<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0004_s_006_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d2216917e275_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Introduction</title>The aim of the study was to analyse the deviations of the body posture and to assess the occurrence of spine deformities. Additionally, Body Mass Index in school children was related to the trend in postural deformities for different age groups (5-8 years old, n=112; 9-11 years old, n=205; 12-14 years old, n=212) as part of the project “Spine Lab”, granted from the European Commission IPA founds, investigating the importance of public health issues.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0004_s_007_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d2216917e283_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methods</title>Body posture was measured using Contemplas 3D software analyser, based on video image trajectory and BIA weight scale (Tanita BC 420). Overall, 17 variables were assessed, and differences were confirmed using MANOVA analysis.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0004_s_008_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d2216917e291_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>The results showed that there is a significant difference between age groups for the measured variables (F=9.27; p&lt;0.01; η2=0.26), suggesting a moderate difference across the age span.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0004_s_009_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d2216917e302_w2aab3b7b4b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>The study results showed that there is a negative trend of increasing Body Mass Index within the first and youngest age group. The fact is that the trend of increasing deformity of the shoulder belt has been noted, often inclining towards the formation of milder forms of kyphotic posture. Other forms of deformity that are accentuated in the survey results are the negative trend of increasing pelvic rotation and pelvis rotation which inclines towards the formation of lordotic posture for all three age groups.</sec></abstract>

Increasing postural deformity trends and body mass index analysis in school-age children

Integracija Kvantitativne In Kvalitativne Metodologije V Raziskavah V Zdravstvu: Sistematična Pregledna Študija / Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology in Health Science Research: A Systematic Review

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_006_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9723_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Introduction</title>To deliver quality management of a frail individual, a clinician should understand the concept of frailty, be aware of its epidemiology and be able to screen for frailty and assess it when it is present, and, finally, to recommend successful interventions.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_007_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9731_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methodology</title>A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Cinahl and UpToDate. The criterion in selecting the literature was that articles were published in the period from 2002 to 2017. From 67432 initial hits, 27 publications were selected.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_008_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9739_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>Useful interventions to address frailty are supplementation of vitamin D, proper nutrition, multicomponent training, home-based physiotherapy and comprehensive geriatric assessment, particularly when performed in geriatric wards.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_009_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9747_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an effective way to decrease frailty status especially when performed in geriatric wards. Multicomponent physical training and multidimensional interventions (physical training, nutrition, vitamin D supplementation and cognitive training) are effective measures to reduce frailty.</sec></abstract>

Management of frailty at individual level – clinical management: Systematic literature review

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0021_s_006_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d7463596e21320_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Introduction</title>The aim of this literature review was to explore the views of parents and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus regarding having a school nurse.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0021_s_007_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d7463596e21329_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methods</title>Six databases were selected for the analysis. The research strategy was based on the PICO model. The research participants were children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and/or their parents.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0021_s_008_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d7463596e21338_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>The present review of research papers includes 12 publications. The majority of works deal with the perspectives of children with type 1 diabetes and their parents on various aspects related to the role of a school nurse in the care of a child with type 1 diabetes:<list list-type="bullet"><list-item>the presence of a school nurse;</list-item><list-item>the role of a school nurse in the prevention and treatment of hypoglycaemia, in performing the measurements of blood glucose, and in insulin therapy;</list-item><list-item>the role of a nurse in improving metabolic control of children with type 1 diabetes;</list-item><list-item>a nurse as an educator for children with type 1 diabetes, classmates, teachers, teacher’s assistants, principals, administrators, cafeteria workers, coaches, gym teachers, bus drivers, and school office staff;</list-item><list-item>a nurse as an organiser of the care for children with type 1 diabetes.</list-item></list></sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0021_s_009_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d7463596e21370_w2aab3b7b7b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusions</title>According to parents and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, various forms of school nurse support (i.e., checking blood glucose, giving insulin, giving glucagon, treating low and high blood glucose levels, carbohydrate counting) are consistently effective and should have an impact on the condition, improvement of metabolic control, school activity and safety at school.</sec></abstract>

The role of a school nurse in the care of a child with diabetes mellitus type 1 - the perspectives of patients and their parents: Literature review

The connection between exertion and the prevalence of low back pain among hospital staff

