BACKGROUND: The numbers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths per million people differ widely across countries. Often, the causal effects of interventions taken by authorities are unjustifiably concluded based on the comparison of pure mortalities in countries where interventions consisting different strategies have been taken. Moreover, the possible effects of other factors are only rarely considered. METHODS: We used data from open databases (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, World Bank Open Data, The BCG World Atlas) and publications to develop a model that could largely explain the differences in cumulative mortality between countries using non-interventional (mostly socio-demographic) factors. RESULTS: Statistically significant associations with the logarithmic COVID-19 mortality were found with the following: proportion of people aged 80 years and above, population density, proportion of urban population, gross domestic product, number of hospital beds per population, average temperature in March and incidence of tuberculosis. The final model could explain 67% of the variability. This finding could also be interpreted as follows: less than a third of the variability in logarithmic mortality differences could be modified by diverse non-pharmaceutical interventions ranging from case isolation to comprehensive measures, constituting case isolation, social distancing of the entire population and closure of schools and borders. CONCLUSIONS: In particular countries, the number of people who will die from COVID-19 is largely given by factors that cannot be drastically changed as an immediate reaction to the pandemic and authorities should focus on modifiable variables, e.g. the number of hospital beds.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 mortalita   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• HIV infekce epidemiologie   MeSH
• hrubý domácí produkt MeSH
• hustota populace MeSH
• incidence MeSH
• komorbidita MeSH
• kouření epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• nadváha epidemiologie   MeSH
• obložnost MeSH
• pandemie prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• poskytování zdravotní péče organizace a řízení   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 * MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• tuberkulóza epidemiologie   MeSH
• věkové rozložení MeSH
• veřejné zdravotnictví MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Nutritional status, its assessment and its influence on numerous diseases is currently still being discussed. The aim of this study was to determine the current state of nutrition by various research methods in school children. Also, to verify the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) determination in school environment and to compare the nutritional status in two different types of school. We used a quantitative questionnaire method in 64 children from schools in the South Moravian Region. We have verified the weight and height measurement in the same group by sophisticated instruments. We have determined the basic parameters of the cardiovascular system (non-invasive continuously blood pressure recording; mutual spectral analysis for estimation of baroreflex sensitivity; applanation tonometry and cardiac polygraphy for arterial stiffness evaluation). The indicative questionnaire method encountered a problem with the weight of almost 40 % of the population approached - both obesity (14.3 %) and malnutrition (25.2 %). Cardiovascular parameters were in physiological range for the given age categories. We found increased values in BMI, % of body fat and heart rate in children from countryside type of school, respectively. We concluded that obesity/malnutrition are both common phenomena in the children population in the Czech Republic.

• MeSH
• cévní index srdce-kotník MeSH
• krevní tlak * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• nutriční stav * MeSH
• obezita epidemiologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• podvýživa epidemiologie   patofyziologie   MeSH
• tuhost cévní stěny * MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Background: Obtaining informed consent from research study participants continues to meet difficulties. New ways to connect with potential participants are necessary to address barriers, expand enrollment and offer more services to underserved populations. Objectives: Electronic consent is designed to complete consenting sessions remotely and may help combat the obstacles inherent in the traditional informed consent process. We investigate the implementation of an electronic consent platform, Teleconsent, to broaden and diversify recruitment for clinical research. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community members to assess their perceptions regarding the acceptability and usability of Teleconsent, a form of electronic consent. Interviews were structured to determine the main benefits, challenges and concerns as detailed by each participant. Participants were divided into rural and urban groupings. Results: We interviewed 40 participants to gather firsttime perceptions of Teleconsent. We found overall positive results. Predominately in urban communities, participants possessed the technological skills and amenities to support smooth implementation of this technology. However, many participants reflect on the challenges regarding logistics, privacy and reliability of utilizing Teleconsent in underserved, rural areas. 5 of 19 participants, more than a quarter for the rural group, experienced Teleconsent software problems. During these sessions, an alternative process with paper templates was employed to complete interviews. Conclusion: Perceptions regarding Teleconsent demonstrate current challenges along with potential acceptance within different communities. This is despite the fact that on its own it will not be able to overcome the barriers currently found in the informed consent process. Still, investment in electronic consent, including the development of enhanced and interactive content, can potentially revolutionize this process. Our findings offer a preliminary step towards determining the feasibility and acceptance of Teleconsent, a form of electronic consent, in different communities. More research surrounding the logistics of adoption is necessary in order to determine success.

