Search

Aim To assess the behavioral correlates of health literacy (HL) among university students of health sciences in Kosovo, irrespective of their sociodemographic characteristics. Methods This cross-sectional study, carried out in Kosovo in 2024, enrolled 470 students of health sciences from the universities of Prishtina and Gjakova (86% women; mean age: 20.7 ± 2.7 years; response rate: 70%). We gathered HL data with the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, as well as information on behavioral characteristics and sociodemographic factors. General linear model and binary logistic regression were used to assess the independent behavioral correlates of HL. Results In multivariable-adjusted general linear models controlling for all sociodemographic factors and behavioral characteristics, lower HL scores were positively associated with alcohol consumption (36 vs 38 in non-drinkers, P = 0.024), low levels of physical exercise (36 vs 39 among students with high level of physical activity, P < 0.001), obesity (35 vs 39 among normal-weight individuals, P = 0.011), and a poorer health status (36 vs 37 among students with a better self-rated health status, P = 0.031). Furthermore, fully adjusted logistic regression models revealed a positive and strong relationship of "inadequate and/or problematic HL" (scores: 0-33) with physical inactivity (OR = 7.6, 95%CI = 1.8-31.9) and especially obesity (OR = 21.4, 95%CI = 3.8-119.8). Conclusions Students with low HL may be more likely to engage in behaviors detrimental to health. There is need to enhance HL among future health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and selected correlates of dry eye disease (DED) among patients with type 2 diabetes in Kosovo. A case-series study was conducted in Kosovo from July 2023 to July 2024, including a consecutive sample of 400 patients with type 2 diabetes aged =18 years seeking healthcare services at the Eye Clinic of the Clinical University Center of Kosovo in Prishtina (51% females; overall mean age: 62.4±9.7 years; response rate: 80%). Data collection consisted of a detailed clinical examination and a structured questionnaire. Almost 70% of the patients had DED (standalone or combined with retinopathy, which, in turn, had a separate prevalence of 3%). Significant positive correlates of autonomous and/or combined DED and retinopathy included older age, unhealthy dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, and treatment of diabetes with insulin and pills. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of DED among type 2 diabetes patients in Kosovo. DED and retinopathy were strongly associated with a range of demographic factors, behavioral characteristics, and preexisting conditions pertinent to type 2 diabetes patients in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a cohort of primary health care users across Kosovo (KOSCO cohort), high rates and poor control of diabetes and hypertension were observed. These conditions can be prevented and better controlled by adapting to a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity is an important target, as inactivity and related obesity were very prevalent in the KOSCO cohort. This qualitative study aims to identify individual and structural barriers to physical activity perceived by patients with diabetes and/or hypertension so as to inform health care providers and policy-makers in Kosovo on strategies for promoting physical activity. Methods: Interviews were conducted from July to October 2020 with 26 public primary health care users from five municipalities of Kosovo (Mitrovica, Vushtrri, Fushe Kosova, Gjakova, and Malisheva). The qualitative study was nested into the KOSCO cohort. KOSCO was implemented in 2019 and recruited consecutive patients visiting the public primary health care centres in these municipalities. Participants of this qualitative sub-study were selected if they had a doctor's diagnosis of diabetes and/or hypertension. The interview guide consisted of questions related to physical activity barriers these patients are facing, despite having received motivational counselling sessions in primary healthcare centres. Data were analysed using a framework methodology. Results: Three main themes moderating physical activity behaviour were identified: 1) neighbourhood built environment, 2) health-related problems, and 3) social support. The barriers to physical activity related to the first theme were structural features of the neighbourhoods such as: crowded sidewalks, lack of green spaces, lack of proper lighting in public spaces, as well as dense traffic. In regards to the second theme, the main health reasons for study participants to delay physical activity were related to: physical discomfort as well as stress, worry, and lack of energy. An additional barrier to exercise was lack of social support specifically from friends. Conclusion: The study identifies structural and individual targets for integrated and inter-sectoral physical activity promotion efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Kosovo is the newest state in Europe facing a particularly difficult socioeconomic and political transition. The available evidence on socioeconomic conditions and quality of life of elderly people in Kosovo is scarce notwithstanding the ageing trend due to lowering of fertility rates and a higher life-expectancy. In this context, the aim of our study was to assess the socioeconomic conditions of elderly people in post-war Kosovo. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in January-March 2011 including an age- sex-and residence (urban vs. rural)-stratified sample of 1,890 individuals (83.5% response) aged 65 years and over. A structured questionnaire included assessment of socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics including educational level and self-perceived poverty. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of self-perceived poverty with socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results The educational level in this representative sample of elderly people in Kosovo was quite low, particularly among women. About 47% of respondents perceived themselves as poor, or extremely poor (41% of men and 52% of women). In multivariable-adjusted models, self-perceived poverty was higher among older women, low educated individuals, urban residents, and elderly individuals living alone. Conclusions Findings from this study indicate that the socioeconomic situation of the elderly population in Kosovo is rather challenging. Demographic trends coupled with the economic and political transition raise serious concerns about increasing needs for socioeconomic support of elderly people in Kosovo. Specific policies and actions should be considered by a number of stakeholders, including government and civil society in transitional Kosovo.

Background: The relationship of health literacy (HL) with objective measures including anthropometric measurements remains an under-researched topic to date., Objective: To assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and HL among Albanian adults., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tirana, Albania, in 2012-2014 including a population-based sample of 1154 individuals aged ≥18 years. HL was assessed by the use of HLS-EU-Q instrument. Anthropometrics included measurement of weight and height based on which BMI was calculated. Information on socio-demographic characteristics was also collected. Logistic regression was employed to assess the independent association of BMI and HL controlling all socio-demographic factors., Results: One-fifth of the participants reported an inadequate HL level, whereas almost one-third (31%) reported an excellent HL level. About 41% of study participants were overweight and further 22% were obese. In multivariate analysis, there was evidence of a strong and significant association between BMI and HL: the odds of overweight/obesity were two times higher (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3-3.1) among inadequate HL individuals compared with excellent HL participants., Conclusion: Our findings, pertinent to a transitional country in the South East Europe, point to a strong, consistent and highly significant association between BMI and HL, irrespective of a wide array of socio-demographic characteristics., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

One out of ten deaths worldwide among adults is attributable to tobacco use. Most people begin using tobacco before the age of 18. The European Region of WHO faces nearly one third of the worldwide burden of tobacco-related diseases. We aimed to study the prevalence of tobacco use among Kosovar schoolchildren, knowledge and behaviors related to tobacco use and its health impact. A cross-sectional study was performed, using anonymous self-administered questionnaire carried out among 7088 students in 110 schools. The target population group were students aged between 13 and 15 years were enrolled in all the targeted grade levels. The questionnaire consists of two main parts developed especially for the European region. Statistical analysis and the complex sampling design were done by EPI Info 2000 statistical software package. Around one-third (2622=37%) of all students, reported to have smoked cigarettes. One-fifth (20.9%) of ever smokers initiated smoking before the age often. Significantly more boys than girls ever smoked cigarettes (43.5% and 30.4% respectively). Over one-third (37.0%) had ever smoked cigarettes, as compared to over one-half (53.9%) of secondary students. There is a high probability of an increased burden of disease from tobacco in the future decades in Kosova. Special attention should be paid to the cessation needs of current smokers, school-based programs on environmental tobacco smoke, and the health risk of exposure due to smoking by siblings and friends.