STIGMA AND LOW SENSE OF COHERENCE AS LONG-TERM PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSIVE AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS IN THE POPULATION AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: The COVID-19 has had a profound negative impact on the population’s mental health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in the general population during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify risk factors associated with these symptoms after implementing initial prevention strategies. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 visitors to five general practices in February 2021 in Slovenia. The response rate was 82.0% (164/200). A structured survey was used to assess sociodemographic factors, depressive and anxiety symptoms, exposure to COVID-19 stressors, stress coping strategies used, and sense of coherence (SOC). A score of ≥10 points on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and ≥10 points on the General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire were considered as cut-offs for screened depression and anxiety, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of screened depression and anxiety was 24.4% and 12.9%, respectively. Independent predictors of depression were stigma related to COVID-19 (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.57-3.73, p<0.001), low SOC (OR 5.89, 95% CI 2.21-15.72, p<0.001), and smoking (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.23-10.10. p=0.019). Independent predictors of anxiety were religious rituals cancellation (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.02-2.65, p=0.040), childcare responsibilities (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.07-2.69, p=0.025), increased contact with close ones (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.11-3.29, p=0.019), and low SOC (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.22-22.31, p=0.026). Conclusions: Despite efforts to address the pandemic through prevention strategies and the burden of the pandemic decreasing, we still found a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. While some risk factors can be addressed quickly, such as by providing stable childcare and schooling and enabling assess to mental health services for vulnerable families, others require a longer- term approach, such as strengthening SOC and reducing stigma

Smoking habits among adolescents in Croatia in the period 1995-2015

Pušenje duhana, koje je u većini društava prihvatljiva navika, smatra se jednim od najvećih globalnih problema današnjice s lošim utjecajem na zdravlje. Rezultati dosadašnjih istraživanja ukazali su na štetnost pušenja u odraslih i u djece. Pušenje u adolescenata od posebnog je značaja jer je to sastavni dio društvenog funkcioniranja u toj dobi. Rješavanje problema pušenja podrazumijeva dugotrajnu aktivnost na prevenciji početka pušenja, posebice u adolescenata. Cilj ovoga rada je prikazati učestalost i navike pušenja duhana među adolescentima u Hrvatskoj u razdoblju od 1995. do 2015. godine. U prikazu rezultata istraživanja korišteni su rezultati Europskog istraživanja o pušenju, alkoholu i drogama među učenicima (ESPAD) u razdoblju od 1995. do 2015. godine, Istraživanja o zdravstvenom ponašanju učenika (HBSC) u razdoblju od 2002. do 2014. godine i drugih istraživanja koja su provedena među adolescentima u Hrvatskoj. Rezultati ESPAD istraživanja za Hrvatsku ukazuju na smanjenje učestalosti pušenja cigareta barem jednom u životu (69% 1995. vs. 62% 2015.), u posljednjih 30 dana (41% 2011. vs. 33% 2015. godine) i dnevne upotrebe cigareta (2003. i 2011. godine 29% vs. 23% 2015. godine). Rezultati HBSC istraživanja ukazuju na smanjenje učestalosti pušenja u petnaestogodišnjaka u Hrvatskoj, ali uspoređujući rezultate s prosjekom HBSC, vidljiv je porast. Godine 2002. hrvatski adolescenti po učestalosti pušenja u dobi do 13 godina bili su na 23. mjestu (34,5% djevojčica i 38,9% dječaka), a 2014. godine na šestom mjestu (26% djevojčica i 32% dječaka). Po učestalosti pušenja cigareta tjedno bili su na 16. (24,9% djevojčica i 23,2% dječaka), a 2014. godine na trećem mjestu (21% djevojčica i 25% dječaka). Rezultati Svjetskog istraživanja o uporabi duhana u mladih (GYTS) pokazali su pad broja trenutnih pušača cigareta u Hrvatskoj (2011. godine 27% djevojčica i 26,7% dječaka vs. 2016. godine 14,1% djevojčica i 15,1% dječaka), kao i onih koji su ikada pušili cigarete (2011. godine 65,9% djevojčica i 66,6% dječaka vs. 2016. godine 44% djevojčica i 46,9% dječaka). Prevencija pušenja u Hrvatskoj provodi se i kroz djelatnost školske i adolescentne medicine, zdravstveno-odgojnim aktivnostima i savjetovališnim radom, s djecom, roditeljima i djelatnicima škola. Škola i obiteljsko okruženje mjesta su gdje djeca provode najviše vremena i gdje su dosadašnje intervencije najviše usmjerene. Prevenciju bi trebalo usmjeriti i na kafiće, sportske klubove i druga mjesta gdje djeca i mladi provode slobodno vrijeme.These days, tobacco smoking has been in many societies an acceptable habit and considered as one of the biggest global problems with bad impact on health. Research results indicate that smoking is a risk factor for developing of number of deseases in adults and children. Adolescent smoking has been of particular importance, because it has been an integral part of social functioning in that age. Solving smoking problem implies a long-term activity on preventing start of smoking, especially in adolescent age. The aim of this paper was to show the frequency and habit of tobacco smoking among adolescents in Croatia in the period from 1995 to 2015. The results of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) in the period from 1995 to 2015, Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) in the period from 2002 to 2014 and other studies conducted about tobacco smoking among adolescents in the Republic of Croatia were presented in this paper. ESPAD results for Croatia showed decreased frequency of cigarette smoking at least once in a lifetime (69% in 1995 vs. 62% in 2015), in the last 30 days (41% vs 33% in 2015) and in daily use (2003 and 2011 29% vs. 23% in 2015). The results of HBSC showed decreased frequency of smoking in 15-year-olds, however when comparing the results for Croatia with HBSC’s awerage, an increase is noticeable. Regarding frequency of smoking at the age up to 13 years, Croatian adolescents were at the 23rd place in 2002 (34.5% girls and 38.9% of boys) and at the sixth in 2014 (26% of girls and 32% of boys). Regarding the frequency of cigarette smoking weekly, they were at 16th place in 2002 (24.9% of girls and 23.2% of boys) and at the third in 2014 (21% girls and 25% boys). The results of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) indicate a drop in current cigarette smokers in Croatia (in 2011 27% girls and 26.7% boys, in 2016 14.1% girls and 15.1% boys), as well as cigarettes smoking once in a lifetime (in 2011 65.9% girls and 66.6% boys, in 2016 44% girls and 46.9% boys). Prevention of smoking among adolescents in Croatia has been implemented in activities of school and adolescent medicine trough health-education and counselling of children, parents and school staff. The school and the family have been considered as settings where children spend most of their time and contemporary interventions have been focused there. Considering the results of the studies, prevention should be directed also to bars, sport clubs and other places where adolescents spend their spare time