• Klíčová slova
• Teleconsent,
• MeSH
• informovaný souhlas pacienta * psychologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• percepce MeSH
• rozhovory jako téma MeSH
• telekomunikace * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: Social cohesion has a potential protective effect against depression, but evidence for Central and Eastern Europe is lacking. We investigated the prospective association between social cohesion and elevated depressive symptoms in the Czech Republic, Russia and Poland, and assessed whether alcohol drinking and smoking mediated this association. METHODS: Cohort data from 15 438 older urban participants from the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe project were analysed. Baseline social cohesion was measured by five questions, and depressive symptoms were measured 3 years later by the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Depression (CES-D) Scale. Nested logistic regression models estimated ORs of elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D 10 score ≥4) by z-scores and tertiles of social cohesion. RESULTS: Per 1 SD decrease in social cohesion score, adjusted ORs of elevated depressive symptoms were 1.13 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.23) and 1.05 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.13) in men and women, respectively. Further adjustment for smoking and drinking did not attenuate these associations in either men (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.22) or women (OR=1.05, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.13). Similarly, the fully adjusted ORs comparing the lowest versus highest social cohesion tertile were 1.33 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.62) in men and 1.18 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.39) in women. CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of social cohesion was associated with heightened depressive symptoms after a 3-year follow-up among older Czech, Russian and Polish adults. These effects appeared stronger in men, and alcohol and smoking played no appreciable role in this association.

• MeSH
• charakteristiky bydlení MeSH
• deprese epidemiologie   MeSH
• interpersonální vztahy * MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• pití alkoholu epidemiologie   MeSH
• postoj ke zdraví * MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Polsko MeSH
• Rusko MeSH

Včlánku uvádíme výsledky jedné zčástí širšího výzkumného šetření zaměřeného na učitele středních i základních škol všech aprobací. Předkládaná část se věnuje výhradně učitelům tělesné výchovy na středních školách (v kombinaci sjinýmiaprobacemi či bez nich), konkrétně jejich životosprávě, dennímu režimu a vybraným komponentám životního stylu, které mají těsné spojení soběma výše uvedenými pojmy. Vše uvedené je zároveň posuzováno zgeografického úhlu pohledu, přičemž hlavními geografickými aspekty jsou velikost sídelní jednotky, vníž dotazovaní učitelé tělesné výchovy žijí, a geografická poloha této sídelní jednotky.Výzkumné šetření bylo provedeno vcelkem 37 městech České republiky, a to na základě dvoustupňového stratifikovaného výběru. Zastoupeny byly všechny základní typy středních škol, a to zjádrových i periferních oblastí. Celkový počet respondentů činil 461 osob, zčehož bylo 262 mužů a 199 žen.Výsledky ukazují především několik hlavních zjištění. Předně se ukazuje, že velikost a geografická poloha sídla ovlivňují námi hodnocené oblasti životosprávy jako i životního stylu. Nepravidelnosti denního režimu (a tedy i porušování životosprávy) se vyskytují více ve větších sídlech. Stejně tomu je i vpřípaděsubjektivního vnímání stresu vyplývajícího zvýkonu profese učitele tělesné výchovy. Na druhou stranu život se ukazuje, že mít bydliště vaglomerační zóně ještě neznamená přejímat všechny aspekty velkoměstského života. Dále lze konstatovat, že spolu svelikostí sídla a jeho geografickou polohou se mění i některé aspekty demografické struktury učitelů tělesné výchovy.

In paper, we mention results of one part of wider research inquiry focused on teachers of all teaching qualification at secondary as well as elementary school. Presented part of this research is devoted strictly to secondary school PE teachers (with as well as without a combination of other teaching qualifications), specifically to their regimen, daily regime and those chosen components of their lifestyle which have a tight connection with the daily regime and regimen. All these facts are also assessed from the geographical point of view, where the main geographical aspect are: the size of a settlement unit in which questionned teachers live and geographical location of this settlement unit.Our research inquiry was realized in 37 cities of Czech republic on the basis of two-staged stratified selection. This inquiry was realized in all types of secondary school – from the core areas as well as from the marginal ones. Total amount of respondents was 461 individuals, where there were 262 men and 199 women.The results show several important findings. Firstly, it is evident that size and geographical location influence assessed components of regimen and lifestyle. Irregularities of the lifestyle (it means breaking of a regimen) are present more often in bigger cities. The same influence is present in the case of a subjective perception of the stress arising from the proffession of PE teacher. On the other side, it is evident that having a place of residence in an agglomerative area still doesn ́t mean also the reception of all aspects of a metropolitan life. Further, we can conclude that together with a size of a city/village and its geographical location there are changing also some aspects of a demographical structure of PE teachers.

