Integracija Kvantitativne In Kvalitativne Metodologije V Raziskavah V Zdravstvu: Sistematična Pregledna Študija / Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology in Health Science Research: A Systematic Review

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_006_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9723_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Introduction</title>To deliver quality management of a frail individual, a clinician should understand the concept of frailty, be aware of its epidemiology and be able to screen for frailty and assess it when it is present, and, finally, to recommend successful interventions.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_007_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9731_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methodology</title>A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Cinahl and UpToDate. The criterion in selecting the literature was that articles were published in the period from 2002 to 2017. From 67432 initial hits, 27 publications were selected.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_008_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9739_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>Useful interventions to address frailty are supplementation of vitamin D, proper nutrition, multicomponent training, home-based physiotherapy and comprehensive geriatric assessment, particularly when performed in geriatric wards.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0014_s_009_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d64471e9747_w2aab3b7b8b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an effective way to decrease frailty status especially when performed in geriatric wards. Multicomponent physical training and multidimensional interventions (physical training, nutrition, vitamin D supplementation and cognitive training) are effective measures to reduce frailty.</sec></abstract>

Management of frailty at individual level – clinical management: Systematic literature review

The connection between exertion and the prevalence of low back pain among hospital staff

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>Stakeholders' interests through their opinions on the alcohol policy measures in Slovenia</title><bold>Aims:</bold> The purpose of the study was to determine how the stakeholders involved in alcohol policy in Slovenia view the importance and impact of alcohol policy measures in alcohol-related harm reduction, and to identify their interests.<bold>Methods:</bold> The questionnaire comprising 25 statements across nine alcohol policy domains was sent to 320 stakeholders involved in alcohol policy in Slovenia. They were divided into the following four main groups: governmental organisations, public health organisations, non-governmental organisations and alcohol industry. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS programme. Differences between the groups concerning their views on individual alcohol policy interventions were measured using the ANOVA and t-test.<bold>Results:</bold> Factor analysis of stakeholders' views identified three main alcohol policy platforms: education, regulation and pricing. All the participating stakeholders emphasized education, communication, training and raising public awareness as the most important activities that had the greatest impact on the reduction of alcohol-related harm. Governmental and non-governmental organisations and public health institutions assigned significantly higher scores to the impact of regulatory alcohol policy measures and to the importance of regulatory policies on reducing alcohol-related harm than the alcohol industry. The alcohol industry perceived the pricing measures taken to reduce harm done by alcohol as having a significantly lower impact and lesser importance than did the group of other stakeholders.<bold>Conclusions:</bold> Like similar studies of attitudes towards alcohol policy in Europe, our research showed that different stakeholders are guided by different interests in relation to particular alcohol policy measures; however, these differences were lesser than those identified at the EU level. In spite of stakeholders' different interests and views concerning particular alcohol strategies and alcohol policy in general, we have identified common grounds for them to work together to prepare better and more effective measures of alcohol-related harm prevention in Slovenia.</abstract>

InsKtitut za varovanje zdravja Republike Slovenije, Trubarjeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana

Fakulteta za druzKbene vede, Univerza v Ljubljani, Kardeljeva plosKčad 5, 1000 Ljubljana

InsKtitut Utrip, Parmova 36, 1000 Ljubljana

Fakulteta za management, Univerza na Primorskem, Cankarjeva 5, 6000 Koper

Stakeholders' interests through their opinions on the alcohol policy measures in Slovenia

Zavod za zdravstveno varstvo Maribor, Prvomajska 1, 2000 Maribor

Katedra za družinsko medicino, Medicinska fakulteta Univerze v Ljubljani, Poljanski nasip 64, 1000 Ljubljana

Indicators of problem drinking in the slovenian elderly: a qualitative analysis

Medicinska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija

ZVD Zavod za varstvo pri delu d. d., Chengdujska cesta 25, 1260 Ljubljana-Polje, Slovenija Kontaktni naslov

Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation for medical workers

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
There is a concerning trend of emigration among highly educated individuals in Montenegro. This includes medical professionals who seek better job opportunities abroad. The aim of the present study was to identify the primary motivational factors driving Montenegrin medical students to pursue a career in medicine, and whether these factors undergo changes over the course of their studies.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
A cross-sectional study included 210 medical students in Montenegro, 27.62% were males, and 72.38% were females. The mean age of the students was 21.90 years (SD=3.05) (range 19–39). Their academic motivation was analysed using the Academic Motivation Scale, previously validated in various cultural contexts.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
The results showed that autonomous motivation levels were higher than controlled motivation levels (p&lt;0.001) among students in Montenegro, which has been previously associated with better learning outcomes. Students with medical doctors among their family members had higher extrinsic motivation related to rewards and punishments (extrinsic motivation with external regulation p=0.018). Amotivation showed a trend of increasing as the students got closer to graduation (p=0.057). Only 8.1% of students planned a career in primary healthcare, and 1% wished to specialize in family medicine.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
This study’s findings, which indicate high levels of autonomous motivation among medical students, are of significant importance. They contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the motivation factors among medical students and young healthcare professionals in Montenegro. Moreover, they provide a basis for the implementation of strategic interventions to retain highly skilled medical professionals within the country’s workforce, thereby addressing the concerning trend of emigration among this group.
</sec>
</abstract>

Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro

Motivational Factors Influencing the Choice of Medical Studies and Future Career Plans among Montenegrin Students

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
Beekeepers represent a high-allergic risk population group due to their unavoidable seasonal or persistent exposure to the elicitors of <italic>Hymenoptera</italic> venom allergy, bees in particular. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported systemic allergic reaction to <italic>Hymenoptera</italic> venom among beekeepers worldwide.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
We rigorously reviewed and conducted meta-analysis on observational studies retrieved from seven electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, ScienceDirect, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Zoological Record), spanning data from inception to August 1, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool was employed to assess the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize evidence.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Out of 468 studies, eight original articles met the inclusion criteria. The estimated overall lifetime and one-year prevalence of self-reported systemic allergic reaction to bee venom were 23.7% (95% CI: 7.7–53.4) and 7.3% (95% CI: 5.8–9.2), respectively. The estimated lifetime prevalence of self-reported systemic allergic reaction to bee venom for grades III–IV (severe systemic allergic reaction) was 6.0% (95% CI: 3.0–11.7). In general, substantial heterogeneity and a high risk of bias were observed across the majority of studies. The impact of geographical location and climate differences on the estimated lifetime prevalence is suggestive for severe systemic allergic reaction.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
Future observational cross-sectional studies should employ rigorous study designs, using validated questionnaires, and thoroughly report the observed health outcomes, verified by physicians.
</sec>
</abstract>

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine

University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik

The Prevalence of Self-Reported Systemic Allergic Reaction to <italic>Hymenoptera</italic> Venom in Beekeepers Worldwide: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
Our aim was to assess the level and socio-demographic correlates of the ability to maintain health among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in September 2022. The study population consisted of a nationwide representative sample of 7,831 schoolchildren (≈54% girls) aged 12–15 years. A structured self-administered and anonymous questionnaire inquired about the children’s attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health) and a range of key dimensions on knowledge and practices regarding healthcare services. Socio-demographic data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the socio-demographic correlates of children’s ability to maintain health.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Overall, about 71% of schoolchildren exhibited the best attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health). In the multivariable adjusted logistic regression models, poorer attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health) were significantly related to older age (OR=1.2, 95% CI=1.0–1.3), middle/low maternal education (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1–1.3), poor/very poor economic situation (OR=1.5, 95%CI=1.2–1.8), lack of appropriate knowledge about rights to healthcare (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.1–1.5), lack of knowledge about obtaining healthcare services (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.4–2.2), and lack of consultations/visits with health professionals excluding vaccinations (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.1–1.4).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
Almost 1/3rd of Albanian schoolchildren included in this study did not exhibit the best attitudes toward health promotion (ability to maintain and improve health). The best attitudes were related to a higher socioeconomic level and adequate knowledge and practices regarding healthcare services. There is thus a need to increase health literacy levels among children in order to ultimately induce sustainable healthy behavioural/lifestyle practices.
</sec>
</abstract>

Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana

Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine

Ability to Maintain and Improve Health and Socio-Demographic Correlates among Children in Albania

