bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public health aspects of problematic ineternet use
Authors: Mirković Momčilo , Todorović Jovana
Published: October 2024

Background: In recent years, problematic internet use has become a significant public health problem. Methods and Objectives: The method consists in a search of contemporary literature regarding the most important aspects of problematic Internet use. The main objective of this paper is to provide a basic overview of current scientific findings in conceptualization, measurement and research on problematic Internet use. Results: There is wide agreement that the Internet can serve as a tool that enhances well-being. It is more difficult, however, to find consensus around the issue of problematic Internet use. That may be in part because scientific investigation has lagged far behind technological advances and media attention. The diagnostic schemas that have been proposed since 1996, and the screening tools that have been developed, stress similarities with substance use, impulse control disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Problematic internet use generally refers to use of Internet content that is out of control and leads to difficulties in daily functioning. That includes generalized problematic internet use, but also specific forms, such as problematic use of video games, social networks and pornography. Prevalence figures vary as a function of the diagnostic definition used, the age group studied, and whether the surveys were conducted online. Studies suggest high comorbidity rates with mood disorders and, among younger individuals, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Treatment should address any comorbid conditions present, as those may be causing, or exacerbating, problematic Internet use. Interventions that may specifically target problematic Internet use include cognitive behavioral therapy, but detailed guidelines must await further studies. For a medium that has so radically changed how we conduct our lives, the Internet's effects on our psychology remain understudied. Conclusions: More research is needed into the pathophysiology, epidemiology, natural course, and treatment of problematic Internet use. In addition, the more subtle psychological changes, such as disinhibition, that seem to characterize people's online behavior also deserve attention, even if they cannot be seen as necessarily pathological.
Risk communication challenges in a biological or chemical terror attack
Authors: Jovanović Dragana , Karadžić Vesna , Vasić Milena
Published: October 2024

Background: Risk and crisis communication is very challenging and even more so in a terrorist attack caused by biological or chemical agents due to its unpredictable emergency scenario and health consequences. Under the EU framework for improving preparedness and strengthening the response capacities to health emergencies of biological, chemical, environmental, and unknown origin, the project "Joint Action to Strengthen Health Preparedness and Response to Biological and Chemical Terror Attacks" (JA TERROR) aims, amongst others, to address gaps in health preparedness to response to biological and chemical terror attacks by cross-sectoral work. Promoting the implementation of risk and crisis communication in all stages of risk management is a focus of the WP7. This article aims to present identified challenges in risk communication in a biological or chemical terror attack. Objective and Methods: A literature review of scientific findings about risk and crisis communication about biological or chemical terror attacks after 2000 and before October 2023 in peer-reviewed journals and English-language publications was performed. Exchange knowledge and lessons learned through project meetings and workshops Results: Overall findings singled out the following risk communication challenges: nature of the threat (differing threat types, unpredictable, global threat), resources (lack of experts and competence, lack of training, lack of experience), cooperation (roles and responsibilities), public perception (psychological reactions, fear, panic, misinformation, etc.), preparedness communication, and communication and providing information during a crisis. In-depth analysis for identification of challenges from the angle of emergency management phases pointed to those Conclusions: The list of identified challenges is not exhausted here, but their sorting out through the emergency management cycle is to highlight and point to those that should be recognised on time and considered for appropriate and time actions to be taken.
EHealth literacy as a superdeterminant of health
Authors: Vujković Branko , Jović-Vraneš Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

Background: The expression "health literacy as a superdeterminant of health" indicates the key role of health literacy in shaping and influencing the general health of individuals and communities. eHealth literacy (EHL), in the era of digitization of health systems, is a significant predictor of an individual's health condition, and as a determinant of health, it is important in the analysis of the health system of each country. Previous research has shown that a satisfactory level of EHL is needed in order for citizens to actively participate in making correct health decisions and participate in health care Methods and Objectives: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 8 state-owned primary healthcare (PHC) centres in the territory of the Mačva district in Western Serbia. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in this study. We translated, culturally adapted, and investigated the psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ), and evaluated EHL in the PHC users in Serbia Results: A total of 475 PHC users were enrolled. The highest EHL mean scores were obtained for the understanding of health concepts and language and feel safe and in control Statistically significant differences (all P<.05) for all 7 eHLQ scores were observed for age, education, perceived material status, perceived health status, searching for health information on the internet, and occupation. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the Serbian version of the eHLQ can be a useful tool in the measurement of EHL. Improving eHealth literacy as a superdeterminant of health represents an important political and social goal, and is of great importance for comprehensive progress, therefore we must have an adequate instrument to assess it, as well as the availability of health technologies.
Review of the importance of nutrition support during the treatment of tuberculosis to increase treatment outcomes
Authors: Stošić Maja , Dodevska Margarita
Published: October 2024