• MeSH
• charakteristiky bydlení MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• manželský stav MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• školy MeSH
• tělesná výchova MeSH
• učitelé * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• životní styl * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH

Background: Although the association between somatic complaints and internalizing problems (anxiety, somatic anxiety and depression) is well established, it remains unclear whether the pattern of this relationship differs by gender and in different cultures. The aim of this study was to examine cross-cultural and gender-specific differences in the association between somatic complaints and internalizing problems in youth from the Czech Republic and Russia. Methods: The Social and Health Assessment, a self-report survey, was completed by representative community samples of adolescents, age 12-17 years, from the Czech Republic (N = 4770) and Russia (N = 2728). Results: A strong association was observed between somatic complaints and internalizing psychopathology. Although the levels of internalizing problems differed by country and gender, they increased together with and largely in a similar way to somatic complaints for boys and girls in both countries. Conclusion: The association between somatic symptoms and internalizing problems seems to be similar for boys and girls across cultures.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• duševní poruchy epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• pacienti bez organického nálezu * MeSH
• srovnání kultur * MeSH
• zpráva o sobě MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Rusko MeSH

BACKGROUND: Despite high cardiovascular mortality in Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union, there is limited information about major risk factors, including blood lipids. We investigated the prevalence of impaired concentrations of blood lipids, the awareness, treatment and control of hypercholesterolemia, and factors associated with these indicators in urban and rural populations in Kazakhstan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of random urban and rural population samples (the state capital Astana and Akmol village). Men and women aged 50-74 years were examined; a total of 954 adults participated (response rate 59%). Serum concentrations of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and a range of other cardiovascular risk factors were measured. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥6.2 mmol/l) was 37%; among subjects with hypercholesterolemia, 57% were aware of their condition, 41% took medication and 23% had total cholesterol <6.2 mmol/l (4.5% <5 mmol/l). The prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypercholesterolemia were all higher in the urban than the rural area. Similarly, the proportions of subjects with impaired concentrations of specific lipids fractions were also considerably higher in the urban population. Most associations with other covariates were in the expected direction. CONCLUSIONS: This study found relatively high prevalence of dyslipidemia in the Kazakh population, and the blood lipid profile was less favourable in the urban area. These pronounced urban-rural differences may be related to urbanization, the associated nutrition transition and to access to health care.

• MeSH
• dyslipidemie diagnóza   epidemiologie   terapie   MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Kazachstán epidemiologie   MeSH
• SSSR MeSH