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Aim</title>
The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PR) on the functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength of patients with post-COVID syndrome.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
A cross-sectional study was conducted using hospital data on patients who participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme at the Clinic for Lung Diseases, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, between January 2021 and December 2022. Data on the spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity of patients were collected at baseline and three weeks after the start of rehabilitation. The study included 80 patients (43 females, 37 males) with a mean age of 51±10 years.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
A significant increase in respiratory muscle strength (P&lt;0.001) was observed after pulmonary rehabilitation, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (Cohen’s d from 0.39 to 1.07), whereas the effect for PImax expressed as a percentage was large (Cohen’s d=0.99). In addition, the pulmonary rehabilitation programme significantly improved the parameters of the six-minute walk test in patients, and the parameters of lung function, FVC, FEV1, and DLCO also improved significantly after PR (P&lt;0.05).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
The results showed that the pulmonary rehabilitation programme has clinically significant effects on functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in patients with post-COVID syndrome.
</sec>
</abstract>

The Effects of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme on Functional Capacity and Strength of Respiratory Muscles in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The Joint Action on CARdiovascular diseases and DIabetes (JACARDI) aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in European countries, both at the individual and societal levels. The initiative covers the entire patient journey, from improving health literacy and awareness of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, travelling through primary prevention among high-risk populations and screenings, reaching people living with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, improving service pathways, self-management, and labour participation. The project involves 21 European countries, 76 partners and plans to implement 142 pilot interventions, ensuring diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds, public health priorities, and healthcare systems.
In Slovenia, interventions will be developed and tested to improve screening for diabetes through community involvement, the involvement of people with diabetes in education programmes in health centres, and the involvement of people with diabetes in a screening programme for diabetic retinopathy. A set of unified, comprehensive and integrated health education materials and approaches will be developed for both healthcare providers and patients referred to the outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation programme. The effectiveness of the upgraded health education intervention will be tested in a randomized trial. Furthermore, Slovenian experts are involved in developing a harmonized implementation methodology across all 142 pilot interventions, including contextual analysis at the country and pilot levels, multidimensional assessment and evaluation.
JACARDI will enhance cross-national collaboration, maximizing the exploitation of lessons learned through a clear strategy, promoting the integration and sustainability of approaches to achieve high-level impact, including the implementation of effective interaction, cooperation and co-creation between science and policy.
</abstract>

Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana

Creation of a Different Landscape for Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in Europe Through JACARDI Joint Action

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of edentulism and tooth loss in the Slovenian elderly population, along with the associated risk factors, and investigate the association between systemic and oral health.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
The study included 445 individuals aged 65 or older (average age: 79.7±8.9 years). Data on preserved teeth, dental history, chronic diseases, and medications were collected through clinical examinations. Height and weight were recorded in order to calculate body mass index (BMI), and the education level was also collected. Chronic systemic diseases and medications were categorized. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear regression and nonparametric tests.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Participants had an average of 4.7±7.7 teeth, with no significant gender differences. Higher age (β=−0.185, p&lt;0.001) and lower education level (p&lt;0.001) were associated with fewer teeth, while higher BMI showed no correlation (β=−0.085, p=0.325). Diabetes mellitus (p=0.031), cardiovascular diseases (p=0.025), and thyroid diseases (p=0.043) were inversely related to retained teeth. This inverse relationship also applied to individuals who recovered from malignancies, not including head and neck malignancies (p=0.019). No significant relationship was found between osteoporosis and the number of teeth (p=0.573). Notably, antidiabetic drug use was inversely related to the number of teeth (p=0.004), while analgesics showed a positive relationship (p=0.022).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
This study highlights the association between specific sociodemographic factors, chronic diseases, and retained teeth among elderly individuals in Slovenia. High edentulism rates among the elderly emphasize the need for enhanced preventive measures and risk factor management, particularly for high-risk groups like the elderly.
</sec>
</abstract>

Tooth Loss and Systemic Diseases in the Slovenian Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Associaton Between Oral and Systemic Health

