OBJECTIVE: In recent years new infectious diseases, i.e. emerging or re-emerging diseases, have been coming to the forefront. Currently, microsporidia, considered to be a major cause of emerging and opportunistic infections particularly in immunocompromised individuals, are also included in this group. Therefore, the aim of our study was to map the prevalence of Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in a group of patients and to compare it with the occurrence of specific antigens in immunocompetent people. METHODS: Detection of spores of both pathogens in faecal samples was performed by an immunofluorescence test using species-specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Positivity to E. intestinalis in 91 examined immunosuppressed patients reached 33% (30/91), while only 4.3% (3/70) of the control group samples were found to be positive (relative risk 7.7, p < 0.001). In case of E. bieneusi 14.3% (13/91) of immunocompromised patients were positive, as were 5.7% (4/70) of people from the control group (relative risk 2.5, p = 0.095). CONCLUSION: In case of development of any opportunistic infection, the infection is detected and removed in most cases at an early stage. The incidence of clinically manifested microsporidiosis in patients with immunodeficiency is rare as they are under constant medical supervision. However, we must not forget about opportunistic infections, and in case of any non-specific symptoms it is necessary to exclude or confirm the diagnosis for immediate treatment.

• MeSH
• Encephalitozoon izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• encephalitozoonóza diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• Enterocytozoon izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• feces mikrobiologie   MeSH
• imunokompromitovaný pacient * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikrosporidióza diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• oportunní infekce diagnóza   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• plošný screening * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: Roma are the most deprived ethnic minority in Slovakia, suffering from discrimination, poverty and social exclusion. Problematic access to good quality health care as result of institutional and interpersonal discrimination affects their health; therefore, factors which affect health care accessibility of Roma are of high importance for public health and policy makers. The aim of this study was to explore the association between health care accessibility problems and ethnicity and how different levels of social support from family and friends affect this association. METHODS: We used data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in 2011 in Slovakia. The final sample comprised 452 Roma (mean age = 34.7; 35.2% men) and 403 (mean age = 33.5; 45.9% men) non-Roma respondents. RESULTS: Roma in comparison with non-Roma have a more than 3-times higher chance of reporting health care accessibility problems. Social support from family and friends significantly decreases the likelihood of reporting health care accessibility problems in both Roma and non-Roma, while the family seems to be the more important factor. CONCLUSION: The worse access to health care of Roma living in so-called settlements seems to be partially mediated by social support. Interventions should focus on Roma health mediators and community workers who can identify influential individuals who are able to change a community's fear and distrust and persuade and teach Roma to seek and appropriately use health care services.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• dostupnost zdravotnických služeb * MeSH
• kvalitativní výzkum MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• přátelé * etnologie   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• rodina * etnologie   MeSH
• Romové * MeSH
• rozhovory jako téma MeSH
• sociální opora * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: Obesity-induced metabolic syndrome is a multiple risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and type 2 diabetes, and ethnic minorities seem to have unfavourable medical risk factors in general more frequently than majority populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in relation to metabolic syndrome in the Roma population compared with the non-Roma population residing in the eastern part of Slovakia. RESULTS: 123 Roma and 79 non-Roma patients with metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Men between 40-55 years of age had 4.76-times higher odds and women 5.26-times higher odds for metabolic sydrome compared with the younger population. We found statistically significant higher waist circumference in the Roma subpopulation and higher body mass index as well, although in selected population with metabolic syndrome. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in both Roma men and women, and LDL cholesterol was not significant in men and women with metabolic syndrome. Triglycerides levels were significantly higher in non-Roma women only. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) values were not in correlation with age but were associated with the increasing number of fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome in both subgroups (Roma, non-Roma), independently of gender. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed higher prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and other CV risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome among younger Roma population, which may be associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality among elderly Roma compared with non-Roma.

