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PUBLISHED DATE: - 17-06-2024
DOI: -
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajssei/Volume06Issue06-18
PAGE NO.: - 95-113
THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT AND ITS
RELATIONSHIP TO THE QUARTERLY
DISTRIBUTION OF THE MOST COMMON
DISEASES IN NAJAF GOVERNORATE FOR THE
YEAR (2023)
Aiman Adnan Jebur Aboseaa
Asst. Lect., University of Kufa / College of Urban Planning, Iraq
INTRODUCTION
After recording the most common diseases, they
were classified according to the seasonal climatic
classification, based on the number of occurrences
recorded in the statistical divisions, in addition to
the scientific consultation of a group of specialized
doctors, where the researcher counted (44) types
of the most common diseases. Because of the large
size of their diversity, the researcher was limited
in his study. One year, which is 2023. This is, on the
one hand, and on the other hand, the data that
preceded this period was characterized by its
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Abstract
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inaccuracy due to the spread of the Coronavirus in
the period 2019-2021, which resulted in the
presence of people traveling in their homes. The
researcher used descriptive, statistical, and
cartographic methods to provide a clear picture of
The relationship between the local environment
and the seasonal distribution of the most common
diseases; despite his difficulties, it did not weaken
the researcher’s determination to continue the
research.
Section One
A Theoretical Framework for the Research
First: The problem of the study:
The research problem was as follows:
“What is the local environment that affects the
most widespread diseases in the study area?” To
answer this problem, it was necessary to divide it
into sub-problems:
1- What is the climatic season in which types of
diseases are more common than in other seasons
of the year?
2- What is the local environment in which seasonal
diseases are concentrated?
Second: Research hypothesis:
The general hypothesis of the problem was
formulated as follows:
“The environment of the Western Plateau is
considered one of the most disease-causing
environments in the study area.”
The sub-hypotheses are:
1- Summer diseases are among the most diverse
diseases in the study area.
2- Summer diseases are more concentrated in the
environment of the Western Plateau than in the
alluvial plain.
Third: Justifications for choosing the topic:
We provide a clear picture through which we
reveal the relationship between the local
environment and its impact on the increase and
decrease in the number of infections during the
seasonal change in the study area.
Fourth: Spatial and temporal limits of the study:
The spatial borders are specific to Najaf
Governorate, which comes in the seventh sequence
among the Iraqi governorates in terms of area,
amounting to 28,824 square kilometers and
constituting 6% of the area of Iraq. Najaf
Governorate is located on map (1) between
latitudes 30.29 north and 32.33 north. Its
longitudes are 44.43 and 45.46 east, and it is thus
located in central Iraq in the Middle Euphrates
region. It is surrounded by the governorates of
Karbala and Babil from the north, Al-Qadisiyah and
Muthanna from the east, Anbar from the west, and
the international borders of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia from the south. “The General Survey
Establishment -
1995” consists of administrative
units (Najaf district, followed by the districts Al-
Haidariyah and Shabaka, and the Kufa district,
followed by the districts Al-Abbasiyah, Al-Hurriya,
and Al-Manathira district followed Al-Hirah, Al-
Qadisiyah, and Al-Mishkhab, as in map (2). This
site greatly impacted the study area's natural
characteristics, making it a desert climate with hot
summers and cold, rainy winters.
The time limits for the study area are in the year
2023.
Fifth: Method and method:
The fundamental systematic approach, which
specializes in studying the phenomenon in a
limited spatial area represented by the Najaf
Governorate, was followed. The methods followed
were descriptive, statistical, and graphological.
Map (1): The astronomical website of Najaf Governorate
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Source: Republic of Iraq, Ministry of Water Resources, General Cadastral Establishment, Baghdad,
Administrative Map of Iraq, 2023.
Sixth: The basic concepts of the study:
1-Health health
A state of physical, mental, and social well-being,
not just freedom from disease or harm. “Al
-Akhd-
1973-
1”
2-Disease
A state of deficiency in the vital activities of the
human div or a state of imbalance between the
person and his environment
. “Sami
-1980-
7”
3-Infection
It is the means through which the disease can be
transmitted from one person to another
((www.katib.net))
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4- Geopathological factors
These are the natural and human factors related to
the development of the disease (Al-Muzaffar-
2002-105).
6- Biological factors, pathogens
They are the factors that directly affect the
formation or incidence of the disease. “Al
-
Muzaffar-2002-
102.”
