Slovenian Journal of Public Health Feed

Secular Trends in Height, Body Mass, and BMI among Girls in the Eastern Poland Region (1986–2021): Public Health Perspectives

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionTo assess long-term changes in body mass index (BMI) and weight status among girls from Eastern Poland between 1986 and 2021. MethodsData were obtained from repeated cross-sectional, population-based surveys conducted in Eastern Poland in 1986, 1996, 2006, 2016, and 2021. The study included 14,825 girls aged 8, 13, and 17 years, recruited from the same schools across survey waves. Body height and body mass were measured by trained personnel using standardised procedures, and BMI was calculated. Weight status categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity) were defined using international BMI cut-off points. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons. ResultsBetween 1986 and 2021, the largest increase in BMI was observed among 13-year-old girls (+1.66 kg/m2), followed by 8-year-olds (+1.14 kg/m2), while a decrease occurred among 17-year-olds (−1.13 kg/m2). The prevalence of underweight declined among 8- and 13-year-olds by 2.70 and 3.15 percentage points, respectively, but increased among 17-year-olds by 1.85 percentage points. In parallel, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity increased across all age groups: 19.89 percentage points among 8-year-olds, 10.66 among 13-year-olds, and 3.87 among 17-year-olds, with the greatest increases occurring in recent survey periods. ConclusionsOver the past 35 years, BMI distribution among girls in Eastern Poland has shifted towards higher values, accompanied by a rise in overweight and obesity. The increase in underweight among older adolescents may reflect psychosocial pressures. These findings highlight the need for age-specific public health strategies addressing both excessive and insufficient body mass.

Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of the 7C Vaccination Readiness Scale: Evidence from Slovenia

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionVaccine hesitancy remains a major global public health challenge. Psychological models, such as the 7C vaccination readiness scale, aim to identify key psychological determinants of vaccine uptake. While the scale has shown validity in various cultural contexts, its psychometric properties have not yet been evaluated in Slovenia. MethodsThis study assessed the psychometric properties, convergent validity, and criterion validity of the Slovenian version of the 7C scale using a representative sample of 1,350 adults via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation coefficients, and regression analyses. ResultsThe bifactor model showed mixed psychometric properties. CFA revealed a weak model fit, with two items showing inadmissible estimates; these were removed. The revised model showed improved estimation and acceptable, though still suboptimal, fit indices. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the general vaccination readiness factor and conspiracy beliefs, while individual components showed weaker associations. Criterion validity analyses showed that the general factor was the strongest predictor of vaccination intention, with calculation and compliance also contributing. The 7C model explained more variance in vaccination intention than the 5C model, suggesting greater utility. Despite structural limitations, the scale demonstrates practical value and offers recommendations for refinement. ConclusionsThe Slovenian version of the 7C scale proved to be a valuable tool for predicting vaccination intention. The general factor was a robust predictor, and calculation and compliance showed additional validity. However, components like complacency and constraints need revision to improve model fit. With refinement, the 7C scale holds promise for research and public health applications across contexts.

Comparison of the Number and Reasons for Self-Perceived Barriers to Accessing Primary Health Care Services Between Roma and Ethnic Albanians

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionTo compare the number and reasons for self-perceived barriers to accessing primary health care (PHC) services between Roma/Egyptian and ethnic Albanians. Methods533 adults (mean age: 45±18 years; ≈60% women) reporting barriers to accessing PHC services were recruited consecutively during a nationwide survey in October 2024 across all four regions of Albania, using probability-proportional-to-size sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers inquiring about the number and reasons for self-perceived barriers to accessing PHC services, health characteristics, and sociodemographic factors. General linear models and binary logistic regression were employed to assess the association between perceived barriers and ethnic groups. Results444 (≈83%) participants were ethnic Albanians, whereas the remaining 89 (≈17%) individuals belonged to other ethnic groups, including Roma (n = 57), Egyptians (n = 30), and Gorani or Macedonians (n = 2). Overall, cost and waiting time were the most common barriers. Roma/Egyptian minorities faced more cultural and language issues, whereas Albanians reported higher distrust and service-related expectations. The crude mean number of barriers to accessing PHC services was higher among Roma/Egyptian minorities than among Albanians (1.8 vs. 1.6, respectively; P = 0.04). The multivariable-adjusted odds of reporting ≥ 2 barriers to accessing PHC services were 93% higher among Roma/Egyptian minorities than in Albanians (P = 0.03). ConclusionsRoma/Egyptian minorities experience more barriers in accessing PHC services than ethnic Albanians. However, the cost of services constitutes the main barrier across both groups. Conversely, communication-related barriers affect mainly Roma/Egyptian minorities, whereas Albanians perceive more systemic barriers. In Albania, there is a need for targeted, equity-focused interventions.