Background: Despite increased attention and proven methods of rapid diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB), undernutrition related to TB continue to be the major public health challenge. Methods and Objectives: Narrative review based on literature search of PubMed electronic database to identify articles focused on increasing understanding of the associations between nutrition and TB in the last five years. The terms 'tuberculosis' and 'nutrition' were used. Primary search process culminated in a total return of 1159 documents, while random sample of 10% have been reviewed. Results: The majority of articles showed that undernutrition increases the risk of TB and vice-versa and is highly prevalent among TB patients. It has also been demonstrated that undernutrition is a risk factor for progression from TB infection to active disease and that undernutrition at the time of diagnosis of active TB is a predictor of increased risk of death and TB relapse. Related to macronutrient supplementation, small trial from India find a significant benefit on completion of TB treatment, and sputum conversion, but these findings have not been confirmed in larger trials. The provision of free food or high-energy nutritional products may produce a modest increase in weight gain during TB treatment. Five trials assessed multi-micronutrient supplementation in doses up to 10 times the dietary reference intake, and 12 trials assessed single or dual micronutrient supplementation. There is insufficient evidence to judge whether multi-micronutrients have a beneficial effect on mortality in HIV-negative patients with TB but the available studies show that multi-micronutrients have little or no effect on mortality in HIV-positive patients with TB. Multiple micronutrient supplements may have little or no effect on the proportion of TB patients remaining sputum positive during the first 8 weeks and probably have no effect on weight gain during treatment. Plasma levels of vitamin A increase following initiation of TB treatment, regardless of supplementation. In contrast, plasma levels of zinc, vitamin D and E, and selenium may be improved by supplementation but a consistent beneficial effect on outcomes of TB treatment or nutritional recovery has not been demonstrated. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence on how routinely providing medical nutrition support independently affect TB treatment outcomes. Further well-designed studies are needed to prove or exclude associations.
Attitudes of the first and the fifth year medical students towards people living with HIV in Belgrade
Authors: Milosavljević Zoran , Gazibara Tatjana , Simić Danijela , Danis Kostas
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLWH) among medical students in Belgrade vary from mostly positive to explicitly negative. We aimed to explore attitudes of the first and fifth year medical students toward PLWH and to identify predictors of positive attitudes toward PLWH. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study from March to May 2023 among medical students in the first and the fifth year in the University of Belgrade. Participants completed an online questionnaire about attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLWH). Each positive attitude was awarded one point. The sum of points represented the attitude score. The multiple liner regression model was applied to identify predictors of stronger positive attitudes. Results: Overall, 402 (38%) students responded. The total attitudes score was similar among older and younger students (median 12 out of 19, p=0.313). A difference in attitude score was found between males and females in the fifth study year, where males had a stronger positive attitude score compared with females (13 vs. 12, p=0.047). Compared with first year students, there were 14% more fifth year students (prevalence ratio [PR]=1.14, 95%CI:1.0-1.2) who would be friends with PLWH, as well as 34% more students in the fifth year (PR=1.34, 95%CI:1.2 -1.4) who would not separate PLWH from other patients in health care institutions. Belonging to sexual minorities (B=1.12, 95%CI 0.29-1.95; p=0.008), and opting to use post-expositional prophylaxis PEP after unsafe sex (B= 0.52, 95%CI 0.07-0.98; p=0.025) were factors associated with stronger positive attitudes toward PLWH. Conclusion: In general, most attitudes toward PLWH did not differ between the first and fifth year students. Students of homosexual/other sexualities were more likely to have stronger positive attitudes as they are sensitized to PLWH stigma. Peer education and sharing of experiences of PLWH are necessary to reduce negative attitudes and stigma among medical students in their future work in medical institutions.
Relationship between bullying and COVID-19
Authors: Tošić Mirjana , Đikanović Bosiljka , Boričić Katarina , Zeba Zorka
Published: October 2024

Background: Bullying is defined as a negative verbal and physical action that has hostile intentions, upsets the victim, and is repeated over time. For children who have experienced bullying, exposure to Covid-19 in addition had a very negative impact on their lives and relationships with their peers. Methods and Objectives: The aim of this work is to examine the connection between bullying and exposure to Covid -19 in school children grades 5 and 7 of elementary school as well as in the first year of high school in Serbia in the 2021/2022 school year. The research was conducted as a secondary analysis of data obtained in the cross-sectional study (Health and Behaviour School Children, HBSC) from 2021/2022 school year. The statistical significance of the difference in frequency exposure to violence and the variable of exposure to Covid-19 has been calculated using the X² test. Results: School children that have more frequently been bullied and exposed to Covid-19 had a very negative effect on their lives as a whole (29%). Every third pupil that has been exposed to bullying, Covid -19 had a very negative effect on mental health, and a pretty much negative effect on health in general. Also, exposure to Covid-19 has resulted in bad relationships between peers, bad grades in school and a negative relationship with their family (33,9%). Conclusions: Exposure to Covid-19 in school children that have suffered from bullying resulted in harmful intentions concerning mental health life in general. According to the results appropriate health educational recommendations can be created.
Relationship between sickness absence and healthcare utilization among the employees in Serbia
Authors: Knežević Snežana , Stajić Dalibor
Published: October 2024

