📌 Students from Isra University Publish a Peer-Reviewed Research Paper in an International Specialized Journal
Gaza – Public Relations 🇵🇸
In a new academic achievement added to the record of Isra University, a team of students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, under the supervision of Dr. Ayman Al-Sous and Dr. Ezzat Al-Askari, has successfully published a peer-reviewed research paper in the international Indonesian Journal of Community Health Nursing. The study is entitled: “Breastfeeding and Weaning During War and Siege: Mothers’ Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges in the Gaza Strip.”
The study was conducted in response to the difficult humanitarian conditions experienced by the Gaza Strip. It aimed to assess the current state of breastfeeding and weaning practices among mothers during the war, while identifying the main challenges and barriers affecting child nutrition and maternal health. The study included a sample of mothers attending healthcare centers in the central governorate of the Gaza Strip.
The research was prepared by students Iman Al-Hawajri, Siham Abu Shawish, Hadeel Houso, and Raghad Samour, demonstrating the ability of university students to engage in scientific research and produce studies addressing health and humanitarian issues relevant to the realities of Palestinian society.
The study findings indicated that war and siege, along with food shortages, psychological stress, and limited healthcare support, constituted major barriers to mothers’ adherence to exclusive breastfeeding. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health, psychological, and awareness-support programs for mothers during times of crisis.
In this context, Dr. Taleb Abu Maala, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, praised the outstanding efforts made by the students and their supervisors in preparing and publishing the research in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal. He emphasized that this achievement reflects a high level of dedication to scientific research and the students’ ability to apply their academic knowledge to producing high-quality research of scientific value.
Dr. Abu Maala further explained that this achievement comes as part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences’ and Isra University’s commitment to strengthening students’ practical and research skills, developing their scientific capabilities, and encouraging them to conduct applied studies addressing health and community-related issues. Such efforts contribute to preparing qualified professionals capable of keeping pace with scientific and professional developments in their respective fields.
This scientific achievement reflects the distinguished academic and research level of Isra University students and the university’s commitment to promoting applied scientific research addressing issues affecting Palestinian society, thereby contributing to evidence-based scientific solutions to health and humanitarian challenges.