Psychometric Validation of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD) in Slovenia: Implications for Public Health Research and Practice

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionThis study aimed to develop a suitable instrument for assessing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in Slovenian children and adolescents by translating the ESS-CHAD and psychometrically validating its Slovenian version (ESS-CHAD-SI). MethodsThe ESS-CHAD was translated and back-translated according to established cross-cultural adaptation guidelines, and content validity was assessed by eleven experts from relevant clinical and research disciplines. A nationwide sample of 3,314 adolescents (≈52% females), with an overall mean age of 15.4±1.7 years, completed the questionnaire. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's α and Guttman's λ2, and construct validity was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. ResultsAll items met the predefined thresholds for content relevance, while clarity indices were acceptable for the majority of items. Factor analyses indicated that a two-factor model provided a better fit to the data than the original unidimensional structure, distinguishing between passive sleepiness and more clinically concerning manifestations of sleepiness. The ESS-CHAD-SI demonstrated adequate internal consistency. ConclusionsThe ESS-CHAD-SI is a reliable, valid, and culturally adapted instrument for assessing excessive daytime sleepiness in Slovenian adolescents. The identified two-factor structure enhances its clinical and public health relevance by enabling differentiation between sleepiness related to modifiable sleep behaviours and potentially pathological somnolence. The scale is suitable for use in school-based screening, clinical practice, and epidemiological research.

The Influence of Specialist Palliative Care in Aggressive End of Life Management of Patients with Advanced Cancer

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction There is a growing concern that terminally ill cancer patients may be receiving aggressive management at the end of life. This study aimed to evaluate the use of aggressive management (anticancer treatment and medical care) in patients with advanced cancer in their last month of life and to evaluate the influence of specialist palliative care on it. Methods This retrospective study included adult patients with advanced solid cancers treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana who died between January 2015 and December 2019. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the aggressiveness of anticancer treatment and medical care, the year of death, age at death, sex, prognosis, type of cancer and inclusion of specialist palliative care. Results We included 1,736 patients in our analysis. 538 (31%) patients received at least one anticancer treatment modality. There was an increasing use of chemotherapy and novel systemic therapies. A significant predictor for aggressive anticancer treatment (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.95–0.97) and medical care (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.95–0.97) was younger age. Inclusion into the specialist palliative care was strongly associated with less aggressive anticancer treatment (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.12–0.31) and medical care (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.15–0.40). Conclusions In the last month of life, there was an increasing use of chemotherapy and novel systemic therapies, especially in younger patients. Inclusion in specialist palliative care was associated with less aggressive end-of-life management.

Effect of Biological Therapy on Symptom Burden and Functional Disability in Patients with Migraine: A Before-and-After Analysis

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of biological therapies in reducing migraine-related symptom burden and functional disability, including reductions in monthly migraine days, pain intensity, and analgesic consumption, among patients with migraine in Slovenia. MethodsThis retrospective study analysed 92 adult patients with migraine receiving prophylactic biological treatment at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Average number of monthly migraine days (MMD), average analgesic consumption, pain intensity (VAS), and functional disability score (MIDAS) were collected before treatment and after 3 and 12 months. Statistical analysis involved the Friedman test to assess changes over time, followed by Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction for post hoc comparisons. Results83 patients completed 12 months of treatment. Significant reductions (p < 0.001) were observed in MMD (median 10 vs. 2 days), analgesic consumption, VAS scores (median 8 vs. 4), and MIDAS scores after 3 months (median 19 vs. 2), sustained at 12 months. Treatment discontinuation occurred in 9 patients due to inefficacy or side effects. Most patients tolerated biologics well, with mild adverse effects reported. ConclusionsBiological therapies significantly reduced migraine-related symptom burden and functional disability, including decreases in migraine frequency, pain intensity, and analgesic use, in a Slovenian migraine cohort. These findings support the use of biologics as effective and safe options for migraine prevention in real-world clinical practice.

