BACKGROUND: Clinical trials and observational studies lacking measures of health-related quality of life (QoL) are often inapplicable when conducting cost-effectiveness analyses using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The only solution is to map QoL ex post from additionally collected clinical outcomes and generic QoL instruments. Nonetheless, mapping studies are absent in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: In this 2-year, prospective, multicentre, non-interventional study of PsA patients, EQ-5D and key clinical parameters such as Disease Activity in PsA (DAPsA), clinical DAPsA (cDAPsA; DAPsA without C-reactive protein [CRP]), and Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ) were collected. We employed a linear mixed-effect regression model (ME) of the longitudinal dataset to explore the best predictors of QoL. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients were followed over 873 appointments/observations. DAPsA, cDAPsA and HAQ were stable and highly significant predictors of EQ-5D utilities in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The best prediction was provided using a linear ME with HAQ and cDAPsA or DAPsA. A HAQ increase of 1 point represented a decrease in EQ-5D by -0.204 or -0.203 (p < 0.0001); a one-point increase in cDAPsA or DAPsA dropped EQ-5D equally by -0.005 (p < 0.0001). The ME revealed steeper and more accurate association compared with cross-sectional regressions or non-linear models/transformations. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first mapping study conducted in PsA and we hope that our study will encourage further mapping studies in PsA. The results showed that in cases where CRP is absent, cDAPsA provides similar results to DAPsA in predicting QoL.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Quality of Life psychology   MeSH
• Quality-Adjusted Life Years * MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Disability Evaluation MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Arthritis, Psoriatic psychology   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Severity of Illness Index MeSH
• Health Status * MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the shortened version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) in Czech adolescents. A nationally representative sample of 4217 adolescents participated in the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey. The internal consistency of the SWBS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and Mean Inter-Item Correlation (MIIC) values. The factor structure was evaluated using principal component analyses. After adjustment, our new seven-item version of the scale supports a two-factorial model of the SWBS with satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.814, MIIC = 0.379). This version of the SWBS is suitable for measuring spiritual well-being in a secularising environment.

• MeSH
• Principal Component Analysis MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Translating MeSH
• Psychometrics MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Spirituality * MeSH
• Health Behavior * MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

• MeSH
• Electronic Health Records MeSH
• Mass Screening adverse effects   MeSH
• Data Collection MeSH
• Health Information Exchange MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Research conducted in North America suggests that students tend to overestimate tobacco use among their peers. This perceived norm may impact personal tobacco use. It remains unclear how these perceptions influence tobacco use among European students. The two aims were to investigate possible self-other discrepancies regarding personal use and attitudes towards use and to evaluate if perceptions of peer use and peer approval of use are associated with personal use and approval of tobacco use. METHODS: The EU-funded 'Social Norms Intervention for the prevention of Polydrug usE' study was conducted in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Slovak Republic, Spain, Turkey and United Kingdom. In total, 4482 students (71% female) answered an online survey including questions on personal and perceived tobacco use and personal and perceived attitudes towards tobacco use. RESULTS: Across all countries, the majority of students perceived tobacco use of their peers to be higher than their own use. The perception that the majority (>50%) of peers used tobacco regularly in the past two months was significantly associated with higher odds for personal regular use (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.90-3.73). The perception that the majority of peers approve of tobacco use was significantly associated with higher odds for personal approval of tobacco use (OR: 6.49, 95% CI: 4.54-9.28). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived norms are an important predictor of personal tobacco use and attitudes towards use. Interventions addressing perceived norms may be a viable method to change attitudes and tobacco use among European students, and may be a component of future tobacco control policy.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Attitude to Health MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Social Norms * MeSH
• Social Perception * MeSH
• Students psychology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Feasibility Studies MeSH
• Universities MeSH
• Tobacco Use epidemiology   MeSH
• Peer Group * MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH

• MeSH
• Incidence MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Urban Population MeSH
• Morbidity MeSH
• Recurrence MeSH
• Tuberculosis * epidemiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Urbanization MeSH
• Cities * MeSH
• Urban Health * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Europe MeSH
• Cities * MeSH