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of our systematic review was to analyse the published literature on the psychosocial dimension of care in family medicine and its relationship with quality of care. We wanted to find out whether there is any evidence on the psychosocial approach in (family) medicine. The recommended bio-psycho-social approach, besides the biomedical model of illness, takes into account several co-influencing psychological, sociological and existential factors. An online search of nine different databases used Boolean operators and the following selection criteria: the paper contained information on the holistic approach, quality indicators, family medicine, patient-centred care and/or the bio-psycho-social model of treatment. We retrieved 743 papers, of which 36 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Including the psychosocial dimension in patient management has been found to be useful in the prevention and treatment of physical and psychiatric illness, resulting in improved social functioning and patient satisfaction, reduced health care disparities, and reduced annual medical care charges. The themes of patient-centred, behavioural or psychosocial medicine were quite well presented in several papers. We could not find any conclusive evidence of the impact of a holistic biopsycho-social-approach. Weak and variable definitions of psychosocial dimensions, a low number of welldesigned intervention studies, and low numbers of included patients limited our conclusions.</abstract>

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Poljanski nasip 58, 1000 Ljubljana,

University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Taborska ul. 8, 2000 Maribor,

The Role of the Psychosocial Dimension in the Improvement of Quality of Care: A Systematic Review

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Globalization has a major impact on public health in all countries of the world. Unfortunately, there are attempts to treat global challenges in the field of public health separately from national ones, following the model of tropical medicine, where the focus of action was in fact primarily on the identification and control of tropical diseases. This was especially in the interest of countries that colonized certain areas in the tropical part of the world. Global health, which is to some extent the successor of tropical medicine, cannot be a separate entity. The lines between global health and public health are blurring. In essence, global health is just another aspect of public health, important both in terms of recognizing the situation and taking action to improve the situation. The problems are mostly no longer local or national, and, to a greater or lesser extent, already affect the entire population or threaten the health of future generations.
Such a view of global health also requires different approaches. Of course, due to cultural and socio-economic characteristics, the field and method of work must be adapted to the specific local environment, but nevertheless, these are challenges that are present everywhere. Therefore, it is vital that we act decisively, with a united approach – regardless of where we live and at what stage of social development we are. The world has become one, so the division into public health and global public health has become meaningless.
</abstract>

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Public Health

Does the Era of Globalization Dictate a change in the Definition of Public Health?

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Aim</title>
To make the treatment approach in patients suffering a European hornet sting allergy reaction more personalized, preparing them also for possible future risks.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
In Slovenia an extended retrospective observational cohort epidemiological study about the natural history of Hymenoptera venom sensitivity is in progress. The study is based on data from the healthcare records of the University Clinic Golnik (UCG) and data collected by a questionnaire sent to patients from May 2019 to April 2021. For a pilot study, we selected patients who were referred to UCG because of an allergic reaction to European hornet sting and had been re-stung later by a wasp (n=68). The association between severe systemic allergic reactions (SSAR) after wasp sting and potential risk factors in subjects with a history of hornet sting allergy was assessed univariately using the likelihood ratio test.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Among 68 European hornet allergic patients 27 reacted with an SSAR and 41 reacted with a mild SAR. Among 27 patients with SSAR, 4 reacted with an SSAR also to a subsequent wasp sting. Among 41 patients with a mild European hornet sting SAR nobody reacted with an SSAR to a subsequent wasp sting. The association between the severity of the wasp SAR reaction in European hornet allergic patients was statistically significant (p=0.022).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
Our results suggest that patients with severe European hornet SAR should be considered for wasp venom immunotherapy or prophylactic prescription of epinephrine auto-injector as they are at risk for an SSAR also after wasp string.
</sec>
</abstract>

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine

University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Chair of Internal Medicine

Risk Factors Associated with Severe Systemic Allergic Reaction after Wasp Sting in Subjects with a History of European Hornet Sting Allergy

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
Clinical dietitians play a crucial role in the nutritional support of patients at risk of malnutrition in primary care settings. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an individualized nutritional intervention on clinically relevant outcomes for patients with chronic disease at nutritional risk.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
A longitudinal evaluation study was conducted in two Slovenian primary health centres. We used pre-test and post-test design. Patients with chronic disease were screened using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and additional risk factors (≥70 years and BMI &lt;22 kg/m2; lower food intake in the last five days). Patients at nutritional risk were referred to a clinical dietitian for individual nutritional intervention. The effect of the nutritional intervention was assessed six months after the patients’ first visit with a clinical dietitian.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
The sample included 94 patients. Nutritional risk was reduced significantly in high-risk and moderate-risk patients. In a subgroup of patients with a MUST score ≥1 (77 patients), body weight, BMI, Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), energy intake, and protein intake increased significantly (p&lt;0.001). At the same time, the phase angle significantly increased (p&lt;0.001), but there were no statistically significant changes in the improvement of grip strength. In a subgroup of patients with MUST score 0 (17 patients), we observed an increase in their median daily energy intake (p&lt;0.001) and median protein intake (p=0.003).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
Nutritional intervention delivered by a clinical dietitian improved patients’ nutritional intake and nutritional and functional status.
</sec>
</abstract>