Fifteen Years of Health-and-Environment Research in Slovenia

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The environment in which we are born, live, work, and age is an important determinant of human health. This review summarises key epidemiological studies conducted over the past 15 years at the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, in collaboration with experts in public health, clinical medicine, and other health and environmental disciplines. Methodological approaches for linking health and environmental data, including advanced spatial epidemiological methods to assess the impact of ambient air pollutants on respiratory diseases and diabetes, were highlighted. Considering the observed health outcomes among children and adolescents, new tools were developed and validated to estimate the prevalence of asthma and sleep-related problems among youths. In adults, the review examines the lifetime prevalence of first and recurrent systemic allergic reactions to bee venom among beekeepers, emphasising the need for effective risk-management strategies. Overall, the studies demonstrated the value of integrating health and environmental data to better understand and address public health challenges in Slovenia. The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing evidence-based public health policies to mitigate environmental health risks and promote a high quality of life for present and future generations.

Enhancing Glycaemic Control and Diabetes Self-care Behaviours through a Standardised Pharmacist-led Service: Evidence from Community Pharmacies in Southeastern Serbia

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) requires effective and accessible management strategies to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a standardised diabetes service delivered by trained community pharmacists on glycaemic control, cardiovascular risk parameters and self-care behaviours among patients with DM. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adults with type 1 or type 2 DM (HbA1c ≥7%) who visited community pharmacies in Southeastern Serbia. Patients were offered a structured, four-month service with individualised counselling, monitoring and support from trained pharmacists. Based on willingness to participate, patients were assigned to the intervention (received all four sessions) or control group (received usual pharmacy care). Data on HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and self-care (assessed by Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire) were collected at baseline and after four months. Results Among 390 consenting patients, 213 met the eligibility criteria (intervention: n=105; control: n=108). In the intervention group, HbA1c significantly decreased from 8.61±1.26% to 7.68±0.92% (p<0.001), with 20% of patients achieving target levels (<7%). LDL cholesterol also decreased significantly (from 2.31±0.70 to 1.46±0.66 mmol/L, p<0.001), while no significant changes were observed in HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure. Self-care behaviour improved across all five subscales, especially medication-taking, where non-adherence decreased from 43.8% to 22.9%. Greater improvements were noted among patients with type 2 DM and those with a family history of diabetes. Conclusions The pharmacist-led service significantly improved glycaemic control, LDL cholesterol, and self-care behaviour. These findings highlight pharmacists’ potential to enhance diabetes management and support public health efforts.

A Path to True Integration: Making Global Mental Health Commitments a National Reality

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The forthcoming United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases and mental health offers a crucial opportunity to advance global health governance. This editorial argues that while the draft declaration represents a vital step forward, its potential to address global mental health needs is complicated by several paradoxes that merit careful consideration. First, its targets for financing and access may not fully reflect the ambition needed to overcome systemic underinvestment. Second, the “integration paradox” champions a cohesive approach while setting different types of targets for mental health and NCDs. Finally, an implementation paradox is evident in the ongoing focus on individual behavior rather than on the upstream social and commercial determinants of health. Using Slovenia’s experience as a national case study, we illustrate how these global challenges can complicate efforts to translate high-level commitments into national reality. We conclude that for the UN Political Declaration to be truly transformative, it must inspire a shift from cautious frameworks to more ambitious financing, authentic integration, and the political courage to prioritise population needs over siloed institutional legacies.

Climate Change Worry in Slovenia: Associations with Sociodemographic Determinants and Mental Wellbeing

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction To describe climate change worry on a sample of adult residents of Slovenia and analyse its associations with socio-demographic variables, including mental wellbeing. Methods Data from the cross-sectional study among online panellists, SI-PANDA 2024/2025, were analysed. A survey (n=1522 adults, aged 18–74) was conducted in September 2024. To measure climate change worry, a Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) was used, and mental wellbeing was assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Results The mean CCWS score in a sample of adults was 22.6, on a scale from 10 to 50 (higher score, higher level of worry). Regarding age (p<0.001), those most worried about climate change were people aged 55–64 years (M=24.1), followed by the 25–34 age group (M=23.6) and the oldest (65–74; M=23.1). People with risk of depression (M=25.1) and people with poor mental wellbeing (M=24.6) reported significantly higher (p<0.001) levels of climate change worry than people with excellent wellbeing. Higher CCWS scores were also achieved by people with risky stress behaviour (p=0.004) and those with a worse financial situation (p=0.001). Conclusions There are medium levels of climate change worry in a sample of adult residents of Slovenia. Climate change is perceived as a threat not only by young people, but also by older adults. Individuals with poor mental wellbeing, a risk of depression, or risky stress behaviour were more likely to report higher levels of climate change worry. Public health measures should reduce climate change worry by empowering vulnerable groups through environmental, group and community-based activities.