Background: Workplace absenteeism significantly impacts productivity and employee well-being. This study examines the relationship between sickness absence and healthcare utilization (general practitioners and specialists) among employees in Serbia, focusing on the public healthcare sector. Understanding these associations can inform policies to improve workplace health and reduce absenteeism. Methods and Objectives: This secondary data analysis from the 2019 Serbian National Health Survey involved 3746 employees aged 18-65. Participants were categorized based on sickness absence duration (≤ 30 days or > 30 days) and their visits to general practitioners and specialists. Descriptive analyses and Chi-square tests explored relationships between absenteeism and healthcare utilization. Results: In total, 1319 (49.6%) participants did not visit a general practitioner; 39.4% had no sickness absence, 8.8% had ≤ 30 days and 1.4% had > 30 days. Those who did visit were primarily in the public healthcare sector (34.4%), with higher proportions experiencing prolonged sickness absence: 44.5% had no sickness absence, 8.3% had ≤ 30 days, and 2.7% had > 30 days. Similarly, 829 (50.0%) did not visit a specialist; 36.7% had no sickness absence, 8.1% had ≤ 30 days and 3.4% had > 30 days. The majority who visited a specialist were in the public sector (40.3%): 28.8% had no sickness absence, 8.1% had ≤ 30 days, and 3.4% had > 30 days. Significant statistical differences were found for visits to general practitioners (p = 0.003) and specialists (p = 0.005). Conclusions: This study highlights that increased healthcare utilization is associated with prolonged sickness absence. Targeted healthcare interventions could help address absenteeism and improve health outcomes for employees in Serbia. This study provides a foundation for future research and policy-making to enhance workplace health and reduce absenteeism.
Workshop of the Association of Public health: Towards the next generation of Public Health Workforce: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Stevanović Aleksandar , Albreht Tit , Živković-Šulović Mirjana , Mandić-Rajčević Stefan , Bjegović-Mikanović Vesna , Stamenković Željka
Published: October 2024

The complex nature of contemporary public health issues requires a multidisciplinary public health workforce, including professionals from various backgrounds who have been sensitized to the public health approach. In many countries, the field has traditionally been led by medical doctors who undergo further training in preventive branches of medicine such as epidemiology, hygiene, social medicine, biostatistics, or more recently, Global and One Health. Other countries have separate public health education programs independent of medical studies, offering various graduate and postgraduate courses. Over the years, efforts have been made to define the essential skills of public health professionals, led by organizations like the World Health Organization and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER). These competencies continue to expand, necessitating more investment in public health infrastructure and training. The current lack of recognition, competitiveness, and appeal of a career in public health is leading to a restriction of the necessary build-up of qualified professionals. Many countries anticipate a shortage of public health workers due to an aging workforce, increased demand, and difficulties in attracting and training new professionals (3). The COVID-19 pandemic and severe climate events highlight the crucial role of the public health workforce in effective disaster management and preparedness, prompting decision-makers to take notice. It is the responsibility of the public health community to lead this effort and shape the future of the profession. Lessons from the last decades transfer to us several key points underlining the need for improved communication skills as well as the need for enhanced public health brokering roles for decision-makers and the general public.
Patulin as a risk factor in a children's food
Authors: Đermanović Mirjana , Bojanić Ljubica , Rudić-Grujić Vesna , Petković Vesna
Published: October 2024

