Nurses' Perception of Tension, Stress, and Pressure before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Serbian Study.

The mental health of healthcare workers, especially the nursing staff in intensive care units, is crucial for the optimal functioning of healthcare systems during medical emergencies. This study implements a cross-sectional design to investigate the associations between nurses' personal characteristics, workplace challenges, and job satisfaction with the increased perception of tension, stress, and pressure at the workplace (TSPW) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we surveyed 4210 nurses from 19 intensive healthcare facilities in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, and, at that time, collected data about their perceived TSPW before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study identified six predictors of the increase in TSPW, as perceived by nurses: their work in COVID-19 infectious zones (OR = 1.446), exhaustion due to work under protective equipment (OR = 1.413), uncertainty and fear of infection (OR = 1.481), a high degree of superiors' appreciation and respect (OR = 1.147), a high degree of patients' attitudes (OR = 1.111), and a low degree of work autonomy (OR = 0.889). The study's findings suggest that a solution to this issue is necessary to ensure that nurses are safe and able to alleviate the physical and mental strain that comes with prolonged use of protective equipment. Nurses on the frontline of the pandemic require better health protection, better conditions, and respect for their role. Strategies to promote mental health would help reduce nurses' stress and increase job satisfaction.

Psychosocial school factors and mental health of first grade secondary school students-Results of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Survey in Serbia.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial school factors and life satisfaction, symptoms of depression and psychosomatic health complaints among first grade secondary school students in Serbia. We analysed data from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in the Republic of Serbia. Analyzed psychosocial school factors included satisfaction with school, schoolwork pressure, teacher support, classmate support and being bullied at school. Life satisfaction was assessed by the 11-step Cantril's ladder (cutoff >5). Symptoms of depression were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) and psychosomatic health complaints by using the HBSC symptom checklist. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of students' life satisfaction, symptoms of depression and psychosomatic health complaints in the school environment, while also considering their socio-demographic characteristics and perceived family and friend support. The study included 1605 students (average age 15.26 ±0.44 years), of whom 50.3% were females. Results from the binary logistic regression analyses showed that life satisfaction was positively related to school satisfaction and classmate support, and negatively to being bullied at school. Symptoms of depression were positively associated with schoolwork pressure and being bullied at school, and negatively with teacher and classmate support. All analyzed factors of the school environment were significantly related to psychosomatic health complaints, whereby schoolwork pressure and being bullied at school were positively associated, while teacher and classmate support and satisfaction with school were negatively associated. Given the established association of psychosocial school factors with mental health, there is a need for targeted measures both at school and community level with the aim of improving social support in the school environment, reducing schoolwork burden and preventing bullying at school, potentially resulting in the overall improvement of mental health of the first grade secondary school students.

Personal Listening Device Use and Attitude to Noise in Relation to Depression and Anxiety among Medical Students.

Background: High levels of environmental noise may lead to psychological symptoms. The present study has hypothesized that personal listening device (PLD) use and a negative attitude to noise are significantly related to anxiety and/or depression. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 431 six-grade students (35% male) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. All students completed the questionnaires related to socio-demographic data, noise/music exposure habits, behaviors related to PLD use, tinnitus, headaches, consumption of alcohol, coffee, energy drinks and cigarettes, YANS (Youth Attitude to Noise Scale), CES-D (The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression), and GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment - 7 item scale) questionnaires. Results: There were 396 (91.9%) of investigated students who used PLD, with more frequent use among girls compared to boys (95.0% and 86.8%, respectively; p = 0.002). We found no significant relationship between the frequency of PLD use and depression and anxiety. However, continuous daily PLD use longer than 1 hour was significantly and positively related to depression (p = 0.006). Students with depression had a lower total YANS score compared to those without depression, indicating a more negative attitude toward noise (p = 0.042). Students with no difficulties to concentrate in noise and with a positive attitude to daily noises had about 37% lower chance to suffer from depression and anxiety, respectively. Conclusions: PLD use is common among medical students and may be associated with their mental health. Longer than 1 hour of continuous daily use of PLD may be positively related to depression. We also found a significant relationship between difficulties concentrating in noisy environments and depression, and between negative attitudes to daily noises and anxiety.

Children's Internet use and physical and psychosocial development.