Traumatic and Psychosomatic Symptoms in Children Exposed to Peer Violence: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction This study examines the prevalence of bullying among primary school students in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), analyses gender differences, and assesses its association with traumatic and psychosomatic symptoms. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among students in grades seven to nine. Participants were categorised based on bullying involvement as victims, bullies, bully/victims, or uninvolved. Validated self-report questionnaires were used to measure bullying exposure and assess psychosomatic and trauma-related symptoms. Results In total, 13.3% of the students identified as victims, 3.1% as bullies, and 4.4% as both. Victims and bully/victims reported significantly higher rates of psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints) and trauma-related symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, dissociation) than uninvolved students. Bully/victims showed the highest overall burden, suggesting compounded vulnerability. Conclusions These findings highlight the urgent need for trauma-informed, context-sensitive prevention strategies. Training school staff to recognise emotional and somatic distress, integrating basic screening tools into school and primary health services, and enhancing intersectoral collaboration are critical steps in ensuring early identification and adequate support for affected students.

User, Admission and Discharge Characteristics at Secure Units in Residential Social Care Institutions in Slovenia

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction To evaluate data on users, the characteristics of admission, placement and discharge of individuals in secure units. These are locked units in special residential institutions in the social care sector. Methods A total population descriptive study was performed. In April 2024, a questionnaire comprising 72 items was sent to all six institutions with secure units in the field of mental health and intellectual disabilities. Data from 2023 were gathered. Descriptive and univariate analysis were applied. Results A total of 64% of users were male, and the mean age was 54.3 years. The vast majority of users (98%) were admitted involuntarily and deprived of their legal capacity (67%). The largest proportion of users were admitted following admission into a psychiatric hospital (44%), admission to open units of the same institution (34%) and living in the community (10%). The mean length of stay in the secure unit was 64.01 months. During the placement in secure units, 14% of users were admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Only 17% users were discharged from secure units, with 81% taking place later, while 19% discharges took place before the expiry of a court order. The most common location of discharge was the open unit of the same institution (79%). Conclusions The results highlight high rates of involuntary admissions, prolonged stays and limited transitions to community care, raising public health and human rights concerns. The findings call for a shift in focus from expanding institutional capacity towards improving discharge practices and strengthening community-based support.

The Clustering of Lifestyle Risk Factors in the Serbian Adult Population and Association with Self-Rated Health

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction Our objective was to identify clusters of lifestyle risk factors among Serbian adults and assess associations with socio-demographic characteristics and self-rated health. Methods The sample included 7,885 adults aged 18 and over from the 2019 Serbian National Health Survey, who provided information on all four lifestyle risk factors (smoking, physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake and risky drinking). The Two-Step Cluster Analysis was used to identify different health-related lifestyle clusters. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of obtained clusters with socio-demographic characteristics and self-rated health. Results Five distinct clusters of lifestyle risk factors were identified: Healthy lifestyle (cluster 1), Low fruit and vegetable intake (cluster 2), Physical inactivity (cluster 3), Smoking and other risk factors (cluster 4), Risky drinking and other risk factors (cluster 5). Multi-risk groups (cluster 4, cluster 5) exhibit specific socio-demographic characteristics (men, younger adults, living alone, less educated). Adults in unhealthy lifestyle clusters were more likely to report poor self-rated health than adults in the healthy lifestyle cluster. Conclusions Individuals who were men, younger, living alone, less educated and those with poor self-reported health were more likely to engage in clusters of lifestyle risk factors and represent high-priority population groups for multiple health behaviour change interventions.

