Biomedical subjects

Jaroslava Hovan-Somborac

Publications and source records attributed to Jaroslava Hovan-Somborac.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases: a follow-up model.

Chronic non-communicable diseases are caused by interaction between numerous environmental and socio-economic factors and biological response of the human body. They are gaining importance due to the fact that they largely depend on common risk factors, of which more than 70% can be prevented. In 1996, an integrated health prevention program for chronic non-communicable disease based on the Aims of the World Health Organization "Health for all in the 21st century" was designed in the Republic of Serbia. This program concerns the whole population and measures for its implementation. For its successful realization it is necessary to define standard procedures: uniform terminology, diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation, its risk factors. The aim of this study was to establish data from basic medical documentation of the primary health care and propose a more efficient and effective evidence, as well as to establish a program for surveillance, prevention and control of mass non-communicable diseases within the existing medical documentation. The data were gathered from medical records of the general practice and occupational health services. A special questionnaire was designed to register data from medical records. Medical records of general practice and occupational health service in Kikinda have been analyzed. The existing medical documentation is insufficient regarding data necessary for evidence, surveillance and analysis of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. A follow-up model for surveillance and evidence of risk factors in basic medical documentation, which should be incorporated in routine statistical reports, would actively include medical professionals--doctors and medical staff in prevention and detection of risk factors.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiology of mental disorders in the North Banat region].

INTRODUCTION: Mental disorders are recognized as a significant socio-medical problem within WHO European Region with prevalence of 5%. They constantly have an increasing rate and comprise series of pathologies including neuroses and psychosocial pathologies, organic psychoses and neural disorders. Over the past decade, as a result of crisis, enhancement of mental disorders has been established in our population. The objective of this paper was to analyze occurrence and epidemiology of mental disorders in adult population of the North Banat region in the period from 1997 to 2000. METHODOLOGY: We performed a comprehensive measurement and analysis of registered morbidity using official statistics issued by departments of general practitioners. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We analyzed registered morbidity in 6 health centers and established that neural-, stress- and somatotropic disorders make 3-7% of general morbidity in regard to 10 most frequent groups of illnesses. Prevalence of mental disorders differs in the examined region, but not significantly. We assume that this is the result of different approaches to this problem by physicians who establish the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: As our current research shows, mental disorders had a slight increasing rate during the last five years. Difference regarding health care approach is apparent, as well. We propose a health care program for mental health of the entire population as well as appropriate education of health professionals.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[A successful population-based method for smoking cessation].

INTRODUCTION: Our country is in the third place in Europe concerning tobacco smoking. Although strict law regulations regarding indoor smoking have been brought, the law banning all tobacco advertising, and the behaviour of our population are inadequate. Our objective was to persuade smokers for the "Quit and Win" campaign and to establish the number of smokers in health personnel employed in health facilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This population-based smoking cessation campaign was coordinated by Federal Institute of Public Health, through a network of Public Health Institutes within the country with the support of national and local media. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Quit and Win campaign was organized for the third time. The campaign was realised with the financial support and sponsorship at community level throughout the country. The Federal Ministry provided a national health award. The national and local media accompanied the campaign. The campaign included 3.178 smokers and 2.575 supporters, that is 0.1% of the population over 18 years of age. This is in accordance with participants in some other countries, who had a better support. More than 60% of health care facility employees are smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Our tradition, habits in the society and overall situation encourage smoking habits to spread in general population. Our campaign has proved that people should be motivated to quit smoking, but they need to be informed. Actions taken in general population and based on a positive smoking cessation program in which smokers are willing to stop smoking have given unexpectedly good results.

Health Promotion↗