Introduction: Internet use (IU) commonly refers to sedentary lifestyle and may be addictive, especially among children. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IU and some aspects of child physical and psychosocial development. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional survey by using a screen-time based sedentary behavior questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)-among 836 primary school children in the Branicevo District. The children's medical records were analysed for vision problems and spinal deformities. Their body weight (BW) and height (BH) were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as BW in kilograms divided by BH in meters squared (kg/m2). Results: The average age of respondents was 13.4 (SD 1.2) years. The mean duration of daily Internet use and sedentary behavior was 236 (SD 156) and 422 (SD 184) minutes, respectively. There was no significant correlation between daily IU and vision problems (near sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus), and spinal deformities. However, daily Internet use is significantly associated with obesity (p < 0.001) and sedentary behavior (p = 0.01). There was significant correlation between emotional symptoms with total Internet usage time, and total sedentary score (p < 0.001 for both, r = 0.141 and r = 0.132, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the total sedentary score of children and hyperactivity/inattention (r = 0.167, p < 0.001), emotional symptoms (r = 0.132, p < 0.001), and conduct problems (r = 0.084, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In our study, children's Internet use was associated with obesity, psychological disturbances and social maladjustment.

Predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, studies are lacking on burnout among veterinary students in Serbia, and this is the first study trying to address such a problem. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the predictors of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students. METHODS: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and anonymous structured questionnaire addressed to personal data, health habits and stressful influence of educational process were applied among 496 respondents from a total of 1113 students from all grades in spring semester 2014 (response rate 44.6%). RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout was 43.3%. High scores on depersonalization and emotional exhaustion scales of MBI were found among 79.4% and 45.0% students, respectively; low personal accomplishment was reported by 50.5% students. Female students reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to males (p = 0.012). A low score on personal achievement scale of MBI was least frequent among the freshmen and most frequent among sophomores (41.1% and 65.3%, respectively; p = 0.986). There were more students with burnout who considered their health as a worsened vs. pre-study period compared to students with no burnout, both concerning mental (61.4% vs. 38.6%) and physical health (61.1% vs. 38.9%; both p<0.001). There were more smokers among students who suffered from burnout compared to students who did not (52.0% vs. 48.0%; p = 0.013). A multiple regression revealed an independent dose-response effect of perceived stress at exams on the onset of burnout (moderate stress OR = 2.164 and high stress OR = 3.878). Also, students with the moderate and high stressful effect of communication with teaching staff, as well as, those with worse self-perceived physical and mental health had more than two times higher presence of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of burnout among Belgrade veterinary students is relatively high. Primary prevention should be focused on the revealed predictors of burnout.

Tinnitus among Serbian secondary school students in relation to their behavior and habits.

Although tinnitus is a very common symptom, risk factors related to behavior and habits have not been sufficiently investigated. As no investigation on this problem has been performed in Serbia, the aim of our study was to establish the prevalence of tinnitus among Serbian adolescents and to investigate the relationship between their behavior and habits and tinnitus. This investigation was designed as a cross-sectional interview study among secondary school students in Belgrade, Serbia (277 boys and 494 girls). An anonymous questionnaire was self-administered at classes. The investigated variables were: The presence of tinnitus, sources of noise, night outs at noisy places, use of personal music players, smoking, second hand smoke (SHS), substance abuse, coffee and alcohol consumption. Spearman's rank-order correlations and multiple logistic regressions were performed with variables related to behavior and habits as independent ones and tinnitus as a dichotomized dependent variable. Tinnitus was reported by 99 students (12.8%), more frequently among girls compared with boys (P = 0.009). Multivariate logistic regression analysis in boys revealed a significant independent effect of a regular drug abuse on the onset of tinnitus. The chances of tinnitus were 13 times higher among drug addicts compared with non-drug users (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] for tinnitus = 13.072; 1.335-127.946). In girls, the significant independent effect on tinnitus was found for daily duration of exposure to SHS (OR and 95% CI for tinnitus = 1.328; 1.073-1.644 /per 2 hours of exposure/).

[Stress and mental health among medical students].