Obezita sa dnes považuje za presvedčivý faktor, ktorý sa podieľa na vzniku rakoviny pažeráka, žlčníka, pankreasu, kolorekta, prsnej žľazy (po menopauze), endometria a obličiek. Informovanosť obyvateľstva o zdravotných rizikách obezity vo vzťahu k onkologickým ochoreniam je prirodzeným predpokladom primárnej onkologickej prevencie. Jej súčasťou je úprava životného štýlu, ktorá vedie k dosiahnutiu a udržaniu zdravotne prospešnej telesnej hmotnosti. Cieľ: Predložená štúdia zisťovala základnú vedomostnú úroveň obyvateľstva na Slovensku o vzťahu medzi obezitou a rizikom vzniku zhubných nádorov. Hodnotila tiež vplyv pohlavia, veku, vzdelania, bydliska, finančného príjmu, ako aj BMI kategórie a prítomnosti onkologického ochorenia na dosiahnutú vedomostnú úroveň. Metodika: Prospektívny prieskum sa uskutočnil formou dotazníka s náhodným zaradením respondentov a vychádzal z metodiky CDC / BRFSS Questionnaire 2012. Výsledky sa vyhodnotili použitím štandardných štatistických metód. Výsledky: Prieskumu sa zúčastnilo celkovo 934 respondentov. Z nich 49,3 % malo nadmernú telesnú hmotnosť (BMI ≥ 25) a výskyt nádorového ochorenia bol v tejto skupine viac ako dvojnásobne vyšší (43,5 % u respondentov s nadváhou; 47,7 % u respondentov s obezitou) v porovnaní so skupinou s normálnou telesnou hmotnosťou (19,5 %). Takmer vždy išlo o niektorý zo siedmich druhov rakoviny, pri ktorých sa obezita považuje za presvedčivo dokázaný rizikový faktor rakoviny. Prieskumom sme zistili pomerne vysokú všeobecnú znalostnú úroveň o obezite ako rizikovom faktore rakoviny (73,8 %). Štatisticky významný vplyv na vedomostnú úroveň mal iba stupeň dosiahnutého vzdelania. Navyše v kombinácii so vzdelaním sa prejavil aj vplyv veku respondentov. Najnižšiu vedomosť mali respondenti so základným vzdelaním (51,5 %; p = 0,011), a to bez ohľadu na vek. Respondenti so stredoškolským a vysokoškolským vzdelaním preukázali takmer identickú vedomosť (74,7 % a 74,9 %), pričom najviac vedomostí mali respondenti so stredoškolským a vysokoškolským vzdelaním starší ako 70 rokov (88 %; p = 0,035). Pohlavie, vek, bydlisko, finančný príjem, BMI kategória ani onkologické ochorenie nemali významný vplyv na vedomostnú úroveň súboru. Záver: Práca prezentuje prvé výsledky tzv. cancer awareness studies na Slovensku. Identifikuje, že vedomostnú úroveň o obezite ako rizikovom faktore rakoviny najviac ovplyvňuje vzdelanie, resp. vzdelanie v kombinácii s vekom. Ľudia so základným vzdelaním boli v našom súbore skupinou s najnižšou úrovňou vedomostí, a to bez ohľadu na ich vek. Pri vyšších stupňoch vzdelania mali viac vedomostí respondenti, ktorí boli starší ako 70 rokov. Kľúčové slová: obezita – rakovina – vedomostná štúdia – rizikové faktory – vzdelanie – vek – BMI

