The Cross-Sectional Study of attitudes towards risk factors of viral infections transmitted by blood-borne pathogens.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was threefold: To assess risk factors of blood-borne pathogen exposure and viral infection for employees at their workplace, to spot the differences between groups of respondents without exposure and those exposed to blood-borne infections, and to identify main risk predictors. METHOD: The Cross-Sectional Study was conducted, surveying 203 employees, at the Institute for Emergency Medical Services in Serbia, which were eligible to enter the study and surveyed by Previously Developed Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 97.60% of respondents have perceived risk at their workplace, but there were low numbers of HIV, HbcAg, and Anti-HCV testing and poor percent of vaccination for hepatitis B. There were no statistically significant differences between spotted groups of respondents in their attitudes. Three variables were predictors: accidental usedneedle stick injuries (OR = 90.34; 95% CI, 8.79-928.03), contact with the blood of patientsthrough the skin (OR = 176.94; 95% CI, 24.95-1254.61), and the years of service (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00). CONCLUSION: The significance of this study is that it points to a double risk, because not only health workers are endangered, but also citizens who receive first aid.

The Cross-Sectional Study of attitudes towards risk factors of viral infections transmitted by blood-borne pathogens / Estudo transversal das atitudes em relação aos fatores de risco para infecções virais transmitidas pelo sangue / Estudio cruzado sobre las actitudes hacia los factores del riesgo de las infecciones virales que se transmiten por la sangre

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this paper was threefold: To assess risk factors of blood-borne pathogen exposure and viral infection for employees at their workplace, to spot the differences between groups of respondents without exposure and those exposed to blood-borne infections, and to identify main risk predictors. Method: The Cross-Sectional Study was conducted, surveying 203 employees, at the Institute for Emergency Medical Services in Serbia, which were eligible to enter the study and surveyed by Previously Developed Questionnaire. Results: A total of 97.60% of respondents have perceived risk at their workplace, but there were low numbers of HIV, HbcAg, and Anti-HCV testing and poor percent of vaccination for hepatitis B. There were no statistically significant differences between spotted groups of respondents in their attitudes. Three variables were predictors: accidental usedneedle stick injuries (OR = 90.34; 95% CI, 8.79-928.03), contact with the blood of patientsthrough the skin (OR = 176.94; 95% CI, 24.95-1254.61), and the years of service (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00). Conclusion: The significance of this study is that it points to a double risk, because not only health workers are endangered, but also citizens who receive first aid.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi triplo: avaliar os fatores de risco de exposição a patógenos transmitidos pelo sangue e infecções virais para funcionários no local de trabalho, perceber diferenças entre grupos de indivíduos que não foram expostos e aqueles que estavam expostos a infeções transmitidas pelo sangue e identificar os principais preditores de risco. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, entrevistando 203 funcionários do Instituto de Assistência Médica de Emergência da Sérvia, que cumpriram as condições para fazer parte do estudo e foram entrevistados por meio de um questionário previamente elaborado. Resultados: Um total de 97,60% dos entrevistados percebeu risco em seu local de trabalho, mas houve um pequeno número de testes de HIV, HbcAg e Anti-HCV e um baixo percentual de vacinação contra hepatite B. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos observados de entrevistados em termos de suas atitudes. Três variáveis foram preditores: lesões acidentais da punção com agulha (OR = 90,34; 95% Cl, 8,79-928,03), contato com o sangue dos pacientes através da pele (OR = 176,94; 95% Cl, 24,95-1254,61) e tempo de serviço (OR = 0,92; 95% Cl, 0,86-1,00). Conclusão: O significado deste estudo é que indica um duplo risco, tendo em vista que não apenas os profissionais de saúde estão em risco, mas também os cidadãos que recebem primeiros socorros.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue triple: estimar los factores del riesgo de la exposición de los patógenos transmitidos por la sangre y infecciones virales para los empleados en el puesto de trabajo, advertir las diferencias de los grupos de los examinados que no fueron expuestos y los que fueron expuestos a las infecciones que se transmiten por la sangre e identificar los mayores predictores del riesgo. Método: Fue hecho el estudio de la sección, con una encuesta de 203 empleados en la Institución para los primeros auxilios de Serbia, que cumplieron las condiciones para ser la parte del estudio y encuestado a través del cuestionario. Resultados: Total de 97,60% de los examinados mostró el riesgo en su puesto de trabajo, pero existía el pequeño número de testes a VIH, HbcAg y Anti - HCV y bajo porciento de vacunación contra Hepatitis B. No hubo diferencias estadísticas significantes entre grupos reconocidos de los cuestionados según sus opiniones. Tres variables fueron los predictores: las lesiones de pinchazo con la aguja accidentales (OR = 90,34; 95% CI, 8,79-928,03), contacto con la sangre dentro de la piel (OR = 176,94; 95% CI, 24,95-1254,61) y experiencia laboral (OR = 0,92; 95%CI, 0,86-1,00). Conclusión: El significado de este estudio es lo que muestra riesgo doble, teniendo en la cuenta que no son amenazados solo los trabajadores sanitarios, sino y los ciudadanos que reciben primeros auxilios.

