Risk Assessment of Unregulated Biological Sample Handling Among Postgraduate Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract This mixed-methods study assessed the risks of unregulated biological sample handling among postgraduate students in Iraq. Quantitative data, gathered from a single survey completed by 172 participants and analyzed descriptively, revealed widespread challenges in obtaining samples (71.5%) and accessing equipped laboratories (78.5%), driving students to rely on commercial labs (65.1%) and informal peer exchange (51.7%). Twenty-five semi-structured interviews further elucidated these findings, revealing underlying reasons such as material shortages and poor university lab infrastructure (mentioned in 21 interviews). Both methodologies indicated high risk awareness (91.3% of survey respondents acknowledged risks; 16 of 25 interviewees recognized them), yet students continue these practices out of necessity. Interviews particularly emphasized a severe lack of adequate and practical biosafety training (indicated by 15 interviews). Crucially, in the absence of specialized governmental biosecurity agencies in Iraq, these unregulated practices heighten the risk of sensitive biological materials reaching unauthorized hands or being misused.