Obesity is now recognized as a substantial factor that is involved in the development of cancer of the esophagus, gall bladder, pancreas, colon and rectum, breast (postmenopausal), endometrium and kidney. Public awareness about health risks of obesity in relation to cancer is a natural prerequisite for primary cancer prevention, which should lead to lifestyle modification aiming to achieve and to maintain healthy weight. Objective: The present study investigated the basic level the Slovak population’s knowledge of obesity as a risk factor for malignant tumors. The study evaluated also the effect of gender, age, education, place of residence, income, the BMI and the presence or absence of cancer on the obesity – cancer link knowledge. Methods: A prospective survey was conducted using questionnaire distributed among randomized respondents; the methodology was based on the CDC / BRFSS Questionnaire 2012. The results were evaluated using standard statistical methods. Results: The survey involved a total of 934 respondents, of whom 49.3% had excess body weight (BMI ≥ 25). The incidence of cancer in this group was more than two times higher than it was in the group of normal weight respondents. 43.5% of the respondents with cancer were overweight, 47.7% of the respondents with cancer were obese, compared to the normal weight respondents with only 19.5% cancer incidence. Almost all respondents with cancer suffered from one of the seven types of cancer for which obesity is considered to be a convincingly demonstrated risk factor. The survey found a relatively high level of general knowledge of obesity as a cancer risk factor (73.8%). The education level was the only factor with statistically significant effect on the level of knowledge. Moreover, the age of the respondents in combination with education had an additional impact on this knowledge. The lowest knowledge was detected in respondents with primary education (51.5%, p = 0.011), irrespective of their age. Respondents with secondary and university education showed almost identical knowledge (74.7% and 74.9%), while the best knowledge was found in respondents with secondary and university education being older than 70 years of age (88%, p = 0.035). Gender, age, place of residence, income, BMI and cancer disease had no significant impact on the knowledge level. Conclusion: The paper presents the results of the first cancer awareness study in Slovakia. It has shown that the knowledge of obesity as a cancer risk factor has been mainly influenced by education, and specifically by education in combination with age. In our sample, respondents with primary education showed the lowest level of knowledge, regardless of their age. In the group with secondary and university education the knowledge level was higher in respondents who were older than 70 years of age. Key words: obesity – cancer – awareness study – risk factors – education – age – BMI The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE „uniform requirements“ for biomedical papers. Submitted: 29. 8. 2014 Accepted: 7. 10. 2014

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Body Mass Index MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Digestive System Neoplasms epidemiology   complications   prevention & control   MeSH
• Neoplasms * epidemiology   complications   prevention & control   MeSH
• Overweight epidemiology   complications   MeSH
• Obesity * epidemiology   complications   MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Educational Status MeSH
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice * MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Geographicals
• Slovakia MeSH

Data from 1155 Czech women (493 using oral contraception, 662 non-users), obtained from the Czech National Survey of Sexual Behavior, were used to investigate evolutionary-based hypotheses concerning the predictive value of current oral contraceptive (OC) use on extra-pair and dyadic (in-pair) sexual behavior of coupled women. Specifically, the aim was to determine whether current OC use was associated with lower extra-pair and higher in-pair sexual interest and behavior, because OC use suppresses cyclical shifts in mating psychology that occur in normally cycling women. Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression and negative binomial models were used to test associations between OC use and these sexual measures, controlling for other relevant predictors (e.g., age, parity, in-pair sexual satisfaction, relationship length). The overall incidence of having had an extra-pair partner or one-night stand in the previous year was not related to current OC use (the majority of the sample had not). However, among the women who had engaged in extra-pair sexual behavior, OC users had fewer one-night stands than non-users, and tended to have fewer partners, than non-users. OC users also had more frequent dyadic intercourse than non-users, potentially indicating higher commitment to their current relationship. These results suggest that suppression of fertility through OC use may alter important aspects of female sexual behavior, with potential implications for relationship functioning and stability.

• MeSH
• Analysis of Variance MeSH
• Biological Evolution MeSH
• Family Characteristics MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Libido drug effects   physiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Logistic Models MeSH
• Marriage psychology   MeSH
• Menstrual Cycle drug effects   physiology   MeSH
• Extramarital Relations MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Parity MeSH
• Sexual Behavior drug effects   psychology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Sexual Partners MeSH
• Statistical Distributions MeSH
• Age Distribution MeSH
• Health Surveys statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czechoslovakia MeSH

Living in Roma settlements is associated with worse health in comparison with the majority population; this might be partially explained by socioeconomic disadvantages as well as cultural differences, including lifestyle. Eating habits represent an important part of lifestyle closely related to primary causes of morbidity and mortality, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases or cancers. The eating habits of the population living in Roma settlements in comparison with those of the majority population were explored using the cross-sectional epidemiological HepaMeta study conducted in 2011. A representative sample of Roma (n = 452, mean age = 34.7; 35.2% men) and non-Roma (n = 403, mean age = 33.5; 45.9% men) aged 18-55 years living in the Kosice region were asked about breakfasting and recent consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat products, meat, farinaceous dishes, and soft drinks. A logistic regression model was used separately for male and female participants. The population living in Roma settlements reported the recent consumption of fruit, vegetables and dairy products significantly less frequently in comparison with the majority population. Moreover, Roma females, in comparison with non-Roma females, reported significantly more frequently the consumption of meat and soft drinks. No differences were found between Roma and non-Roma in the consumption of meat products and farinaceous dishes. The population living in Roma settlements reported more frequently unhealthy eating habits in comparison with the majority population; this might contribute to worse health status of this population. The differences might be attributed to cultural differences between ethnic as well as socioeconomic groups, reduced availability of certain food items due to segregation or poverty and lower health literacy.