Background: HIV testing is generally accepted as being the lynchpin of a prevention strategy to tackle the HIV epidemic among MSM. However, few studies have analysed in detail the factors that influence HIV test seeking behaviour. Methods: The objective of this article is to analyse the relationship between HIV test seeking behaviour and individual, social and demographic factors in a sample of MSM recruited though a multi-centre bio-behavioural cross-sectional study. A multi-level analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with HIV test seeking behaviour. Results: A total of 2400 men were included in the sample. Age, self-reported sexual orientation, residence, household composition, educational status and perceived homonegativity all seem to impact on test seeking behaviour. Conclusions: The results suggest the need for more targeted testing promotion strategies among MSM that take structural and environmental factors into consideration, as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to address the HIV epidemic.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• Evropská unie MeSH
• HIV infekce diagnóza   MeSH
• homosexualita mužská statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• pacientův souhlas se zdravotní péčí statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• zdraví - znalosti, postoje, praxe * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate alcohol consumption in a representative sample of the population of the city of Brno, as part of research on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey on a sample of 2,160 randomly selected residents 35-65 years old was carried out. For the invited volunteers who became a part of the investigation, alcohol consumption was determined in a controlled, face to face interview structured in accordance with a special questionnaire form. The frequency of alcohol consumption during the previous year was determined, in more detail during the last month (including quantification using "units of alcohol", their normal and maximum level of drinking, and any association between alcohol consumption and meals), and during the last week in the form of a complete, beverage specified and quantified 7-day recall period. Typical patterns of alcohol consumption were explored by the means of cluster analysis. RESULTS: During the past 12 months, 90.0% of the men and 79.0% of the women had consumed alcohol, the rest can be considered abstinent. The most commonly reported frequency was 2-4 times per week (35.6% of the men), or 1-3 times per month (22.8% of the women). Daily or almost daily consumption was reported by 24.8% of the men and 12.8% of the women. The number of units of alcohol consumed usually on one occasion amounts to an average of 3.88±4.80 for the men and 2.25±1.39 for the women, but the amount most often cited by both sexes was 2 drinks (36.4% of the men and 40.4% of the women). The largest amount consumed on any occasion during the last 30 days was 5 or more units in 69.3% of the men, and in 33.9% of the women it was 4 or more units (this amount of alcohol leads to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08, the border of drunkenness). In 19.9% of the men and 7.5% of the women, this border was exceeded more than 5 times in the past month. Only 14.7% of the men and 10.3% of the women reported that the majority of their alcohol consumption occurs with food; on the contrary, 64.3% of the men and 77.6% of the women drinkers drink it either always without food or only rarely with it. During the past week, 81.6% of the men and 63.4% of the women drank alcohol (p<0.001, chi-square). The average value of consumption for one man was 11.57±11.91 doses, and for one woman 4.68±6.38 doses per week (p<0.001, t-test). A total of 17.8% of the men exceeded the limit of 21 doses per week, and 7.4% of the women exceeded 14 doses/week. After converting the weekly consumption into the number of units of alcohol per week expressed in litres per year, the total average consumption was 5.01±6.36 litres; for the men 7.26±7.62 litres and for the women 3.02±4.08 litres of pure alcohol per person annually. Consumption during the week was not uniform (p<0.001, ANOVA), with the highest occurring on Saturday, followed by Friday. The men mostly drank beer (62.9% of the total volume of alcohol), the women wine (68.6%). The cluster analysis identified 5 clusters of respondents, based on a set of alcohol consumption variables, as follows: very heavy drinking (1.6% of the respondents who drink alcohol); heavy drinking (8.8%); binge drinking (6.3%); moderate drinking (31.1%); and occasional drinking (52.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The results show a relatively high consumption of alcohol in the examined group. The recommended weekly limits were exceeded by only a small portion, but that consumption had a binge character. Conversion into a form allowing comparison with conventional national statistics shows a significantly lower consumption than these reported statements. Overall, men consume significantly more alcohol than women.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• pití alkoholu epidemiologie   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• rozhovory jako téma MeSH
• rozložení podle pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• shluková analýza MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

The study examines spatial patterns of effects of high temperature extremes on cardiovascular mortality in the Czech Republic at a district level during 1994-2009. Daily baseline mortality for each district was determined using a single location-stratified generalized additive model. Mean relative deviations of mortality from the baseline were calculated on days exceeding the 90th percentile of mean daily temperature in summer, and they were correlated with selected demographic, socioeconomic, and physical-environmental variables for the districts. Groups of districts with similar characteristics were identified according to socioeconomic status and urbanization level in order to provide a more general picture than possible on the district level. We evaluated lagged patterns of excess mortality after hot spell occurrences in: (i) urban areas vs. predominantly rural areas; and (ii) regions with different overall socioeconomic level. Our findings suggest that climatic conditions, altitude, and urbanization generally affect the spatial distribution of districts with the highest excess cardiovascular mortality, while socioeconomic status did not show a significant effect in the analysis across the Czech Republic as a whole. Only within deprived populations, socioeconomic status played a relevant role as well. After taking into account lagged effects of temperature on excess mortality, we found that the effect of hot spells was significant in highly urbanized regions, while most excess deaths in rural districts may be attributed to harvesting effects.

• MeSH
• demografie MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci epidemiologie   mortalita   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• městské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• poruchy vyvolané tepelným stresem epidemiologie   mortalita   MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• vysoká teplota škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• zeměpis MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH