OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of the respondents in selected areas of testing for COVID-19 during the first waves of this disease with an emphasis on the age categories. METHODS: The research sample consisted of 806 Slovak respondents and the collection of data took place in February 2021. The study examined six areas, of which five focused on the perception of testing and one area focused on examining the risk of population behaviour. All areas were examined in the first as well as in the last testing for COVID-19. In terms of age, we focused on 4 age categories: up to 24 years, 25-44 years, 45-59 years, and over 60 years. Data were obtained by online survey, using descriptive analysis and nonparametric analysis of differences. RESULTS: The results of the analysis show that age is a socioeconomic characteristic that is of great importance for the creation and implementation of epidemiological processes and programmes and therefore epidemiologists should pay increased attention to it when creating prevention programmes. Younger people perceived testing more positively than older ones, even though the course of the disease caused by COVID-19 is much more severe in older people. The difference in the perception of testing between age categories was confirmed in the first as well as in the last test study. Respondents perceived the last test more negatively and thus they showed slightly riskier behaviour compared to the first test. CONCLUSIONS: We perceive testing as an efficient way in the fight against pandemics generally, but we point out that testing should be well accomplished in a managerial way, otherwise testing can have a negative impact on society's confidence.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * diagnosis   epidemiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pandemics * MeSH
• Perception MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• COVID-19 Testing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Slovakia MeSH

Internet addiction is a serious problem among young adults that requires increased attention, especially at a time of distance learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between internet addiction and selected socio-demographic, study-related, and psychological characteristics of college students. Internet addiction was measured using the Internet Addiction Test both overall and in its individual subscales (Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, Anticipation, Lack of Control, and Neglect Social Life). The selected characteristics represented (1) socio-demographic profile (gender, age, residence, family), (2) academic profile (housing during the semester, form of study), and (3) psychological profile (depressive symptoms-the Patient Health Questionnaire, stress-the Perceived Stress Scale, anxiety symptoms-the Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Data collection took place during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 at Czech and Slovak colleges, with 1,422 students from the Czech Republic and 1,677 students from Slovakia participating in the research. The analytical processes were carried out through descriptive analysis, non-parametric difference analysis, and multiple negative binomial regression. Mild internet addiction was found in 387 (27.2%) Czech and 452 (27.0%) Slovak students. Moderate internet addiction was identified in 49 (3.4%) students from the Czech Republic and in 100 (6.0%) students from Slovakia. Two (0.1%) Czech and three (0.2%) Slovak students reported severe internet addiction. Increased likelihood of internet addiction overall, as well as in most individual subscales, was found particularly among male students and students who lived away from home during the semester. Depressive symptoms and stress could also be considered significant predictors in both countries. These results are important for the development of effective strategies and prevention programs, as Internet addiction may be a serious problem in the future, given the current times. When assessing internet addiction among college students, it would also be appropriate to evaluate the individual internet addiction subscales and their specifics.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * epidemiology   MeSH
• Demography MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Behavior, Addictive * epidemiology   psychology   MeSH
• Internet Addiction Disorder epidemiology   MeSH
• Pandemics MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Students psychology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Slovakia MeSH