University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia Soča, Clinical Nutrition Team

Effectiveness of Nutritional Intervention Led by Clinical Dietitian in Patients at Risk of Malnutrition at the Primary Healthcare Level in Slovenia - Evaluation Study

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death overall, with 1.5 years life expectancy and minimal therapeutic progress in the last decades. Despite the burden it causes, there is little research on the needs of this specific population. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ views on providing care and patients’ unsatisfied needs.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
This qualitative descriptive study was carried out at a cancer hospital in Northern Greece. A total of 12 participants (6 physicians and 6 nurses), treating patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing chemotherapy, were recruited through purposive sampling and underwent face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through the thematic analysis method in NVivo12 software.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
The analysis highlighted two themes: “needs of patients with pancreatic cancer” consisted of 6 subthemes (“daily activities”, “symptoms management”, “psychological support”, “information needs”, “multidisciplinary care” and “end-of-life care”) and “needs of healthcare professionals” had 3 subthemes (“psychological support”, “education” and “organizational support”). Several symptoms are identified and affect the daily activities of these patients, and psychological support is important for the majority of them, even at the time of diagnosis. The participants express dissatisfaction with the absence of palliative care structures and services and stated that an interdisciplinary approach would improve the quality of care.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
Healthcare professionals report a wide range of unsatisfied needs of patients with pancreatic cancer, with the majority expressing their concerns about the complete lack of patient support in the last stages of their lives.
</sec>
</abstract>

Unmet Needs in the Process of Chemotherapy Provision in Pancreatic Cancer Patients from the Healthcare Provider Perspective: A Phenomenological Study in Greece

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
Healthcare workers (HCW) can have an important role in educating parents about child road safety, but research on the topic shows that they usually do not have adequate knowledge. Thus, the aim of our study was to analyze their knowledge in the field of child road safety.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
The cross-sectional study was conducted among HCW from South Bačka district, Serbia, using a specially created questionnaire for assessing knowledge on road traffic injuries in children.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
The research involved the participation of 317 healthcare workers (86 physicians and 231 nurses). Healthcare workers from primary healthcare made up almost 70% of all respondents, followed by those from tertiary (21.8%) and secondary (11.3%) level institutions. The average percentage of correct answers on the knowledge test was 74.3% (mean=22.3, SD=4.0). Out of all respondents, HCWs employed in the paediatrics department had a significantly higher percentage of correct answers at 77.7% (mean=23.3, SD=3.4) compared to other health workers at 73% (mean=21.9, SD=4.1) (p=0.002). Association analysis demonstrated that HCW employed at paediatric departments on average scored 1.37 (95% CI: 0.40–2.33, p=0.006) points higher in comparison with other HCW.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
This research demonstrated an unsatisfactory level of knowledge on child road safety by HCW, and the variability across different question domains, which underlines the need for continuous educations in order to improve their knowledge. Our results may serve in planning additional public health measures and can provide a reference for future studies.
</sec>
</abstract>

Knowledge of Healthcare Workers Regarding Road Traffic Child Safety in South Bačka District, Serbia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care provided. Evaluating women’s satisfaction with childbirth is essential to improving obstetric care and ensuring a positive experience for mothers and newborns. The tools used to measure women’s satisfaction with childbirth are very heterogeneous and multidimensional. Assessment tools used in practice should be tested and meet characteristics that are consistently validated.
The aim is to identify currently available instruments measuring women’s satisfaction with childbirth and to evaluate their structure, content and psychometric properties.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
A systematic search for sources was carried out according to the criteria set. For the included studies, psychometric properties were assessed in accordance with the principles of the guideline for completing systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures, COSMIN.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
The review included 31 studies that reported the psychometric properties of six measurement instruments (questionnaires, scales). Content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, reliability and cross-cultural validity were assessed for the included studies. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ/CEQ2) and Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised (BSS-R) were the most commonly used questionnaires in the studies.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
Thorough testing of tools measuring women’s satisfaction with childbirth, and adapting them to cultural and social contexts, is still essential. It is crucial that valid and reliable questionnaires are available for midwives in practice, for use in research, to inform clinical practice and for the results to help develop the services offered.
</sec>
</abstract>