Oral Health-Related Risk Factors Among Students in Southeast Serbia.

BACKGROUND An association between insufficient or irregular oral hygiene with the occurrence of dental caries, gingival/periodontal diseases, and consequently general diseases has been established. The null hypothesis that there is no difference in the oral health status among students in a preclinical medical program and those who went through a clinical medical program was tested. The main objective of the study was to analyze oral health risk factors (oral hygiene practices, attitudes, and behavior) as well as their impact on oral health by using convenience sampling. MATERIAL AND METHODS We investigated risk factors for oral health conditions by examining oral hygiene practices, attitudes, and behaviors among the students in the medical program of the University of Nis, collecting data using questionnaires. The study included 396 students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and vocational studies. Participants filled out the anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS In both groups, parents were mostly employed, with the representation of employed fathers significantly higher in student group 1 (P<0.05), which is also the only statistically significant difference between the groups. In terms of oral hygiene practices, students were most often trained by parents (68.69%). A very high percentage of students brushed their teeth every day (97.22%), and 54.55% did this twice a day. Of the total number of students, 78.28% thought that it was necessary to use interdental brushes/floss/toothpick. The duration of teeth cleaning was 3 minutes in 39.39%, whereas 55.30% thought that it should be longer than 3 minutes. The most common brushing movements were combined movements and were used by 60.35% of all students. Of all students, 253 (63.89%) never smoked, 182 (49.96%) regularly went to the dentist, and 141 (35.61%) visited the dentist 6 months ago. The majority of students, 265 (66.92%), obtained the greatest amount of information about oral and tooth care from their dentist, which was the case in both age groups. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights oral health risk factors among students at the University of Nis. It is essential to determine their oral health knowledge, as it is of great significance both to patients and to students. Also, these students will be the major providers of health services and will be responsible for public oral health promotion. It could help in reformation of the oral health education program. The results of this research indicate that it is necessary to educate preclinical students to solve oral health issues.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors in Relation to the Type of Inpatient Rehabilitation in Serbia: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background and objectives: Health-related quality of life after stroke is an important public health issue. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the perceived health-related quality of life in stroke survivors in relation to the type of inpatient rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Using a random selection method out of a total of 688 patients, every fourth survivor who had a stroke in the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 was selected from the admission protocol of the Clinic for Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine of the Clinical Centre Nis, Serbia. A total of 160 first-ever stroke survivors were included (80 underwent additional inpatient rehabilitation and 80 underwent only inpatient rehabilitation in a tertiary health institution) in a twelve-month prospective study. The EuroQuol-5 Dimension (EQ5D) questionnaire and Stroke Impact Scale were used for the assessment. Multivariate linear regression analysis was done. Results: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that additional inpatient rehabilitation from six up to eight weeks after discharge was significantly associated with better self-reported health condition by 3.9 times (from 1.9 to 8.2), significantly decreased the ranks of EQ5D by 1.78 times (from 1.02 to 3.11), and showed a higher health-related quality of life. We determined a significant increase of strength, emotions, mobility, and participation role in survivors who underwent additional inpatient rehabilitation compared with those who did not. Conclusions: There was a significant difference in health-related quality of life perceived by stroke survivors who underwent additional hospital rehabilitation in relation to those who underwent only inpatient rehabilitation.

Knowledge about Cervical Cancer and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV Vaccine among Female Students from Serbia.