Classification of the most common diseases in the
study area for the year 2023:
Diseases are generally classified into:
First: - infectious diseases d d.
These diseases are transmitted from one person to
another, such as measles, tuberculosis, and polio
(Al-Safadi - 2001-17).
Second: Non-communicable diseases infectious d.
These diseases, such as stomach ulcers and kidney
stones, are not transmitted from one person to
another. “Al
-Safadi-2001-
17”
The international classification that was relied
upon is the classification of diseases in the
international list of causes of death, as follows:
1. Infectious and parasitic diseases
2. Tumors
3. Blood and immune diseases
4. Endocrine diseases
5. Mental disorders
6. Nervous system diseases
7. Eye diseases
8. Ear disorders
9. Diseases of the circulatory system
10. Respiratory diseases
11. Digestive system diseases
We have adopted this classification because it is
more detailed and issued by the World Health
Organization. This is in addition to our reliance on
the seasonal climate classification, which
represents the focus of our research.
Second section
The general trend of infection with the most
common diseases in Najaf Governorate
First: The general trend of infection with the most
common diseases in the study area:
1- Numerical and relative distribution of the size of
the injury:
The total incidence of the most common seasonal
diseases in the study area for 2023 was
approximately 680,247 disease cases, as shown in
Table (1).
Winter diseases ranked first in terms of the
number of cases of the most common diseases,
with a staggering 305,308 disease cases recorded,
representing 45% of the total infection volume.
This high number underscores the severity of the
situation and the need for immediate action.
Autumn diseases followed, with 203,539 cases,
representing 30% of the total. Summer diseases
were in third place, with 128,550 cases, a 19%
increase. Finally, 42,850 disease cases were
recorded in the spring, constituting 6% of the total
infection rate in the study area.
Table (1): Numerical and relative distribution of the most common seasonal diseases in the study area for
the year 2023
The Disease
Number of
infections
Percentage
Winter Diseases
305308
45
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Autumn Diseases
203539
30
Summer
Diseases
128550
19
Spring Diseases
42850
6
The Total
680247
100
Source: Based on field survey (hospitals/health centers/kept records).
Table (2) shows the percentage of infection with
the most common seasonal diseases among the
study area's population, which, according to
estimates by the Central Bureau of Statistics,
amounts to 1,672,312 people for the year 2023.
Winter diseases ranked first, constituting 18% of
the total population size, followed by fall diseases
in second place, comprising 12%, then summer
diseases in third place, containing 7%, and finally,
spring diseases, which accounted for 2% of the
population of the study area.
Table (2): Percentage distribution of the most common seasonal diseases for the year 2023.
The Disease
Percentage
Winter DISEASES
18
Autumn DISEASES
12
Summer DISEASES
7
Spring DISEASES
6
Source: Based on field survey (hospitals/health centers/kept records)
Second: Numerical and qualitative distribution of
the most common diseases in the study area:
1- Percentage:
Table (3) shows the percentage of the most
common types of seasonal diseases in the study
area about its total number of 44 types, as follows:
When it comes to the seasons, winter takes the lead
in disease variety. We recorded a total of 18 types,
making up a significant 40% of the total. Summer,
on the other hand, is not far behind with 16 types,
accounting for 37% of the total.
B - Summer diseases ranked second, with 16
recorded types constituting 37% of the total.
T - Spring diseases ranked third, with seven types
recorded, constituting 16% of the total.
In conclusion, our survey revealed that spring
diseases are the least prevalent in the study area,
with only 3 types recorded, making up a mere 7%
of the total. This data provides valuable insights
into the distribution of common diseases in the
study area.
Table (3): Percentage distribution of the most common types of seasonal diseases in the study area for
the year 2023
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The Disease
Number
Percentage
Winter Diseases
18
40
Summer
Diseases
16
37
Spring Diseases
7
16
Autumn Slumber
3
7
The Total
44
100
Source: Field survey (hospitals/health centers/kept records)
We note from Table (4) the monthly and daily
infection rates of the most common seasonal
diseases in the study area for the year 2023, as
follows:
A - The daily infection rate with winter diseases
reached 836 sick cases, compared to the monthly
average of 25,442 sick cases.
B. On a similar note, the daily incidence of summer
diseases was also significant, reaching 352 sick
cases, compared to the monthly average of 10,712
sick cases.
C - The daily infection rate with spring diseases
reached 117 sick cases, compared to the monthly
average of 3570 sick cases.
The daily incidence of fall diseases reached 557
cases, compared to a monthly rate of 16,961.
Table (4): Monthly and daily infection rates of the most common seasonal diseases in the study area for
the year 2023
The Disease
Daily Infection Rate
Monthly Infection
Rate
Winter Diseases
836
25442
Summer Diseases
352
10712
Spring Diseases
117
3570
Autumn Diseases
557
16961
Source: This comprehensive report is based on a meticulous field survey conducted in hospitals, health
centers, and kept records, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data.
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Table (5) presents the crucial quarterly
distribution of the most prevalent diseases in the
study area for the year 2023, providing a
comprehensive understanding of the health
landscape in our region.
1- We find that bronchitis ranked first among
winter diseases, with 88,539 cases recorded,
representing 29%. It is followed by influenza,
where 58,008 cases were recorded, representing
19%; then asthma, where 48,690 cases were
recorded, representing 13%; followed by
laryngitis, which 33,583 cases of illness were
recorded, representing 11%; pneumonia, where
18,318 cases of the disease were recorded,
representing 6%. Then comes otitis media, where
1,609 cases of illness were recorded, making up
5%, followed by tonsillitis and the common cold,
where each recorded 1,212 cases of the disease,
representing 4%. Sinusitis and arthritis recorded
9,159 cases of the disease, constituting a rate of
3%, and then bronchiectasis, where 6,106 cases of
the disease were recorded, constituting a rate of
2%. As for muscle spasms, 2440 cases were
recorded, representing 0.008%, followed by
scarlet fever and pleurisy, each recorded 1,526
cases, representing 0.005%. Then comes
tuberculosis, where 305 cases were recorded,
representing 0.001%, followed by whooping
cough, recording 244 cases, representing
0.0008%. Measles, which recorded 183 cases, a
rate of 0.00006%, and finally, head lice, which
recorded 122 cases, a rate of 00004%.
2- Diarrheal disease ranked first among summer
diseases, with 74,559 cases recorded, constituting
58%, followed in second place by skin fungi, with
20,568 cases recorded, constituting 16%. Then in
The third type is kidney infection, which recorded
8,968 cases, representing a rate of 7%, followed by
skin allergy, which recorded 7,713 cases, a rate of
6%, followed by skin abscess and furunculitis,
which each recorded 5,142 cases, a rate of 4%, then
typhoid and paratyphoid, where 2,584 cases were
recorded, a rate of 3%, and then Sunburn, which
recorded 2571 cases, at a rate of 2%, followed by
sunstroke, which recorded 640 cases, at a rate of
0.005%, followed by dysentery, which recorded
386 cases, at a rate of 0.003%, followed by
meningitis and hair follicle inflammation, each of
which recorded 257 cases, at a rate of 0.002%, and
then Melasma, impetigo, and inflammation of the
sebaceous glands each recorded 129 cases, at a
rate of 0.001%, and finally food poisoning, which
recorded 51 cases, at a rate of 0.00004%.
3- Among the spring diseases, blepharitis ranked
first, with 26,138 cases recorded, representing a
rate of 61%. Skin allergy disease came in second
place, with 5,999 cases recorded, a rate of 14%.
Then chicken pox came in third place, which
recorded 3,856 cases, a rate of 9%, followed by
disease.
Eczema
recorded
3678
cases,
representing a rate of 8%, then eye allergy disease,
where 2989 cases were recorded, representing a
rate of 7%, followed by mumps, where 176 cases
were recorded, representing a rate of 004%, and
finally German measles, where 4 cases were
recorded, representing a rate of 0001%.
4- We find that asthma ranked first in the number
of cases, with 140,441 cases recorded6, at a rate of
9%, followed by bronchiectasis and scarlet fever,
where the first recorded 56,992 cases, at a rate of
28%, and the second recorded 6,106 cases, at a
rate of 3%. From the previous table, it is clear:
A - The data reveals the presence of seasonal
diseases that peak in a specific season, such as
bronchitis, diarrhea, blepharitis, and eczema,
which can guide healthcare professionals in their
preparedness and response strategies.
B - There are common diseases that increase in
more than one season, for example (asthma,
scarlet fever, and bronchiectasis).
