KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE OF WOMEN TOWARD AESTHETIC-COSMETIC PROCEDURES NON-SURGICAL: SAMPLE FROM IRAQ, 2023

Background: Non-surgical aesthetic-cosmetic procedures have grown rapidly worldwide, influenced by the desire for youthfulness and advancements in medical technology. Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of women toward these procedures is essential for healthcare professionals and the aesthetic industry, especially in regions like Iraq where cultural and socioeconomic factors may shape perceptions. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among Iraqi women from September 2022 to March 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed through social media and government channels, collecting responses from 648 participants, with a response rate of 92.57%. The survey addressed demographics, knowledge levels, attitudes towards specific procedures, and motivations or deterrents for pursuing aesthetic interventions. Statistical analysis included frequency, percentage descriptions, and chi-square tests to assess associations between independent variables and attitudes (significance set at p<0.05p<0.05). Results: Most participants (94.3%) were aware of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and 82.4% demonstrated substantial knowledge of their existence. Popular procedures included laser hair removal, with 33.6% showing strong desire, while 44.8% were strongly opposed to tattoos. The leading motivation for undergoing procedures was to "refresh" personal appearance (23.9%), whereas satisfaction with natural beauty (23.8%) was the most common reason for abstention. Significant associations were found between attitudes toward specific procedures and factors such as age, educational level, job, and marital status (p<0.05p<0.05). Conclusion: Iraqi women display high knowledge and varied attitudes toward non-surgical aesthetic-cosmetic procedures, with preferences and motivations significantly affected by their demographic background. These findings highlight the importance of tailored aesthetic-care consultations that address individual needs, ensuring informed choices and sensitive healthcare delivery in the Iraqi context.