Poor mental health is a growing concern among young people during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of Internet addiction with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress in higher education students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to examine these mental health problems in the context of study-related characteristics. The research sample consisted of 3,099 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ: 1,422) and Slovak Republic (SK: 1,677). The Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to measure mental health problems. The analyses also included demographic data (gender and age) and study-related characteristics (form of study, degree of study, field of study, distance between college and home, and housing during the semester). Based on the results of frequency and descriptive analyses, the prevalence of mental health problems was high. The most serious levels of Internet addiction (IAT cut-off point ≥ 50), to which attention should be paid, were found in 3.5% of Czech and 6.2% of Slovak students. Using the standard cut-off point of GAD-7 ≥ 10, 14.1% of Czech and 11.6% of Slovak students were identified with anxiety symptoms. Regarding the PHQ-9 with the cut-off point ≥ 10, 23.4% of Czech and 19.1% of Slovak students had depressive symptoms, which should be addressed. Using the PSS cut-off point ≥ 27, 12.9% of Czech students and 9.1% of Slovak students perceived high stress. The quantile regression analysis showed that Internet addiction was positively associated with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and stress in all of the analyzed cases (p-value < 0.001). In terms of study-related characteristics, the binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for mental health problems in Czech and Slovak students were mainly full-time form of study and living away from home during the semester. Internet addiction, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and stress are issues that require increased attention, and professionals and policy-makers should implement interventions to effectively prevent and help students with psychological problems.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * epidemiology   MeSH
• Depression epidemiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Internet Addiction Disorder epidemiology   MeSH
• Pandemics * MeSH
• Stress, Psychological epidemiology   MeSH
• Students psychology   MeSH
• Anxiety epidemiology   MeSH
• Anxiety Disorders epidemiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Studying in college can be a challenging time for many students, which can affect their mental health. In addition to academic pressure and stressful tasks, another aggravating factor in student life is the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms in Czech and Slovak college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate possible socio-demographic determinants of mental health problems. A total of 3,099 respondents participated in this cross-sectional study (Czech Republic: 1,422, Slovakia: 1,677). The analyzes included the Patient Health Questionnaire for somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder instrument (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9). Socio-demographic factors were gender, age, family structure, marital status, form of study, degree of study, year of study, field of study, distance between home and college, residence, and housing during the semester. Among Czech students, prevalence of somatic complaints, anxiety and depression was 72.2, 40.3, and 52%, respectively. Among Slovak students, prevalence of somatic complaints, anxiety and depression was 69.5, 34.6, and 47%, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most severe mental health problems were identified in a non-negligible part of the sample (Czech Republic: PHQ-15 = 10.1%, GAD-7 = 4.9%, PHQ-9 = 3.4%; Slovakia: PHQ-15 = 7.4%, GAD-7 = 3.5%, PHQ-9 = 2.7%). Regarding the differences between the analyzed countries, a significantly higher score in somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression was identified in the Czech Republic. Significant differences in mental disorders were found in most socio-demographic characteristics. The main results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for mental health disorders in Czech and Slovak students were female gender, younger age, third degree of study, and study of Informatics, Mathematics, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Especially in the case of these high-risk groups of students, public policies should consider a response to impending problems. The findings are an appeal for a proactive approach to improving the mental health of students and for the implementation of effective prevention programs, which are more than necessary in the Czech and Slovak college environment.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * epidemiology   MeSH
• Depression epidemiology   psychology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Medically Unexplained Symptoms * MeSH
• Pandemics MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Students psychology   MeSH
• Anxiety epidemiology   psychology   MeSH
• Anxiety Disorders epidemiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Slovakia MeSH

In the Slovak Republic, a mass testing of the entire population was performed. Estimates show that this testing cost more than 400 million EUR and thousands of euros were paid for one positively identified case. Thus, it is possible to state a high cost for such a project, which has been criticized by many parties. On the other hand, from a public health point of view, mass testing has helped fight the pandemic. Both the health and economic perspectives are important in assessing the success of a pandemic strategy, but the social perspective is equally important. In fact, the situation is perceived from the position of public leaders who make decisions, but also from the position of the society that bears individual political decisions. It is not appropriate to forget about the society that is most affected by restrictions, testing, health status, but also the burden on the state budget. The objective of the presented research was to examine the perception of testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Slovak population. Non-parametric difference tests and correspondence analysis were used for statistical processing. The research sample consisted of 806 respondents and data collection took place in February 2021. The main findings include significant differences in perceptions between the first and the last participation in testing in terms of gender, age, testing experience, and time aspect. The last participation in testing showed lower rates of positive aspects related to the internal motivation to test compared to the first participation. In contrast, external stimulation by government regulations related to restrictions in the absence of a negative result was higher in the last participation in testing. There were also differences between the first and the last test in the level of doubts about the accuracy of the test result, while a higher level was found at the last testing participation. It can be concluded that the frequency of testing and its requirements need to be approached very carefully over time, as it is likely that the positive perceptions may deteriorate. The recommendations include clear and timely government communication, trust building and health education.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * diagnosis   epidemiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pandemics MeSH
• Perception MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
• COVID-19 Testing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

In the current era of globalization, a clean environment remains a crucial factor for the health of the population. Thus, improving air quality is a major focus of environmental policies, as it affects all aspects of nature, including humans. For these reasons, it is appropriate to take into account the health risks posed by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released into the atmosphere. With regard to global GHG emissions, there are concerns about the loss of protection of the ozone layer and it is very likely that climate change can be expected, which multiplies the environmental threat and has potentially serious global consequences. In this regard, it is important to pay increased attention to emissions that enter the atmosphere, which include countless toxic substances. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between selected GHG emissions and the health of the European Union (EU) population represented by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This aim was achieved using several analytical procedures (descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and panel regression analysis), which included five environmental variables (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) in CO2 equivalent, nitrous oxide (N2O) in CO2 equivalent, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) in CO2 equivalent, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in CO2 equivalent) and one health variable (DALYs). An emphasis was placed on the use of quantitative methods. The results showed that CO2 emissions have a dominant position among selected GHG emissions. The revealed positive link between CO2 and DALYs indicated that a decrease in CO2 may be associated with a decrease in DALYs, but it is also true that this cannot be done without reducing emissions of other combustion products. In terms of CO2, the least positive scores were observed in Luxembourg and Estonia. Germany had the lowest score of DALYs, representing the most positive health outcome in the EU. In terms of total GHG emissions, Ireland and Luxembourg were considered to be less positive countries compared to the other analyzed countries. Countries should focus on reducing GHG emissions in general, but from a health point of view, reducing CO2 emissions seems to be the most beneficial.