INTRODUCTION: Medical studies bring many stressful activities to students. Prolonged stress can make adverse effects to mental health and lead to further professional burnout. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association of stress impact and adverse effects of medical studies with psychological distress among medical students. METHODS: The cross sectional study was conducted on 367 fourth-year medical students of the Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade, by means of the anonymous questionnaire, containing: socio-demographic data, self-reported health status and stressful influences of studying activities. Mental health status was estimated by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS: More than 50% of students perceive frequent feeling of psychic tension, and one third has problems with insomnia. Nearly one-half of students assessed their general stress level as moderate or high. Exams were estimated as high stressor in 63.1% of all students. Stressful effects of communication with teaching staff were reported by one quarter of the examinees. The scores of GHQ-12 were above the threshold in 55.6% of all students. Mental health problems among students were most significantly associated with stressful experience during exams and contacts with teaching staff. CONCLUSION: Academic stress makes great influence on mental health of medical students. Reduction of stress effects should be directed to optimization of the examination process and improvement of communication skills.

Health-related quality of life among patients with symptomatic carotid disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with symptomatic carotid disease (amaurosis fugax, transient ischaemic attack, stroke); to compare it with that of the general population; to explore whether HRQoL depends on the severity of the disease and to investigate the possible association between some demographic and clinical characteristics of patients and HRQoL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 175 patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease who were referred for endarterectomy between January 2011 and December 2011. HRQoL was measured using Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: In comparison to both referent populations, patients with carotid disease had significantly lower mean SF-36 scores for role-physical (41.6 vs. 61.5 and 67.8), social functioning (65.4 vs. 73.8 and 80.0), role-emotional (48.2 vs. 68.6 and 80.5) and mental health (51.5 vs. 61.9 and 66.0). The SF-36 scores were significantly lower in female patients with carotid disease than in men (for role-physical 32.3 vs. 46.5; for bodily pain 57.0 vs. 73.0; for general health 55.6 vs. 61.5; for vitality 55.4 vs. 60.1; for social functioning 57.1 vs. 69.8 and for role-emotional 37.2 vs. 54.1). Significantly lower SF-36 scores were also found in patient with comorbidity (for physical functioning 68.1 vs. 77.7; for role-physical 35.1 vs. 52.3; for bodily pain 62.6 vs. 75.4; for general health 56.8 vs. 63.8; for social functioning 61.9 vs. 71.0, for role-emotional 41.6 vs. 59.1and for mental health 52.5 vs 49.8). In a multivariable analysis, education, occupation, body mass index, metabolic syndrome and severity of the disease had a weak influence on patients' HRQoL, while age, marital status, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and the degree of carotid stenosis had no effect on patients' HRQoL. The SF-36 scores did not substantially change after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic carotid disease had poorer HRQoL, especially its mental components, than the general population. The severity of the disease was significantly associated only with the SF-36 role-physical subscale. HRQoL in patients with symptomatic carotid disease was poorer in women than in men, and was not affected by age and other demographic and clinical characteristics of patients.

Gender differences in academic stress and burnout among medical students in final years of education.

BACKGROUND: The educational process brings a considerable amount of stress to medical students that can influence mental health status and contribute to further professional burnout. The authors assessed the academic stress influences, mental health status and burnout syndrome, with the intent to find different patterns in female and male medical students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The applied cross sectional study was in the form of an anonymous questionnaire which included: socio-demographic data, self-reported health status and influence of studying activities on stress level in 755 medical students who attended two final years. Mental health status was explored by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS: Female students assessed their physical health status and general stress level as worse compared to males (p<0.001). Exams were described as a high stressor in about 50% of all examined students. However, this stressor was significantly more frequent in female students (p<0.001). Female students frequently declared high stressful effects of contacts with patients (p=0.009) and autopsy (p<0.001). The scores of the GHQ-12 questionnaire were above the threshold or high in 51.5% of all students, and also significantly higher in females (p=0.001). High scores were found among 52.6% of all examined students on MBI subscale of Depersonalization, and 33.6% on MBI subscale of Emotional exhaustion without gender difference. CONCLUSION: Measures for prevention of academic distress should be targeted at optimization of the educational process, development of the clinical skills and professionalism, with special concern to female students who manifested high vulnerability.

