PURPOSE: Clinical guidelines call for the inclusion of exercise interventions in every patient's dialysis session, but these recommendations are rarely adopted. Healthcare providers play a key role in this. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how healthcare providers perceive the benefits, risks and barriers of intradialytic exercise (IDE). METHODS: We conducted 21 individual, semi-structured interviews with 11 nurses, 5 nephrologists, 3 training assistants and 2 managers from two dialysis centres in Slovakia. Verbatim transcripts of digitally recorded interviews were thematically analysed using MAXQDA®. RESULTS: Participants reported the benefits of IDE as improvements in patients' physical and psychosocial functioning, independence and self-efficacy, clinical profile and quality of therapy. As risks of IDE, they most frequently reported exercise-related damage to vascular access, insufficient individualization of training and musculoskeletal injuries. The presence of psychological problems among patients was reported as a major barrier for initiating and maintaining patients' exercise. Other reported barriers included limitations in financial and personnel resources of haemodialysis care. CONCLUSIONS: Safe and sustainable implementation of IDE, which might improve a patient's well-being, need to be prescribed in alignment with the patient's clinical profile, be delivered individually according to the patient's characteristics and requires adjustments in the available resources.
- MeSH
- cvičení * psychologie MeSH
- dialýza ledvin * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- postoj zdravotnického personálu MeSH
- sebeuplatnění MeSH
- zdravotnický personál MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the main factors that help and hinder adolescents' wellbeing at school using their perspectives and experiences. METHODS: We used data from 45 adolescents in the first year of high school in Slovakia (mean age = 14.98; 22.2% boys). We obtained the data using 11 semi-structured group interviews conducted in 2020/2021. Participants were selected from three types of high school with regard to graduation system. Data was analysed using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. RESULTS: We identified three main themes of factors contributing to their wellbeing at school: 1. School (atmosphere and organisation of life at school, physical environment, threats and the ability of school to deal with issues); 2. Relationships (with peers and teachers, and teachers' behaviour towards them); 3. Myself (own perceived obstacles and resilience resources). CONCLUSION: The organisation of life at school, surroundings, threats and dealing with issues importantly affect adolescents' wellbeing. Therefore, adjustment of physical environment and interpersonal competences of teachers, supporting of resilience resources of adolescents should be targets for interventions and prevention programmes at schools.
- MeSH
- interpersonální vztahy MeSH
- kvalitativní výzkum * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- osobní uspokojení MeSH
- rozhovory jako téma MeSH
- školy * MeSH
- studenti psychologie MeSH
- učitelé psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Slovenská republika MeSH
BACKGROUND: The period of early childhood bears significant importance from the lifespan perspective. Children from marginalized Roma communities face several risk factors that endanger their early development. Based on the gaps in available evidence, the aim of the RomaREACH research project (Research on Early Childhood in marginalized Roma communities) is, therefore, to explore the complex mechanisms influencing psychomotor development in the first 3 years of a child's life in marginalized Roma communities, and to translate and adapt instruments for measuring development and parenting in marginalized Roma communities and assess their psychometric qualities and suitability METHODS: The project comprises two parts. The first part is a validation study of the translated Caregiver-Reported Early Development Instrument (CREDI) and the Comprehensive Early Childhood Parenting Questionnaire (CECPAQ), tools for the assessment of early development and of parenting strategies and practices. The second part is a longitudinal cohort study, in which the relationships of risk and protective factors with development are explored. DISCUSSION: The RomaREACH project is a multicomponent study of social determinants of health and development in early childhood that can provide new evidence on the relationship of risk and protective factors with early development. Such young children from difficult-to-reach marginalized Roma communities are rarely included in research, and information about the scope and the extent of inequities in health and development in the period of early childhood is scarce. The expected results of the RomaREACH project have the potential to influence policy and practice by providing validated tools and evidence-based insights that can help mitigate the developmental risks faced by children in marginalized Roma communities and contribute to improving developmental outcomes and equity.
- MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- longitudinální studie MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- psychometrie metody MeSH
- rizikové faktory MeSH
- rodičovství psychologie MeSH
- Romové * MeSH
- sociální determinanty zdraví MeSH
- vývoj dítěte * MeSH
- Check Tag
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Research on adolescents' academic performance has mostly focused on the contribution of objective factors, such as socioeconomic situation of the family or individual cognitive skills and school results. Evidence with a focus on adolescents' subjective experiences is scarce. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore factors related to adolescents' academic performance from their perspectives. METHODS: We used data from 11 group semi-structured interviews conducted in 2020/2021 with 45 adolescents in the first year of high school in Slovakia (mean age = 14.98; 22.2% boys). Participants were selected from three types of high school with regards to the graduation system. We analysed the data using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Based on the statements of the adolescents, we identified five main themes of factors that affect their academic performance. Adolescents reported that the following contribute to their academic performance: the contents and methods of teaching; how teachers behave and do their jobs; the way in which adolescents study and what motivates them; support within and outside the school, and the environment and appearance of the school. Adolescents reported that improving the curricula and using teaching methods that balance theoretical information with practical skills training would help their academic performance immensely. CONCLUSION: We identified several factors related to adolescents' academic performance using their own perspectives and experiences. Strengthening the capacities of teachers may largely benefit adolescents' educational process and further academic performance.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Roma living in marginalised communities are among the most disadvantaged groups in Slovakia. Socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), including in parents. The aim of this study is therefore to assess differences in HCC, reflecting the levels of stress, between mothers living in MRCs and from the majority population, to assess the association of socioeconomic disadvantage with HCC, and whether disadvantage mediates the MRC/majority differences in HCC. Participants were mothers of children aged 15-18 months old living in MRCs (N=61) and from the Slovak majority population (N=90). During preventive paediatric visits, visits at community centres and home visits, hair samples and data by questionnaire were collected. HCC differed significantly between mothers living in MRCs and mothers from the majority population, with the mean HCC value being twice as high in mothers living in MRCs (22.98 (95% confidence interval, CI, 15.70-30.30) vs. 11.76 (8.34-15.20), p<0.05). HCC was significantly associated with education, household equipment and household overcrowding, but not with billing, socioeconomic stress and social support. The difference in HCC between mothers living in MRCs and mothers from the majority population was partially mediated by poor house equipment, such as no access to running water, no flushing toilet or no bathroom (the indirect effect of B=7.63 (95% CI: 2.12-13.92)). Practitioners and policymakers should be aware of high stress levels among mothers living in MRCs and aim at enhancing their living and housing conditions.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hydrokortison * analýza metabolismus MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- matky * psychologie MeSH
- psychický stres * metabolismus MeSH
- Romové * MeSH
- sociální marginalizace psychologie MeSH
- sociální opora MeSH
- socioekonomické faktory * MeSH
- socioekonomické nerovnosti ve zdraví MeSH
- vlasy, chlupy * chemie MeSH
- zranitelné populace psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Slovenská republika MeSH
BACKGROUND: Roma living in marginalized communities often face poor living conditions and material deprivation, which may negatively impact parenting. Our aim is to compare the parenting behavior (support, harsh discipline, and stimulation) of mothers from marginalized Roma communities and the majority population in Slovakia. We also examine the role of socioeconomic disadvantage and related worries in the differences in parenting behavior between these groups. METHODS: We obtained cross-sectional data from mothers of children aged 14-18 months using the first wave of the longitudinal RomaREACH study dataset. Two groups were included in the sample: 93 mothers from MRCs and 102 mothers from the majority. We performed multiple regression and mediation analyses to assess whether the educational level of mothers, the degree of poverty, and poverty-related feelings of stress and worries explain parenting behavior differences between the groups of mothers. RESULTS: We found significant differences in parenting, especially in harsh disciplining and stimulation. These two domains were significantly associated with maternal education, degree of poverty, and poverty-related stress and worries. The degree of poverty partially mediated stimulation differences between the two groups of mothers. CONCLUSION: Parenting in MRCs seems harsher and less stimulative than parenting in the Slovak majority. These differences are associated with the socioeconomic disadvantage of mothers. The degree of poverty partially explains why parenting in MRCs is less stimulative. These results may inform intervention efforts aimed at disadvantaged families.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Interventions to improve physical activity (PA) among adolescents continue to be a public health priority. To promote PA more effectively, we need to identify the main factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA in the perspective of adolescents themselves. Thus, we explored the barriers and enablers for sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adolescents from their point of view. METHODS: We used qualitative data collected as part of the international Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study. We obtained data from 14-17 years old adolescents from the first year of Slovak high school. We conducted 11 online, semi-structured individual and group interviews with 24 participants in total (7 boys; mean age = 15.17, SD = 0.87) in Slovakia. We analysed the data using consensual qualitative research and thematic analysis. RESULTS: In the statements of adolescents, four main themes were identified regarding factors contributing to (not) engagement in PA among adolescents. 'Myself as a source' represents the importance of adolescents' own efforts, knowledge, physical predispositions and PA experience. 'How PA can be done' represents school as an opportunity for PA, and PA teachers and sports coaches as specialists who can create an enabling environment for sports. 'Others as a source' represents the social circle that can set a positive sports example and can encourage adolescent's efforts in PA. 'Factors outside' represents other factors that can inspire adolescents, e.g. by giving them a comfortable space and time to exercise, or can be a barrier to PA. CONCLUSION: The potential factors that include adolescents' perspectives can be more leveraged in designing supportive, inclusive, enjoyable, and skills-appropriate PA programmes.