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_009_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26601_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Introduction</title>The purpose of the present study was to examine self-perceived stress of health professions students at the Faculty of Medicine Foča, and to explore its association with anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_010_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26609_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methods</title>The cross-sectional study enrolled 451 students at the Faculty of Medicine (medicine, dentistry, nursing and speech therapy). Survey instruments were distributed at the conclusion of the spring semester during the last required lecture for each year and study programme class. Perceived stress was assessed using the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. The students were evaluated for symptoms of depression and anxiety, using Zung’s self-assessment inventory for depression and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). European Quality of Life-5 dimensions were used for describing and evaluating health. Multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression to examine the relationship between the outcome variable and selected determinant factors.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_011_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26617_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>A high degree of stress was reported by 1.6% of students, while the majority of students had either moderate (70.6%) or low degree (27.5%) of stress. The significant independent factors associated with perceived stress were anxiety score (OR, 0.339; CI 95%, 0.276-0.403) and EQ-5D score (OR, 0.044; CI 95%, 0.033-0.085). A high degree of perceived stress (OR, 0.624; CI 95%, 0.507-0.704), the presence of depression (OR, 0.800; CI 95%, 0.513-1.087), and low quality of life were associated with anxiety (OR, 0.073; CI 95%, 0.018-0.128).</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2017-0034_s_012_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d52945e26625_w2aab3b7b9b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>Higher levels of perceived stress predispose health professions students for anxiety and lower quality of life. The study programme was not a significant determinant of perceived stress sore.</sec></abstract>

Self- perceived stress in relation to anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life among health professions students: A cross-sectional study from Bosnia and Herzegovina

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_006">
<title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
The first large outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe occurred in Northern Italy in February 2020. The relatively fast spread of the infection to Slovenia was expected, and preventive measures for its suppression were widely discussed.</sec>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_007">
<title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
An online questionnaire was designed to evaluate adherence to preventive measures and the extent to which the taking of preventive measures was associated with people’s anxiety level, psychological burden, their perceived vulnerability to disease, germ aversion and a number of demographic characteristics in the early stage of Covid-19 spread. The survey was active for 24 hours (13–14 March 2020). There were 12,307 responses and 7,764 questionnaires were completed in full.</sec>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_008">
<title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Higher preventive behaviour was found in individuals who experienced greater psychological distress, were more anxious, and expressed greater perceived infectability and germ aversion. Greater compliance with preventive behaviour was found among women, those sharing a household with people aged over 65, the elderly and those who knew somebody who had been infected. These groups also showed higher anxiety levels, which appeared to be significantly increased in general as a result of the specific situation. Quarantine was evaluated as the most efficient preventive measure, and was respected relatively strictly even before it became an officially announced protective measure.</sec>
<sec id="j_sjph-2021-0004_s_009">
<title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
This research reveals a strong association between preventive behaviour and anxiety. Anxiety, together with social distancing, may affect physical and psychological health in the population in the long term. Other aspects of public health might therefore be influenced by the measures currently being enforced to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.</sec></abstract>

Association between preventive behaviour and anxiety at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_006_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19725_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b1aAa">Background</title>Surveys conducted among healthcare workers revealed that nursing staff often face various stressors associated with occupational activities, which reduce their work efficiency. The aim of the study was to establish the level of stress in nurses working at hospitals in Slovenia and to identify stress-related factors.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_007_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19734_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b2aAa">Methods</title>A cross-sectional epidemiological design and a standardized instrument called the “Nursing stress scale” were used. The sample included 983 nurses from 21 Slovenian hospitals. The research was conducted in 2016.</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_008_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19741_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b3aAa">Results</title>Prevalence of high level of stress was 56.5% of respondents (M (median)=75). Prevalence of high level of stress and stress factors may be statistically significant attributable to dissatisfaction at work (p&lt;0.001), disturbing factors at work (p&lt;0.001), inability to take time off in lieu after working on weekend (p=0.003), shorter serving (p=0.009), fixed-term work (p=0.007), and an increased number of workdays on Sunday (p=0.030).</sec><sec id="j_sjph-2018-0024_s_009_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d774345e19748_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c18b4aAa">Conclusion</title>The stress rate and stress factors are substantially influenced by variables reflecting work organization, competences and skills of healthcare management to work with people. Results reflect the need for nursing management and policy makers to design strategies to ensure adequate staffing, efficient organization and an encouraging work environment.</sec></abstract>

Work-Related stress factors in nurses at Slovenian hospitals – A cross-sectional study