Background and objectives: Persistent infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The study explored students' knowledge about cervical cancer and awareness of human papillomavirus and the HPV vaccine. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 1616 first-year female college students at the University of Nis. It examined socio-demographic characteristics, measured the score of knowledge about cervical cancer, assessed awareness regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine and inquired about the source of information about cervical cancer and HPV. Results: The average cervical cancer knowledge score was 16.35 ± 7.92 (min 0, max 30), with medical professional education, parents' education level, place of residence and relationship status having significant effects on the score. The awareness about HPV and the HPV vaccine was low, with only 14.2% of students having heard about both HPV and its vaccine. The most commonly reported sources of information were the media, while the most competent one was organized health education. Conclusions: Health promotion campaigns and educational programs are necessary in order to reduce cervical cancer burden and should be directed particularly towards those who have demonstrated low cervical cancer knowledge and low awareness regarding HPV and its vaccine.

Stigmatization and discrimination of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background/Aim: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is often associated with injectable drug users and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection for which there is stigmatization in society. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of stigma and discrimination of patients with CHC, as well as the influence of sociodemographic factors on the occurrence of stigmatization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Patients with CHC and conducted antiviral therapy completed an anonymous structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions and Hepatitis C stigma scale. Results: Out of 154 patients 61.7% were male and 72.1% from the city; 59.7% have completed secondary school; 61.7% were employed before the disease while 31.8% after the disease; 45.5% were unsatisfactory with financial situation; 54.5% were married; 37.7% lived with a spouse and children; 86.4% in their own house/apartment; 5.2% of the patients were abandoned by their partners, while 35.7% consumed drugs. A statistical significance of the stigma score was found in those who lived in the city (p = 0.018), unmarried (p = 0.005), abandoned by the partners after the diagnosis of CHC (p < 0.001), drug users (p = 0.002) and those living with parents (p = 0.034). Univariate regression analysis singled out as significant: residence (p = 0.018), living with their parents (p = 0.046), abandonment by a partner (p < 0.001) and drug use (p = 0.002). A multivariate regression model of independent variables singled out abandonment by partners (Beta = 5.158, p = 0.007). Men disagree significantly with the two elements inside stigma [not the same as the others (p = 0.035)] and hurt by the reaction of others (p = 0.047)). Conclusion: The presence of stigma in patients with CHC was proven. The results indicate the need to strengthen anti-stigma programs that will reduce their psychological and social problems and reduce stigmatization in society.

Stressful life events and breast cancer risk: a hospital-based case-control study.

PURPOSE: Elucidation of the factors contributing to the incidence of breast cancer is of crucial importance for the development of preventive or therapeutic strategies targeting the disease. Research on stress and breast cancer has been documented by various studies published over the years. In view of breast cancer importance as the most commonly occurring malignancy in females in Serbia, this study was undertaken to examine the association between stressful life events and breast cancer risk. METHODS: The present hospital-based case-control study comprised 120 new breast cancer cases and 120 hospital controls matched with respect to age (± 2 years). This study used the Paykel Life Events Scale to obtain information about stressful life events in the years before diagnosis. The SPSS statistical package was used and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from multivariate conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: Multiple conditional logistic regression analysis revealed six independent predictors of breast cancer risk: experience of severe and moderate threats (first 25 life events from the scale) (OR=3.15, 95% CI=2.01-4.93), son's military service (OR=6.09, 95% CI=4.17-12.37), death of close family member (OR=7.98, 95% CI=2.18-9.14), moderate financial difficulties (OR=3.26, 95%CI=1.24-8.56), maternal death in childhood (OR=3.46, 95% CI=1.21-9.92) and serious financial difficulties (OR=3.55, 95% CI=1.20-10.52). CONCLUSION: Stress exposure has been proposed to contribute to the etiology of breast cancer. There is a need for understanding the differing physiological effects of types or times of stress exposure.