Background: Patulin (4-hydroxy-4H-furo[3,2-c]pyran-2(6H)-one; CAS Number 149-29-1) patulin as a secondary metabolite of certain types of molds, primarily Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys, belongs to the group of mycotoxins. Patulin is a well-known toxicant in food, with adverse immunological, neurological and gastrointestinal outcomes associated with chronic intake. Patulin is an enteropathogenic mycotoxin and has the ability to alter the function of the intestine. Methods and Objectives: The method for determining patulin using liquid chromatography is described in AOAC method 995.10, by which patulin is extracted three times with ethyl acetate, followed by purification using sodium carbonate solution, evaporation of the organic solvent, and determination of patulin on a C-18 reverse phase column, with a UV detector. 24 samples of baby food containing apple were analyzed. All samples were imported. Results: In the group of products for infants and small children, patulin was detected in juices and porridges, in average concentrations below 10mg/kg. The maximum determined content of patulin was 3.3 and 2.7 mg/kg in juices and porridges, respectively. In none of the 24 samples of food for infants and young children tested in this research, the patulin content was not over 10 mg/kg, from which it follows that all tested samples in terms of patulin content meet the legal requirements. Conclusions: The safety rating of the tested samples was given on the basis of a comparison of the obtained results with the relevant maximum permitted levels defined by the legislation in the Republic of Srpska. In order to preserve public health, it is necessary to monitor and control the population's exposure to patulin.
Risk of addiction of social media utilization among youth in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Šiljak Slađana , Matejić Bojana
Published: October 2024

Background: It is estimated that there are around five billion users of social networks in the world, and among the students' usage of this media of communication is increasing. The goal of the research is: to assess the patterns and frequency of use of social networks among the student population, as well as the risk of addiction to their use. Methods and Objectives: The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study at the Pan-European University "Apeiron" in Banja Luka. For the purposes of the research, a questionnaire was designed, posted on the website and bulletin boards of all faculties, and students (559 of them) voluntarily and anonymously filled out the questionnaire during spring 2023. Risk of addiction was assesed by Bergen scale. Descriptive statistics and statistic of differencies between variables (chi square test) were used. Results: The most frequently used social networks are Instagram (84.1%) and Facebook (39.5%). Students used this media mostly 1-2 times a day during normal daily activities (45.1%) and in their free time (73.3%). Half of the students estimate that they have no problem with the use of social networks. The largest percentage of students (95.3%) has a low risk of addiction and 4.7% a medium-high risk of addiction from the use of social networks, without significant differences according to the socio-demographic (sex: p=0,564, age: p=0,188, place of living: p=0,193) and socio-economic characteristics of the students (study programme: p=0,981, success during studies: p=0,544, financial status: p=0,749). Conclusions: A low risk of addiction to social networks is present in more than 95% of students in Banja Luka, while a medium-high risk is present in less than 5% of students. Students evaluate good mental and emotional health. There is need for using social media as a health education tools among students.
Patterns of adolescents' substance use in Serbia: A latent class analysis
Authors: Kilibarda Biljana , Gudelj-Rakić Jelena , Tošić Mirjana
Published: October 2024

Background: While data on prevalence of psychoactive substance use and trends among adolescents are available in Serbia, less is known about patterns of use, including concurrent use of illicit and licit psychoactive substances. Methods and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore patterns of substance use among students in Serbia and correlation with sociodemographic and other factors using latent class and chi square test to examine demographic factors and other correlates of the defined groups. Data were obtained from ESPAD survey conducted in Serbia in 2019 on representative sample of 3529 16 years old students. Results: Six latent class solution with the lowest BIC value was selected: Class1 (38.4%) characterized by low probability of any psychoactive substance use; Class 2 (3.8%) high probability of only cigarette use; Class 3 (47.8%) high probability of alcohol use and low probability of any other substance; Class 4 (4.4%) high probability of alcohol and sedatives use; Class 5 ( 4.1%) high probabilities of concurrent use of alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis and Class 6 ( 3.8%) high probability of concurrent use of all explored substances. Results show alcohol, the most popular psychoactive substances is used either as only substance or concurrently, with girls having higher probability using it concurrently with sedatives. Class 6 students are more likely to be from more affluent families and those in classes with high probability of concurrent substance use (Classes 4, 5 and 6) were more likely to skip school five or more days in the last 30 days (6.5%; 13.7% and 10.8% respectively) compared to Classes 1, 2 and 3 (0.5%;1.4% and 2.2%) Conclusion: Concurrent substance use is associated with skipping school, not being engaged in sports activities and lower grades. Variations in substance use patterns have implications for monitoring, prevention and treatment.
Novi Sad City Health Profile 2024: Health promotion planning for 8th phase of WHO European Healthy Cities Network
Authors: Ukropina Snežana , Mijatović-Jovanović Vesna , Radić Ivana , Čanković Dušan , Čanković Sonja , Tomašević Tanja , Milijašević Dragana , Petrović Vladimir
Published: October 2024