Characteristics of Allergy-related Emergency Medical Calls: A Retrospective Dispatch-based Study

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction Available research on the recognition and prehospital management of allergic reactions is limited. The aim of this study was to characterise emergency medical calls related to allergic reactions, with a focus on suspected allergens, patient characteristics and the use of prescribed emergency therapy prior to the arrival of EMS. Methods We conducted a retrospective, dispatch-based observational study of emergency calls related to allergic reactions in Slovenia in 2023, using data from the Slovenian Emergency Medical Dispatch Service database. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Results A total of 849 emergency calls were analysed. In most cases, the caller was a family member (35.3%; 300/849). A known history of allergic reactions was reported in 21.8% (185/849) of patients. The most common allergens were medications (22.3%; 189/849), insect stings or bites (19.3%; 164/849), and food (17.1%; 145/849). Medications were most frequently reported in winter (60.5%; 69/114), while insect stings and bites predominated in summer (53.1%; 86/162). Among children, food was the leading allergen (56.7%; 55/97), whereas medications were most common in the elderly (61.9%; 70/113). In adults, insect stings or bites (34.5%; 110/319) and medications (33.9%; 108/319) were equally prevalent. Prescribed emergency therapy was used in 31.3% (266/849) of cases, including an epinephrine auto-injector in 8.5% (72/849). Conclusions Emergency calls for allergic reactions vary in clinical severity, underscoring the critical role of Emergency Medical Dispatchers in early identification and prioritization. Medications, insect stings and bites, and food were the leading allergens, with distribution influenced by age and season.

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Correlates of Nutritional Habits among Schoolchildren Aged 11–15 Years in Albania

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Objective Healthy nutritional habits during childhood promote healthy growth and development and foster psycho-emotional wellbeing. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of selected nutritional habits among Albanian schoolchildren. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022, in the framework of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey, including a nationwide representative sample of 5,454 schoolchildren aged 11–15 years (≈52% girls; ≈96% response). Data on nutritional habits were gathered, along with the children’s sociodemographic factors. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the associations of nutritional habits with sociodemographic factors. Results In multivariable-adjusted analysis, the odds of daily breakfast consumption on weekdays were significantly higher among males (OR=1.3, 95%CI=1.2–1.5), younger children (OR=2.7, 95%CI=2.4–3.2) and those from more affluent families (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1–1.4). Conversely, the odds of daily consumption of fruits and/or vegetables were lower among males (OR=0.8, 95%CI=0.7–0.9 and OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.6–0.7, respectively), but higher in younger children (OR=1.5, 95%CI=1.3–1.8 and OR=1.4, 95%CI=1.2–1.6, respectively) and those from wealthier families (OR=1.3, 95%CI=1.2–1.5 and OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.0–1.3, respectively). Additionally, the odds of daily consumption of sweets were lower among males (OR=0.7, 95%CI=0.6–0.8) and younger children (OR=0.5, 95%CI=0.5–0.6). Also, the odds of daily consumption of sugary soft drinks were lower in younger children (OR=0.6, 95%CI=0.5–0.6) and urban residents (OR=0.8, 95%CI=0.7–0.9). Conclusions Our findings provide useful insights into the complex interplay of sociodemographic characteristics in shaping nutritional practices of children. There is a need for targeted nutritional interventions based on the specific sociodemographic backgrounds of children in Albania and elsewhere, ultimately supporting healthier nutritional habits.

The Effect of a Hatha Yoga Exercise Programme with Segmental Stabilisation Exercises on Trunk Flexibility

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction In addition to sufficient trunk muscle endurance, adequate trunk flexibility, i.e. trunk muscle extensibility and spinal mobility, is an important element for the stability of the spine and pelvis. The aim of this intervention study was to investigate the effects of a preventive exercise programme on trunk flexibility. Methods The participants were healthy adults without pain or injury in the lower back. They were divided into two groups: the exercise group (EG), which performed a hatha yoga exercise programme with segmental stabilisation exercises (12 weeks), and the control group (CG), in which they maintained their previous lifestyle during the study period. Before and after the intervention the measured variables, the extensibility of the trunk muscles and the mobility of the thoracolumbar spine were compared. Results Seventy-two participants (nEG=36, age 32.2±6.8 years; nCG=36, age 29.9±7.8 years) took part in the study. After the exercise programme, the EG participants achieved significantly better extensibility of the iliopsoas muscle (p≤0.001), the V-Sit and Reach Test (p=0.001) and the mobility of the thoracolumbar spine (p<0.05). Significant differences between the two groups were found in four of five extensibility tests (p≤0.041) and in flexion, left lateral flexion and right rotation of the spine (p≤0.036). Conclusions The proposed exercise programme indicated a significant improvement in trunk flexibility. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of the proposed exercise programme on a larger number of participants.

