Journal of Health Sciences | University of Sarajevo (original) (raw)

Papers by Journal of Health Sciences

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Lumbar pain syndrome (LPS) is defined as pain or discomfort localized between the e... more Introduction: Lumbar pain syndrome (LPS) is defined as pain or discomfort localized between the edge of the twelfth rib and the lower gluteal region, with or without spread to the lower extremities, and, depending on the etiology and degree of symptomatology, can have negative consequences and be one of the main reasons for work disability and absenteeism worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of exercise therapy on the activities of daily living of a person with LPS. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal, and randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 2014 to June 2016. It included 200 subjects with symptoms of LPS, both sexes, aged 30 to 50 years, sedentary and standing occupations, randomized and equally divided into two groups: Examined (n = 100) and the control group (n = 100). In this study, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was used after clinical examination. Results: The percentage of disability according to the Oswestry disability index at the first examination was 31.78 ± 14.11% in the participants of the test group and 38.74 ± 17.48% in the participants of the control group (p = 0.002). After the second examination, the percentage of disability was 6.64 ± 3.15% in the test group and 23.92 ± 14.84% in the control group (p = 0.001). At the end of the examination, the percentage of disability was 2.36 ± 0.78% in the subjects of the test group and 13.82 ± 11.25% in the subjects of the control group (p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found in all three examinations, and the reduction in the percentage of disability was greater in the study group, p < 0.05. Conclusion: The research conducted showed that motion therapy procedures focused on achieving natural spinal mobility and improving trunk muscle strength are effective in reducing pain intensity, improving activities of daily living, and reducing the percentage of disability in people with LPS.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Information and communication technology (ICT) has multiplied its availability and ... more Introduction: Information and communication technology (ICT) has multiplied its availability and use, causing enormous use, particularly in school age children that use them 7.5 h a day on average. The time that adolescents spend in front of electronic screens has significantly increased between the 10 th and 14 th year, but there are significant changes in gender. In boys that increase is 41.6 min a day, whereas in girls, it is 22.7 min during a day. Methods: The study is designed as an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical, and comparative study. The study is conducted in a form of online questionnaire on Microsoft Forums platform in a period from December 15, 2021 to December 30, 2021. The respondents could access with a link and QR code at the request for consent that was previously signed by a parent/guardian and gave consent that can children participate in this study. Results: The results of this study show that school-age children usually use mobile phones with a touch screen every day during the working week (39.2%) and TV (39.5%) in the period between 2 and 3 h. The pain in the past 12 months caused by ICT use was mostly present in the area of neck/shoulders (42.4%), while the pain during the previous month was mostly present in lower extremities (29.1%). Conclusion: Increased use of ICT devices related to higher levels of musculoskeletal symptoms. Higher exposure to pain in various segments of the body is a reason of concern, and further research on the implication of their use among adolescents is necessary and justified.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Composite materials may be exposed to chemicals in food and beverages in the oral c... more Introduction: Composite materials may be exposed to chemicals in food and beverages in the oral cavity, which can lead to changes in surface roughness. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness of two restorative materials after exposure to coffee and green tea followed by a dental bleaching procedure. Methods: For nanofilled composite and microhybrid composite, 15 samples each were fabricated. Five specimens from each composite were stored in instant coffee and green tea for 4 h a day. After 30 days of immersion, specimens received dental at-home bleaching, using 16% carbamide peroxide (CP), for 7 h a day. The control group was stored in deionized water for 30 days. Surface roughness was determined by profilometry 24 h after polymerization, after 30 days of immersion, and after bleaching. The data were analyzed using a t-test for paired samples and mixed analysis of variance, at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Neither beverages nor CP treatment significantly altered the surface roughness of the composites. There was no difference between the tested composite materials regarding roughness. Conclusion: Surface roughness of the microhybrid and nanohybrid composites was not modified by coffee, green tea, and subsequent whitening treatment.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a ubiquitous entity among dental patients in terms... more Introduction: Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a ubiquitous entity among dental patients in terms of their prevalence and incidence. It is among the major clinical problems in dentistry. In addition, the differences in DFA prevalence were present considering the age and gender of patients and over time, but with some opposite reports. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of DFA presence in children concerning their age, gender, and over time. Methods: The survey sample comprised 200 of 9-12-year-old children. The DFA presence was determined twice by the modified version of the CFSS-DS scale (CFSS-DS-mod scale) during a 6-months long period between the first and the subsequent dental appointment due to the need for restorative dental treatment. The scale was applied before the restorative treatment started on both occasions. Results: The prevalence of DFA was 17.5% in the study sample and decreased over time. It was slightly higher in girls. Conclusions: The DFA prevalence in 9-12-year-old children is decreasing over time. Latent manifestations of DFA presence should be considered for evaluation in the future.