Young age and pathological features predict breast cancer outcome - report from a dual Institution experience in Serbia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of clinicopathological and biological characteristics on prognosis, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), of very young patients (≤35 years of age) with breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively collected information of 150 women diagnosed with breast cancer, aged ≤35 years, who were operated and treated at two University Hospitals in Serbia between January 2009 and February 2011. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 44 months patients ≤30 had shorter DFS and OS compared to patients aged 31-35 years (p=0.004 and p=0.037, respectively). The differences in DFS and OS were significant with decreased survival associated with higher tumor grade (p=0.005 and p=0.0001, respectively). Tumor size and number of positive nodes were predictors of outcome with decreased survival associated with higher tumor size (p=0.0019 for DFS and p<0.0001 for OS) and increasing number of nodes (p<0.0001 for both). HER 2 receptor did not seem to have a prognostic influence while patients with hormonal receptors (HRs) positive tumors had a better DFS (p=0.034) and OS (p=0.046) than those with HRs negative tumors. In univariate survival analysis, a significant difference in DFS (p=0.0003) and OS (p=0.0003) was found between patients with vs without lymphovascular invasion (LVI). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of breast cancer at very young age (<30) was associated with increased risk of death and shorter DFS than women aged 31-35. Negative impact on survival was seen in patients with presence of LVI, negative HRs and higher grade and stage at the time of presentation.

Prevalence, attitudes and knowledge about HIV HBV and HCV infections among inmates in prisons Prilep and Bitola--a pilot study.

Prisons are associates as facilities liable of high risk of infection disease, as a result of the possibility of transmission of infections in prisons surroundings. Investigations carried out in correctional facilities around the world have shown a high prevalence of blood borne hepatitis viruses and HIV. The study was aimed at confirming prevalence of HIV hepatitis B and hepatitis C among prisoners in Bitola's, and Prilep's prisons, existing of co-infection as well to assess knowledge and attitudes related to HIV, HBV and HCV infections. In this cross-sectional study 200 prisoners have participated, providing answers to structured questionnaire and in order to analyze blood for HIV, HBV and HCV, rapid blood tests in detecting antibodies has been used. Prevalence of HCV is 0.20, HBV 0.17 and HIV prevalence is 0. Co-infection prevalence of HCV/HBV is 0.07 from the total number of examinees. As for the manner of infection with HIV virus 22% are familiar with the fact that persons cannot be infected by HIV if they have only one sexual partner who is not infected and have no other partners, and for the protection of HIV and Hepatitis B by correct use of condoms-58% have given correct answers.

Effects of air pollution on growth in schoolchildren.

The growth is considered a very sensitive indicator of the impact of environment of the health status of children. The aim of the study was to investigate whether air pollution is related to children's growth. The subjects were 1059 pupils, aged 7-11 years, living for more than ten years in the same home in the city of Nis (Serbia). Exposed group of children (N = 545) were attending the school located in a city area with a high level of air pollution, while the children (N = 514), in the comparison group, designed as non-exposed group, were attending the school in the area with a lower level of air pollution. The air concentrations of black smoke, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and lead in sediment matter were determined in ten-year period. Air pollution is associated with children's height and weight, specially before the age of 9 years. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of thinness in children exposed to higher concentrations of air pollutants (p = 0.038). It might be possible that air pollution negatively contributed to the growth rate in urban children.

Anaphylactic shock due to unruptured hepatic hydatid cyst complicated by multiple intrahospital infections.

Anaphylactic shock due to unruptured hydatid cyst is a rare complication of hepatic echinococcosis. Here, we present an unusual case of unruptured hydatid cyst causing anaphylactic shock followed by appendicitis, ileus, and complicated by septic condition due to multiple intrahospital infections. Decision of the surgical cyst removal at the right moment and appropriate antimicrobial treatment are key factors for a positive outcome.

