Some aspects of health status of the Gypsy population in Slovakia.

Population of the Gypsy people living currently in Slovakia reaches approximately 400,000 people which represents 7.5% of the total Slovak population. The age structure of the Gypsy population is of a considerably progressive type with a high number of children and very low number of old people. This is due to the high natality and high mortality of Gypsies, whose health status is worse than the health status of the majority population. Gypsy people represent an important "old-new" risk group in case of tuberculosis and a more frequent occurrence of other transmitted diseases is observed in them while a higher incidence of genetically conditioned diseases has been confirmed, as well. As for children, a higher frequency of infectious diseases, injuries, intoxications and burns can be found as a result of their environmental conditions. A high level of infant mortality of the Gypsy children is a very negative phenomenon. We can state that the lifestyle of the Gypsy population is unhealthy, characterized by bad dietary habits, drinking alcohol, frequent smoking already in a very young age, higher weight and lower physical activity. All findings confirm that the Gypsy population is threatened by cardiovascular diseases at younger age already. Due to a more difficult approach to the health care, part of the Gypsies consult the physician only when in a serious health state. Health status of the Gypsy seniors has been reported only at minimum due to their low representation in population. Typical feature of this ethnic is, that they take care of their seniors. To prove this, during the author´s twenty seven-year practice he met just three old Gypsy women in social institutions. It is very difficult to address problems related to the Gypsy population; this task requires engagement of all spheres of our society, in particular of the Gypsies themselves, including their organizations (Ref. 50).

Meningitis in excessive alcohol consumers acquired in the community.

Etiology, risk factors, treatment and outcome of 21 cases of bacterial meningitis diagnosed in excessive alcohol consumers within 5 years of national community acquired meningitis survey in Slovakia is reported.

[Comparison of the activities of the elderly in homes of seniors in 1989 and 2000]. / Porovnanie aktivít obyvatel'ov domovov dôchodcov v rokoch 1989 a 2000.

BACKGROUND: One of important factors affecting the life of the residents in seniors' homes (SHs) is their activity in leisure time. The objective of our work was to describe these activities and their development in a period of eleven years. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have examined two sets of inhabitants of SHs with our own standardized interview: all 48 residents of one SH (average age 69.3 years) in 1989, and randomly selected 59 residents of four SHs (average age 71.2 years) in 2000. In our questionnaire, seniors answered if they took part in some of the proposed activities. The two sets of inhabitants were compared with each other, in sex and age groups, and according to cognitive impairments and mobility. In statistical evaluations we used the chi-square test in contingency tables. The inhabitants reported 179 activities, on average 3.7 activities per one resident in 1989. In 2000 they presented 187 activities, and the average (3.2 activities per one resident) decreased slightly. In both years, the most frequent activities were walking outdoors, watching TV and listening to radio. In six of the compared activities we observed a decrease in the number of residents pursuing them in 2000. When comparing the activities in sexes, we observed a greater decrease in activities in women than in men. Comparisons in age groups revealed a greater decrease of activities in "old" inhabitants (75 + years). In 2000, a considerable number of residents (without regard to age) took part in activities organized by institutions. We observed a significant increase in the number of residents with cognitive impairments and mobility deficits. CONCLUSIONS: The authors point at the issue of leisure time activities of the elderly in seniors' homes. In the monitored period of eleven years, a decrease of activities was observed.

[Non-steroidal antiinflamatory drugs in the elderly]. / Nesteroidné antiflogistiká v starobe.

Significance of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs treatment becomes more pronounced due to population ageing because these drugs are used by the elderly very frequently. The causes of the increased adverse effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs in old age (e.g decreased production and effectivness of prostaglandins, decreased nitrogen oxide production and decreased pain sensation) are analysed. New explanation of the the action are discussed too. Some new potential indications (e.g. Alzheimer disease, tumor prevention and modification of cellular immunity impairment caused by ageing) are reviewed.