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Table (5): Quarterly distribution of the most common diseases in the study area for the year 2023
Winter
diseases
Number
%
Summer
diseases
Number
%
Spring
diseases
Numb
er
%
Autum
n
diseas
es
Numb
er
%
Bronchitis
88539
29
diarrhea
74559
58
Blepharitis
26138
61
asthm
a
40441
69
flu
58008
19
Skin fungi
68
205
16
skin
Sensitivity
5999
14
Bronc
hial
allergy
56992
28
asthma
48690
13
Kidney
inflammati
on
8998
7
Chicken
pox
3856
9
Scarle
t
necros
is
6106
3
Erysipelasiti
s
33583
11
skin
Sensitivity
7713
6
Eczema
3678
8
Pneumonic
18318
6
Skin
abscess
5142
4
Eye allergy
2989
7
-
-
-
ear infection
16093
5
Keratitis
5142
4
Mumps
178
0,004
-
-
-
tonsillitis
12212
4
TAIFYAD
2584
3
rubella
4
0,000
1
-
-
-
Cold
9159
3
Sunburn
1866
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
paranasal
sinuses
9159
3
Sunstroke
640
0,0
05
-
-
-
-
-
-
arthritis
6106
2
Dysentery
386
0,0
03
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bronchiectas
is
2440
0.008
Inflammati
on of hair
follicles
257
0,0
02
-
-
-
-
-
-
Muscle
spasm
152
6
0.005
Meningitis
257
0,0
02
-
-
-
-
-
-
Scarlet fever
1526
0,005
Melasma
129
0,0
01
-
-
-
-
-
-
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Source: Based on field survey (archived records).
We note Table (6), which shows the general total
rates of infection with the most common diseases
per 1,000 inhabitants of the study area by district,
as follows:
1-The Manadhira District ranked first in the total
rates of infection per 1,000 inhabitants with the
most common diseases, with 1,729 disease cases
recorded. We find that the rate of infection with
summer diseases is 848 cases, followed by the rate
of infection with spring diseases, which is 428
cases, then the rate of infection with winter
diseases, 272 cases, and finally, the rate of infection
with autumn diseases, 181 sick cases.
2- Kufa District, with 1,626 disease cases recorded,
is a close second in the total rates of infection per
1,000 inhabitants with the most common diseases.
The winter disease infection rate recorded 730
disease cases, followed by the fall season disease
infection rate, where 487 disease cases were
recorded. Summer season diseases, where 307
disease cases were recorded, and finally, The rate
of infection with diseases in the spring season, as
102 disease cases were recorded
3- Al-Mishkhab district ranked third in the total
infection rates with the most common diseases,
with 1,552 disease cases recorded. We find that the
infection rate with winter diseases is 807 cases,
followed by the infection rate with winter diseases,
where 286 disease cases were recorded, then
spring season diseases with a rate of 269 disease
cases, and finally, Autumn diseases at a rate of 190
cases.
4- Najaf district ranked last regarding the total
incidence of the most common diseases per 1,000
inhabitants, with 715 disease cases recorded. We
find that the rate of infection with winter diseases
is 318 disease cases, followed by the rate of
infection with autumn season diseases, where 216
disease cases were recorded, and then the rate of
infection with summer season diseases. Where
136 disease cases were recorded, and finally, the
rate of disease infection in the spring season, which
was recorded at 45 disease cases
pleurisy
305
0.001
Inflammati
on of the
sebaceous
glands
129
0,0
01
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tuberculosis
244
0.000
08
Impetigo
129
0,0
01
-
-
-
-
-
-
Whooping
cough
183
0,000
06
Food
poisoning
51
0,0
004
-
-
-
-
-
-
The pill
122
0.000
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
305308
100
%
Total
128550
100
%
Total
42850
100
%
Total
20353
9
100
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Table (6): Seasonal disease incidence rate per 1,000 inhabitants according to districts of the study area.
Judiciary
Incidence
Rate Of
Winter
Diseases
Per 1000
Population
Incidence
Rate Of
Summer
Diseases
Per 1000
Population
Incidence
Rate Of
Spring
Diseases
Per 1000
Population
Incidence
Rate Of
Autumn
Diseases
Per 1000
Population
Total
Infection
Rates Per
1000
Population
Al-Manathira
272
848
428
181
1729
Kufa
730
307
102
487
1626
Al-Mishkhab
286
807
269
190
1552
Najaf
318
136
45
216
716
Source: Field survey (hospitals/health centers / preserved records)
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Map (2): The general total rates of infection with the most common diseases per 1000
population by district. In the study area and for the year 2023.