[Students' knowledge about AIDS and their attitudes and behaviours towards HIV-positive or diseased persons in Nis, Serbia]. / Conoscenza degli studenti sull'HIV e loro atteggiamenti e comportamenti verso le persone HIV positive o malate di AIDS nella città di Nis, Serbia.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the level of knowledge about HIV infection among students of the city of Nis, Serbia, through the evaluation of what was their attitude towards social contacts with HIV-positive/diseased subjects, their opinion about the treatment of HIV-positive/diseased subjects, and the sanctions for their inadequate behavior. DESIGN: the study was performed in December 2010 as cross-sectional epidemiological survey on a sample of 260 families chosen randomly from telephone book of the City of Nis, Serbia. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the study population was composed from 143 university students and 64 high-school students. A questionnaire made up of 53 questions about HIV infection and about attitudes towards HIV-positive/diseased subjects was administered to the participants. RESULTS: right answers about the sources of HIV infection ranged from 53.1% to 100%; right answers about mode of transmission of HIV infection ranged from 46.4% to 100%. 79.2% students expressed the opinion that HIV positive/ diseased persons should be treated by the society in the same way as other patients, but only 3.7% of them expressed the wish to have social relations with them. Only 28% of the students agreed that HIV infected subjects should be cured in the same medical institutions with other patients. Concerning the responses about possible sanctions towards HIV-positive/diseased subjects who spread the infection deliberately, 28% of the students agreed that they should undergo administrative or penal sanctions. CONCLUSIONS: student's level of knowledge (both from high schools and universities) about HIV is generally satisfactory, with some exceptions that may be corrected with a better sanitary education. Theoretical attitude of students towards HIV positive/diseased subjects is generally positive, but these results are in clear contrast with answers about relations with these persons in everyday life.

Lung cancer trends in Southeastern Serbia.

The aim of the study was to assess recent changes in lung cancer incidence and mortality trends in the male and female population in Southeastern Serbia, in the period 1999-2008. Data used for analyses were provided by the Cancer Registry of the Institute for Public Health, Nis. Incidence and mortality trends were based on crude and age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for the period 1999-2008. Standardized rates were calculated by the direct method of standardization (per 100,000), using the world population as the standard. Statistical significance was checked on the basis of correlation coefficient (r) for probability (p) on the level of 0.05. A total of 3,128 new cases and 2,327 deaths from lung cancer were registered (males/females ratio is 4:1). In males, the crude (107.94) and the age-standardized incidence rate (59.88) were four-fold higher than in females (27.10 and 14.21). In males, the crude mortality rate was four-fold higher than in females (80.61 vs. 19.87), while the age-standardized mortality rate was four and a half higher than in females (43.78 vs. 9.54). Lung cancer incidence trend, based on crude and age-standardized incidence rates, in females was increasing while in males was decreasing. Lung cancer mortality trends, based on crude and age-standardized incidence rates, were increasing in both sexes. Registration of unfavourable incidence and mortality trends of lung cancer indicate failure in primary and secondary prevention in the past. It is thus of vital importance to provide much intensive and comprehensive activities for primary and secondary prevention of lung cancer in the future, including education and rigorous tobacco control as well.

[The effect of parental attitudes on habilitation of hearing impaired children]. / Uticaj stavova roditelja na habilitaciju dece sa ostecenim sluhom.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Habilitation of children with hearing loss is a very complex process and requires a team work. Habilitation period length, as well as the effects themselves are individual and depend on many factors. The goal of any habilitation process is to improve the quality of life of each individual to the maximal extent possible, regardless of whether embedded cochlear implant, or other forms of am plification applied. A long-standing practice has shown that the influence of parents and their attitudes in the habilita tion process is great. The aim of this study was to examine the extent of this influence in order to educate the parents so to help their children maximize their potential. METHODS: The instruments used in this study were: semi-structured interview, the Parental Attitudes Scale (PAD), Package Nottingham Early Estimates (NEAP). The participants in this study were the parents with children aged 4-15 years. The extent of hearing loss in the children was recorded at the beginning and during the habilitation process and all were actively involved at least three months. For statistical analysis of this study the descriptive and inferential statisti cal techniques were applied. RESULTS: The results of our study show significant differences in certain parental atti tudes. A close cooperation of the parents and quality ex perts interactions with the parents are a prerequisite for a successful habilitation. CONCLUSION: The result of this re search show that the process of habilitation of children with hearing and speech disorders is significantly affected by the parent attitudes. Parental attitudes were proved to be espe cially important for children with greater hearing loss. It was also noted that in our society mainly mothers are concerned with hearing-damaged children, which indicates that the educational process should be extend to both parents.

[The influence of overweight on the quality of life of health workers].

