On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the College of Nursing at Hawler Medical University, located in Erbil, hosted the formal doctoral dissertation defense for PhD candidate Wahida Abdullah Ibrahim within the Department of Maternity Nursing.
Conducted under the academic supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Kazhan Ibrahim Mahmood, the candidate submitted and defended her doctoral dissertation titled:
"Effectiveness of Using Squatting Versus Lithotomy Birthing Position on Maternal and Newborn Outcomes: A Quasi-Experimental Study"
The research addresses a fundamental area in obstetrical nursing and maternal-child health, evaluating the comparative clinical efficacy of alternative birthing positions during labor. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the study compares the traditional lithotomy position against the squatting birthing position to measure their respective impacts on maternal health parameters, labor progression, and neonatal delivery outcomes.
The academic examination took place in the Main Conference Hall at the College of Nursing before an expert panel of senior scholars and specialists in maternity and neonatal nursing:
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Professor Dr. Hamdia Mirkhan Ahmed – Chairperson | Hawler Medical University – College of Health Sciences (Maternity Nursing)
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Assistant Professor Dr. Kazhan Ibrahim Mahmood – Member & Academic Supervisor | Hawler Medical University – College of Nursing (Maternity Nursing)
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Assistant Professor Dr. Suhailah Mohammed Ali – Member | University of Kirkuk – College of Nursing (Gynecology and Obstetrics Nursing)
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Assistant Professor Dr. Awaz Aziz Saeed – Member | Hawler Medical University – College of Nursing (Maternity Nursing)
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Assistant Professor Dr. Renas Mohammed Khedir – Member | University of Raparin – College of Nursing (Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing)
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Assistant Professor Dr. Gona Othman Faris – Member | University of Sulaimani – College of Nursing (Maternal Neonate Health Nursing)
Following a comprehensive oral defense and rigorous evaluation of the research methodology and clinical implications, the examining committee officially approved the doctoral dissertation.
The Deanship of the College of Nursing expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to the honorable committee members for their academic oversight, scientific dedication, and thorough evaluation. The college extends its warmest congratulations to the graduate, Dr. Wahida Abdullah Ibrahim, on achieving this prestigious academic milestone, wishing her continued scholarly distinction, clinical excellence, and leadership in her future professional and academic career.
Iraq, Kurdistan Region,