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Laboratory personnel (LP) represent a high-risk group of healthcare workers for who... more Introduction: Laboratory personnel (LP) represent a high-risk group of healthcare workers for whom the primary laboratory environment and specific work activities are a major source of potential exposure to health hazards. This study aimed to evaluate the developed matrix and assess risk based on self-assessment. Methods: This multicenter, qualitative, and cross-sectional study was conducted on LP employed in biomedical laboratories. The respondents were divided into groups according to their territorial affiliation. The data collection tool used was a six-area questionnaire distributed online through a network of professional associations. For the risk assessment, a matrix was developed with scores ranging from 0 to 650, dividing the risk level into four categories. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the statistical analysis. Results: The developed model combined the classification of risk and risk factors with a certainty of p < 0.001. The regression analysis showed that working conditions had the greatest influence on overall risk, followed by physical, biological, and chemical hazards. Of the 640 respondents, the medium risk category was the highest in European Union (EU) countries (81.2%). Comparing the values in the high-risk category between the Bosnians and Herzegovinians (BiH) group and the Republic of Serbia, Republic of Northern Macedonia, and Montenegro (SCM) group with the EU group, a doubling (16.6%: 36.7%) and tripling (16.6%: 52.1%) of the proportion was found, respectively (p < 0.001). Overall, 1.7% of the LPs from BiH fell into the high-risk category. Conclusions: The designed matrix provides a reliable basis for identifying risk predictors in the study population and can serve as a useful tool for conducting risk assessments in biomedical laboratories. The results of the risk assessment indicate significant differences between the studied groups and highlight the need for increased control of BiH workplaces through new regulatory requirements.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: The human heart is in most cases vascularized by two coronary arteries, the right c... more Introduction: The human heart is in most cases vascularized by two coronary arteries, the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery. The supernumerary coronary artery, which arises independently from the right aortic sinus and passes through sub-epicardial adipose tissue of the pulmonary conus and anterior side of the right ventricle is called the third coronary artery (TCA). Methods: This study consisted of 28 formalin-fixed adult human cadaveric hearts. The presence of the TCA was determined. The position of the orifice of the right and excess arteries in relation to the sinotubular junction was determined, and then also the position of the orifice of the excess arteries "on the o'clock level" in relation to the orifice of the RCA. The radius of these orifices and their distance from the orifice of the RCA were measured. The angle between the aorta and TCA, as well as RCA and conus branch, was measured. Results: A total 11 of specimens had supernumerary arteries. A supernumerary artery was found in two hearts. The angle formed by the aorta with the TCA was 60.09 ± 17.57, while the angle between the aorta and the conus branch had an average value of 89.88 ± 15.92. The orifices of all supernumerary arteries were located below the level of the sinotubular junction. The average diameter of the TCA was 1.49 mm ± 0.41. The average distance between the TCA orifice and the RCA orifice was 2.21 mm ± 1.03. In 45.45% cases, the orifice of TCA was located at the 10 o'clock level. Conclusion: The present study highlights the presence of the TCA. It may constitute a significant collateral circulation contributing to apical and septal perfusion. Interpretation of signs and symptoms of coronary occlusion should therefore include possible contribution of this vascular channel.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria in seafood, especially shrimp and oct... more Introduction: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria in seafood, especially shrimp and octopus, are significant public health concerns and are able to be transmitted to humans in foodstuffs, particularly when they are of animal origin. The present study was conducted to measure the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and prevalence of Salmonella isolates obtained from octopus and shrimp in San Francisco de Campeche, Mexico. Methods: Two hundred shrimp and octopus samples (one hundred each) were collected from the municipal market, and each sample consisted of 100 g. The present study used conventional methods to identify and isolate Salmonella, with the disk-diffusion method used to screen all isolates for sensitivity to 12 antibiotics. Results: The prevalence of Salmonella was found to be 56% and 45% in shrimp and octopus, respectively. The high levels of Salmonella observed in the municipal market sampled by the present study reveal poor sanitary conditions in the processing and transport of the products of interest and those handling them at the point of sale. All the Salmonella strains were resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes. All shrimp isolates (100%) presented susceptibility to chloramphenicol and the majority (88%) presented sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, while the strains isolated in the octopus individuals sampled presented sensitivity to both the foregoing antibiotics (74% and 90%, respectively). Conclusion: Based on the high prevalence in the samples analyzed, our results suggest that shrimp and octopus could be involved in Salmonella infections in the population.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum beta-lactam... more Introduction: Antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) is increasing. Accurate evaluation of antibiotic resistance rates in various categories of bacteria assists medical physicians in recommending suitable indications for their medical problems, improving treatment efficiency, and minimizing dangers for patients. As a result, we undertook this research to assess the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae as well as the rate of antibiotic resistance in ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2716 patients at the An Giang Central General Hospital from June 2020 to June 2021. Data collection was based on interviews and used SPSS 18.0 and GraphPad Prism 9 for data analysis and presentation. Samples included urine, blood, sputum, and pus. Samples were treated with the Phoenix 100 automated machine to separate and identify samples. Results: The highest rate was 64.8% for Escherichia coli, followed by 30.2% for Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella oxytoca were found in 4.5% and 0.6% of the samples, respectively. Ampicillin resistance was greatest in E. coli (96.5%), K. pneumonia (92.4%), and K oxytoca (83.3%). The frequency of resistance to the other antibiotics was likewise extremely high, approaching 60%. Tobramycin, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, Cefoxitin, and Nitrofurantoin were totally resistant to K. oxytoca in the ESBL-producing group. E. coli and K. pneumoniae with ESBL-producing genes also have a high antibiotic resistance rate of more than 50%. Conclusion: E. coli was the most common pathogenic bacteria. Most of the species of bacteria resisted Ampicillin.