Background: Updating or creating city health profiles at least once every five years or during each phase of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network (EHCN) is recommended. These profiles can serve as the foundation for advocacy, informing policy decisions, setting health-related priorities, and ensuring accountability. City health profiles offer a scientifically grounded assessment of the population's health and the environments in which they reside. The City of Novi Sad has been a member of WHO EHCN since 2012. Methods and Objectives: The 2024 Novi Sad City Health Profile, following the WHO EHCN methodology, includes summarized data from health status analysis, Rapid Health Assessment of Quality of Life (RPA) results, and the results of the Consensus Conference of stakeholders in the City of Novi Sad. Results: Novi Sad City Health Profile 2024: summarize health information relevant to the city according to socio-demographic factors (growing population between two Censuses but also ageing), indicators of mortality and morbidity (significant burden of non-communicable diseases, but also with a need for infectious disease control), health-care organization (shortage of human resources and support on primary health care), environmental health determinants (supporting continual monitoring and informing) and characteristics of applied health promotion programmes (needs for standard measure applying and evaluation); describes the main quality of life characteristics according to the RPA method and according to the outputs of city stakeholders Consensus Conference, propose prioritization of health problems solution in Novi Sad through 6 main domains (Ecosystem, Accessibility and Availability, Urban Planning and Development, Safety, Culture). Conclusions: Novi Sad City Health Profile identifies factors and determinants that affect health in the city; suggests areas for action to improve health; sets targets for health-related achievements; and informs the public, politicians, professionals, and policy-makers about matters that affect health, in an easily understandable way.
Influence of sociodemographic factors and levels of physical activity on the presence of spinal deformities in children during growth and development
Authors: Lazić Irena , Sinđić-Antunović Sanja , Aleksić Tanja , Sokić Zorica , Todorović-Stošić Jasmina , Ristić-Georgijev Danijela
Published: October 2024

Background: The current living conditions, which impose an increased sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy habits among children, are associated with an increase in the occurrence of spinal column deformities during the developmental period. Numerous risk factors are known to be associated with development and progression of spinal deformities. Methods and Objectives: The aim of this observational, clinical study is to present the distribution of sociodemographic factors and levels of physical activity, along with their mutual conditioning, for the occurrence of spinal deformities in pediatric population during the developmental period. The study participants were children who were examined by a physiatrist and a pediatric surgeon. The first group included 100 children with spinal deformities. The control group consisted of 100 children without spinal deformities. Results: Respondents in the group with spinal deformities were statistically significantly older (11.5±3.1 years vs. 10.4±3.1 years, p=0.016), overweight (43.9±16.0 vs. 39.3±16.6 kg, p=0.046), toller (151.7±17.2 vs. 145.8±18.2 cm, p=0.019) and less frequently engaged in free physical activities (81.0% vs. 92.0%, p=0.001). Positive family history of spinal deformities was shown to be in 29% of respondents with spinal deformity and 14% of respondents without this deformity, which represents a statistically significant difference between these two groups (p=0.010). Respondents from the group with spinal deformities are engaged in some physical activity in 81% of cases, while respondents from the group without spinal column deformities were more physically active in 92% of cases, which was shown to be a statistically significant difference between the compared groups (p=0.001). Conclusion : Our results demonstrated that certain groups of children including those that are overweight, toller and the ones that were less frequently physically active should be regularly followed for the evaluation of onset and progression of spinal deformities during the period of growth and development.
Strengthening capacities for implementation of International Health Regulations: SHARP JA experience
Authors: Vasić Milena , Karadžić Vesna , Jovanović Dragana , Ljubičić Miljan , Kilibarda Biljana , Jovanović Verica
Published: October 2024

Background: Joint Action on Strengthened International Health Regulations and Preparedness in the EU (SHARP JA) was implemented from 2019 to 2023. Work package 8 of this project dealt with training and local exercises, and exchange of working practices. Methods and Objectives: The objective of this paper is to present the trainings conducted during the SHARP JA with the aim to strengthen implementation of international health regulations (IHR) for serious cross-border health threats in the JA partner countries. Method of this paper was a review of published and unpublished reports and training materials developed under the WP8 activities. Results: The following trainings were conducted - IHR Basic Online-Training, In(tra)-Action Reviews (IAR) in an Online Setting, Online Tabletop exercise on Risk communication - "Vaccination Exercise", International Tabletop Exercise Points of Entry - Control Measures, Contact Tracing, Public Health Disaster Recovery Training, Workshop on Public Health Surveillance - lessons learned from COVID-19/Public Health Emergencies Detection and Surveillance, Training on the EU Common Ship Sanitation Database - Digital tool for supporting International Health Regulations implementation at Points of Entry, Chemical Safety and Chemical Threats. In total, 21 workshops/ trainings, 3 national exercises, and 2 study visits were organised in online and on-site settings with total number of 943 participants from 31 countries. The target audience for the trainings were the public health professionals from different sectors, actively involved in the implementation of IHR core capacities, risk communication experts, field epidemiologists from different sectors, laboratory experts, representatives of local, intermediate and national level authorities, National focal points for the IHR, persons working at a competent authority at a country central level (Ministry of Health, National Public Health Institute or other) dealing with chemical safety, etc. Conclusions: WP8 conducted online and on-site basic and advanced trainings that contributed to strengthening the competencies of public health professionals in the JA-SHARP partner countries.
Clinical and laboratory differences in the presentation and severity of lobar and multilobar community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Vukosavljević Dragan , Janković Jelena , Laban-Lazović Marija , Ivanović Anđelka
Published: October 2024