University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Health Care Studies

University of West Bohemia, Faculty of Applied Sciences

Measuring Women’s Satisfaction with Childbirth: A Literature Review of Measurement Properties

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_009_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26601_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Introduction</title>The purpose of the present study was to examine self-perceived stress of health professions students at the Faculty of Medicine Foča, and to explore its association with anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_010_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26609_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methods</title>The cross-sectional study enrolled 451 students at the Faculty of Medicine (medicine, dentistry, nursing and speech therapy). Survey instruments were distributed at the conclusion of the spring semester during the last required lecture for each year and study programme class. Perceived stress was assessed using the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. The students were evaluated for symptoms of depression and anxiety, using Zung’s self-assessment inventory for depression and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). European Quality of Life-5 dimensions were used for describing and evaluating health. Multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression to examine the relationship between the outcome variable and selected determinant factors.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_011_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26617_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>A high degree of stress was reported by 1.6% of students, while the majority of students had either moderate (70.6%) or low degree (27.5%) of stress. The significant independent factors associated with perceived stress were anxiety score (OR, 0.339; CI 95%, 0.276-0.403) and EQ-5D score (OR, 0.044; CI 95%, 0.033-0.085). A high degree of perceived stress (OR, 0.624; CI 95%, 0.507-0.704), the presence of depression (OR, 0.800; CI 95%, 0.513-1.087), and low quality of life were associated with anxiety (OR, 0.073; CI 95%, 0.018-0.128).</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_012_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26625_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>Higher levels of perceived stress predispose health professions students for anxiety and lower quality of life. The study programme was not a significant determinant of perceived stress sore.</sec></abstract>

Self- perceived stress in relation to anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life among health professions students: A cross-sectional study from Bosnia and Herzegovina

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_006">
<title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
The first large outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe occurred in Northern Italy in February 2020. The relatively fast spread of the infection to Slovenia was expected, and preventive measures for its suppression were widely discussed.</sec>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_007">
<title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
An online questionnaire was designed to evaluate adherence to preventive measures and the extent to which the taking of preventive measures was associated with people’s anxiety level, psychological burden, their perceived vulnerability to disease, germ aversion and a number of demographic characteristics in the early stage of Covid-19 spread. The survey was active for 24 hours (13–14 March 2020). There were 12,307 responses and 7,764 questionnaires were completed in full.</sec>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_008">
<title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Higher preventive behaviour was found in individuals who experienced greater psychological distress, were more anxious, and expressed greater perceived infectability and germ aversion. Greater compliance with preventive behaviour was found among women, those sharing a household with people aged over 65, the elderly and those who knew somebody who had been infected. These groups also showed higher anxiety levels, which appeared to be significantly increased in general as a result of the specific situation. Quarantine was evaluated as the most efficient preventive measure, and was respected relatively strictly even before it became an officially announced protective measure.</sec>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_009">
<title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
This research reveals a strong association between preventive behaviour and anxiety. Anxiety, together with social distancing, may affect physical and psychological health in the population in the long term. Other aspects of public health might therefore be influenced by the measures currently being enforced to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.</sec></abstract>

Association between preventive behaviour and anxiety at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_006_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19725_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Background</title>Surveys conducted among healthcare workers revealed that nursing staff often face various stressors associated with occupational activities, which reduce their work efficiency. The aim of the study was to establish the level of stress in nurses working at hospitals in Slovenia and to identify stress-related factors.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_007_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19734_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methods</title>A cross-sectional epidemiological design and a standardized instrument called the “Nursing stress scale” were used. The sample included 983 nurses from 21 Slovenian hospitals. The research was conducted in 2016.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_008_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19741_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>Prevalence of high level of stress was 56.5% of respondents (M (median)=75). Prevalence of high level of stress and stress factors may be statistically significant attributable to dissatisfaction at work (p&lt;0.001), disturbing factors at work (p&lt;0.001), inability to take time off in lieu after working on weekend (p=0.003), shorter serving (p=0.009), fixed-term work (p=0.007), and an increased number of workdays on Sunday (p=0.030).</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_009_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19748_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>The stress rate and stress factors are substantially influenced by variables reflecting work organization, competences and skills of healthcare management to work with people. Results reflect the need for nursing management and policy makers to design strategies to ensure adequate staffing, efficient organization and an encouraging work environment.</sec></abstract>

