OBJECTIVES: A growing body of research has incorporated the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) into an expanded understanding of the social determinants of health. Although each component of SVI and its association with individual-level mental health conditions have been well discussed, variation in mentally unhealthy days (MUDs) at a county level is still unexplored. To systematically examine the geographically varying relationships between SVI and MUDs across the US counties, our study adopted two different methods: 1) aspatial regression modeling (ordinary least square [OLS]); and 2) locally calibrated spatial regression (geographically weighted regression [GWR]). STUDY DESIGN: This study used a cross-sectional statistical design and geospatial data manipulation/analysis techniques. Analytical unit is each of the 3109 counties in the continental USA. METHODS: We tested the model performance of two different methods and suggest using both methods to reduce potential issues (e.g., Simpson's paradox) when researchers apply aspatial analysis to spatially coded data sets. We applied GWR after checking the spatial dependence of residuals and non-stationary issues in OLS. GWR split a single OLS equation into 3109 equations for each county. RESULTS: Among 15 SVI variables, a combination of eight variables showed the best model performance. Notably, unemployment, person with a disability, and single-parent households with children aged under 18 years especially impacted the variation of MUDs in OLS. GWR showed better model performance than OLS and specified each county's varying relationships between subcomponents of SVI and MUDs. For example, GWR specified that 69.3% (2157 of 3109) of counties showed positive relationships between single-parent households and MUDs across the USA. Higher positive relationships were concentrated in Michigan, Kansas, Texas, and Louisiana. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could contribute to the literature regarding social determinants of community mental health by specifying spatially varying relationships between SVI and MUDs across US counties. Regarding policy implementation, in counties containing more social and physical minorities (e.g., single-parent households and disabled population), policymakers should attend to these groups of people and increase intervention programs to reduce potential or current mental health illness. The results of GWR could help policymakers determine the specific counties that need more support to reduce regional mental health disparities.

• Keywords
• Geographically weighted regression, Mentally unhealthy days (MUDs), Social Vulnerability Index, Spatial modeling,
• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Spatial Analysis MeSH
• Spatial Regression * MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Social Vulnerability * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Michigan MeSH

Mountains are the water towers of the world, supplying a substantial part of both natural and anthropogenic water demands1,2. They are highly sensitive and prone to climate change3,4, yet their importance and vulnerability have not been quantified at the global scale. Here we present a global water tower index (WTI), which ranks all water towers in terms of their water-supplying role and the downstream dependence of ecosystems and society. For each water tower, we assess its vulnerability related to water stress, governance, hydropolitical tension and future climatic and socio-economic changes. We conclude that the most important (highest WTI) water towers are also among the most vulnerable, and that climatic and socio-economic changes will affect them profoundly. This could negatively impact 1.9 billion people living in (0.3 billion) or directly downstream of (1.6 billion) mountainous areas. Immediate action is required to safeguard the future of the world's most important and vulnerable water towers.

• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Altitude MeSH
• Socioeconomic Factors MeSH
• Water MeSH
• Conservation of Natural Resources MeSH
• Water Supply * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Water MeSH

The evolving gambling environment, marked by increased accessibility and innovative promotions, has led to rising expenditures globally. Despite this, the relationship between social media use and problem gambling in the Czech Republic remains underexplored. To investigate the association between social media use and problem gambling severity among Czech adults using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Is there a difference in gambling severity based on demographic characteristics? (1); Is there a relationship between social media news consumption and gambling severity? (2); Is there a connection between negative motives for social media use and problematic usage? (3); Is there a link between problematic social media use and gambling severity? (4). Primary research, designed as a cross-sectional study, was conducted in the Czech Republic in November 2024 on a sample of 3093 respondents (48.4% male). All participants were aged 16 years or older. The sample was selected using quota sampling based on multiple identifying quota variables, with minimal differences in the proportions of quota indicators compared to the general population. Non-parametric tests and ordinal logistic regression analyzed relationships between demographics, social media use, and PGSI scores. Higher PGSI scores were found among males, younger participants, those with lower education, and the unemployed or students. Greater social media news consumption correlated with increased gambling severity. Disruptive social media behaviors, such as waking up to check notifications and interrupting activities, were significantly associated with higher PGSI scores. Problematic social media use involving deceit and family conflict substantially heightened the risk of severe gambling problems. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention initiatives, regulatory policies, and enhanced digital literacy to safeguard vulnerable groups from the risks posed by digital gambling platforms. Addressing both gambling behaviors and problematic social media use is crucial in mitigating potential harms.