Mind the Gap: A Retrospective Study of Discrepancies in Self-Reported and Administrative Database-Identified Mental Health Issues in Slovenia

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Background This study assessed discrepancies between self-reported and administrative data sources in identifying mental health issues in Slovenia, and investigated associated socio-demographic factors. Methods Data were linked from the 2019 Slovenian European Health Interview Survey (EHIS; n=9,900) and national health administrative databases capturing inpatient hospitalisations, outpatient prescription drugs and mental health-related sick leave. Mental health issues were identified in EHIS by self-report and in administrative databases using diagnostic codes and medication claims. Socio-demographic factors were obtained from EHIS. Discrepancies were assessed and multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse the association between these factors and the source of case identification. Results Of the 9,900 EHIS respondents, 1,336 (13.5%) self-reported mental health issues, while 1,675 (16.9%) were identified in administrative databases. Only 613 individuals (4.6% of the total sample) were identified in both sources. Older age was associated with being identified in both data sources and administrative data only compared to not being identified. Females and unemployed persons were more likely than males and employed persons to be identified as having mental health issues, regardless of the data source. Compared to those with primary education or lower, individuals with higher education were less likely to be identified in administrative data only or in both data sources. Conclusions discrepancies exist between self-reported and administrative data sources in identifying mental health issues. Discrepancies are associated with socio-demographic factors and may lead to different interpretations of population mental health. This study underscores the importance of cautiously interpreting self-reported and administrative health data in public health.

Erratum to Mlakar-Mastnak D, Blaž Kovač M, Terčelj M, Uhan S, Majdič N, Rotovnik Kozjek N. Effectiveness of nutritional intervention led by clinical dietitian in patients at risk of malnutrition at the primary healthcare level in Slovenia - evaluation study. Zdr Varst. 2024;63(2):81–88. doi: 10.2478/sjph-2024-0012

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Improving Healthcare through the Skills Mix of the Workforce

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The latest definition of skill mix refers to changes in tasks, skills, competencies or roles within and between healthcare professionals and healthcare workers in three areas: Task shifting, role expansion and multi-professional collaboration. There is evidence of the effectiveness of many changes in the skill mix — particularly in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention, chronic disease management and care of vulnerable populations. The implementation of skill-mix approaches begins with interprofessional education, which emphasises collaborative practice aimed at fostering working relationships between two or more health professions. The evidence for the effectiveness of many skill mix changes should not be understood as a resource-neutral intervention. Changes in skill mix have implications for the structure of labour shortages, as workload shifts or increases. In addition, education and training interventions require time and resources and therefore considerable joint effort from the stakeholders involved.

Reasons for the Intention to Leave among Nurses Working in Internal Medicine and Surgery Departments of Slovenian Hospitals – A Cross Sectional Study

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Aim To investigate the reasons for leaving the hospital and recommending the hospital among nurses employed at internal diseases and surgical departments. Methods A cross-sectional explorative design was employed. Eight general hospitals and two clinical centres participated in the study. All adult surgery and internal medicine departments were included. A total of 1010 registered nurses and healthcare assistants filled out the questionnaire. Demographic and job characteristics data were collected. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the National Medical Ethics Committee. Results A total of 51.5% of respondents expressed the intent to leave the hospital within the next year and 14% of them considered leaving nursing. The “intention to leave the hospital” was explained in 37.7% – 50.3% by younger age (p<0.001), poor evaluation of the professional aspect of the work (status of nurses) (p<0.001), emotional exhaustion (p<0.001), non-resolution of problems by leaders and managers (p<0.001), dissatisfaction with the current work (p<0.001) and overtime hours (p=0.005). Conclusions Our study highlights the role of hospital management and leadership as an important factor in nurse retention. The most critical group showing the intention to leave the hospital are the younger employees. There is therefore a need to design strategies for their adequate introduction to work and to implement professional development in nursing in accordance with international recommendations.