Introduction and objective: Community-acquired pneumonia pneumonia is acute respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma and alveolar apparatus caused by respiratory viruses, bacteria and fungi present at all ages. It can be lobar or multilobar, unilateral or bilateral. The aim of the research is to examine the difference in disease severity and laboratory analyzes in patients with lobar and multilobar pneumonia. Methods: The retrospective study included 80 patients with symptoms and signs of acute respiratory infection who were initially examined in the Emergency Department and then treated in the hospital at the Clinic for Pulmonology, UKCS due to radiographically verified lobar or multilobar pneumonia. Demographic characteristics of patients, PCR respiratory panel of nasopharyngeal swab, radiographic topography of pneumonia, length of hospitalization, laboratory tests, therapy and pneumonia severity score (CURB65) were analyzed. Results: The average age of the patients was 67.21±69.5 years, and 43(53%) were male and 37(47%) were female. Out of the total number of patients, 24(30%) were non-smokers, the other 56(70%) were active or former smokers. The most common comorbidities are: arterial hypertension 49(61%), diabetes mellitus 15(18%), COPD 14(17%), malignancy 13(16%), cardiomyopathy 4(5%). PCR respiratory panel of nasopharyngeal swab revealed the following pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae 41(51%), Influenza A 25(31%), influenza virus H1N1 14(18%), Moraxella catarrhalis 8(10%), SarsCov-2 virus 6(7%). Lobar pneumonia in 39(48%) patients, more common in males 22(56%), radiographically most commonly affected lower right lobe 18(46%), average length of hospitalization 12.48±10 days, most often caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae 20(51%) , Influenza A 13(33%), Metapneumovirus and Moraxella catharralis 3(7%) with an average inflammation marker 148.05±136, procalcitonin 13.83±0.44 and mean CURB65 values 2.15. Multilobar pneumonia in 41(52%) patients, more common in men 21(53%), average length of hospitalization 12.53±10 days, most often caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae 22(56%), Influenza A 9(21%), SarsCov-2 virus 6(14%) with average inflammation marker 162.35±136, procalcitonin 7.25±0.44 and mean CURB65 values 2.43. 22 patients(17%) were treated in the intensive care unit with an average CURB65 score of 2.5. Fatal outcomes occurred in 16(20%) patients with an average CURB65 score of 3. CURB65 score 4-5, which indicates a high degree of mortality in the next 30 days, was present in 9(11%) patients. Conclusion: The test results are in favor of a more frequent presence of multilobar pneumonia in males, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus Pnuemoniae with higher inflammation parameters and CURB65 values, a more severe clinical picture.
Dietary habits as a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Milidrag Ardea , Zlatanović Milena , Gutić Medo , Dimić Ivana , Radević Svetlana
Published: October 2024

Background: The global increase in type 2 diabetes highlights the need to understand its risk factors, particularly dietary habits. This study investigates the relationship between dietary patterns and population characteristics to identify high-risk behaviours and inform prevention strategies. Methods and Objectives: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Research instruments included a general socio-demographic questionnaire and a standardized Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire. The research was conducted online from June 25 to July 15, in the general population, with 100 participants. The study was entirely anonymous, and all participants were informed about the research protocols and provided informed consent. Results: The study results indicate that men exhibited higher percentages of high and very high-risk factors (19%, 7%) than women (15%, 3%). Participants with higher education levels had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while those with lower education levels had a higher prevalence of very high risk (12%) compared to those with higher education levels (6%). A quarter of the participants reported having chronic diseases, with these individuals showing higher percentages of high and very high-risk factors (26% and 13%) compared to participants without chronic diseases (4% and 3%). In our sample, more than half (57%) of participants reported daily consumption of unhealthy foods, while only 6% adhered to a specific healthy diet regimen. Participants who rated their life satisfaction and health highly had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, 42% of those who rated their quality of life the highest had a low risk, and 53% of those who rated their health with a maximum score of 100 also had a low-risk factor for developing this disease. Conclusions: Higher education levels and quality of life are related to lower type 2 diabetes risk, chronic illnesses and unhealthy diets are linked to increased risk. Raising awareness through informative programs and promoting healthy lifestyle choices and regular health screenings are crucial for prevention and management.
The relationship between sociodemographic factors and level of nutrition among children population in Serbia
Authors: Sekulić Marija , Stepović Miloš , Rajković-Pavlović Zlata , Radovanović Snežana , Radovanović Jovana , Selaković Viktor , Stojanović Bojan , Maričić Milena
Published: October 2024