Source: The researcher’s work is based on the data in Table (6).
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Table (7) presents a comprehensive overview of
the infection rates per 1,000 inhabitants of the
most common diseases in the study area,
categorized by district and district centers for the
year 2023. This data is crucial for understanding
the health landscape of the area, and it reveals
some interesting findings:
Al-Abbasiya district, Al-Marabah, ranked first, with
526 medical cases recorded, followed by the Kufa
district center, ranked second, with 1,204 medical
cases recorded. Then, the Al-Hurriya district came
in third place, recording 156 sick cases, and then
the Al-Hira district, where 123 sick cases were
recorded. They were followed by Al-Qadisiyah
district, which recorded 105 sick cases, followed
by Al-Qadisiyah district, which recorded 105 sick
cases, followed by Al-Qadisiyah district, which
recorded 105 sick cases, followed by the district.
Al-Haidariya, where 90 disease cases were
recorded, then the Najaf district center, with a rate
of 63 disease cases, followed by the Mishkhab and
Manathira district centers, with a rate of 53 disease
cases, and finally, the Shabaka district, which
recorded 25 disease cases.
Table (7): This table is a key component of our research report, providing the incidence rates of
the most common seasonal diseases per 1,000 people, categorized by district and sub-district
centers. It is our hope that these findings will contribute to the development of effective public
health strategies in the area.
Administrative Unit
Infection Rate Per
1000 Population
Abbasiya District
526
Kufa District Center
204
Freedom District
156
The Area Of Confusion
123
Al-Qadisiyah District
105
Haidariya District
90
Najaf Center
63
Al-Mishkhab District Center
53
Manathira District Center
53
Network Hand
20
Source: Field survey (hospitals/health centers / preserved records).
From Tables (5), (6), and (7), we conclude the
following:
1- The administrative units (Al-Hurriya and Al-
Abbasiya sub-districts and the Kufa district center)
distributed within the alluvial plain environment
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occupied the first ranks regarding the number of
infections with the most common diseases in the
study area.
2-The highest incidence of summer diseases
occurred in the alluvial plain environment, which
was represented by the Al-Manathira and Al-
Mishkhab districts.
3- The highest incidence of winter diseases was in
Najaf District (plateau environment) and Kufa
District (plain environment). This means that the
alluvial plain environment is more responsive to
summer diseases due to factors that will be
explained later.
Map (3): Incidence rates of the most common diseases per 1000 people in the study area.
According to the centers of districts and districts for the year 2023
Source: From the researcher’s work based on Table (7)
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The third section: Natural factors affecting the
most common diseases in the study area:
Natural and human factors and the interaction
between them create what is known as a healthy
environment. Therefore, disease represents the
relationship between man and his environment
(Leamonth-1981-18).
1- Surface forms: landforms
The surface of the study area is divided into two
main parts: the alluvial plain and the western
plateau. As for the alluvial plain, it occupies the
northeastern part of the study area, and most of
the administrative units are located there. It
extends in a longitudinal strip along the Euphrates
River, its two branches (the Shatt al-Kufa and the
Abbasid River), and its extensions. The topography
does not differ from the other parts of the plain, as
it gradually descends with the parts of the Western
Plateau; it does not have clear borders. The high
parts above this plain are the shoulders of the
Euphrates River and the streams branching from
it, and the permanent and seasonal marshes
spread above it, which are the lowest parts of the
plain. “Ayed 2001
-35 As for the western plateau,
which occupies the majority of the surface of the
study area and is part of the lower valleys region,
in general, the height of the plateau above sea level
is 130 meters, and the level of the area above it is
40 meters. “Al
-Attiyah-2006-
26.”
We can conclude that the gradual elevation of the
surface level of the region from the east (the plain)
to the west (the plateau) has a role in determining
the network of streams branching off from the
Euphrates River, which made the desert plateau
deprived of this surface water. In general, the
surface depicts two different environments: the
environment of the alluvial plain and the
environment: the desert plateau and the first
provided reasons encouraging human settlement.
The environment of human settlements is an
ecomen-inhabited area, while the second
environment expels people and is uninhabited.
The climate conditions and water resources have
completely distinguished both environments.