Socio-economic status and psychosocial functioning of internally displaced adolescents and adolescents from Belgrade.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at investigating the differences between internally displaced adolescents and adolescents from Belgrade in relation to socio-economic status and psychosocial functioning. METHODS: The investigation was conducted in Belgrade in 2000 and comprised 560 high school adolescents aged 18.1 ± 0.9 years (response rate 88%)--32 participants were internally displaced from Kosovo 1 year after the NATO campaign in Serbia (1999) and 528 were adolescents who lived in Belgrade more than 10 years. A specific questionnaire was used to obtain data on employment of family members, housing conditions, socialization, school success, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychoactive substance use. Cornell Medical Index was applied as the screening test for neuroticism. RESULTS: Internally displaced adolescents had poorer housing conditions (p < 0.001), poorer school social relations (p < 0.001), and their school achievement was inferior (p < 0.002). The compared groups did not significantly differ in the frequency of smoking, alcohol consumption, psychoactive substance use, and neuroticism. CONCLUSION: Significant differences observed between internally displaced adolescents and adolescents from Belgrade in some components of both socioeconomic status and psychosocial functioning suggest adverse effects of displacement.

[Mental hygiene: ideas and practice in Serbia].

Mental health has great importance for the welfare both of individuals and society, because mental disorders cause reduced quality of life, suffering, alienation and discrimination of the diseased. The whole community also takes enormous burden of economic factors caused by mental health impairment (medical and social care and reduced productivity of patients). All societies and cultures throughout history had specific activities aimed at prevention and mental health improvement.The treatment of the diseased was under the influence of magic and empirical concepts, doctrine and religion, but also by the presence of scientific knowledge and progressive liberal streams. In Serbia the tradition of humanity is enriched with the cultural heritage of medieval history. Mental hygiene as a discipline that promoted mental health and the prevention of mental disorders was created a hundred years ago inspired by the work of Clifford Beers. Reforms of mental healthcare in the European countries, and Serbia as well, in the form of deinstitutionalisation (decreased number of beds in psychiatric institutions and increased social care), tends to develop into reinstitutionalization or transinstitutionalization (increased number of patients in isolated departments and forced hospitalizations). At the beginning of the new century the World Health Organization recognises again mental health as its priority. At the present moment, with new scientific knowledge and capabilities, but in the face of the struggle with multiple challenges of civilization (the experience of war conditions, social transition), as well as new harmful influences of polluted environment, we perceive the experience arising from the development of ideas and practices of mental hygiene in Serbia.

[Mental health and mental hygiene between two millenniums].

A century has passed since Klifford Beers published his work "A mind that found Itself". This paper has inspired the shift of mental hygiene towards the prevention of mental disorders and health improvements. At the beginning of this millenium, with much improved scientific knowledge, experience and possibilities, but confronted with new challenges we are observing the tempestuous historical features which have influenced the development of mental health care. Mental health is crucial for the welfare of a society and its individuals, since such disorders are not only the cause of emotional suffering, but they also deteriorate the quality of life, cause alienation and discrimination of an individual. At the same time, they are a great economic burden to the society as they require long-term therapy and often result in poor productivity. In order to decrease the burden of mental disorders it is required to stimulate prevention and improvement of mental health of the population within the framework of national policies, legislation and financing.

[Relationship between physical activity and some parameters of nutritional state in adolescence].

INTRODUCTION: In the last two decades, an increase in obesity along with a number of co-morbidities has been recorded among children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate if there was a difference in nutritional status between adolescents who were active sportsmen and those who did not engage in sport activities other than regular physical activities at school and if active training could be an independent factor in the prevention of obesity. METHODS: There were 117 male adolescents on average aged 15.4 +/- 1.8 years. The subjects were divided into two groups; 32 active sportsmen engaged in regular training in football and a control group consisting of 85 adolescents engaged in no physical activity except for that at school (two hours per week). In all subjects Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined. The percentage of the total body fat was estimated from the sum of values of skin fold thickness measured at four sites (according to Durnin and Womersley). Lean Body Mass (LBM) was estimated by deducting the triceps skin fold from the upper arm circumference and comparing it to the norms. All collected data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods: chi2-test, t-test. RESULTS: Adolescent sportsmen showed a statistically significantly lower BMI and percentage of total body fat than the adolescents in the control group (p < 0.01). A significantly higher LBM was found in the sportsmen (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Active participation in sports can be a contributing factor in the prevention of obesity, and it is therefore recommended to combine regular physical activities with an adequate diet. BMI screening of general population can indicate a high number of children and adolescents at risk for obesity or who are already obese.

[Factors mediating the depression in the adult obese outpatients].