INTRODUCTION: The number of people who are considered to be either overweight or obese continues to increase, worldwide. The aim of the paper was to determine the influence of overweight on the quality of life of health workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study of prevalence was used We observed 108 health workers both men and women from the Institute for Public Health in the City of Nis. The questionnaire Obesity Related Well-Being 97 (ORWELL97) was applied in all health workers. RESULTS: A hundred and five health workers filled in the ORWELL97 questionnaire. There were 40% of men and 60% of women; 72% of them were married and 28% of them were single; 68% were from the urban area and 32% were from the rural area. The average age was 29.5 (SD=3.2) and the average value of BMI was 25.4 (SD=4,0). There were 54 (48.6%) health workers having normal weight and there were 51 (5.4%) who were considered overweight. No one was obese among them. The difference between the average sum of scores in the group of health workers who had normal weight and the group of health workers who were overweight was not statistically significant (t=1.1 and p<0.05). Nor was the difference statistically significant for the average sum of scores of subquestion O (t=3.6 and p<0.05), and subquestion R (t=2.9 and p<0.05). BMI showed a weak positive correlation with both occurence and relevance of symptoms. A weak positive correlation of BMI was found with average sum of scores in the first, second and third groups of questions in ORWELL 97 questionnaire. CONCLUSION: According to the presented results, health workers who were overweight did not have lower quality of life than health workers who had normal weight.

The influence of marital status on epidemiological characteristics of suicides in the southeastern part of Serbia.

BACKGROUND: The support of close persons is a protective factor in the suicide epidemiology. The aim of this paper is to determine if there are differences between epidemiological characteristics of the suicides committed by married people in relation to singles. METHODS: In order to determine epidemiological characteristics of suicide among married and single people in the southeastern Serbia 628 suicides committed from 1995 to 2002 among persons 20 years of age and over were analysed. To compare suicide rates between married and single persons chi2 test was performed. RESULTS: From 628 registered suicides, 188 were performed by women, and 440 by men. The average annual suicide rate among males was 24.1 per 100,000 and among females it was 9.9. The highest rates were among widowed (139.0) and divorced men (63.2). The highest risk factor for suicide was to be widowed (men: RR=8.35; women: RR=2.75). The suicide trend among women, both married and single has been declining, whilst among males it has been on significant increase. Seasonality of suicides, weekly and daily distribution had a small influence on the epidemiological characteristics of suicides. Married women committed more suicides by poisoning than single women (p=0.02). In both groups, the most frequent way is hanging. CONCLUSION: Though marital status plays important role in an increasing rates of suicide, time and the way of its happening, this role is not decisive. Single people are very vulnerable and the time and way of suicide show that their reasons are more serious than among married ones.

Professional risk, knowledge, attitudes and practice of health care personnel in Serbia with regard to HIV and AIDS.

The aim of our investigation was to assess HIV/AIDS-related professional risk, knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers in Nis. A cross-sectional study of health personnel from Primary Health Centre, Clinical Medical Centre and Dental Clinic in Nis was performed. The data were collected by an anonymous questionnaire. Mantel-Haenszel X2 testing and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. Results show that 89% of health personnel perceived high professional risk of acquiring HIV infection. The risk perception of acquiring HIV infections was higher among those who were frequently exposed to patients' blood and other body fluids (OR = 10.1 95% CI = 3.1-32.5), and those who had treated HIV-positive patients (OR = 3.0 95% CI = 1.0-8.8). The majority of respondents had insufficient knowledge about the modes of HIV transmission. Nearly two thirds of health personnel agreed that every hospitalized patient should be tested for HIV, and more than four fifths of them agreed that their personal protection was more important than the confidentiality of patient's HIV/AIDS status. Twenty nine percent of health personnel use adequate protection during their daily work with patients. These findings indicated a need for urgent educational and training initiatives of HIV and AIDS for all categories of health care workers.

Serum lipids and glucose disturbances at professional drivers exposed to occupational stressors.

The aim of this study is to find association between some groups of occupational stressors and serum lipids and glucose concentrations in professional drivers in road traffic. The study included 417 male professional drivers (162 inter city bus drivers, 36 suburban bus drivers, 33 city bus drivers, 81 truck drivers, 71 official car drivers and 34 professional taxi drivers). Occupational stressors were identified and total occupational stress index score was measured by standardized questionnaire authorized by Karen Belkic. Occupational stressors were divided into seven groups (underload, high demand, strictness, extrinsic time pressure, noxious exposures, avoidance and conflict). Serum glucose and lipids concentrations (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols) were measured in study group of drivers. Maximal total OSI values were achieved in group of professional truck drivers. The highest values of serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols and the lowest values of serum HDL cholesterol were found at professional truck drivers. With the increase of occupational stress index, there is an increase of the serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols concentration in the exposed group of drivers. Specific analytes thresholds' level of occupational stress index exists.