Previous research shows the beneficial effects of an intradialytic resistance training (IRT) on muscle function in haemodialysis patients. However, patients vary highly in their functional responses to IRT, may be due to effects of age and sex heterogeneities in adaptation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the degree to which the effects of IRT on the muscle function of haemodialysis patients vary by age and sex. We included 57 patients who completed a 12-week IRT (EXG) and 33 patients who received no IRT (CNG) during haemodialysis. Muscle function (MF) was assessed using dynamometry before and after a 12-week intervention and after a 12-week follow-up. After the 12-week intervention, we found a moderation effect of age in the relative (%) change (p = 0.011) and absolute (Δ) change (p = 0.027) of MF, and a moderation effect of sex in %MF (p = 0.001), but not in ΔMF (p = 0.069). Regarding patients' age, the change of MF was only significantly different between EXG and CNG patients aged 60-70 years (%MF, EXG: + 34.6%, CNG: - 20.1%, p < 0.001; ΔMF, EXG: + 44.4 N, CNG: - 22.1 N, p < 0.001). Regarding patients' sex, the change of MF was only significantly different between EXG and CNG female patients (%MF, EXG: + 23.9%, CNG: - 23.6%, p < 0.001). Age and sex did not significantly moderate changes in MF measures after 12 weeks of follow-up. We conclude that both age and sex of haemodialysis patients affect their functional response to IRT in the short term.Trial Registration: Intradialytic Resistance Training in Haemodialysis Patients (IRTHEP)-#NCT03511924, 30/04/2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03511924 .
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important health indicator in chronic diseases like kidney diseases. Health literacy (HL) may strongly affect HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we assessed the associations of HL with HRQoL in dialysed patients. We performed a cross-sectional study in 20 dialysis clinics across Slovakia (n = 542 patients, mean age = 63.6 years, males = 60.7%). We assessed the association of categorised HL (low, moderate, high) with the SF36 physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) using generalised linear models adjusted for age, gender, education, and comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI). We found significant associations of HL with PCS and MCS in dialysed patients, adjusted for age, gender, education, and CCI. Low-HL patients had a lower PCS (B = -3.27, 95%-confidence interval, CI: -5.76/-0.79) and MCS (B = -6.05, 95%-CI: -8.82/-3.29) than high-HL patients. Moderate-HL patients had a lower MCS (B = -4.26, 95%-CI: -6.83/-1.69) than high-HL patients. HL is associated with physical and mental HRQoL; this indicates that dialysed patients with lower HL deserve specific attention and tailored care to have their HRQoL increased.
- MeSH
- chronická nemoc MeSH
- komorbidita MeSH
- kvalita života * MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- zdravotní gramotnost * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic caused risks and burdens for health professionals and might result in job leaving intentions. To assess the potential risks, we explored the association of the job leaving intentions with exposure to COVID-19 risk, impact of pandemic management on professional and personal life, and personal coping resources among Slovak dentists in the first wave of the outbreak. Methods: We obtained data from 500 dentists (66.8% females, M/SD = 43.8) registered with the Slovak Chamber of Dentists using an online questionnaire. Data were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender. Results: Nearly 40% of dentists reported job leaving intentions after the first wave of the pandemic outbreak. Job leaving intentions were associated with exposure to COVID-19 risks (odds ratios, ORs, varying from 1.6 to 4.7), impact of pandemic management on professional and personal life (Ors from 1.6 to 2.9), and personal coping resources (Ors from 0.4 to 0.6). Conclusion: Better management of exposures to risks and impact on professional and personal life, as well as building better personal coping resources may prevent the loss of a valuable workforce in dental care.
- MeSH
- adaptace psychologická MeSH
- COVID-19 * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- pandemie * MeSH
- pracovní uspokojení MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- úmysl MeSH
- zubní lékaři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
