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INTRODUCTION Immunization is healthcare attainment and the most cost-effective protection for the individual and the entire population. However, despite increased COVID-19 vaccine supplies, there is hesitancy and refusal to vaccinate. We aim to assess medical and non-medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vaccination and COVID-19, at two major universities. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study, surveying students at two universities in Sarajevo Canton and Rijeka, from 18 February to 1 May 2021 for sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and practices. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used, and the data were statistically processed. RESULTS There was a significant difference among groups of participants’ attitudes toward vaccination (p=0.001). Significant differences in vaccine knowledge were revealed between two groups of students: medical and non-medical (p=0.001). The primary information sources for immunization among students were healthcare professionals, followed by the Internet and social networks, professional literature, TV and media, friends and families, and magazines. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirmed potential areas where targeted interventions could be implemented to improve knowledge about immunization and COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate primary caregiver’s knowledge and impact knowledge on glycemic control in children/adolescents. Methods and participants The research was cross-sectional study conducted from October 23, 2021 year to February 28, 2022 year, in the Canton of Sarajevo. 50 primary caregiver’s of pediatric patients up to 18 years old was involved. The Diabetes Knowledge Test was used to assess primary caregiver’s knowledge of diabetes. Results Knowledge of the primary caregiver’s whose children achieve HbA1c values<7.5% is significantly better than those whose children have HbA1c value >7.5% in general knowledge (p=0.003*), total (p=0.014*), while knowledge of insulin did not differ (p=0.865). Conclusion Continuous education of nurses who are key in educating patients and diabetes specialist nurses, especially pediatric specialist nurse is needed to provide effective health care. It would also be of paramount importance to recognize the need for health professionals in the field of nutrition who would provide health services to these patients, as part of the diabetes health care team. Health service providers should regularly assess the knowledge of pediatric patients and their parents about diabetes and self-help management skills, especially in patients who do not achieve optimal HbA1c values, in order to improve knowledge levels and improve skills for disease management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunization is a key step in preventing the occupational risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection for healthcare workers (HCWs). The aim of the study was determination of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) coverage rate among HCWs and support staff and immune response 10 years after primary vaccination. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Public Institution Health Centre of Sarajevo Canton in Bosnia and Herzegovina during 2005-2017. Second-generation vaccines Euvax (Sanofi Pasteur, Thailand/LG Life Sciences Ltd, Korea) and Engerix B (GlaxoSmithKline, Belgium) were applied. For quantification of antibody response to hepatitis B virus surface antigen three laboratory methods were used. A level of ≥ 10 IU/L anti-HBs was set as a cut-off value indicating the presence of protective immunity against new HBV infections and successful vaccination. Results: In total, 1541 (75.80%) were fully vaccinated, out of 1126 (73.07%) were females. The median age of participans was 50.5 ± 9.4 years. Control measurement of the anti-HBs level was performed for 409 (26.54%) HCWs, and the presence of protective antibodies was confirmed in 304 (74.33%). During the research, 37 booster doses were administered. Of the 23 retested participants, anti-HBs ≥ 10 IU/L were observed in 19 (82.16%). Three non-reactors subject were revealed. Conclusion: A satisfying HepB coverage rate and a high protective rate against hepatitis B infection among HCWs and support staff was achived, although vaccination is voluntary in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These results indicate the active engagement of the institution in the implementation of preventive measures and the high level of awareness regarding the significance of immunization. Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of booster doses. A low prevalence of non-reactors was revealed. Additional research with a focus on occupational risk factors in dental service is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Worldwide, COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of infected people and thousands of deaths. Due to enormous pressure on health-care systems and its inadequate preparedness, utter collapse is expected. In the current epidemic response, healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge and practice are crucial, while the impact on their mental health is still unknown. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs redeployed to COVID points in the Public Institution Health Centre of Sarajevo Canton. According to guidelines and information provided by the World Health Organization and Ministries of Health, a questionnaire was developed. In addition, General Anxiety Disorder-7 as a screening tool for anxiety disorders was used. Results: Of 180 respondents, 26 (14.4%) were in direct contact with the sick patient. In total, 79 (43.9%) respondents consider their personal protective equipment is in accordance with the guidelines of the world health authorities. A total of 72 (39.7%) of respondents used the same mask for several days. In general, the danger from new coronavirus was considered minimal by 59 (32,6%) HCWs. Based on the achieved score for assessing the anxiety disorder, in 63 (35%) subjects, the presence of severe symptoms was detected. Conclusion: This study found that most HCWs do not have enough knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified that there are differences in the sources of information and gap in perceptions of the native origin of the virus. Considering the frequency of anxiety symptoms among HCWs, interventions are necessary in order to preserve their mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a pandemic disease that is today a global public health problem caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). COVID-19 is a disease of middle and old age, but clinical expression may also be present in childhood. Asymptomatic and mild clinical forms are most often present in persons aged 0-19, but severe clinical forms such as, among others, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multisystem inflammatory syndrome may occur. In addition to presenting the epidemiology, clinical symptomatology of COVID-19, the authors consider certain specifics of COVID-19, that is, possible reasons for the lower incidence of the disease as well as unusual and rare clinical forms of the disease in children. The current activities of health professionals in the supervision of COVID-19 are mainly focused on early detection, isolation and treatment of patients, isolation of contacts, the regular and thorough practice of respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, and physical distancing. Future efficient and safe vaccination will solve the biggest global medical challenge caused by the new coronavirus in the best possible manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]