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Pleural complications in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are relatively uncommo... more Introduction: Pleural complications in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are relatively uncommon findings. Pleural involvement in these patients may directly correlate to disease severity and overall prognosis. We aimed to review clinical features and treatment approaches for pleural complications (accumulation of fluid/air inside the pleural cavity) in 45 patients with COVID-19, who were treated at our institution between April 2020 and October 2021. Methods: Our study was designed as single-center, observational, cross-sectional study of 45 patients with COVID-19 and at least one radiologically verified pleural complication. Demographic data, radiological findings, as well as type and number of thoracosurgical intervention(s) were recorded for every patient. We included patients of both genders and various age groups, with positive RT-PCR assay for COVID-19 and radiologic features of pleural complications, which required single or multiple thoracosurgical interventions. Results: Unilateral pleural complications were more common, right-sided pleural complications were found in 44.4% of patients. Right-sided pneumothorax was reported in 26.7% of patients. Almost one-fourth of our patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. Tube thoracostomy was performed in 84.4% of patients with unilateral pleural complications. A fatal outcome was most common in patients over 60 years old. More than half of patients with bilateral pleural complications died in our study. Conclusions: Pleural complications are a rare finding in patients with COVID-19. Tube thoracostomy is the mainstay of treatment for most symptomatic patients with pleural complications. Future research should be directed toward investigation of long-term pulmonary consequences in patients with COVID-19.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Food safety is a story that unites all civilizations, cultures, and nations, and it is interlaced... more Food safety is a story that unites all civilizations, cultures, and nations, and it is interlaced with various methods for making food safer. Concern for nutritious and safe food is as ancient as humankind itself, and many of the food safety issues that persist today are not new. Diverse records from the ancient world, as well as the religious writings of the three monotheist religions, actually refer to food, its intake, and prohibitions, as well as pathological diseases that may follow from inappropriate intake. Over time, food safety has evolved into a scientific discipline concerned with the handling, preparation, transport, and distribution of food to avoid the transmission of illnesses. The current state of food safety knowledge is the result of past discoveries, innovations, and laws. In modern times, the right to consume safe food is a fundamental human right. It contributes to and promotes sustainable development while supporting the economy, trade, and tourism. Nevertheless, despite significant improvements, we still know relatively little about food-borne illnesses and how infections affect humans.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) imply damage to muscular or skeletal systems, whic... more Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) imply damage to muscular or skeletal systems, which usually develop due to strenuous, repetitive activity, or an inflammation process. The therapy with capacitive and resistive electronic transfer (CRet) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) have mainly been applied for pain relief in these conditions. This paper aims to provide an overview of the efficient results of CRet therapy and HILT in managing pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders found in the available literature. Methods: Articles related to musculoskeletal disorders were searched through electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Lilacs, Cochrane, Research Gate, and available website search tools. After excluding records that are not clinical trials and studies (such as review articles, patient information, and Ph.D. papers) and articles which did not deal with pain in musculoskeletal disorders, 61 articles met our criteria and were included in the overview. Results: By reviewing the selected articles related to CRet therapy and HILT effects on pain in musculoskeletal disorders, it was found that both therapies have a favorable effect on pain reduction. Conclusion: The selected papers showed that both therapies are powerful tools for pain reduction. Although there are no specific protocols, including the number and frequency of therapies applied and other parameters, in both therapy modalities, pain alleviation occurs during or immediately after a therapy cycle application.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Neck pain (NP) may have a local mechanical (non-specific) origin caused by dysfunct... more Introduction: Neck pain (NP) may have a local mechanical (non-specific) origin caused by dysfunction of the joint, muscle, and ligament structures in the neck or by a discogenic etiology. Most people (50-60%) suffer from NP at some point in their lives. They are more common in highly developed countries and in urban areas. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of NP and its impact on daily living activities in the student population. Methods: The study included students of the University of Sarajevo-Faculty of Health Studies in the period from May 2021 to June 2021. The sample of respondents was formed by the method of random selection and included respondents of both sexes, aged 19-28 years. The study was conducted as a transversal cross-sectional study at a specific time point on the frequency of NP and the ability to perform activities of daily living in the student population. Results: Out of the total number of 255 respondents, 77 (30.2%) reported that they have NP while 178 (69.8%) respondents reported that they do not feel NP and it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the age groups of the subjects with and without NP. The study concluded that a higher percentage of respondents with NP did not engage in leisure activities and that respondents with NP had lower mobility in daily life, sleep disturbance, and poorer ability to perform activities of daily living due to NP. Conclusion: The study conducted revealed that a significant percentage of the student population with NP has a lower ability to perform activities of daily living. Considering the above facts and the current transformation of the educational model, in which static postures dominate, it is necessary to design and implement programs for targeted physical activity and prevention of long-term inactivity that leads to painful musculoskeletal syndromes.