• Keywords
• Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), digital gambling platforms and expenditures, digital literacy and prevention, disruptive social media behavior, internet gambling addiction,
• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Gambling * psychology   epidemiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Motivation MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Social Media * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Severity of Illness Index 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
• Czech Republic epidemiology   MeSH

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality because of the risk of systemic or pulmonary embolism as well as the negative impact on cardiac function. The authors investigate in the submitted paper factors influencing the vulnerability of atria during transoesophageal atrial stimulation (TESP). The group comprised 68 patients with a sinus rhythm, mean age 56.9 +/- 17.9 years. Depending on the response to rapid atrial stimulation, the patients were divided into three groups. In group I (small disposition to AF) they revealed a significantly lower age, the relative thickness of the left ventricular wall assessed by echocardiography and the dimension of the left atrium, as compared with groups with a medium increased (II) and high disposition (III) for AF. In group III hypertonic changes on the fundus were found more frequently, as well as anamnestic data on hypertension, diabetes and pathological values of the recovery period of the sinoatrial node. At the same time significantly lower values of the rate of the E wave were observed and of the ratio of amplitudes and E/A integrals from the Doppler record of the mitral valve. The weight of the left ventricle and its index by groups increased, however the changes did not attain statistical significance. Indicators of left ventricular systolic function did not differ. The authors conclude that the main independent factors which determine the response to provoked AF by the TESP method are the diastolic left ventricular function documented by the Doppler method, the diameter of the left atrium, the automation of the SA node. Less important factors are left ventricular hypertrophy and age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

• MeSH
• Echocardiography, Doppler MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Atrial Fibrillation diagnostic imaging   etiology   physiopathology   MeSH
• Cardiac Pacing, Artificial * methods   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Heart Atria physiopathology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Refeeding syndrome (RFS) can be a life-threatening metabolic condition after nutritional replenishment if not recognized early and treated adequately. There is a lack of evidence-based treatment and monitoring algorithm for daily clinical practice. The aim of the study was to propose an expert consensus guideline for RFS for the medical inpatient (not including anorexic patients) regarding risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and preventive and therapeutic measures based on a previous systematic literature search. METHODS: Based on a recent qualitative systematic review on the topic, we developed clinically relevant recommendations as well as a treatment and monitoring algorithm for the clinical management of inpatients regarding RFS. With international experts, these recommendations were discussed and agreement with the recommendation was rated. RESULTS: Upon hospital admission, we recommend the use of specific screening criteria (i.e., low body mass index, large unintentional weight loss, little or no nutritional intake, history of alcohol or drug abuse) for risk assessment regarding the occurrence of RFS. According to the patient's individual risk for RFS, a careful start of nutritional therapy with a stepwise increase in energy and fluids goals and supplementation of electrolyte and vitamins, as well as close clinical monitoring, is recommended. We also propose criteria for the diagnosis of imminent and manifest RFS with practical treatment recommendations with adoption of the nutritional therapy. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, we developed a practical algorithm for risk assessment, treatment, and monitoring of RFS in medical inpatients. In daily routine clinical care, this may help to optimize and standardize the management of this vulnerable patient population. We encourage future quality studies to further refine these recommendations.

