Epidemiologic and laboratory surveillance of the measles outbreak in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, February 2014-April 2015.

A measles outbreak with two epidemic waves involving 4649 probable and laboratory-confirmed cases was recorded in six out of ten cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina between February 2014 and April 2015. The majority of the patients had never received measles vaccination (3115/4649, 67.00%), and the vaccination status of another 23% was unknown (1066/4649). A total of 281 blood samples were tested serologically. Virus detection was performed using 44 nasopharyngeal swabs. About 57% (161/281) of the laboratory-investigated sera were immunoglobulin M positive, and 95% (42/44) of the swabs were reverse transcriptase-PCR positive. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences obtained from 30 swab samples showed circulation of two variants of genotype D8, but no genotype D4 strains as detected in 2007. Similar involvement of all age groups indicates a problem with vaccine refusal resulting from antivaccination activities in addition to gaps in immunization coverage during the war and postwar period (1992-1998). Differences in ethnicity, vaccine coverage, compliance with review policies of vaccination records and potentially also travel habits may partially explain why only six of ten cantons were affected by the outbreak. The second epidemic wave may in part be due to large-scale migrations due to catastrophic floods in 2014. As a result of the epidemic, 6- to 12-month-old children may now be vaccinated against measles during outbreaks, and public health recommendations for interventions have been strengthened. Additional efforts are required to implement the measures throughout the cantons.

Perception of health risks among adolescents due to consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and psychoactive substances in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVES: This article describes the perception of health risks in adolescents due to the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and psychoactive substances in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBIH), as well as their observation of the behavior of their peers related to addictive behaviors. METHODS: For the analysis was used a database from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) survey which was conducted in FBIH in 2011. The target population were students in the second grade of secondary schools in FBIH born in 1995 according to the ESPAD protocol. The total number of respondents from the cohort born in 1995 was 3813 students. RESULTS: The research results showed that the prevalence of risk perception due to the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and psychoactive substances among adolescents in the FBIH is lower than the mean prevalence in countries which have implemented the ESPAD survey of 2011. CONCLUSIONS: PPreventive activities should be aimed at adolescent risk behaviours and empower them to make the right decisions that can have far reaching significance. Attention has to be paid to selective prevention that is directed towards individuals or subgroup of population where the risk of developing disorder is much higher than average.

[Problems in health statistics reporting in Bosnia-Herzegovina]. / Aktuelni problemi u zdravstveno-statistickom izvjestavanju u FBiH.

Health-statistic information system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is presented, its content, problems and reform objectives in accordance with new European trends. Adequate and prompt health information plays a key role in the policy of planning and decision-making at all health levels. Therefore, data collecting must be conducted in accordance with the country's needs aimed to the health promotion and health of the population improvement. Scope and structure of health information system varies from country to country depending on health status of population, health policy and, of course, economic capacity. Public Health Institute of Federation BH is authorized by the Law to conduct statistical research in the health sector, and, therefore, the Proposal of statistical research in health sector is made, according to these regulations. This Proposal offered 17 statistical researches for 1998. Unfortunately, only 7 researches have been carried out. The shortcomings of the existing health-statistic information system have been found out on the local, cantonal, entity and state level.

[Health status indicators and the importance of their use in daily practice]. / Zdravstveni indikatori i znacaj nihove primjene u svakodnevnom radu.

Health information undoubtedly has great social, political and economic importance. To have relevant information, it means to have basis for timely reporting, basis for action, and prerequisites for success. The purpose is to produce and use adequately appropriate information about health status, health risks and health outcomes in order to establish priorities. Health information should be useful and easy accessible to all potential users in every moment, from health care providers to the general public. Health indicators, as aggregated health statistical data, present measure instruments in this process, and because of that definition, development and implementation of basic set of health indicators at all levels (public health and clinic) must be the priority activity in the current moment of health sector reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Basic set of relevant and measurable indicators should be founded on different aspects of health and health care (health promotion, diseases prevention, clinical treatment, rehabilitation), monitoring and evaluation as a part of everyday's routine in health sector.