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) affects individuals' health behaviours and contributes to a complex relationship between health and development. Due to this complexity, the relationship between SES and health behaviours is not yet fully understood, especially among children. The aim of this research was to determine the nutrition levels in the population of children age 15 to 19 years, in Serbia and describe its relationship with demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Methods and Objectives: The research is part of the fourth National Population Health Survey in 2019, which was conducted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia, in cooperation with the Institute of Public Health of Serbia and the Republic Institute of Statistics. As a research instrument, questionnaires were used in accordance with the methodology of the European Health Survey. For the purposes of this research, data on the population aged 15-19 was used. The relationships between nutrition levels and sociodemographic factors were examined with chi-square test and One-way ANOVA. Results: The proportions of nutrition levels among children were as follows: 2.7% was underweighted, 57.0% had normal weight, 11.4% was pre-obese and 6.0% was obese. There were 379 boys (54.1%) and 321 girls (45.9%), with mean age 17.2±1.3. Statistically significant correlation was found between levels of nutrition and gender (ch2=11.722; r=0.008) and age groups (ch2= 10.160; r=0.017) with chi-square test, and years of respondents (p < 0.001) with One-way ANOVA. No significant correlation was found with region (p= 0.063) and index of well-being (p= 0.844). Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the underweight and normal weight is more common in girls while the pre-obesity and obesity in boys, especially in younger age groups (15-17 years), with highest percentages at the age of 16. Being pre-obese and obese in children age is considered as predictor of overweight in the adolescent and adult age, and overweigh is the risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases. More preventive programs should be introduced for children age with goal of reducing the pandemic of obesity.
User satisfaction with hospital health care in 2023: Review of key results
Authors: Ninković Olivera , Đurić Petar , Vukša Ana , Dukić Danijela
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Examining user satisfaction is a good way to obtain feedback on the treatment and care experiences of a large number of patients. Aim: To determine and present user satisfaction with hospital health care in 2023. Method: The survey was conducted in health institutions of the Republic of Serbia at the end of 2022 across internal medicine, surgical, gynecological-obstetric, psychiatric, pediatric, and physical medicine and rehabilitation departments according to the Professional-Methodological Guide of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia Dr Milan Jovanović Batut. A questionnaire consisting of three groups of questions (evaluating satisfaction with health care services and organization, work of nurses and doctors) was used as a research instrument, with users expressing their average rating on a scale from 1 to 5 (1= very poor, 5= excellent). Results: The user satisfaction survey with hospital health care was conducted in 98 health institutions in the Republic of Serbia, three fewer than in 2022, analyzing 10,432 questionnaires (633 more than the previous year). The response rate in health institutions was 82.5%, 4.4% lower compared to 2022. The sample consisted of 56.7% women and 43.3% men, with an average age of 52.1 years (SD=21.6). When analyzing satisfaction related to services and the organization of health care, patients were most satisfied with the organization and speed of diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as the information provided upon discharge (average rating 4.65), the work of doctors (4.72), and nursing care services (4.78). Overall satisfaction with the provided health care and conditions during treatment was rated as excellent by 67.3% of users, good by 26.0%, average by 5.4%, and poor or very poor by 1.3% of respondents. Conclusions: Users of hospital health care are satisfied or very satisfied with the provided services and organization of health care, as well as the work of doctors and nurses. General satisfaction is highly rated, as is each of the analyzed aspects. Respondent answers do not vary significantly across departments. Average ratings for all analyzed variables are slightly higher compared to last year.
Monitoring the quality of drinking water in rural health clinics and rural primary schools with their own wells in the Mačva District, Serbia
Authors: Panić Snežana , Dragičević Igor , Vujković Branko , Radojević Slobodanka , Damnjanović Bojan , Srećković Marijana
Published: October 2024