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Patient safety depends on a number of factors such as teamwork, working climate, em... more Introduction: Patient safety depends on a number of factors such as teamwork, working climate, employee satisfaction, work environment, stress awareness, management perception, and attitude. Nurses have a key role to play in protecting and supporting patients, and their assessment serves as a reliable predictor of overall hospital safety. A positive attitude toward patient safety is associated with a significant reduction in complications. The aim of the study was to analyze the perception of nurses about all aspects of patient safety in relation to the workplace and length of service. Methods: The research included 647 nurses employed in health care institutions at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of health care. A descriptive and cross-sectional study included nurses from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was conducted in the period from November to December 2021, during the COVID pandemic. A standardized questionnaire on the perception of patient safety was used-Safety Attitudes Questionnaire-SAQ. Results: The analysis of the examined factors in relation to the workplace of the respondents revealed a statistically significant difference in job satisfaction (p < 0.001), as well as in the safety climate at work in relation to the workplace (p = 0.005), working conditions (p < 0.001), and management perception (p < 0.001). Stress levels showed significant differences regarding working position (p = 0.017), but also through the years of service (p = 0.012). Stress was significantly correlated with teamwork (r = 0.124; p = 0.003), showing that better teamwork will help with stress. Conclusion: The synthesis of concepts that includes patient safety and orientation toward patients should be implemented as a strategic quality orientation and set as a priority of every health-care system.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: People over the age of 50 begin to show manifestations of reduced balance and insta... more Introduction: People over the age of 50 begin to show manifestations of reduced balance and instability, and as a result, simple activities such as standing or getting up from a chair may become limited or impossible. Therapeutic strengthening exercises can increase muscle strength and improve mobility, as well as the physical functioning of the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic exercise on balance and gait in elderly. Methods: The prospective study included two groups of 130 respondents over the age of 65 who had come to the "Center for Healthy Aging Novo Sarajevo." Using the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) test, we assessed mobility performance. We tested the respondents at the beginning, in the middle and in the end of the research, which lasted 6 months. Results: In the control group, the required time increased by 2.04%. The largest improvement within POMA B was recorded in the examined Group B and it was 12.67 %, while in the examined Group A, the improvement was only 5.07%. Within POMA G, the largest improvement was also recorded in the examined Group B and it was 6.82%, while in the examined Group B, this improvement was 4.14%. Conclusion: Both strengthening and antigravity therapeutic exercises improve the level of physical fitness in older adults, although therapeutic antigravity exercises had a better impact on the level of physical activity.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Caring for patients with skin disorders is "more than skin deep". Psoriasis is a sy... more Introduction: Caring for patients with skin disorders is "more than skin deep". Psoriasis is a systematic immune-mediated disease that generally does not affect survival, but certainly has major negative effects on patients. The previous research has reported that artificial restoration of a permeable barrier by occlusion results in regression of lesions in psoriasis. The aim of this research is to assess the efficacy of cling film dressing versus conventional treatment on palmoplantar psoriatic lesions among patients with psoriasis. Methods: The research design used in the study was a true experimental time series design. Block randomization was used to assign the study participants into either study or control group in a Psoriatic OutPatient Department of tertiary care center at Southern part of India. As usual, the intervention group participants received the application of topical corticosteroid Eczivate MF with cling film wrap while the control group participants followed the conventional treatment (topical corticosteroid Eczivate MF without occlusive dressing). The modified psoriasis severity index (MPSI) score was used to measure the outcomes. Results: There was a high statistical significance difference on the severity of psoriatic disease level between the control and study groups (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Steroidal cream application with occlusive dressing yielded better results than non-occlusive open treatment.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Research shows that urinary and sexual dysfunction is very common neurological sequ... more Introduction: Research shows that urinary and sexual dysfunction is very common neurological sequelae of stroke with a markedly significant impact on body self-image and quality of life. Still, there is a lack of recent research to address this problem in female stroke survivors. The study aimed to examine the existence and level of urinary and sexual dysfunction, quality of life, and self-reported body image in a group of women after stroke and compare findings with those found in a group of women with other chronic non-neurological diseases. Methods: This study's sample consisted of 30 females; two groups composed of 15. The stroke group consisted of subjects after stroke and the non-neurological group with different chronic non-neurological, mainly muscle-skeletal conditions. This study's specific interest data were collected from respondents through pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20), the pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7), female sexual function index (FSFI), and an eight-item body image scale (BIS). The SPSS v.26 program was used for statistical processing. Results: Results show a statistically higher scores in stroke group (M = 219.65 ± 34.573) on PFDI-20 than in non-neurological group (M = 118.54 ± 27.734). Furthermore, statistically significant higher scores were found in stroke group in PFIQ-7 (Mdn = 233.33) and BIS (Mdn = 16.00) than in non-neurological group (Mdn = 28.57)-PFIQ-7; (Mdn = 11.00)-BIS. Also, statistically significant lower scores were found in stroke group (Mdn=10.40) on FSFI index than in non-neurological group (Mdn=24.60). Conclusions: Women after stroke show significantly more urinary and sexual dysfunction, lower quality of life, and poorer body self-image than the non-neurological group of chronic non-neurological conditions. There is a clear need for research on this issue in women after stroke.