Smoking habits among adolescents in Croatia in the period 1995-2015

Pušenje duhana, koje je u većini društava prihvatljiva navika, smatra se jednim od najvećih globalnih problema današnjice s lošim utjecajem na zdravlje. Rezultati dosadašnjih istraživanja ukazali su na štetnost pušenja u odraslih i u djece. Pušenje u adolescenata od posebnog je značaja jer je to sastavni dio društvenog funkcioniranja u toj dobi. Rješavanje problema pušenja podrazumijeva dugotrajnu aktivnost na prevenciji početka pušenja, posebice u adolescenata. Cilj ovoga rada je prikazati učestalost i navike pušenja duhana među adolescentima u Hrvatskoj u razdoblju od 1995. do 2015. godine. U prikazu rezultata istraživanja korišteni su rezultati Europskog istraživanja o pušenju, alkoholu i drogama među učenicima (ESPAD) u razdoblju od 1995. do 2015. godine, Istraživanja o zdravstvenom ponašanju učenika (HBSC) u razdoblju od 2002. do 2014. godine i drugih istraživanja koja su provedena među adolescentima u Hrvatskoj. Rezultati ESPAD istraživanja za Hrvatsku ukazuju na smanjenje učestalosti pušenja cigareta barem jednom u životu (69% 1995. vs. 62% 2015.), u posljednjih 30 dana (41% 2011. vs. 33% 2015. godine) i dnevne upotrebe cigareta (2003. i 2011. godine 29% vs. 23% 2015. godine). Rezultati HBSC istraživanja ukazuju na smanjenje učestalosti pušenja u petnaestogodišnjaka u Hrvatskoj, ali uspoređujući rezultate s prosjekom HBSC, vidljiv je porast. Godine 2002. hrvatski adolescenti po učestalosti pušenja u dobi do 13 godina bili su na 23. mjestu (34,5% djevojčica i 38,9% dječaka), a 2014. godine na šestom mjestu (26% djevojčica i 32% dječaka). Po učestalosti pušenja cigareta tjedno bili su na 16. (24,9% djevojčica i 23,2% dječaka), a 2014. godine na trećem mjestu (21% djevojčica i 25% dječaka). Rezultati Svjetskog istraživanja o uporabi duhana u mladih (GYTS) pokazali su pad broja trenutnih pušača cigareta u Hrvatskoj (2011. godine 27% djevojčica i 26,7% dječaka vs. 2016. godine 14,1% djevojčica i 15,1% dječaka), kao i onih koji su ikada pušili cigarete (2011. godine 65,9% djevojčica i 66,6% dječaka vs. 2016. godine 44% djevojčica i 46,9% dječaka). Prevencija pušenja u Hrvatskoj provodi se i kroz djelatnost školske i adolescentne medicine, zdravstveno-odgojnim aktivnostima i savjetovališnim radom, s djecom, roditeljima i djelatnicima škola. Škola i obiteljsko okruženje mjesta su gdje djeca provode najviše vremena i gdje su dosadašnje intervencije najviše usmjerene. Prevenciju bi trebalo usmjeriti i na kafiće, sportske klubove i druga mjesta gdje djeca i mladi provode slobodno vrijeme.These days, tobacco smoking has been in many societies an acceptable habit and considered as one of the biggest global problems with bad impact on health. Research results indicate that smoking is a risk factor for developing of number of deseases in adults and children. Adolescent smoking has been of particular importance, because it has been an integral part of social functioning in that age. Solving smoking problem implies a long-term activity on preventing start of smoking, especially in adolescent age. The aim of this paper was to show the frequency and habit of tobacco smoking among adolescents in Croatia in the period from 1995 to 2015. The results of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) in the period from 1995 to 2015, Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) in the period from 2002 to 2014 and other studies conducted about tobacco smoking among adolescents in the Republic of Croatia were presented in this paper. ESPAD results for Croatia showed decreased frequency of cigarette smoking at least once in a lifetime (69% in 1995 vs. 62% in 2015), in the last 30 days (41% vs 33% in 2015) and in daily use (2003 and 2011 29% vs. 23% in 2015). The results of HBSC showed decreased frequency of smoking in 15-year-olds, however when comparing the results for Croatia with HBSC’s awerage, an increase is noticeable. Regarding frequency of smoking at the age up to 13 years, Croatian