• MeSH
• Residence Characteristics statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Diet methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Roma ethnology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Sex Distribution MeSH
• Socioeconomic Factors MeSH
• Cross-Cultural Comparison MeSH
• Feeding Behavior ethnology   physiology   MeSH
• Rural Population statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Health Status MeSH
• Health Surveys methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Life Style ethnology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH
• Geographicals
• Slovakia MeSH

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis B and C prevalence in the Roma population of eastern Slovakia is largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic viral hepatitis B and C among Roma living in segregated communities in eastern Slovakia. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants were tested for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HCV. The risk factors were assessed mainly via a structured questionnaire/interview. RESULTS: Altogether 452 Roma were screened, and 11 were excluded due to missing data. A total of 441 patients were included (mean age 34.7 +/- 9.14 years; 35.2% men). 12.5% of participants were HBsAg positive, 40.4% anti-HBc IgG positive while negative for HBsAg and 47.2% of participants were negative for all serological markers of hepatitis B. Hepatitis C prevalence was very low (0.7%), while 2 out of 3 anti-HCV positive participants were coinfected with hepatitis B. Risk factors for hepatitis B infection were male sex, higher age, tattoo, and previous imprisonment. No difference was found in intravenous drug use, blood transfusions and sexual behaviour. CONCLUSION: More than half of the Roma residing in eastern Slovakia have been infected at one point in life with the hepatitis B virus, and 12.5% are HBsAg positive. Hepatitis C prevalence is very low, which is probably due to very low intravenous drug use.

• MeSH
• Chronic Disease MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Hepatitis B blood   ethnology   MeSH
• Hepatitis C blood   ethnology   MeSH
• Comorbidity MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Roma ethnology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Age Distribution MeSH
• Rural Population statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Health Surveys methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Slovakia MeSH

BACKGROUND: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is present approximately in half of all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between GGT and MS or proinflammatory parameters. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants (n = 446) were divided into 2 groups; those with elevated GGT and those with normal GGT levels. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria; presence of central obesity and low density lipoproteins (LDL) or high density lipoproteins (HDL), high triglycerides, hypertension, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes. Participants were tested for the presence of MS and its components, and biochemical tests for lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG) and inflammatory parameters (high sensitivity C-reactive protein--hs-CRP and ferritin) were performed. RESULTS: Of 446 Roma participants, only 29 (6.5%) had GGT levels above the normal value. After exclusion of patients with viral hepatitis and alcohol abuse, patients with elevated GGT suffered from MS more often (p < 0.001), and patients with more MS components had a higher risk of elevated GGT. We found a significant association between GGT and the individual MS components, except HDL (waist circumference > or = 94 cm in men or 80 cm in women: p < 0.01; BMI > 30: p < 0.001; fasting glucose > or = 5.6 mmol/l: p < 0.001; arterial hypertension: p < 0.05, and TAG > or = 1.7 mmol/l: p < 0.001). Patients with elevated GGT levels had also significantly higher hs-CRP (hs-CRP > 2 mg/l: p < 0.001; hs-CRP > 3 mg/l: p < 0.001) and ferritin (ferritin > 300 mg/l: p < 0.01) levels. CONCLUSION: Patients with MS have more significantly elevated levels of GGT. There is a significant association of GGT with individual MS components, except HDL and inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, ferritin).

• MeSH
• C-Reactive Protein MeSH
• Diet ethnology   methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Ferritins blood   MeSH
• gamma-Glutamyltransferase blood   MeSH
• Comorbidity MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lipids blood   MeSH
• Metabolic Syndrome enzymology   ethnology   MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease MeSH
• Motor Activity physiology   MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Roma ethnology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Socioeconomic Factors MeSH
• Rural Population statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Inflammation blood   epidemiology   ethnology   MeSH
• Health Surveys methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Fatty Liver blood   ethnology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Slovakia MeSH