• Keywords
• Hypophosphatemia, Nutritional therapy, Refeeding syndrome, Treatment recommendation,
• MeSH
• Algorithms * MeSH
• Risk Assessment standards   MeSH
• Nutrition Assessment * MeSH
• Inpatients MeSH
• Consensus MeSH
• Evidence-Based Practice standards   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Decision Support Techniques * MeSH
• Mass Screening standards   MeSH
• Refeeding Syndrome diagnosis   prevention & control   MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Practice Guidelines as Topic MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: Health inequities exist within and between societies at different hierarchical levels. Despite overall improvements in health status in European Union countries, disparities persist among socially, economically, and societally disadvantaged individuals. This study aims to develop a holistic model of health determinants, examining the complex relationship between various determinants of health inequalities and their association with health condition. METHODS: Health inequalities and conditions were assessed at the territorial level of Local Administrative Units (LAU1) in the Czech Republic. A dataset of 57 indicators was created, categorized into seven determinants of health and one health condition category. The necessary data were obtained from publicly available databases. Comparisons were made between 2001-2003 and 2016-2019. Various methods were employed, including composite indicator creation, correlation analysis, the Wilcoxon test, aggregate index calculation, cluster analysis, and data visualization using the LISA method. RESULTS: The correlation matrix revealed strong relationships between health inequality categories in both periods. The most significant associations were observed between Economic status and social protection and Education in the first period. However, dependencies weakened in the later period, approaching values of approximately 0.50. The Wilcoxon test confirmed variations in determinant values over time, except for three specific determinants. Data visualization identified persistently adverse or worsening health inequalities in specific LAU1, focusing on categories such as Economic status and social protection, Education, Demographic situation, Environmental status, Individual living status, and Road safety and crime. The health condition indices showed no significant change over time, while the aggregate index of health inequalities improved with widened differences. CONCLUSION: Spatial inequalities in health persist in the Czech Republic, influenced by economic, social, demographic, and environmental factors, as well as local healthcare accessibility. Both inner and outer peripheries exhibit poor health outcomes, challenging the assumption that urban areas fare better. The combination of poverty and vulnerabilities exacerbates these inequalities. Despite the low rates of social exclusion and poverty, regional health inequalities persist in the long term. Effectively addressing health inequalities requires interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based policy interventions. Efforts should focus on creating supportive social and physical environments, strengthening the healthcare system, and fostering cooperation with non-medical disciplines.

• Keywords
• Determinants of health, Health promotion and prevention, Healthcare system optimization, Regional disparities in health, Spatial differentiation of health,
• MeSH
• Health Status Disparities * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Public Policy MeSH
• Health Inequities MeSH
• Health Policy * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

Burn injury is one of the most serious traumatic events with possible psychological and psychosocial consequences. Health status perception is one of the main health outcomes. The severity of psychological symptoms does not always correlate with that of the burn injury, suggesting that early screening for psychological vulnerabilities may be beneficial. The aim of our study was to identify the personality, clinical, and sociodemographic characteristics related to patient's subjective perception of health, depression, and anxiety in a sample of 52 adult patients with severe burn injury shortly before discharge from specialty burn clinic. Subjective health perception was predicted by depression (β = -.143, t(47) = -3.94, P < .001) and neuroticism (β = -.106, t(43) = -4.83, P < .001), and it correlated positively with extraversion (r = .2858, P = .0465) and conscientiousness (r = .3663, P = .0096). Depression was predicted by neuroticism (F(1,49) = 18.4; P < .001) and correlated with attachment avoidance (r = .29, P = .0383) and negatively with extraversion (r = -.32, P = .0220). Anxiety was related to attachment anxiety (F(1,49) = 4.25; P = .045), neuroticism (F(1,49) = 15.75; P < .001), and agreeableness (r = -.36, P = .0101). Unemployed patients experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety. This research suggests that personality traits and adult attachment may play an important role in the acute phase of the recovery from a severe burn injury. These findings can be relevant for early intervention and holistic rehabilitation.

• MeSH
• Adaptation, Psychological * MeSH
• Mental Disorders psychology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Unemployment psychology   MeSH
• Burns psychology   MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Severity of Illness Index MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify predictors of the lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use in the population of Czech disadvantaged neighbourhoods. METHODS: Using data from a face-to-face representative survey, two types of analysis were performed. A bivariate analysis (unadjusted odds ratios estimated with logistic regression) was conducted to determine the relationship with a dependent variable (lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use). Subsequently, three multivariate binomial logistic regression models (socio-demographic and socioeconomic status, incarceration and victimization, mobility and space) were conducted to control for the influence of other variables. RESULTS: In a series of multinomial logit models, we have found the following predictors to be significantly associated with lifetime prevalence of methamphetamine use: age, gender, Roma ethnicity, net monthly household income, unstable housing, lifetime experience with incarceration, lifetime experience with discrimination, urban-rural divide, and index of rural peripheralization. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that methamphetamine users are multidimensionally disadvantaged and therefore constitute a vulnerable group with specific needs. This should be considered when designing services and policies targeting methamphetamine use in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

