At the College of Medicine, University of Karbala, a discussion of the higher diploma thesis of the student (Russell Fahem Obaid) took place within the requirements of obtaining a higher diploma in family and community medicine. The study was titled:
(Assessment of Depression and Social Support among Women with Breast Cancer in Kerbala City 2022)
This study aimed to assess depression and the level of social support in women with breast cancer.
The study sample included 250 breast cancer patients who attended tumor centers in the holy city of Karbala for the purpose of receiving treatment and follow-up. The study found that the prevalence of depression among women with breast cancer reached 36.8%, with the presence of many factors that had a role in increasing this percentage, as it was found that the prevalence of depression was wider in the younger age groups, as well as the marital status (the percentage was higher). For single or divorced women), the low number of children, and the low monthly income.
This study also found that about 54% of women with breast cancer had high social support, and the family represented the largest source of social support for patients, followed by support from the attending physician and health care providers. The results also showed that the level of depression decreased significantly with the increase in the level of social support provided to breast cancer patients.
This study recommended the importance of integrating programs for examining and diagnosing depression and providing psychological and social services within the routine care of breast cancer patients, with coordination between the family, health care providers and community organizations to work in a collaborative team to support patients financially and morally.
After the student presented her research and discussed it by the discussion committee, the esteemed committee decided to accept the study, with an excellent grade.
The committee consisted of:
a. Dr.. Amer Fadel Al-Haidari / Psychiatric Board / Karbala University – College of Medicine / Chair
a. M. Dr.. Ahmed Abbas Al-Azzawi / PhD in Oncology / Al-Wareth University – Faculty of Medicine / Member
a. M. Dr.. Ali Abdul-Ridha Abu Tahin / Board of Family Medicine / University of Karbala – College of Medicine / Member
a. M. Dr.. Scheherazade Shamkhi Al-Jubouri / Community Medicine Board / Karbala University – College of Medicine / supervisor and member
Dr.. Ahmed Mahdi Hassan / Cancer Investigation Board / Holy Karbala Health Department / supervisor and member
