Mental health
Many Iraqis left Iraq as refugees after the Persian Gulf War of 1991 (Jamil et al., 2007). During this period of political turmoil, many endured torture and displacement (Jamil et al., 2007). Studies have shown that Iraqi refugees suffer from high rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, common for many refugees (Jamil et al., 2007).
Not only do past experiences of trauma lead to mental health problems among this population, but continuing social, political, and economic issues play a role as well (Jamil et al., 2007). In most cases, males suffer from higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, while females exhibit higher rates of depression (Jamil et al., 2007). This could be because men report wartime imprisonment and torture more frequently than women, with 85% of men and one third of women reporting such events (Jamil et al., 2007). Also, many members of this community have lost ties with their family at home, leading to feelings of shame and fear (Jamil et al., 2007).
Education of health care providers and of the community, regarding the experiences and cultural issues surrounding refugees may facilitate the social integration and improved mental health of this community (Jamil et al., 2007). Health care providers must be aware of the particular tools to aid refugee populations, and interpreter services must be available to facilitate counseling (Jamil et al., 2007).
Obesity
As the Iraqi population takes on an increasingly Westernized culture, with a poorer diet and more sedentary lifestyle, the rates of obesity in this population are increasing (Musaiger, 2004). Among Iraqi women studied, 76% are found to be overweight or obese, with older women more likely to be in these categories (Al-Tawil et al., 2007). Although rates are lower in males, it is still a critical health concern (Musaiger, 20004).
The importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle must be emphasized to manage obesity in this population and to prevent the associated health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Cancer and other effects from war
In addition to the trauma and mental illness brought about by the Persian Gulf War of 1991, exposure to chemical warfare, depleted uranium, insecticides, and herbicides has led to additional health effects in the Iraqi population (Cogan, 2005). Since the targets were often heavily populated areas of Iraq, there was widespread exposure of civilians (Al-Dujaily et al., 2008). A major effect of exposure to such pollution is cancer, as cancer rates increase even with mild radiation (Cogan, 2005). In females, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, with its incidence in the Iraqi population tripling since 1998 (Al-Dujaily et al., 2008). Additionally, due to exposure of parents to pollution from weapons, there has been an increase in the incidence of birth defects in Iraqi newborn babies (Cogan, 2005).
References:
Al-Dujaily, E.A., Al-Janabi, A.A., Pierscionek, T. & Yasseen, A.A. (2008). High prevalence of HER-2/neu overexpression in female breast cancer among an Iraqi population exposed to depleted uranium. Journal of Carcinogenesis, 7, (8).
Al-Tawil, N.G., Abdulla, M.M. & Abdul Ameer, A.J. (2007). Prevalence of and factors associated with overweight and obesity among a group of Iraqi women. East Mediterranean Health Journal, 13, (2), 420-429.
Cogan, J. (2005). Soaring birth deformities and child cancer rates in Iraq. World Socialist Web Site. Available: http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/may2005/iraq-m10.shtml
Jamil, H., Farrag, M., Hakim-Larson, J. & Kafaji, T. (2007). Mental health symptoms in Iraqi refugees: posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 14, (1), 19-25.
Musaiger, A.O. (2004). Overweight and obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: can we control it? East Mediterranian Health Journal, 10, (6), 789-793.