• MeSH
• European Union MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Methane analysis   MeSH
• Nitrous Oxide analysis   MeSH
• Carbon Dioxide MeSH
• Greenhouse Gases * analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: The internet is an integral part of today's life; therefore, the risk of internet addiction is very high. The current consequences of internet addiction are not comparable to those of other types of addiction. However, internet addiction may be a serious problem in the future. For this reason, this issue should be addressed today. AIMS: The primary objective of the study was to assess the differences in internet addiction between males and females in a sample of university students in the Slovak Republic. Differences were assessed in the total internet addiction score, as well as in the individual sub-scales of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, Anticipation, Lack of Control, Neglect Social Life). METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2020. The objective of the study was mainly achieved using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. SAMPLE: The population was selected in the form of a non-random sample and consists of 1612 responses from students of Slovak universities. Data obtainedusing the standardized IAT scale was included in the analyses. RESULTS: The overall rate of internet addiction in theresearch sample was not critical, while increased scores were found in the Neglect Work, Anticipation, andLack of Control sub-scales. Significant differences were identified in the areas of Salience, Excessive Use,Neglect Work, and Neglect Social Life. In general, male students showed a higher rate of internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Internet addiction in high-risk population groups should be systematically monitored. The lifestyle of university students may be a predictor of these addictions, which may be a serious problem in the future.

The main objective of the research was to examine the associations between problematic alcohol use, tobacco use and cannabis use among Czech and Slovak university students during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of 1422 participants from the Czech Republic (CZ) and 1677 from the Slovak Republic (SK). The analyses included university students who drank alcohol in the past year (CZ: 1323 (93%); SK: 1526 (91%)). Regarding the analysed measures, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and its subscales, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) were selected to identify substance-related behaviour. Age, gender and residence were included in the analyses as socio-demographic variables. Correlation and regression analyses were used to achieve the main objective of the research. The main results revealed that the use of tobacco and cannabis were positively associated with alcohol use disorders among Czech and Slovak university students. Additionally, males were more likely to report alcohol use disorders. In the Czech Republic, it was found that students living in dormitories were characterized by a lower AUDIT score. The opposite situation was found in the Slovak Republic. Czech and Slovak policy-makers are encouraged to develop alcohol use prevention programs for university students in line with these findings.

• MeSH
• Alcoholism * MeSH
• Cannabis * MeSH
• COVID-19 * MeSH
• Demography MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pandemics MeSH
• Alcohol Drinking MeSH
• Substance-Related Disorders * epidemiology   MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
• Students MeSH
• Universities MeSH
• Tobacco Use MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Slovakia MeSH

The main objective of the presented study was to examine the associations between the use of renewable energy sources in selected sectors (transport, electricity, heating, and cooling) and the prevalence of selected groups of diseases in the European Union, with an emphasis on the application of statistical methods considering the structure of data. The analyses included data on 27 countries of the European Union from 2010 to 2019 published in the Eurostat database and the Global Burden of Disease Study. Panel regression models (pooling model, fixed (within) effects model, random effects model) were primarily used in analytical procedures, in which a panel variable was represented by countries. In most cases, positive and significant associations between the use of renewable energy sources and the prevalence of diseases were confirmed. The results of panel regression models could be generally interpreted as meaning that renewable energy sources are associated with the prevalence of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, digestive diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, neoplasms, sense organ diseases, and skin and subcutaneous diseases at a significance level (α) of 0.05 and lower. These findings could be explained by the awareness of the health problem and the response in the form of preference for renewable energy sources. Regarding statistical methods used for country data or for data with a specific structure, it is recommended to use the methods that take this structure into account. The absence of these methods could lead to misleading conclusions.

• MeSH
• Economic Development * MeSH
• European Union MeSH
• Morbidity MeSH
• Renewable Energy MeSH
• Carbon Dioxide * MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: In addition to the health aspect of alcohol consumption, social and economic aspects should not be overlooked, as there is also evidence of a critical situation in these dimensions. AIM: The aim of the review was to point out the economic and social consequences of alcohol consumption. DESIGN: The study was performed on the basis of analysis and synthesis of scientific knowledge from almost 50 scientific studies. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption is influenced by the drinking culture, which differs from country to country and from society to society. These differences stem from social values, beliefs, and attitudes, but also public policies. The public policies should be aimed at reducing alcohol consumption in general, but in particular excessive consumption with a risk of alcohol addiction. Although alcohol consumption can be economically beneficial, its negatives for public health, society, and economic life far outweigh any benefits. In this sense, it is possible to talk about premature mortality, poor health, alcohol- related costs, lost productivity, and crime, but also the stigmatization of consumers and their families. CONCLUSIONS: The population should be educated about alcohol and its consumption should be monitored responsibly. Restrictive measures (higher taxes, advertising bans, restrictions on purchases) appear to be an effective way of reducing consumption.