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is the pleasure an individual feels both physically and psychol... more Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is the pleasure an individual feels both physically and psychologically, and is the result of erotic experiences, thoughts, dreams, and autoeroticism. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to present the determinants of sexual satisfaction among Bosnian and Herzegovinian women. Methods: The survey was conducted on 387 Bosnian and Herzegovinian women via online questionnaire that consisted of demographic data and 17 statements. The validated questionnaire was used with some adaptations and contained a 5-point Likert scale for each statement, ranging from "not at all satisfied" to "extremely satisfied." The inclusion criteria were: (a) Age 18-60 years; and (b) completion of the questionnaire as personal consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Results: Data collection was conducted from July 2020 to September 2020. The realization rate of the sample was 24.19%. Most of the participants have a high school diploma, most are between 18 and 24 years old and most are currently married. Thirty-five percent of women sometimes experience pain during intercourse (less than half the time). The lower half of the vagina (from the vaginal entrance to the half of the vagina) and the lower part of the abdomen are usually most affected. A relationship was found between the number of children and sexual satisfaction. Women without children were the most satisfied with their sexual life, followed by women who had only one or two children. Conclusions: Every woman has the right to feel sexual satisfaction. The complexity of sexual satisfaction is reflected in many determinants and factors that can influence it positively and negatively.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections among either communi... more Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infections among either community or hospital-acquired infections. UTIs are common in diabetes mellitus, with glycosuria and neurogenic bladder being the predisposing factors. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. The study population consisted of 100 diabetic and 40 non-diabetic patients. The rates of bacteriuria and pyuria were investigated in diabetic and non-diabetic patients who had been hospitalized and who did not have any complaints of UTI. Urine samples of patients were collected and each sample was tested through microscopy and culture. Furthermore, the urine samples were inoculated on blood agar and eosin methylene blue agar medium and incubated for 18-24 h at 37°C. Diabetic patients were evaluated to obtain data on age, gender, duration and type of diabetes, body mass index, retinopathy, nephropathy, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level. Results: A higher rate of bacteriuria was detected in diabetic patients (21%) than in non-diabetic patients (5%) (p = 0.02). Infections were detected more frequently in patients with high HbA1c level (p = 0.001), those in the advanced age group (p = 0.014), and those with nephropathy (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria was more prevalent in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients, with poor glycemic control, age, and nephropathy being significant risk factors. Escherichia coli is the most common organism that causes bacteriuria in diabetic patients.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Introduction: Energy drinks (EDs) are products in the form of a beverage or concentrated liquid d... more Introduction: Energy drinks (EDs) are products in the form of a beverage or concentrated liquid designed to increase both mental and physical stimulations. Their popularity has grown tremendously, especially among children and adolescents, regardless of the growing number of undesirable health consequences associated with their consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the content of additives in EDs available in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian (B&H) markets. Methods: Twenty-two EDs from 15 brands were analyzed. The contents of quinine (QUIN), caffeine (CAF), benzoic acid (BZA), and sorbic acid (SA) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The median value of QUIN, CAF, SA, and BZA was 0.15 ppm, 309.05 ppm, 75.35 ppm, and 90.80 ppm, respectively. The highest CAF content variation was found in EDs of brand 4, and the lowest was in brand 6. A statistically significant difference was found between the obtained values in relation to the recommended daily intake of CAF for adolescents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The CAF content in EDs deviates by 10% from the content stated in the product declaration. All EDs on the B&H market should carry a clear warning: "High CAF content must not be mixed with alcohol and is not recommended for children, pregnant and/or lactating women, and CAF-sensitive individuals." Given the behavioral trends associated with the potential risks of excessive CAF consumption, particularly among youth, national agencies in B&H should recognize areas of intervention such as responsible marketing and advertising, and education and awareness-raising. Further research and monitoring would be needed to determine the effectiveness of the various aspects of the proposed risk management approach.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Modern society is awash in data for health science, health system, and public health decision-mak... more Modern society is awash in data for health science, health system, and public health decision-making. These public data are often presented in various formats: Data tables, reports with data and bar charts, press releases with data, dashboards of key performance indicators, the traditional professional paper with data table and statistical results, etc. Software can display these data in various ways. The tacit assumption is that the reader/consumer of the data has the means to interpret these often complex health data for individual use and professional decision-making. We do not think that it is reasonable to make this assumption in all situations. Instead, maybe those of us who collect and analyze health data should include data storytelling as a way to make it easier for health system decision-makers to know and appreciate the next steps to be taken in the decision-making process given the data we prepared. The interpretation of data for action using a charticle and other techniques of infographics and health data storytelling may be more useful to health system decision-makers than the presentation of detailed facts and data and a scientific interpretation of those facts and data. This commentary illustrates the process of data storytelling using a charticle to help health system decision-makers interpret health data and use it as a foundation for action.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2022

