévalence des affections cutanées parmi les enfants des écoles primaires à Bagdad (Iraq), 2 160 écoliers ont été sélectionnés au hasard dans 30 écoles. Les données socio-démographiques ont été recueillies auprès de chaque élève et les parties du corps exposées de chacun d'entre eux ont été examinées sur le plan clinique. La prévalence globale des affections cutanées était de 40,9 %. Une association significative entre la prévalence des affections cutanées et le niveau d'éducation des parents a été établie. Le taux de prévalence des affections cutanées contagieuses et non contagieuses était de 8,8 % et 33,7 % respectivement. Ce taux de prévalence élevé peut refléter les mauvaises conditions socio-économiques observées dans le pays.

Background: The 2006-2007 Iraqi Mental Health survey (IMHS) reported surprisingly low prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in the Iraqi population. Since then anecdotal and clinical reports have suggested that abuse of alcohol and drugs in Iraq has increased. To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad. Objective: To investigate this possibility, we conducted a survey of drug and drug abuse at youth centers in Baghdad. Patients and methods: A total of 2678 persons were included in this survey with male to female ratio of 3.8:1. They were randomly selected from youth centers located in different sectors in Baghdad (Sader city, Al-Rusafa side and Al-Karkh side). Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to generate diagnosis. The interviewers were youth center staff who were trained by psychiatrists. Demographic data, age of onset and crowding index were obtained. Data collection was carried out on Dec. 2009. Results: A total of 16.7% met criteria for alcohol abuse and 7.02% met criteria for drug abuse. In those below 18 years of age, 2.1% reported alcohol abuse and 1.1% reported drug abuse. The peak age for alcohol and drug abuse was at 24-35 years. No female reported alcohol and substance abuse. The age of onset of alcohol was 21.7 ± 3.6 years and for drug abuse was 22 ± 5.8 years. Alcohol abuse was significantly associated with high crowding index, but drug abuse was not associated with crowding index. Low educational level was associated significantly with both alcohol and drug abuse. Conclusion: High rates of alcohol and drug abuse were recorded. A tendency for early age of onset in alcohol and drugs was observed. High household density and low educational level are important factors in alcohol and drug abuse.

Objective Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is common, begins early in life, and is associated with considerable impairment in the U.S. The epidemiology of IED outside the U.S. is unknown. We examined the prevalence and correlates of IED in Iraq, where exposure to violence has been widespread during the last three decades. Method Data were drawn from a national survey of the Iraq population, the Iraq Mental Health Survey (IMHS), conducted in 2006–2007. The WHO Composite International Diagnostic interview was used to assess DSM-IV disorders, including IED. The response rate was 95.2%. Results Lifetime and 12-month prevalence estimates of IED were 1.7% and 1.5%. Mean age of onset was 18.5. The mean number of lifetime attacks was 141.6 lifetime attacks, and IED-related injuries occurred 61 times per 100 lifetime cases. IED was significantly comorbid with mood and anxiety, but not substance, disorders. Conclusion Although the prevalence of IED is lower in Iraq than in the U.S., the disorder has an early age-of-onset, is highly persistent, and is associated with substantial comorbidity and functional impairment. Iraq lacks national policies or systematic programs to reduce aggression, highlighting the importance of implementing violence prevention programs to reduce the societal burden of violence in Iraq.

An increased prevalence of birth defects was allegedly reported in Iraq in the post 1991 Gulf War period, which was largely attributed to exposure to depleted uranium used in the war. This has encouraged further research on this particular topic. This paper reviews the published literature and provided evidence concerning birth defects in Iraq to elucidate possible environmental exposure. In addition to published research, this review used some direct observation of birth defects data from Al-Ramadi Maternity and Paediatric Hospital in Al-Anbar Governorate in Iraq from1st July 2000 through 30th June 2002. In addition to depleted uranium other war-related environmental factors have been studied and linked directly or indirectly with the increasing prevalence of birth defects. However, the reviewed studies and the available research evidence do not provide a clear increase in birth defects and a clear indication of a possible environmental exposure including depleted uranium although the country has been facing several environmental challenges since 1980.