2- Climate
The study area is located within the arid climate,
which covers about 70% of the area of the country
(Iraq) “Halaf
-1965-
118”, as the distance of Iraq
had a role in the emergence of this dry
environment, and the astronomical location
influenced the climate of the study area to be
characterized by two long seasons. Summer, which
extends for five months starting from May
Until September, the winter season extends for
three months, from December until February, and
two short seasons, spring (March and April) and
autumn (October and 2nd). Al-Qassab - 1986-42.
Table (8) shows the temperature and rain rates
during the month of the year for the year 2023. We
find that the warmest month is July, with the
average temperature reaching 38.3 degrees
Celsius, and the coldest month is January, with the
average temperature reaching 11.6 degrees
Celsius.
As for rain, the heaviest month is January, where
the average rainfall reached 15.6 mm, while the
driest months are (June, July, and September).
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Table (8): Temperature and rainfall rates in the study area for the year 2023.
The
Month
General
Average
Temperature M
General Rainfall
Rate/Mm
January
February
March
April
Mays
June
July
Dad
September
October
November
December
11,6
13,9
19,2
24,9
31,2
35,9
38,3
38
32,2
26,9
18,2
12,9
15,6
11,9
11,1
12,6
3,2
0
0
0
0
4,9
18
14,3
Source: General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring (unpublished data)
3- Water resources
There are two types of water resources in the
study area: surface water and groundwater. The
first type is:
It is more influential because it occupies most of
the alluvial plain, the population depends
primarily on it, and most of the administrative
units in the study area are distributed there.
The Euphrates River (Shatt al-Hindiyya) branches
into branches and streams, the number of which
reaches (101) branches and streams, forming a
vast network that creates an environment that
encourages human settlement, as the river valleys
are characterized by low soil and water
temperatures and howling. Small bodies of water
play a significant role in the thermal distribution of
the Air in contact. This, in turn, creates local
conditions that distinguish it from the rest of the
neighboring regions, where the air humidity above
the water bodies during the warm season is higher
than in the adjacent areas. Therefore, large
amounts of water evaporate from their surfaces,
and this depends on the depth of the water, the air
temperature and humidity, the water surface area,
and the speed of the wind. “Al
-Ani et al.-1982-
178.”
4- Natural plant vegetation
Natural vegetation is considered one of the factors
influencing local conditions, especially since the
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study area witnesses an apparent diversity in it, as
the vegetation is concentrated on the shoulders of
rivers and along the streams branching from them,
which is represented by trees of the tamarisk,
tamarisk, and brambles, as well as palm groves and
swamps in which aquatic plants such as seaplanes
and plants grow. In agricultural fields, in addition
to cultivated crops such as tartar and baked goods,
desert plants characterized by their tolerance to
extreme heat conditions have spread over the
western plateau of the region.
The study, of which 70% are annual plants
(Rafid
—
2007-40). In general, the density of
natural plants increases as we head from the
plateau towards the plain due to the availability of
water resources and suitable soil.
5- Soil
There are five types of soil in the study area, three
of which are found in the alluvial plain area (river
shoulder soil, river basin soil, and marsh and
swamp soil), and the remaining two types in the
Western Plateau region. Due to the high
groundwater level, the plain's soil is moist and
saturated with water. As is the case (the soil of
marshes, swamps, and river basins), some of which
are rich in organic matter, joined in the soil of river
banks, as these soils were formed due to the
sediments carried by the river during its flow, and
the diversity of the mineral content of these soils
has a significant role in the process of increasing
the moisture tension of the soil and thus Retaining
water (Al-Rashidi-1987-118), which helped the
presence of microorganisms in it.
These five elements contributed significantly to
the occurrence of diseases in one way or another,
as the ideal temperature for humans was 24-27
degrees Celsius (Al-Khafaf and Khudair - 1999-18).
Compared with the average temperatures in
summer and winter, we find they are very far from
this standard. The following factor follows: Heat is
a factor in precipitation, as the absence or lack of
rain leads to the scattering of soil particles due to
its dryness, which makes it easy for them to be
picked up by the wind, carrying with them deadly
microbes, which causes health problems such as
respiratory diseases, which cause inflammation of
the mucous membranes and may lead to death
((William-1975-474)) In the event of rain, it
stabilizes the soil, cleans the Air, and increases its
humidity, and this is what meets the needs of most
microbes for their livelihood. As for the winds,
their northwest direction agrees with the plateau's
slope toward the plain, which leads to dust being
carried from the desert areas toward the plain
areas.
