Zdravstveno Varstvo

Addressing the Paradox of Rest with Innovative Technologies
Pišot R, Marušič U and Šlosar L
The paradox of rest lies in its dual nature: essential for recovery yet potentially harmful when prolonged. Prolonged physical inactivity (PI) significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies show nearly a third of adults worldwide were insufficiently active in 2022, with the economic costs of PI projected to reach INT$520 billion by 2030. Bedrest models have illuminated the rapid onset of insulin resistance, general functional decline and muscle atrophy associated with PI, particularly in hospitalised older adults. Innovative technologies, such as extended reality (XR), offer promising solutions for mitigating the effects of PI and can enhance non-physical rehabilitation techniques such as motor imagery and action observation. These technologies provide immersive, personalised therapeutic experiences that engage multiple senses, transforming passive recovery into an active process and addressing both the physical and cognitive consequences of inactivity. Results of bedrest study showed significant preservation of muscle mass, improved strength and enhanced insulin sensitivity in the intervention group compared to controls. These findings highlight the potential of XR-based strategies in addressing structural and functional declines during inactivity. As part of the Interreg VI-A Italia-Slovenija project X-BRAIN.net, advanced XR-equipped active rooms were developed to aid post-stroke rehabilitation in acute care settings. XR technologies, particularly VR, have shown promise in providing dynamic and adaptable therapeutic environments that facilitate early and targeted interventions. Future advancements focus on integrating XR with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and synchronised visual-haptic neurofeedback, enhancing sensorimotor cortical activation and improving rehabilitation outcomes. Comprehensive multimodal approaches, including nutritional, physical and non-physical interventions, are emerging as effective strategies to personalise and optimise patient recovery.
Cultural Adaptation of Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) Patient and Primary Care Practice Questionnaires to the Slovenian Context
Ambrož M, Ropret N, Vračko P, Murko E, Kendir C, Bosnjak L, Williams R and Klemenc-Ketiš Z
The objective of the study is to describe the adaptation process (with emphasis on cognitive testing) of the Slovenian version of the PaRIS international survey, including two questionnaires to assess patient-reported health outcomes and the experiences of adults living with one or more chronic conditions managed in primary care settings: (1) Patient questionnaire (targets patients aged 45 and older) and (2) Provider questionnaire (targets health care providers working in primary care).
Prevalence of Sarcopenia Among Slovenian Older Adults and Associated Risk Factors
Puš K, Pišot S, Marušič U, Peskar M, Teraž K, Kalc M, Blažun Vošner H, Kokol P, Završnik J and Šimunič B
Sarcopenia is a multifaceted condition affecting between 10 and 16% of the global population, and although multiple classification algorithms exist, no prevalence has been reported for a representative sample of the Slovenian population. Furthermore, multiple behavioural factors, such as malnutrition, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle and lower cognitive function, can contribute to the risk of sarcopenia. This study aims to: a) determine sarcopenia prevalence among Slovenian older adults according to different classification algorithms, b) compare the agreement among the algorithms and c) evaluate the relationship between proposed risk factors and sarcopenia.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Health Literacy Among University Students of Health Sciences in Kosovo
Jerliu N, Kamberi H, Mone I, Krasniqi P and Burazeri G
Our objective was to assess the level and sociodemographic correlates of health literacy (HL) among university students of health sciences in Kosovo.
Barriers and Facilitators of Family Meetings in Primary Palliative Care: Insights From Slovenia
Bajt M, Jagodic Klipšteter L and Zelko E
Within palliative care, family meetings are recognised as the most effective practice for placing the patient and their family at the centre of care, thereby ensuring quality palliative care. The aim of this study was to determine how these meetings are conducted in primary healthcare and to identify the factors influencing them.
The Relationship Between the Mental Health of Slovenian Adolescents and the Support of their Various Personal Social Networks
Knez A, Makivić I and Jeriček Klanšček H
To analyse the relationships between individual social networks and selected indicators of mental health among Slovenian adolescents aged 15 and 17.
Exploring General Practitioner Work in Upper Austria: A Pilot Retrospective Observational Study Across Thirty Practices
Zelko E, Peinbauer T, Voggenberger L, Bekelaer F, Pantoglou J, Stübl D and Rebhandl E
This study investigates the differences in patient care across various organisational forms of general practitioners (GPs) in Upper Austria.
Cancer Risk Factors Awareness in Slovenian Adolescents
Jarm K, Šajn E, Hadžić E, Jurak G, Krajc M, Ivanuš U and But-Hadžić J
To evaluate Slovenian adolescents' awareness of common cancer risk and protective factors, identifying knowledge gaps to develop targeted health education initiatives.
Factors Associated with Low Back Overuse Injuries in Sports Science Students - A Prospective Study
Podobnik MM, Šarabon N, Bilban M and Hadžić V
Sports science students (SPS) are more likely to be affected by low back pain (LBP) compared to the young, physically active population. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate potential risk factors for LBP in the population of SPS.
Slovenian Journal of Public Health: The Journey so Far and the Road Ahead
Farkaš Lainščak J and Švab I
The Slovenian Journal of Public Health, established 63 years ago as the official publication of the National Institute of Public Health in Slovenia, was initially aimed at tracking the development of public health in Slovenia and disseminating scientific advancements to professionals in the field. In 2000, a new editorial board took over and shifted the journal's focus towards enhancing scientific rigour and achieving international recognition. This strategic transformation led to the journal being indexed in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) in 2009, specifically within the category of Public, Environmental & Occupational Health. The indexing enabled the journal to acquire its first impact factor in 2011, which has demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory, currently standing at 1.6 (IF2023). The journal has recently ascended to the third quartile of its field and is now recognised as the second highest-ranked medical journal in Slovenia. Following over two decades of successful leadership, the journal is poised to enter a new phase under an incoming editor-in-chief. It is imperative for the journal to sustain its contributions to public health by promoting high-quality scientific publications and facilitating critical discourse among researchers.