<abstract xml:lang="en"><title style='display:none'>The effects of particulate matter air pollution on respiratory health and on the cardiovascular system</title>Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of urban air pollution and has a significant effect on human health. Natural PM sources are volcanic eruptions, dust storms, forest and grassland fires, living vegetation and sea spray. Traffic, domestic heating, power plants and various industrial processes generate significant amounts of anthropogenic PM. PM consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in the air. The chemical composition of particles is very complex and depends on emission sources, meteorological conditions and their aerodynamic diameter. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to PM of varying size fractions is associated with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Adverse health effects have been documented from studies of both acute and chronic exposure. The most severe effects in terms of overall health burden include a significant reduction in life expectancy by a several months for the average population, which is linked to long-term exposure to moderate concentrations of PM. Nevertheless, numerous deaths and serious cardiovascular and respiratory problems have also been attributed to short-term exposure to peak levels of PM. Although many studies attribute greater toxicity to smaller size fractions, which are able to penetrate deeper into the lung, the molecular mechanisms and the size fractions of the PM that are responsible for the observed diseases are not completely understood.</abstract>

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia

Institute "Andrej Marušič", University of Primorska, Muzejski Trg 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia Kontaktni naslov

The effects of particulate matter air pollution on respiratory health and on the cardiovascular system

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3089_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b1aAa">Introduction</title>The two primary objectives of this paper were (a) to develop first logically consistent TTO based EQ-5D-3L value sets for Slovenia and (b) to revisit earlier developed VAS based EQ-5D-3L value sets.</sec><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3097_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b2aAa">Methods</title>Between September 2005 and April 2006, face-to-face interviews with 225 individuals in Slovenia were conducted. Protocols from the Measurement and Value of Health study were followed closely. Each respondent valued 15 health states out of a total of 23. Model selection was informed by the criteria monotonicity/logical consistency. Predictive accuracy was assessed in terms of mean square difference between out-of-sample predictions and corresponding observed means, as well as Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient.</sec><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3105_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b3aAa">Results</title>Modelling was based on 2,717 VAS and 2,831 TTO values elicited from 225 respondents. A 6-parameter constrained regression model with a supplementary power term was selected for VAS and TTO value sets, as it produces monotonic values, and proved superior in terms of out-of-sample predictive accuracy over the tested alternatives.</sec><sec><title style='display:none' id="d1346741e3113_w2aab3b7b2b1b6b1aab1c17b4aAa">Conclusion</title>This is the first EQ-5D-3L TTO based value set in Slovenia and the second in Central and Eastern Europe (besides Poland). It is also the first monotonic and logically consistent VAS value set in Central and Eastern Europe. Comparisons with Polish and UK TTO values show considerable differences, mostly due to mobility with having a substantially greater weight in Slovenia. The UK value set generally produces lower values and the Polish value set higher values for mild states.</sec></abstract>

Valuation of EQ-5D-3l Health States in Slovenia: VAS based and TTO based Value Sets

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Aim. The objective of the study was to examine self-esteem, anxiety level and coping strategies among secondary school students in relation to their involvement in organized sports. Methods. The sample included 280 Slovenian male and female secondary school students aged between 15 and 19 years. The participants completed The Adolescent Coping Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the PSDQ Selfesteem Scale. Results. Participants engaged in organized sports exhibited higher self-esteem scores and lower anxiety scores in comparison to non-sport participants. Differences between the two groups have also been identified with respect to the use of certain coping strategies. Sport participants reported more productive coping than non-sport participants, which represents an active and problem-focused approach to dealing with everyday problems. Gender differences in the referred variables have also been studied, with female athletes exhibiting higher levels of anxiety than male athletes. Female participants were also found to use more non-productive coping than males, focused mainly on reducing emotional effects of stress. Conclusions. Organized youth sports have an important role in improving and maintaining a favorable sense of self-worth, reducing anxiety, and promoting productive coping strategies in adolescents when dealing with everyday problems.</abstract>

Anxiety, Self-Esteem and Coping With Stress in Secondary School Students in Relation to Involvement in Organized Sports / Anksioznost, Samospoštovanje In Spoprijemanje S Stresom Pri Srednješolcih V Povezavi Z Vključenostjo V Organizirano Športno Aktivnost

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