As for the water, it is not suitable for drinking, as it
is considered hard water. The ideal permissible
hardness is (200-300) mg/liter. It was recorded in
January as (600-700) mg/liter and in July as (500-
2000) mg/liter. "Safaa - 2007- 61". In addition to
the pollution that included some marshes and
swamps and its impact on the food chain, "Farhan-
1983-65."
As for the soil, the more moisture and organic
matter available, the more suitable an
environment for worms and parasites that cause
diarrhea, such as pinworms and tapeworms
(Woltlerodifo-1985-266), which are active in the
summer and not very cold winters (Al-Ani and
Sabbah - 1989-226), as well as the activity of the
coccyxes that lead to the release of their spores
through Air, which may cause some diseases,
"Khalifa-1990-222".
Natural factors are a reservoir that embraces
pathogens, and the more stable these factors are,
the more they help complete the incubation period,
which varies from one cause to another. For
example, the chicken pox virus has an incubation
period of (7-14) days (AANDRSON-1971-394).
From the above, the most widespread seasonal
diseases in the study area occur more in the plain
environment than in the plateau environment.
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Therefore, we find that the center of the Kufa
District and Al-Manathira and its environs
recorded the highest number of infections, in
contrast to the center of the Najaf District and its
surroundings.
Map (4): Natural features in the study area and for the year 2023
Source: Ayed Jassim Al-Zamili, 2001, Spatial Analysis of Variation in Surface Forms in Najaf
Governorate, unpublished master’s thesis, College of Arts, University of Kufa, p. 38. This
research provides crucial insights into the spatial distribution of diseases in Najaf Governorate,
shedding light on the diversity of diseases, infection rates, and environmental factors affecting
disease prevalence in different seasons and districts.
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CONCLUSIONS
1- The winter season ranked first in the diversity
of diseases, amounting to 18 types of diseases,
followed by the summer, where 16 types of
diseases were recorded; followed by the spring
season, where seven types were recorded; and
finally, the fall season, where three types were
recorded.
2- The winter season ranked first in the number of
infections, with 305,308 cases of illness recorded.
This was followed by the fall season, where
203,359 cases of illness were recorded. The
summer season, with 128,550 cases of illness
recorded, followed by the spring semester, which
recorded 42,850 cases of illness.
3- The alluvial plain environment, with its unique
geographical features, was a hotbed for seasonal
diseases. The Abbasiya and Al-Hurriya sub-
districts, along with the center of the Kufa District,
were the most affected areas.
4- The districts of Kufa and Manathira ranked first
in cases of seasonal diseases per 1,000 people, as
the rate of total infections per 1,000 in the district
of Kufa reached 1,626 disease cases. In the district
of Mathura, there were 1,729 disease cases. The
district of Mishkhab, with a rate of 1,552 disease
cases, followed by the district of Najaf, with 715
disease cases.
5- The local natural factor had the first effect on
infection rates, and this is evident in the center of
the Najaf district and its environs; despite the
population size of 943,949 people, it came in last
place in terms of infection rates at the level of the
district and its administrative units compared to
the Kufa district and its environs, which has a
population of 417,691 people, and the Manathira
district. Its district has a population of 159,248
people.
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Foreign References
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Field sources:
1- Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Statistics Division,
unpublished data, 2023.
2- Al-Hakim General Hospital, Statistics Division,
unpublished data, 2023.
3- Manathira General Hospital, Statistics Division,
unpublished data, 2023.
4-
Al-Sajad
Hospital,
Statistics
Division,
unpublished data, 2023.
5- Primary Health Center, Al-Hira District,
Statistics Department, unpublished data, 2023.
6- Primary Health Center in Al-Qadisiyah District,
Statistics Division, unpublished data, 2023.
7- Primary Health Center, Al-Mishkhab District,
Statistics Division, unpublished data, 2023.
8- Primary Health Center, Al-Hurriya District,
Statistics Division, unpublished data, 2023.
9- Primary Health Center, Al-Haidariya District,
Statistics Division, unpublished data, 2023.
10- Abbasiya District Health Center, Statistics
Division, unpublished data.
International and Government Publications:
1 Meteorological Department, Najaf, unpublished
data, 2023.
2-General Survey Establishment, Baghdad,
unpublished data, 2023.
3-
Water
Resources
Directorate,
Najaf
Governorate, unpublished data, 2023.
4- Central Bureau of Statistics, Najaf, unpublished
data, 2023.