• Keywords
• Roma, disadvantaged neighbourhoods, drug use, methamphetamine,
• MeSH
• Housing MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Logistic Models MeSH
• Methamphetamine * MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Socioeconomic Factors MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic epidemiology   MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Methamphetamine * MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Seasonal fluctuations in mortality are associated with age, outdoor temperature, influenza, health care provision, lifestyle risk factors and economic factors. In the Republic of Serbia almost one half of the Roma population lives in poverty and their housing conditions are very poor. The aim of this paper is to describe and compare excess winter mortality (EWM) in Roma and non-Roma population in Serbia from 1992 to 2007. METHODS: Using the national mortality database, this study compares EWM index and rates in Roma and general populations in Serbia. Mean winter temperature and ethnicity are analysed against the results for relative EWM by multiple linear regression adjusted for age. RESULTS: Frequency analysis showed that Roma population had significantly higher EWM rate per 10,000 (129.2 vs. 76.6) for all causes, all respiratory diseases (26.5 vs. 8.0), and chronic lower respiratory diseases (23.0 vs. 5.2) in comparison to non-Roma population. Influenza and pneumonia related deaths represented a small proportion of EWM in both populations. Cardiovascular EWM rate was slightly higher among non-Roma population. Regression analysis demonstrates that Roma ethnicity was associated with significant increase of respiratory EWM rate (regression coefficient (B) = 1.49; 95% CI: 0.45-2.54). There was no relationship between ethnicity and cardiovascular and all causes EWM rates. CONCLUSIONS: Although both Roma and non-Roma populations in Serbia suffer from very high rates of excess winter mortality, Roma are significantly more vulnerable. EWM rate from chronic lower respiratory diseases is more than four times higher among Roma people and suggests that they represent one of the most important health problems in Roma population in Serbia.

• MeSH
• Health Status Disparities MeSH
• Ethnicity statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Cardiovascular Diseases mortality   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mortality trends   MeSH
• Cold Temperature MeSH
• Cause of Death MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Seasons MeSH
• Socioeconomic Factors MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Serbia epidemiology   MeSH

HIV and STD prevention is an essential component of public health initiatives in countries throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Liberalization in sexual values, declining age at first sex, higher levels of sexual activity, and inconsistent condom use have been well-documented among young people in the region following the political, economic, and cultural transitions after the end of the state socialism era. Less well-understood are the reasons for high-risk sexual behavior and psychosocial factors that must be addressed in the development of effective HIV/STD prevention programs. This study recruited members of 12 high-risk social networks of young adult men and women (n= 66 participants) in two cities, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Budapest, Hungary. In-depth focus groups were conducted with all members of each network, and qualitatively analyzed to examine factors surrounding high-risk sexual behavior. Main themes that emerged were that STDs are less known and less feared than AIDS, HIV risk factors were relatively well known among young adults in both countries but vulnerability is perceived differently, pregnancy prevention is a more immediate concern than protection from HIV or STDs, condom use declines quickly following first sex with a new partner, reintroducing condom use in a relationship is very difficult, and young adults report many barriers to condom use including those related to alcohol or other substance use. HIV/STD prevention programs are needed that extend beyond risk education alone and that also address critical psychological, social, and relationship factors related to sexual risk behavior.

• MeSH
• Safe Sex MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• HIV Infections epidemiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Evaluation Studies as Topic MeSH
• Condoms statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Substance-Related Disorders MeSH
• Attitude to Health * MeSH
• Risk-Taking MeSH
• Interviews as Topic MeSH
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases epidemiology   MeSH
• Public Health MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Geographicals
• Hungary epidemiology   MeSH
• Russia epidemiology   MeSH