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of obesity is rising to epidemic proportions at the alarming rate in both developed and underdeveloped countries around the world. Current prevalence data from individual national studies suggest that the obesity prevalence in the European countries ranges from 10% to 20% for men, and 10% to 25% for women. Health consequences of obesity imply both a number of fatal and non-fatal health problems (out of which the most common are cardiovascular problems, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, cancers), and also a wide spectrum of psychological consequences from diminished self-esteem to clinical depression. Causal relationship between obesity and many chronic diseases is evidence-based. At the same time, there are marked differences in research data regarding causal obesity-depression relationship. Several studies have found no direct association between obesity and depression, while in others the prevalence of depression in obese patients was up to 50%. Gender, obesity grade, socioeconomic status and asking for professional help are named as moderators and mediators of this relationship. Among recommended screening methods, BDI-II is the most frequently used in the adult outpatient departments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine possible risk factors of depression in adult obese patients treated for obesity. Gender, obesity and education level as well as marital status were analyzed as possible moderators of depression-obesity relationship. METHOD: The research included 267 patients, 38.0 +/- 14.6 years of age, who referred to the Outpatient Nutrition Department for dietetic consultation or nutritional medical therapy. Nutritional status was assessed by BMI (kg/m2), calculated from measured values of body weight and height according to WHO recommendations. An estimate of the existence and/or depression level was investigated by Beck Depression Inventory--self-administered questionnaire recommended for use in Serbian population. RESULTS: The results revealed higher average BDI score values in obese patients (F(267,1) = 6.014, p = 0.015) in comparison to their non-obese counterparts. In addition, the percentage of depressive obese patients was significantly higher (55.1%, chi2(267.1) = 22.64, p < 0.001). There was significant correlation of BMI and BDI scores (r = 0.246, p < 0.001). The number of women with depression was significantly higher in comparison to men (chi2(267.1) = 4.261, p = 0.039). Women also had higher average BDI score (p = 0.003). MANOVA showed that BDI score was influenced by gender (F(267.1) = 8.936, p = 0.030) and nutritional status (F(267.1) = 6.115, p = 0.014), but combined effect of the above-mentioned moderators was not significant. CONCLUSION: Depression is ten times more frequent in obese patients undergoing the obesity treatment vs. general population and, therefore, screening for depression is needed. Special attention should be paid to women and more obese patients due to higher incidence of depression in these groups.

[Adaptation and mental-hygienic characteristics of internally displaced adolescents].

The change in socio-economic status, drastic decrease in living standards, war, and the introduction of sanctions to our country were complicated in addition by a large number of internally displaced people from Kosovo, which culminated with the 1999 NATO bombing. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the influence of internal displacement on the adaptation and mental health of adolescents. The investigation was conducted on 238 adolescents, comprising a control group of 206 adolescents from Belgrade and 32 internally displaced adolescents from Kosovo. A specific questionnaire regarding habits, behaviour, and psychosomatic state was used, as well as the Cornell Medical Index and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Internally displaced adolescents from Kosovo exhibited greater difficulties in adapting and had worse school records than adolescents from Belgrade, one year after the change in their location. Immediately after the NATO bombing, both groups reacted in the same way: they often talked about the events they had survived, they were afraid of the sounds of alarm sirens and of aeroplanes, and in addition had similar dreams (no statistical variation between the groups). Emotional disturbances, one year after the bombing, were not observed in 40.6% of adolescents from Kosovo, compared to the figure of 74.8% for adolescents from Belgrade. Adolescents from Belgrade consumed alcohol significantly more often: 75.7% compared to 56.3% for adolescents from Kosovo. In addition, 20.4% of adolescents from Belgrade consumed psychoactive substances compared to 6.3% of adolescents from Kosovo. There was no significant difference between the examined groups in the total scores on the scale for neuroticism. All in all, the girls from both examined groups displayed neurotic tendencies more frequently than the boys.