Background: According to the WHO, around 1.1 billion people lack access to good quality water. The microbiological quality of drinking water is a major public health concern due to the risk of waterborne diseases. Therefore, constant monitoring of drinking water quality in water supply systems is essential. Methods and Objectives: Our study aims to investigate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of drinking water in rural health clinics and rural primary schools with their own groundwater supply in the Mačva District, Serbia, from 2019 to 2023. The laboratory analysis of water was conducted by the Institute of Public Health of Sabac. Results: In the observed six-year period, 2,496 drinking water samples from rural health clinics and rural primary schools with their own water supply in the Mačva District were analyzed. Non-compliance with physicochemical and microbiological criteria set by Serbian regulations was found in 875 (35.1%) and 609 (24.4%) samples, respectively. A slight decrease of 2.6% per year in the percentage of microbiological non-compliance of drinking water samples from health clinics and schools was observed (R² = 0.3576). In contrast, the percentage of non-compliance with physicochemical criteria increased by 4.6% per year (R² = 0.6041). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of drinking water quality in rural health clinics and rural primary schools with their own groundwater supply in the Mačva District. While microbiological quality showed a slight improvement, the physicochemical quality deteriorated over the observed period. We recommend implementing corrective measures, including regular well maintenance, upgrading water treatment systems, and training staff. Additionally, boosting community education on water safety can help reduce contamination risks.
Exploring health and lifestyle factors in primary school children in the Braničevo District, Serbia: Interests, sports engagement and sleep
Authors: Novaković Svetlana , Milenković Sanja , Srećković Marijana
Published: October 2024

Background: The overall importance of sleep, physical activity, and hobbies for the well-being and development of children is well known to the scientific and professional community. Methods and Objectives: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 836 primary school children aged 11-15 years (from April 2019 to May 2019) in the Braničevo District. Data were collected on interests in art and sports, weekly hours spent on sports, sleep duration, BMI percentiles, and the prevalence of obesity. Statistical analysis was performed to determine mean values, standard deviations, medians, and distributions across different categories. This study aims to explore the interest in art and sports, weekly engagement in sports, sleep duration, and Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles among a population sample of primary school children in the Braničevo District. Results: Gender distribution was nearly even, with 51.6% female and 48.4% male primary school children. The average BMI percentile was 50.05 ± 32.03. Additionally, 6.9% of participants were classified as obese (>95th percentile). Regarding interests in art and sports, 36.6% of participants were interested in art, while 63.4% were not. In contrast, 53.8% of participants engaged in sports, while 46.2% did not. The average weekly hours spent on sports was 5.52 ± 4.47 hours. In terms of sleep duration, most participants (54.3%) reported sleeping 9-10 hours weekly, 38.6% reported 6-8 hours, 3.7% less than 6 hours, and 3.4% more than 10 hours. Conclusions: The findings indicate a higher interest in sports than in art among participants. Sleep duration varies widely, with a majority reporting sufficient sleep. BMI percentiles are normally distributed, but a small percentage of the population is obese. These insights can guide health and educational program development in the Braničevo District.
Blockchain integration in public sector: A comprehensive review of economic and legal challenges
Authors: Radonjić Ljubivoje , Bojić Ljubiša , Novaković Marko
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, obstacles, and ramifications of integrating blockchain technology into public sector functions, specifically focusing on economic and legal aspects. The discussion commences with an examination of the societal relevance of blockchain technology, as it is poised to dramatically enhance procedural efficiency within public sector organizations. Subsequently, the paper delineates the primary research objectives, which encompass identifying the multitude of benefits of blockchain technology for the public sector, investigating its legal and economic consequences, and scrutinizing the challenges that public sector organizations might face during implementation. Research methodologies employed to attain these objectives consist of an extensive literature review and qualitative primary data acquisition from field experts. Findings reveal that blockchain technology holds the potential to augment the swiftness and dependability of administrative procedures while bolstering data security within public sector organizations, albeit some legal and economic apprehensions persist. Regardless of these challenges, the authors maintain that the public sector is poised to reap significant rewards from blockchain technology deployment due to its capacity to modernize and streamline operations, as well as its capabilities for precise and verifiable data storage. Research limitations include a scarcity of available primary data and reliance on a singular data collection method. Suggestions for future research involve conducting additional studies addressing the questions raised in this research and supplementing the findings with user perspectives.
What drove the American decision to the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999?
Authors: Lošić Goran
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses relations between American branches of power and the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999. Primarily, the focus is on U.S. President Bill Clinton's official statements, administration staff, and members of U.S. Congress. The aim is to analyze dominant arguments, political discourse, and narratives about the military operation against Yugoslavia. The work addresses a central analytical question: What drove the American decision to the NATO military action against Yugoslavia in 1999? In other words, the research intends to dig into who was involved in the military campaign from the part of American branches of power and who was against it. The work consists of three parts; the first provides a short contextual framework with the conceptual and theoretical background; the paper then looks at President Clinton's central arguments for initiating the war. In the last part, the article presents specific reflections regarding the justification of bombing and opinions against it in the U.S. Congress. As a methodology tool, the work utilizes content analysis. The sources are based on the BBC, CNN, Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Guardian, and Los Angeles Times texts, on NATO and Clinton Foundation online data, Clinton Digital Library Archive and U.S. Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) records.