adolescents were at the 23rd place in 2002 (34.5% girls and 38.9% of boys) and at the sixth in 2014 (26% of girls and 32% of boys). Regarding the frequency of cigarette smoking weekly, they were at 16th place in 2002 (24.9% of girls and 23.2% of boys) and at the third in 2014 (21% girls and 25% boys). The results of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) indicate a drop in current cigarette smokers in Croatia (in 2011 27% girls and 26.7% boys, in 2016 14.1% girls and 15.1% boys), as well as cigarettes smoking once in a lifetime (in 2011 65.9% girls and 66.6% boys, in 2016 44% girls and 46.9% boys). Prevention of smoking among adolescents in Croatia has been implemented in activities of school and adolescent medicine trough health-education and counselling of children, parents and school staff. The school and the family have been considered as settings where children spend most of their time and contemporary interventions have been focused there. Considering the results of the studies, prevention should be directed also to bars, sport clubs and other places where adolescents spend their spare time

Studentska mljekarska praksa u poduzeću "Beljski maslac"

U okviru redovite prakse, koja je za studente poljoprivrede sastavni dio studija i prijeko potrebna dopuna za teoretsku nastavu proveo je stanoviti broj studenata i u raznim mljekarskim poduzećima. Poznavajući modernu zagrebačku mljekaru, s velikim zanimanjem očekivala sam rad u mljekari "Beljski maslac" u Belom Manastiru. S još dva studenta upućena sam tamo na početku mjeseca srpnja na jednomjesečnu praksu

Psychotropic medication use among elderly nursing home residents in Slovenia: cross-sectional study

Aim To determine the prevalence of psychotropic medication prescribing in elderly nursing home residents in Slovenia and to explore the residents’, physicians’, and nursing home characteristics associated with prescribing. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we collected the data for 2040 nursing home residents aged 65 years and older in 12 nursing homes in Slovenia between September 25 and November 30, 2006. Prescribed medications lists were retrieved from patients’ medical records. Psychotropic medications were coded according to Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification 2005, which we adjusted for the purposes of the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the residents’, physicians’, and nursing home characteristics associated with prescribing. Results Residents were from 65 to 104 years old (median, 83 years) and 1606 (79%) of them were female. A total of 970 (48%) residents had dementia and 466 had depression (23%). In 1492 (73%) residents, at least one psychotropic medication was prescribed. Nine hundred sixty residents were prescribed hypnotics and sedatives (47%), 572 (28%) antipsychotics, 460 (23%) antidepressants, and 432 (21%) anxiolytics. Residents’ characteristics associated with psychotropic medication use were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.80), age (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98), permanent restlessness (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.71-3.78), dementia (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.33-2.34), depression (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 3.50-7.58), and the number of prescribed medications (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.23-1.35). Of physicians’ characteristics (sex, age, specialization in general practice, years of working experiences as a general practitioner, and years of experiences working in a nursing home), male sex was associated with psychotropic medication prescribing (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17-2.76). Conclusion Frequency of psychotropic medication prescribing in elderly nursing home residents in Slovenia is high and is comparable to Western European countries. Our next step should be optimizing the prescribing in patients with the highest prescription rate