[Assessment of diet therapy effect on blood pressure of obese persons with and without antihypertensive therapy]. / Ispitivanje efekta dijetoterapije na krvni pritisak gojaznih osoba sa i bez antihipertenzivne terapije.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is a multicausal chronic disease often accompanied by obesity. The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of diet therapy in the treatment of obese hypertensives with and without antihypertensive therapy. METHODS: The investigation was conducted at the Department of Nutrition on a sample of 110 obese hypertensive patients on diet therapy. Subjects were divided into two groups: the group on diet therapy with antihypertensive drugs E1 (n=78), and the group on diet therapy without pharmacotherapy E2 (n=32). Nourishment state i.e., obesity level was assessed by body mass index (BMI). All the patients belonged to the obese group--BMI > 30 kg/m2. Besides blood pressure values, the following parameters were monitored: serum cholesterol, trygliceride levels and BMI. RESULTS: The obtained results in the group with diet therapy combined with antihypertensive therapy showed highly significant decrease of anthropometrical parameters: body weight (99.14 kg vs. 90.16 kg) (p<0.001) and BMI (37.32 vs. 34.09) (p<0.001); percent body fat (41.97 vs. 38.78) (p<0.001); systolic (154.81 vs. 141.91) (p<0.001), and diastolic pressures (95.42 vs. 87.36) (p<0.001); cholesterol (6.39 vs. 5.99) (p<0.002), and triglycerides concentration (2.69 vs. 2.21) (p<0.019). In the group on single diet therapy, highly significant decrease of body mass (99.33 vs. 90.18) (p<0.001), BMI (34.79 vs. 31.58) (p<0.001), percent body fat (39.27 vs. 36.70) (p<0.001), systolic (148.44 vs. 132.74) (p<0.001), and diastolic pressures (93.97 vs. 82.90) (p<0.001), was achieved, while the differences between initial and final cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, although observed, were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The obtained results implicated that diet therapy significantly helped the normoregulation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Considering this, during physicians' routine practice in the treatment of hypertension, attention should be paid on the reduction of the corresponding level of obesity.

[Health status of adolescents deprived of parental care]. / Zdravstveno stanje adolescenata bez roditeljskog staranja.

INTRODUCTION: Children deprived of parental care are a vulnerahle population with complex needs and health problems. The aim of our study was to assess health status of this population and compare it with children living in their biological families. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included 41 adolescents living in foster families (22 boys and 19 girls, mean age 14.66 + 1.39 and 43 adolescents living in child foster homes (16 boys and 27 girls, mean age 14.99 +/- 1.3). The control group consisted of their classmates living with their biological families (45 adolescents, 20 boys and 25 girls, mean age 14.69 +/- 1.43). Health status was assessed by analyzing their medical records. Results There were no differences in regard to anthropometric characteristics (body weight, body height, body mass index) and prevalence of body deformities in studied groups. Acute bronchitis was significantly more fequent in children living in foster families (41.5%) than in other two groups (16.3%--foster homes: 17.8%--biological families). Headaches were significantly more common in groups living in foster families (31.70%) and foster homes (25.6%) than in children living with their biological families. The same was established for myopia (46.3% foster families: 32.6%--foster homes; 1 7.8%--biological families). CONCLUSION: Even though there were no differences in regard to characteristics which are indicators of general health, it is apparent that children deprived of parental care present with particularities of health status. Additional researches are necessary in order to get insight into the causality of these phenomena.

[Use of self-reported values of body weight and body height in nutritional status evaluation in adolescents]. / Primena prijavljenih vrednosti telesne mase i telesne visine u proceni stanja uhranjenosti adolescenata.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to assess validity of self-reported body weight and height compared to measured values in a group of adolescents. We also investigated differences in reported and measured values and factors responsible for them in this particular population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 295 adolescents aged 11-14 (114 boys and 131 girls) attending primary schools in central Belgrade, recorded their BMI and completed a series of questionnaires measuring body satisfaction and eating patterns. All participants were measured afterwards. RESULTS: Differences between reported and measured weights were highly significant in girls (48.84 +/- 8.42 kg vs 49.69 +/- 9.28 kg). Significant differences between reported and measured weights were established in the group of adolescents with weight problems (-3.18 +/- 4.03 kg). Adolescents on diets presented a difference of -1.36 +/- 3.36 kg. Weight problems (OR 3.72, 95%CI: 2.10-4.75) and female gender (errors occurred more often for 22%, 95%CI: 0.23-1.80) were significant predictors in multivariate regression model for discrepancy of reported and measured weights. In a multivariate regression model, where differences in BMI were dependent variable, weight category was a significant predictor, with differences being 1.65 times more common (95%CI: 1.13-2.11). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that self-reported body weight and height have limited reliability and can be used only in normal weight male adolescents. This method should not be recommended in surveys that involve overweight and/or obese adolescents and those who are on diet.