Mortality of Roma population in Serbia, 2002-2005.

AIM: To describe and compare mortality and population changes in the Roma and non-Roma population in Serbia in 2002 and 2005. METHODS: The number of cases of death were obtained from the 2002 and 2005 Mortality Database and population data from the Population Census 2002. Standardized sex specific rates of non-traumatic and traumatic mortality in 2002 and 2005 were calculated in relation to the European standard population. We presented population pyramid and aging index for both populations in 2002 and compared sex specific standardized traumatic and non-traumatic mortality rates and the average age of death for 2002 and 2005. The causes of death were coded according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) groups, and the proportional mortalities in the year 2002 and 2005 were compared between the Roma and non-Roma population using chi2 test. RESULTS: Standardized mortality rates were higher in the Roma than in the general population. Non-traumatic mortality rate in Roma men in 2002 was 18.2 per 1000 and in slightly decreased to 18.0 per 1000 in 2005; it was significantly higher than in non-Roma men in both years (11.9 per 1000 in 2002 and 12.5 per 1000 in 2005; P<0.001). Standardized non-traumatic mortality rate in Roma women decreased significantly from 16.78 per 1000 in 2002 to 14.89 per 1000 in 2005 (P=0.014), but it was still significantly higher than in non-Roma women (8.46 per 1000 in 2002 and 8.84 per 1000 in 2005; P<0.001). Morbidity structure indicated that the most common causes of death in the Roma population were cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, and respiratory system diseases. In relation to the general population respiratory system diseases were denoted as main causes of deaths in significantly higher percent (6% vs 3% in 2002 and 7% vs 4% in 2005; P<0.001) and cardiovascular diseases in significantly lower percent (44%:55% in 2002 and 46%:57%; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that mortality rates in the Roma population are significantly higher than in the general population, and morbidity structure of the most common causes of death significantly different from that of general population.

[Bacteriological finding in the urethra in men with and without non-gonococcal urethritis].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a very common sexually transmitted disease. The etiology of the disease is complex and not completely solved. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological finding in the urethra in men with and without non-gonococcal urethritis. METHODS: The study group comprised 200 men with symptoms of urethritis. The control group consisted of 60 men without symptoms of urethritis. The diagnosis of nongonococcal infection was made by finding of an increased number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (> or = 5) under the microscope in a sample of Gram-stain of urethral smear (x 1 000) and without evidence of Neisseria. gonorrhoeae in specimens (negative direct microscopy and cell culture). Bacteriological examination included: direct microscopy with the Gram-stained and methylblue-stained smears of urethral discharges, and cultivation of specimens under the aerobic/unaerobic conditions. In addition to standard bacterial examination and performinig direct imunofluorescence test to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (bioMerieux, France), urethral smears were also examined for the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis by commercially available Mycofast Evolution 2 test (International Microbio, France). The finding of mycoplasmas > or = 10(4) CCU/ml was positive. The data were statistically analyzed using Pearson chi2 and Student t test. RESULTS: C. trachomatis was predominant bacterial species found in urethra in men with nongonococcal urethritis. It was isolated alone and/or mixed with mycoplasmas and/or other bacteria in 86 (43.0%) of examinees. There was statistically significant difference in finding of C. trachomatis between the study group and the control group (p < 0.001). U. urealyticum was found in men with NGU: 30.2% were with C. trachomatis and 36.0% were without C. trachomatis (p > 0.05). In 16 (8.0%) men with NGU, C. trachomatis was isolated alone, while in 13.0% examinees it occurred with U. urealyticum. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was isolated in one subject with NGU, alone. Streptococcus agalactiae was found in 1.5% of men with urethritis. Anaerobic bacteria were found in 38 (19.0%) subjects with NGU and in 7 (11.7%) subjects from the control group. CONCLUSION: C. trachomatis was predominant bacterial species found in urethra in men with nongonococcal urthretitis. Mixed infections were frequent.