Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement)
Preface
Kvetoslava Rimárová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S3 
This special issue of the CEJPH focuses on selected non-communicable and communicable diseases in Eastern Slovakia. The country and its economy have gone through many important reforms since the Velvet Revolution in 1989 and the disintegration of Czechoslovakia in 1993. The Slovak Republic joined the EU in 2004, and in 2009 the country implemented the Euro currency. Slovakia has an advanced economy with one of the fastest growth rates in the EU and OECD, with a nominal GDP per capita of $35,094 (2018 est.). Slovakia is structured into 79 districts and eight administrative regions. There are considerable regional differences in the economy, employment...
Anthropometric predictors of systolic and diastolic blood pressure considering intersexual differences in a group of selected schoolchildren
Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Dorko, Jana Diabelková, Zlatana Sulinová, Katarina Frank, Jana Baková, Tomáš Uhrin, Pavol Makovický, Nikola Pelechová, Nika Konrádyová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S04-S11 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5536
Objectives: Although the association between anthropometric parameters and blood pressure has been established for adults, the relationship for children has not been thoroughly studied in Slovakia. Present study investigates the association between anthropometric parameters and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group of randomly selected schoolchildren. Methods: Examinations were conducted as a cross-sectional study with 760 schoolchildren from Eastern Slovakia, 381 boys and 379 girls. The blood pressure evaluation included sphygmomanometer technique (seated, 3 times repeated) measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP; DBP)....
Prevalence of lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors in a group of medical students
Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Dorko, Jana Diabelková, Zlatana Sulinová, Peter Urdzík, Nikola Pelechová, Nika Konrádyová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S12-S18 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5477
Objective: The aim of the cross-sectional study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in the group of medical students with gender, overweight and obesity categorisation. Methods: Cross-sectional study included 364 medical students, 207 females and 157 males. We investigated anthropometric parameters, BMI, body fat percentage, WHR (waist-hip ratio), TCH (total cholesterol) and LDL-CH (LDL-cholesterol), SBP and DBP (systolic and diastolic blood pressure). The participants also completed questionnaires with socio-demographic characteristic, including smoking, unhealthy eating, self-perceived health, and physical activity status. Statistical analysis...
Compliance with gluten-free diet in a selected group of celiac children in the Slovak Republic
Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Dorko, Jana Diabelková, Zlatana Sulinová, Pavol Makovický, Jana Baková, Tomáš Uhrin, Andrej Jenča, Janka Jenčová, Adriána Petrášová, Andrej Jenča Jr., Jozef Jenča
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S19-S24 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5369
Objective: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic long-term disease with autoimmune disorder connected to an allergic reaction to the molecule of gluten. CD is manifested in persons who are genetically predisposed. The only therapy for CD is a strong gluten-free (GF) diet. The aim of our study was to follow the adherence to the gluten-free diet in the selected group of parents and caregivers of children with CD, and to compare factors influencing the adherence to GF diet and therefore influencing also clinical symptoms of CD. We compared and examined important food-related activities as well, by using a personal questionnaire in the group of CD children's...
Risk factors of preterm birth and low birth weight neonates among Roma and non-Roma mothers
Jana Diabelková, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Peter Urdzík, Erik Dorko, Andrea Bušová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S25-S31 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5273
Objective: This study analyses the differences in birth outcomes between Roma and non-Roma mothers and investigates the potential causes of such differences. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1,989 non-Roma and 799 Roma mothers who gave birth in 2014 and 2015 at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice. Data on mothers and new-born infants have been obtained from the birth book and from the reports on mothers at childbirth. For low birth weight we considered the weight of a new-born weighing less than 2,500 grams and as for premature birth we referred to childbirth before pregnancy week...
EU questionnaire to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea validated in Slovakia
Eva Feketeová, Imrich Mucska, Katarina Klobučníková, Soňa Grešová, Judita Stimmelová, Ivana Paraničová, Ivana Trojová, Jaroslav Rosenberger, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Dorko
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S32-S36 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5278
Objective: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) associated with daytime sleepiness (DS) contributes to a higher incidence of motor vehicle accidents. Validation of fitness to drive in driving license applicants, with special concern regarding OSAS accompanied by excessive DS, became mandatory under new EU legislation in January 2016. The aim of the study was to translate and validate the recommended questionnaire to screen for OSAS (Q-OSAS) in the Slovak population. No data on any Q-OSAS validation has previously been published. Methods: The translated Q-OSAS was administered to 311 Slovak patients prior to a planned overnight polysomnography....
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance in Eastern Slovakia from 2004 to 2016
Eva Feketeová, Dominika Jarčušková, Alžbeta Janáková, Eva Rozprávková, Zlatica Cifráková, Silvia Farkašová-Inaccone, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Dorko, Zuzana Gdovinová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S37-S41 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5277
Objectives: An extraordinary incidence of genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (gCJD) appearing in clusters in the Slovak Republic was described in the 1990's. The aim of the study was to analyse data of CJD cases obtained from surveillance in Eastern Slovakia (ES) (2004-2016), the region outside the described geographical clusters. Methods: The database set in the project was the source for epidemiological and clinical analysis of CJD cases. Results: The incidence of CJD in ES (2004-2016) was 1.7/million person-years (95% CI 1-2.4); the incidence increase in the last five years (2012-2016) was comparable to the whole country. Twenty seven of 29 reported...