Proportion and characteristics of patients who measure their blood pressure at home: Nationwide survey in Slovenia

Introduction. Home blood pressure monitoring has several advantages over blood pressure monitoring at a physician's office, and has become a useful instrument in the management of hypertension. Objective. To explore the rate and characteristics of patients who measure their blood pressure at home. Methods. A sample of 2,752 patients with diagnosis of essential arterial hypertension was selected from 12596 consecutive office visitors. Data of 2,639 patients was appropriate for analysis. The data concerning home blood pressure measurement and patients' characteristics were obtained from the patients' case histories. Results 1,835 (69.5%) out of 2,639 patients measured their blood pressure at home. 1,284 (70.0%) of home blood pressure patients had their own blood pressure measurement device. There were some important differences between these two groups: home blood pressure patients were more frequently male, of younger age, better educated, from urban area, mostly non-smokers, more likely to have diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease and had higher number of co-morbidities and were on other drugs beside antihypertensive medication. Using the logistic regression analysis we found that the most powerful predictors of home blood pressure monitoring had higher education level than primary school OR=1.80 (95% CI 1.37-2.37), non-smoking OR=2.16 (95% CI 1.40-3.33) and having a physician in urban area OR=1.32 (95% CI 1.02-1.71). Conclusion. Home blood pressure monitoring is popular in Slovenia. Patients who measured blood pressure at home were different from patients who did not. Younger age, higher education, non-smoking, having a physician in urban area and longer duration of hypertension were predictors of home blood pressure monitoring

Raziskovanje v družinski medicini v Sloveniji

Primarni nivo zdravstvenega varstva predstavlja vstopno mesto v zdravstveni sistem in od njega je v veliki meri odvisna kakovost in stroškovna vzdržnost zdravstvenega sistema. Raziskovanje je gonilo strokovnega razvoja v skrbi za čim boljšo kakovost oskrbe pacientov. Družinska medicina (DM) v Sloveniji predstavlja največjo specialnost na primarnem nivoju zdravstvenega varstva, ki je na področju raziskovanja v zadnjih desetletjih dosegla velike uspehe. V preglednem prispevku bodo prikazane značilnosti raziskovanja v družinski medicini, predstavljena vključenost raziskovanja v različne nivoje izobraževalnega procesa in delo v praksi ter nakazani  izzivi, ki družinsko medicino kot znanstveno in raziskovalno vedo čakajo v prihodnje

Macrominerals in Red Beet Root under Organic and Mineral Fertilization

Nutritive value of food should be an imperative and represents content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. Macrominerals (P, K, Ca, Mg) have an irreplaceable role in the functioning of living organisms and are part of all important biomolecules. Therefore, the goal of present research was to determine the influence of fertilization on content of macrominerals in red beet. A field trial (2003-2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t stable manure ha-1, 500 and 1000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha-1). Results show that the highest red beet phosphorus content was determined in treatment with stable manure. Higher level of applied potassium had depressing effect on calcium and magnesium uptake. By fertilization is possible to raise content of macrominerals in red beet, but it is recommended to apply combination of organic and mineral fertilizers

Macrominerals in Red Beet Root under Organic and Mineral Fertilization

Nutritive value of food should be an imperative and represents content of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. Macrominerals (P, K, Ca, Mg) have an irreplaceable role in the functioning of living organisms and are part of all important biomolecules. Therefore, the goal of present research was to determine the influence of fertilization on content of macrominerals in red beet. A field trial (2003-2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t stable manure ha-1, 500 and 1000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha-1). Results show that the highest red beet phosphorus content was determined in treatment with stable manure. Higher level of applied potassium had depressing effect on calcium and magnesium uptake. By fertilization is possible to raise content of macrominerals in red beet, but it is recommended to apply combination of organic and mineral fertilizers