Work-Related stress factors in nurses at Slovenian hospitals – A cross-sectional study

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>The effects of particulate matter air pollution on respiratory health and on the cardiovascular system</title>Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of urban air pollution and has a significant effect on human health. Natural PM sources are volcanic eruptions, dust storms, forest and grassland fires, living vegetation and sea spray. Traffic, domestic heating, power plants and various industrial processes generate significant amounts of anthropogenic PM. PM consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in the air. The chemical composition of particles is very complex and depends on emission sources, meteorological conditions and their aerodynamic diameter. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to PM of varying size fractions is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Adverse health effects have been documented from studies of both acute and chronic exposure. The most severe effects in terms of overall health burden include a significant reduction in life expectancy by a several months for the average population, which is linked to long-term exposure to moderate concentrations of PM. Nevertheless, numerous deaths and serious cardiovascular and respiratory problems have also been attributed to short-term exposure to peak levels of PM. Although many studies attribute greater toxicity to smaller size fractions, which are able to penetrate deeper into the lung, the molecular mechanisms and the size fractions of the PM that are responsible for the observed diseases are not completely understood.</abstract>

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia

Institute "Andrej Marušič", University of Primorska, Muzejski Trg 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia Kontaktni naslov

The effects of particulate matter air pollution on respiratory health and on the cardiovascular system

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3089_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b1aAa">Introduction</title>The two primary objectives of this paper were (a) to develop first logically consistent TTO based EQ-5D-3L value sets for Slovenia and (b) to revisit earlier developed VAS based EQ-5D-3L value sets.</sec><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3097_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b2aAa">Methods</title>Between September 2005 and April 2006, face-to-face interviews with 225 individuals in Slovenia were conducted. Protocols from the Measurement and Value of Health study were followed closely. Each respondent valued 15 health states out of a total of 23. Model selection was informed by the criteria monotonicity/logical consistency. Predictive accuracy was assessed in terms of mean square difference between out-of-sample predictions and corresponding observed means, as well as Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient.</sec><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3105_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b3aAa">Results</title>Modelling was based on 2,717 VAS and 2,831 TTO values elicited from 225 respondents. A 6-parameter constrained regression model with a supplementary power term was selected for VAS and TTO value sets, as it produces monotonic values, and proved superior in terms of out-of-sample predictive accuracy over the tested alternatives.</sec><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3113_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b4aAa">Conclusion</title>This is the first EQ-5D-3L TTO based value set in Slovenia and the second in Central and Eastern Europe (besides Poland). It is also the first monotonic and logically consistent VAS value set in Central and Eastern Europe. Comparisons with Polish and UK TTO values show considerable differences, mostly due to mobility with having a substantially greater weight in Slovenia. The UK value set generally produces lower values and the Polish value set higher values for mild states.</sec></abstract>

Valuation of EQ-5D-3l Health States in Slovenia: VAS based and TTO based Value Sets

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Aim. The objective of the study was to examine self-esteem, anxiety level and coping strategies among secondary school students in relation to their involvement in organized sports. Methods. The sample included 280 Slovenian male and female secondary school students aged between 15 and 19 years. The participants completed The Adolescent Coping Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the PSDQ Selfesteem Scale. Results. Participants engaged in organized sports exhibited higher self-esteem scores and lower anxiety scores in comparison to non-sport participants. Differences between the two groups have also been identified with respect to the use of certain coping strategies. Sport participants reported more productive coping than non-sport participants, which represents an active and problem-focused approach to dealing with everyday problems. Gender differences in the referred variables have also been studied, with female athletes exhibiting higher levels of anxiety than male athletes. Female participants were also found to use more non-productive coping than males, focused mainly on reducing emotional effects of stress. Conclusions. Organized youth sports have an important role in improving and maintaining a favorable sense of self-worth, reducing anxiety, and promoting productive coping strategies in adolescents when dealing with everyday problems.</abstract>

Anxiety, Self-Esteem and Coping With Stress in Secondary School Students in Relation to Involvement in Organized Sports / Anksioznost, Samospoštovanje In Spoprijemanje S Stresom Pri Srednješolcih V Povezavi Z Vključenostjo V Organizirano Športno Aktivnost

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Slovenian Journal of Public Health

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 The quarterly journal, Slovenian Journal of Public Health, is published by the National Institute of Public Health Slovenia since 1962. It is published as a scientific journal with...

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 The quarterly journal, Slovenian Journal of Public Health, is published by the National Institute of Public Health Slovenia since 1962. It is...