Journal of Health Sciences, 2017

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity (PA) as any movement ... more Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity (PA) as any movement of the body produced by skeletal muscle that requires expenditure of energy. The aim of research is to assess the prevalence of and socio-demographic characteristics associated with physical inactivity (PI) among adult primary healthcare (PHC) users in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Tirana from November 2020 to January 2021. During this period 500 consecutively approached individuals aged ≥18 years exiting PHC centers were interviewed face-to-face about the presence of some of the risk factors for non-communicable disease. A structured WHO STEPS questionnaire, an integrated part of which is the instrument required for this study, "Global PA Questionnaire," was used. In addition to demographic and socioeconomic data, we obtained data on the performance of PA in terms of domains, duration, and intensity. Logistic regression was used to assess socio-demographic factors associated with PI. Results: Prevalence of PI in the study population was 31.6%. Following multivariable adjustment for all covariates, significant positive correlates of PI were female gender, rural residence, retiree status, and unemployment. Conversely, there was an inverse association with moderate level of education. Conclusions: Similar to that of other European populations, the population of Tirana has a high rate of PI showing an upward tendency. The population groups at the highest risk of PI who may be targeted for intervention programs to address this risk factor are women, rural residents, unemployed persons, and retirees.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: Axial-loaded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can simulate an upright positi... more Introduction: Axial-loaded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can simulate an upright position of the patient may cause a significant reduction of the dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA) compared with standard MRI, thus providing valuable information in the assessment of the lumbar spinal canal. The purpose of this study was to investigate excessiveness of the change in DCSA and depth of lateral recesses (DLRs) before and after axial-loaded imaging in relation to body mass index (BMI) of the subjects. Methods: Twenty patients were scanned to evaluate DCSA and DLR at three consecutive lumbar spine intervertebral disc levels (L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1) on conventional-recumbent MRI, and after axial loading were applied. Results: Axial-loaded MRI demonstrates a significant difference of DSCA in comparison to conventional MRI. Furthermore, results show a significant correlation between the DCSA and BMI on level L3/L4, both before and after axial loading MRI. With axial loading, there is a reduction of DSCA of 12.2%, 12.1%, and 2.1% at the levels L3/L4, L4/L5, and L5/S1, respectively. After axial loading has been applied, the depth of the neural foramen has been reduced by an average of 10.1%. Conclusion: Axial-loaded MRI reduces DCSA and DLRs in comparison to standard MRI. Information obtained in this way may be useful to explain the patient's symptomatology and may provide an additional insight that can influence the treatment decision plan accordingly.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: Perceptions of the esthetic appearance of teeth vary in different individuals and c... more Introduction: Perceptions of the esthetic appearance of teeth vary in different individuals and can affect satisfaction with the dental appearance, attitudes, and the need for appropriate dental treatment. The research aims to examine the factors influencing the satisfaction with the appearance of the dentition and the attitude toward treatments which improve dental esthetics among students of the faculty of dentistry in comparison to the attitudes of students of non-dental faculties. Methods: The research included a total of 358 students of the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Architecture in Sarajevo who voluntarily filled out a questionnaire created for this research. The questionnaire contained questions related to satisfaction with the appearance of teeth in general, tooth color, tooth position, questions related to the previous, and future desired esthetic restorations and treatments. Results: Female subjects expressed statistically significantly greater dissatisfaction with the appearance of the dentition and did or plan to do treatments that could improve dental esthetics compared to male subjects. Students of the Faculty of Dentistry at final years were significantly more satisfied with the general appearance of teeth and tooth color compared to freshmen students of the Faculty of Dentistry and students of the Faculty of Architecture. Conclusion: Satisfaction with dental appearance is a subjective experience that is influenced by various factors, level, and type of education is among them.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: Positive attitudes toward the nursing profession among nursing students improve the... more Introduction: Positive attitudes toward the nursing profession among nursing students improve the sustainability of the profession. Studying the attitudes of nursing students toward nursing is of great importance, as it can indicate their remaining in the profession. This study aimed to determine the attitudes of nursing students toward the nursing profession. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Sarajevo from May to June 2019. The study involved a convenience sample of 107 currently enrolled Bachelor of Nursing students from the 1 st to the 4 th (and final) year of full-time study and part-time students in the Baccalaureate of Nursing Care program at the University of Sarajevo. The students voluntarily and anonymously completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic information and the Nursing Image Questionnaire. Results: Overall, 107 students participated in the research. Their mean age was 23 years old (standard deviation, 5 years). Spearman's correlation factor shows a statistically significant correlation between the scores and the mode of studying (full-time or part-time) (rho = −0.200*, p = 0.039) and whether respondents working in the profession or not (rho = 0.249*, p = 0.010). Conclusion: The attitudes of future Bachelor of Nursing toward the nursing profession were very positive. Full-time students had more positive attitudes toward the profession, compared with part-time students, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: The previous studies showed that fatigue is a very common symptom in patients diagn... more Introduction: The previous studies showed that fatigue is a very common symptom in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has the greatest effect on their activities of daily living. Benson relaxation technique (BRT) is one of the most relaxation techniques used to decrease fatigue, improve emotional status and quality of life in patients with several chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BRT on fatigue level of patients diagnosed with MS in Jordan. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental repeated measure study. It involved six neurological clinics in the Ministry of Health and five neurological clinics at private hospitals. In this study, 95 patients returned the completed questionnaire and attended BRT. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33 years. Females accounted for 60% of the patients and almost half of the patients were single. All patients reported having a university degree and three-quarters of the patients were employed. Almost, two-thirds of the patients reported having not more than 1 time of relapse in the past 2 years. The majority of them reported <3 years from the confirmed diagnosis. Findings showed a statistical significant reduction in the overall level of fatigue including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial fatigue of patients with MS after BRT (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Results suggested that this technique is a very effective strategy for reducing fatigue in patients with MS. Therefore, in addition to prescribing medication, it is recommended that this method be applied in the care of patients diagnosed with MS.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: Stigmatization towards cancer is a barrier to early cancer screening and treatment.... more Introduction: Stigmatization towards cancer is a barrier to early cancer screening and treatment. This study was conducted to determine the level of cancer stigma among Malaysian university students in Malaysia with different sociodemographic backgrounds. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 400 students (mean age, SD = 22.22 ± 1.67 years) from a selected university in Malaysia. Data were collected from October 2019 to February 2020 through an online survey. The Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) was used in assessing the levels of cancer stigma among university students with different courses and social backgrounds. The CASS was used in assessing multiple aspects of cancer stigma, including severity, personal responsibility, awkwardness, avoidance, policy opposition, and financial discrimination. Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23). Results showed that the stigmatization level toward cancer among university students varied across the six subscales. Items regarding the severity of a cancer diagnosis showed the highest level of agreement (32-52%; M = 3.05, SD = 0.96), whereas the item 'avoiding someone with cancer' showed the lowest agreement, 7-10% (Mean = 1.85, SD = 0.97). Stigma was significantly higher in young students, males, non-health science students, students in the junior year level, students without family histories of cancer, and the low-income group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings may provide a benchmark of stigmatization level among university students in Malaysia and may be a valuable basis for delivering information and education on cancer screening and treatment.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2021

