Epidemiological Assessment of Chickenpox in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A Retrospective Study

Hussein, Darya S.; Qasim, Zana S.; Abdullah, Arshad M.

doi:10.21608/eajbsg.2025.441058

Epidemiological Assessment of Chickenpox in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq: A Retrospective Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Duhok- Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

² Department of Basic Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Duhok- Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

10.21608/eajbsg.2025.441058

Abstract

Geographical location and climate have an impact on the occurrence of chickenpox, a common viral infection. It usually affects youngsters and shows seasonal changes in temperate regions such as Iraq. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seasonal and demographic trends of chickenpox cases in Duhok city, in 2024. This retrospective descriptive study was carried out at the Dermatology Department of Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. From January to December 2024, all cases of chickenpox with a clinical diagnosis were included. A hospital-based questionnaire was used to gather patient information, including age, gender, date of infection, and domicile. A total of 680 cases were reported, with 342 females and 338 males, representing a roughly equal gender distribution. The 5–14 age group had the highest incidence, while the 1–4 age group had the lowest overall but demonstrated greater vulnerability in February. There was a noticeable seasonal trend, with a winter peak and a slow fall during the summer and autumn. Gender differences were not statistically significant, but seasonal change in the age distribution was statistically significant. There were clear seasonal and age-related tendencies in the number of chickenpox infections in Duhok in 2024, with the disease increasing in the winter, especially among younger children. These results emphasize the significance of vaccination campaigns and public health initiatives that are seasonally appropriate, particularly in the lead-up to the winter months.

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