• MeSH
• charakteristiky bydlení statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• dyslipidemie etnologie   MeSH
• index tělesné hmotnosti MeSH
• kardiovaskulární nemoci etnologie   MeSH
• komorbidita MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metabolický syndrom etnologie   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• rozložení podle pohlaví MeSH
• věkové rozložení MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zánět etnologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika 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
• charakteristiky bydlení statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dieta metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• rozložení podle pohlaví MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• srovnání kultur MeSH
• stravovací zvyklosti etnologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zdravotní stav MeSH
• zdravotnické přehledy metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• životní styl etnologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare socioeconomic characteristics of the Roma population living in Roma settlements with the majority population. Moreover, it was aimed to assess socioeconomic differences in health and health-related behaviour within the population living in Roma settlements. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The sample consisted of 452 Roma (mean age = 34.7; 35.2% men) and 403 non-Roma (mean age = 33.5; 45.9% men) respondents. Roma in selected settlements were recruited by local Roma community workers. Respondents from the major population were randomly selected from a list of patients from general practitioners. Data were collected via questionnaire, anthropometric measures and analysed blood samples. Differences in socioeconomic characteristics between the population living in Roma settlements and the majority population were tested using the chi-square test. The contribution of selected socioeconomic characteristics on health and health-related behaviour of the population living in Roma settlements was assessed by logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: The population living in Roma settlements is characterised by significantly lower socioeconomic standards, and the living conditions are significantly worse compared with the majority. With few exceptions, the study did not confirm any significant association between socioeconomic indicators and health and health-related behaviour within the population living in Roma settlements. CONCLUSIONS: The deteriorating effect of living in Roma settlement on health and health-related behaviour seems to be immense regardless differences in socioeconomic characteristics or living condition within the settlement population.

• MeSH
• charakteristiky bydlení statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• odds ratio MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• rozložení podle pohlaví MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• společenská třída * MeSH
• věkové rozložení MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zdravé chování etnologie   MeSH
• zdravotní stav * MeSH
• zdravotnické přehledy metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: Several studies have revealed a high prevalence of risk factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle among individuals with lower socioeconomic status. In Slovakia, one of the most socially and health-disadvantaged groups is the Roma minority. The aim of this study is to explore differences in physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption between the population living in Roma settlements and the majority population in Slovakia. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional epidemiological HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The sample consisted of 452 Roma (mean age = 34.7; 35.2% men) and 403 non-Roma (mean age = 33.5; 45.9% men) respondents. The differences in health-related behaviour between the population living in Roma settlements and the majority population were analysed using logistic models separately for males and females. RESULTS: These data show a clear difference between the population living in Roma settlements and the majority population with regard to leisure-time physical activity (only in women) and smoking, although not alcohol consumption. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activities such as walking or some other type of sport was significantly lower among Roma women than among non-Roma women. Men and women living in Roma settlements are more likely to smoke on a daily basis and they are heavier smokers in comparison with the majority population. HepaMeta study did not find differences in alcohol consumption between the Roma and non-Roma men. However, Roma women reported less frequent recent drinking and binge-drinking of 6 or more doses of alcohol on a single occasion. CONCLUSION: The higher prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle activities among Roma seem to contribute to these inequalities in cardiovascular diseases morbidity and mortality in comparison with the majority population.

• MeSH
• charakteristiky bydlení statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kouření etnologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• odds ratio MeSH
• pití alkoholu etnologie   MeSH
• pohybová aktivita * MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• rozložení podle pohlaví MeSH
• socioekonomické faktory MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zdravé chování etnologie   MeSH
• zdravotnické přehledy metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• životní styl etnologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight are major contributors to the global burden of chronic diseases and disability in both majority and minority populations. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional population-based HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The sample comprised a total of 452 Roma. Measurements of special bioactive mediators were taken in final groups consisting of 63 male Roma respondents (mean age = 32.59; SD = 8.63) and 117 female Roma respondents (mean age = 34.55; SD = 8.35). Respondents were divided into three groups: those with normal weight, those with overweight and obese. Values for anthropometric parameters, lipids parameters, C-reactive protein, TNF-alpha, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin were determined. RESULTS: 27.6% of examined Roma females and 26.9% of males were overweight. Obesity (BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) appeared in a higher proportion of males (28.8%) compared with female (26.5%). Mean levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly elevated in the overweight and obese subjects compared to normal-weight Roma respondents. The relation was reversed for HDL-C level, with significantly decreased levels in both male and female obese Roma (p < 0.001). The concentration of adiponectin was significantly lower in obese subjects of both genders versus non-obese (Roma male p < 0.001, Roma female p < 0.05). Plasma levels of leptin, IL-6, hs-CRP as well as TNF-alpha increased in Roma significantly with increasing BMI. CONCLUSION: The study is the first one to provide data about selected biomarkers. Results may be useful in predicting obesity and its related diseases in the Roma population from the eastern part of Slovakia.

• MeSH
• adiponektin krev   MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• C-reaktivní protein MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• index tělesné hmotnosti MeSH
• interleukin-6 krev   MeSH
• leptin krev   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipidy krev   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• nadváha krev   etnologie   MeSH
• obezita krev   etnologie   MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• Romové etnologie   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• rozložení podle pohlaví MeSH
• TNF-alfa krev   MeSH
• venkovské obyvatelstvo statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• zdravotnické přehledy metody   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Slovenská republika MeSH