Introduction: Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are pointed as possible factors in the deve... more Introduction: Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are pointed as possible factors in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to assess the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzymatic antioxidants concentration (albumin, bilirubin, uric acid, and ferritin) and their relation with the stage and histopathologic size (pT) of CRC. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with clinically and histopathologically confirmed CRC and the need for surgical treatment were included in a cross-sectional study. All patients were divided into groups according to the disease stage and depth of tumor invasion. The control group included 30 subjects with no signs of malignant and inflammatory bowel disease. The patients and controls did not receive vitamin supplementation. Peripheral venous blood was sampled before the surgical treatment of CRC patients and on the day of the examination of control subjects for determination of serum MDA and the concentration of the non-enzymatic antioxidants. Results: The serum levels of MDA were progressively increased in CRC patients with the highest level in the fourth stage of disease and pT4 group. Ferritin levels increased significantly with the CRC stage and decreased with the depth of bowel wall invasion. Serum albumin concentration significantly decreased with increasing stage and increasing depth of tumor invasion of the intestinal wall, while serum bilirubin level showed no change compared to the control group. Serum uric acid concentration was significantly higher in CRC patients, but no difference was observed with CRC progression. It was confirmed that serum albumin significantly negatively correlated with the CRC stage (rho = −0.649, p < 0.001), while serum MDA significantly positively correlated with the CRC stage (rho = 0.750, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate that serum MDA concentrations are related to the progression of CRC, to which the imbalance in non-enzymatic antioxidants also contributes.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2020

Introduction: Human body types (somatotypes) are classified into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomo... more Introduction: Human body types (somatotypes) are classified into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. The ectomorphs are physically weak and usually tall. Mesomorphs were characterized as muscular, thick skinned with good upright posture. Endomorphs characterized as fat, heavy, and usually short.

Methods: This study is an interventional study, in which a total number of 45 healthy male volunteers between the age group of 22 and 28 years were observed. Written consent was obtained from the patients after a detailed explanation of the study. Exercises were prescribed and executed based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility were assessed.

Results: The statistical analyses were done using the SPSS software version 16 executed at a 95% confidence interval. Mean and standard deviations were calculated by descriptive statistics. A paired t-test was done to find the effectiveness of the intervention. The level of significance in all tests was set to p < 0.05. Positive changes were observed in health-related fitness among the three groups.

Conclusion: This study reports about finding the somatotypes, and exercising based on that will provide the best results in health-related fitness components designed by the ACSM.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2020

Introduction: Vascular access is considering to the patient undergoing hemodialysis (HD) as his/h... more Introduction: Vascular access is considering to the patient undergoing hemodialysis (HD) as his/her soul which indicating patient survival, moreover, vascular access can controlling, directing the dialysis regimen effectiveness. Cannulation techniques are a crucial skill for nurses to minimize arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft (AVG) complications.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was applied to assess vascular complication and related factors. The participants were 65 patients on maintenance HD therapy enrolled at the dialysis unit, central Ehnasa’ government hospital, Beni Suef City. Data were collected using developed questionnaires regard patients’ demographic data, clinical, and HD session characteristics, designed Nursing Practice guidelines for needling of AVF/AVG booklet.

Results: Statistically, the results show the most common cannulation technique which was demonstrated is an area method (65%) and needle direction is retrograde with bevel up (66.2%). whereas, the significant positive correlation shows between the cannulation techniques and vascular access complication, duration of dialysis and complication during the dialysis session. Furthermore, the most common complication related to needling practice is aneurysm (44.6%).

Conclusion: Following cannulation, technique guidelines will prevent potential complication, increase vascular access durability, and improve patients’ quality of life.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2020

Introduction: The burden of uncontrolled asthma is high and caregivers can offer support in the m... more Introduction: The burden of uncontrolled asthma is high and caregivers can offer support in the management of asthma. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and quality of life (QoL) of caregivers toward asthma in their children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Paediatric Respiratory Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State (July 2017-September 2017). We utilized a 46-item questionnaire comprising knowledge and attitude domains and the 13-item Pediatric Asthma Caregiver’s QoL Questionnaire (PACQLQ). Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Fifty-one caregivers participated in the study. More than half (n = 36, 70.6%) of the caregivers were 40 years old and above, female (n = 37, 72.5%), graduates from higher institutions (n = 33, 64.7%), and self-employed (n = 27, 52.9%). About a quarter (n = 13, 25.5%) had a family history of asthma and a similar proportion (n = 14, 27.5%) knew the three main symptoms of asthma.

Conclusion: Less than half (n = 24, 47.1%) of the caregivers had good asthma knowledge. Dust (n = 35, 68.6%) and smoke (n = 31, 60.8%) were identified as the most common asthma triggers in their children. The majority of the caregivers (n = 41, 80.3%) agreed that most people can have well-controlled asthma without seeing a doctor regularly. Overall, less than half of the caregivers (n = 24, 47.1%) showed positive attitudes toward their children’s asthma. The overall score for the PACQLQ was 3.91 (0.98) which implied a poor QoL. The caregivers had both impaired activity and emotional function from managing asthma in their children. More female caregivers had better knowledge about asthma than their male counterparts (t = −3.178; df = 49; p = 0.003). Less than half of the caregivers had good asthma knowledge and positive attitudes toward asthma in their children. They had an impaired QoL from managing asthma in their children.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2020

Introduction: China has witnessed a new virus Corona,which is named COVID-19. It has become the w... more Introduction: China has witnessed a new virus Corona,which is named COVID-19. It has become the world’s most concern as this virus has spread over the worldat a higher speed;the world has witnessed more than one lakh cases and one thousand deaths in a span of few days.

Methods: We have developed a preliminary classifier with non-linear hybrid cellular automata, which is trained and tested to predict the effect of COVID-19 in terms of deaths, the number of people affected, the number of people being could be recovered, etc. This indirectly predicts the trend of this epidemic in India. We have collected the datasets from Kaggle and other standard websites.

Results: The proposed classifier, hybrid non-linear cellular automata (HNLCA), was trained with 23,078 datasets and tested with 6785 datasets. HNLCA is compared with conventional methods of long short-term memory, AdaBoost, support vector machine, regression, and SVR and has reported an accuracy of 78.8%, which is better compared with the cited literature. This classifier can also predict the rate at which this virus spreads, transmission within the boundary, and of the boundary, etc.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2020

Introduction: Menopause is a complex physiological, self-perceived health condition caused by the... more Introduction: Menopause is a complex physiological, self-perceived health condition caused by the reduction and termination of ovarian function, a process that results in a range of both psychological and physiological symptoms. The aim of this literature review was to synthesize the results of published studies on factors associated with menopausal symptoms in women during the transition to menopause and the postmenopausal period.
Methods: This systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement. Primary studies published between 2007 and 2017 were identified through the following databases: PUBMED, SCOPUS, and CINAHL. In total, 3301 studies were identified and 279 were screened in full text. Of these, 54 studies were included for quality assessment using checklists from the Norwegian Institute for Public Health. A total of 22 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion in the results. These were thematically reviewed.
Results: A wide range of determinants was sorted as socio-demographic predictors, reproductive factors, clinical characteristics, behavioral, and lifestyle characteristics, and their association with the following outcomes was examined: The prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms; sexual functioning; health indicators and health behaviors; health-related quality of life; physical performance; cognitive changes and attitudes; and the prevalence and age of natural menopause.
Conclusions: The current state of knowledge regarding menopause indicates that a wide array of instruments and variables have been employed and assessed to further understanding about menopause related symptoms. This systematic review provides information on factors that should be considered in the treatment of menopause-related changes that may be bothersome for menopausal women.

Journal of Health Sciences, 2019

Introduction: Dietary supplements are an important source of vitamins and minerals that may help ... more Introduction: Dietary supplements are an important source of vitamins and minerals that may help prevent
several disease-causing biological pathways involved in one-carbon metabolism, including the suppression
of cell proliferation, oxidative stress, nitric oxide synthesis, and angiogenesis. The present study
aimed to assess the association between the intake of folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and minerals and
the consumption of alcohol among university students.
Methods: This study was participated by students aged 19-22 years from the University of Sarajevo between
2017 and 2018. Using a questionnaire, we interviewed in a week them to collect information regarding
age, socio-economic status, alcohol consumption, and dietary supplement intake. Then, we investigated the
association between the baseline intake of folate, B vitamins, and minerals and that of alcohol consumption.
Results: Most students consumed Vitamin B supplements (32%) and folic acid (10%). Dietary multivitamins and minerals were less prevalent in more than a year, accounting for 186 (23.9%) and 174 (24.3%) students, respectively, than those in less than a year. In a year, <20% of students consumed multivitamins 129 (16.6%) and minerals 116 (15.3%). Meanwhile, 256 (27.1%) students consumed alcohol. The Chi-square test of independence showed that drinking habits and the intake of such dietary supplements had no association (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: An extremely low percentage of the participating students in Canton Sarajevo used dietary
supplements of Vitamin B, folate, multivitamins, and minerals.