Effectiveness of primary vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis in employees of the armed forces
Erik Dorko, Andrea Bušová, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Erik Drabiščák, Peter Kizek, Peter Popaďák, Jana Popaďáková, Janka Jenčová, Andrej Jenča Jr., Adriána Petrášová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S42-S46 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5271
Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate immune response after receiving the primary vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and to establish a link between seropositivity and selected factors in soldiers. Methods: Blood samples, questionnaires and vaccination records were obtained. TBE antibodies were detected using both ELISA and a neutralization test (NT). We used logistic regression for statistical analysis. Results: Overall, seropositivity (presence of IgG) was detected in 88% of participants. The proportion of seropositive subjects in relation to the number of doses of vaccine was 69% (2 doses) and 91% (3 doses). A statistically...
Milk outbreaks of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovakia, 2012–2016
Erik Dorko, Ján Hockicko, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Andrea Bušová, Peter Popaďák, Jana Popaďáková, Ivan Schréter
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S47-S50 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5272
Objective: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is most commonly transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick. Alimentary infection through the consumption of TBEV-contaminated dairy products is also well-documented and is responsible for some diseases in endemic areas. The aim of the study was to emphasize the risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) by consuming raw milk and dairy products and to describe TBE epidemics in Slovakia for the period 2012-2016. Methods: The data on epidemics were obtained from the Annual Reports for the period 2012-2016 available on the website of the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic....
West Nile virus - a new infection in the Slovak Republic?
Erik Dorko, Andrea Bušová, Tomáš Csank, Eva Feketeová, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Jana Diabelková, Róbert Čellár, Matúš Bereš, Miklós Gyuranecz, Juraj Pistl, Tamás Bakonyi, Andrej Jenča Jr., Janka Jenčová, Adriána Petrášová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S51-S55 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5287
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) among the variable population of Eastern Slovakia. Methods: A serologic survey was conducted using 464 serum samples. The basic demographic, epidemiologic and clinical information was obtained for each serum sample at the time of specimen collection. The presence of antibodies against WNV was investigated using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the ELISA positive samples were further analysed by a neutralization test with WNV and Usutu virus. Results: Three serum samples (0.65%) from the participants (N = 464) were considered...
Serostatus and risk factors of tick-borne encephalitis
Andrea Bušová, Erik Dorko, Eva Feketeová, Matúš Bereš, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Jana Diabelková, Tímea Rovenská, Róbert Čellár, Tomáš Csank
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S56-S60 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5289
Objective: The aim of this seroepidemiological study was to determine the current prevalence of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in the representative group of Slovak population with included potential risk factors for TBEV. Methods: Representative group consisted of 428 persons (also with possible exposure to risk factors for tick bite or raw milk consumption). Serum samples were screened by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The persons involved in the study completed questionnaires with general demographic, epidemiological and clinical data. During the analysis, we used linear regression to interpret the...
Association of seroprevalence and risk factors in Lyme disease
Andrea Bušová, Erik Dorko, Eva Feketeová, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Jana Diabelková, Tímea Rovenská, Tomáš Csank
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S61-S66 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5274
Objective: The aim of the presented cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was to determine the current presence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. in the groups of Slovak population, and to identify potential risk factors to Lyme borreliosis. Methods: A group of 261 adults (patients from the Neurological Clinic with possible symptoms of LB and healthy persons with possible working exposure to tick bite: gardeners and soldiers working in afforested areas) were examined in order to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Borrelia antibodies. Sera were screened by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The respondents...
Seroprevalence of Lyme disease in Eastern Slovakia
Andrea Bušová, Erik Dorko, Kvetoslava Rimárová, Jana Diabelková, Tímea Rovenská, Eva Feketeová, Matúš Bereš, Róbert Čellár, Zuzana Baranová, Tomáš Kampe, Karim Benhatchi
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S67-S71 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5442
Objective: Lyme disease (LD) is chronic, multi-system zoonosis transmitted by ticks, and LD aetiological agents are spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The aim of the cross-sectional study was to analyze the LD incidence on the basis of the presence of specific antibodies in the serum of patients in Eastern Slovakia, and to compare the results of serological ELISA and immunoblot assays. Methods: Venous blood with questionnaires was obtained by field sampling of respondents from Eastern Slovakia. Overall, we examined 537 human sera by the ELISA and for confirmation we tested all positive IgG antibodies against the Borrelia...
Epidemiological and clinical aspects of dermatophytoses in Eastern Slovakia: a retrospective three-year study
Zuzana Baranová, Tomáš Kampe, Erik Dorko, Kvetoslava Rimárová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S72-S75 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5279
Objective: A three-year retrospective study of fungi isolated from samples of patients with suspected fungal skin infections in Eastern Slovakia is presented. Methods: A total of 11,989 samples were collected and investigated with direct microscopic examination using 20% KOH and cultivated in Sabouraud and Mycosel medium. Identification was based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Results: Of the total samples, 61.76% (7,405/11,989) were completely negative and 38.24% positive (4,584/11,989). Dermatophytes accounted for 45.88% of isolates (2,103/4,584), yeasts for 26.79% (1,228/4,584), non-dermatophytes for 15.29% (701/4,584), and Malassezia...
Single centre clinical experience with fidaxomicin in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection in Slovakia
Martin Novotný, Pavol Jarčuška, Laura Gombošová, Ján Hockicko, Ivana Hockicková, Alena Rovňáková, Ondrej Zahornacký, Ivan Schréter, Erik Dorko, Kvetoslava Rimárová
Cent Eur J Public Health 2018, 26(Supplement):S76-S80 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5476
Objective: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired infections. Fidaxomicin is one of the latest antibiotics used in the treatment of CDI, however, treatment cost affects recommendations for its use in several countries. We have analysed the treatment of our patients with CDI, treated by fidaxomicin since it was introduced to the market in 2018 and became available in the second biggest Slovak hospital, University Hospital of L. Pasteur. Our aim was to determine efficacy and safety of fidaxomicin in the treatment of CDI in Slovak patients. Methods: We reviewed all courses of fidaxomicin...