The Effect of Nurses' Job Characteristics on Missed Nursing Care in Medical and Surgical Departments in Selected Slovenian Hospitals-A Cross-Sectional Study
Bahun M, Lobe B and Skela-Savič B
The aim was to examine the extent of missed nursing care (MNC), the reasons behind it and the contribution of nurses' job characteristics to MNC in Slovenian hospitals.
Epidemiology and Risk Factor Analysis of Systemic Allergic Reaction to Bee Venom in the Slovenian Population of Beekeepers
Carli T, Locatelli I, Košnik M, Bevk D and Kukec A
To estimate the lifetime prevalence of first and recurrent systemic allergic reaction to bee venom among Slovenian beekeepers. Additionally, we aimed to elucidate the risk factors predisposing beekeepers to developing systemic allergic reaction to bee venom.
Patients' Experience with Received Healthcare in Internal Medicine and Surgery Wards of Slovenian Hospitals-A Cross-Sectional Survey
Skela-Savič B, Bahun M, Kalender Smajlović S and Pivač S
The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with delivered healthcare in selected Slovenian hospitals.
Public Perceptions of Family Presence During Resuscitation: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Slovenia
Dujc I, Žvanut B and Karnjuš I
In Slovenia, the practice of having family present during resuscitation (FPDR) in the clinical setting is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore current public perceptions regarding FPDR in Slovenia and to investigate whether demographic characteristics are related to these perceptions.
Smokers' Characteristics Associated with Successful Smoking Cessation Undergoing Pharmacotherapy in Slovenia
Drešček M, Miroševič Š, Rifel J, Orešković S, Švab I and Homar V
Tobacco use is a major global health problem, contributing to premature death and disability. In Slovenia, the prevalence of smoking is higher than the EU average, emphasizing the need for effective tobacco control measures. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit from pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.
Monitoring the Effect of Vaccination on Mumps Cases Complications in the Czech Republic - Surveillance Data 2013-2022
Liptáková M, Malý M, Orlíková H, Špačková M, Limberková R and Kynčl J
Mumps data were analysed to assess the effect of vaccination on mumps complications and hospitalisation.
The Vaper's Perspective: A Qualitative Study of E-Cigarette Users and Smokers in Slovenia
Rotar Pavlič D, Maksuti A, Kopčavar Guček N, Albaradi I and Stepanović A
The use of e-cigarettes has been rapidly expanding in recent years. The reasons people in Slovenia chose to use electronic cigarettes have not been studied to date. This study examines e-cigarette users' attitudes regarding their health risks.
The Results of the "My Challenge" Camp in Addressing Childhood Obesity
Poklar Vatovec T, Jakus T, Pucer P, Prunk Franetič B and Stubelj M
This article presents the development, implementation and results of the project "An interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of overweight children" under the name "My Challenge" camp. It is a 2-week multidisciplinary programme involving a physician, a dietitian, a psychologist, an occupational therapist or physiotherapist and a kinesiologist. The children stay in camp for 2 weeks and are actively involved in the daily preparation of healthy meals, participate in cooking workshops and interactive nutrition lessons, and are active outdoors throughout the programme.
The Evolution and Challenges of Academic Family Medicine: Insights from the Banja Luka Declaration
Stepanović A, Švab I, Đukić B and Škrbić R
Academic medicine encompasses education, research and clinical practice, and plays a crucial role in advancing medical science and training physicians. However, the field faces a crisis, with fewer graduates pursuing academic careers. Family medicine emerged as an academic discipline in the second half of the 20th century, contributing significantly to science and primary healthcare. Despite its recognised status, the World Health Organization has yet to formally define it as an academic discipline. Nevertheless, the discipline must continually update its academic dimension in order to address future challenges. The international conference in Banja Luka, attended by deans or representatives of Medical Faculties in Southeast Europe, emphasized family medicine's role in primary healthcare and academic medicine, adopting the Banja Luka Declaration to promote family medicine as an independent academic discipline. The conference aims to inspire global support for family medicine as an academic discipline.
Stigmatising Attitudes Towards Mental Health Conditions Among Medical Students In Five South-Eastern European Countries
Harhaji S, Tomori S, Nakov V, Chihai J, Radić I, Mana T, Stoychev K, Esanu A and Pirlog MC
Stigmatising attitudes towards mentally ill people are present among healthcare professionals. The aim of the study was to evaluate medical students' attitudes in five medical schools from Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Serbia and to determine if psychiatry clerkship improves these attitudes.
Psychometric Validation of the Slovenian Version of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale - Child and Parent Versions (RCADS and RCADS-P)
Petrič M, Kurnik Mesarič K, Kodrič J and Janjušević P
Anxiety and depression are common disorders in children and adolescents and can have a negative impact on their lives. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale - Child and Parent versions (RCADS and RCADS-P) are widely used standardized measurement tools, but the Slovenian versions have not yet been validated. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Slovenian version of RCADS and RCADS-P in a representative Slovenian school sample.