Increased prevalence of the COVID-19 associated Neanderthal mutations in the Central European Roma population.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and subsequent COVID-19 has spread world-wide and become pandemic with about 7 million deaths reported so far. Interethnic variability of the disease has been described, but a significant part of the differences remain unexplained and may be attributable to genetic factors. AIM: To analyse genetic factors potentially influencing COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in European Roma minority. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two genetic determinants, within OAS-1 (2-prime,5-prime-oligoadenylate synthetase 1, a key protein in the defence against viral infection; it activates RNases that degrade viral RNAs; rs4767027 has been analysed) and LZTFL1 (leucine zipper transcription factor-like 1, expressed in the lung respiratory epithelium; rs35044562 has been analysed) genes were screened in a population-sample of Czech Roma (N = 302) and majority population (N = 2,559). RESULTS: For both polymorphisms, Roma subjects were more likely carriers of at least one risky allele for both rs4767027-C (p < 0.001) and rs35044562-G (p < 0.00001) polymorphism. There were only 5.3% Roma subjects without at least one risky allele in comparison with 10.1% in the majority population (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that different genetic background plays an important role in increased prevalence of COVID-19 in the Roma minority.

Quality of Life of Post-stroke Patients.

Introduction: Stroke is a disease whose consequences have a considerable impact on the quality of the patient's life. It is a widespread disease that has a disabling impact on life and, in addition to physical changes, brings about a number of psychological and cognitive processes. Goal: The goal of the study was to identify and describe the quality of life of post-stroke patients. Methodology: The study design was quantitative. A questionnaire of the authors' own design and the SF-36 questionnaire were used to obtain the data. Results: Significant differences in patient quality of life were identified in relation to patient gender. Moreover, the quality of life in all individual SF-36 dimensions, except for mental health, deteriorated with age. With regard to occupational placement, employed respondents gave the highest evaluation of quality of life according to SF-36 and old-age pensioners the lowest. The analysis shows that quality of life in individual dimensions is positively influenced by respondents' higher education. The evaluation in individual dimensions improves with the time that has passed since the stroke. Conclusion: The quality of life of post-stroke patients deteriorates with age. The deteriorating level of patient quality of life in older age requires programmes that include assessments and interventions that lead to the treatment of these patients.

General awareness of stroke in the Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of the study was to find out the general public's awareness of stroke, the relations between the awareness of stroke and socio-demographic factors, and awareness of stroke and experience of stroke. METHODS: The combination of a non-standardized questionnaire on the stroke prevention and a standardized questionnaire on the identification of the general health literacy (HLSQ-16) was used. The sample was chosen using a quota choice. The sample structure corresponded with the composition of the Czech population with regard to regions, sex and age. These features were determined as representative. The sample consisted of 1,004 respondents. RESULTS: The general awareness of stroke is high in the Czech Republic. Most of the respondents (97.2%) stated that they had ever heard of stroke. This basic awareness is influenced by the sex and marital status of the respondents. Almost one half (42.2%) of the general public would welcome more information on stroke. Women showed significantly higher interest in the information than men. Significantly higher interest could be seen in elderly respondents while younger respondents said significantly more frequently that they were not interested in the information. Married respondents showed a significantly higher degree of awareness. Rural respondents expressed higher interest in the information. The interest in the information dropped with higher education. The interest was significantly influenced by the respondents' sex, place of residence, marital status, and education. Almost 1/4 (24.3%) of respondents mentioned stroke incidence in their families. Our study proved that this incidence significantly varied in dependence on the respondents' sex, age, marital status and education. Further questions were focused on the sources of information on stroke. The most important sources include internet, which was named by nearly one half (48.6%) of respondents, and it was found that women could use the sources of information more frequently than men. Women used all sources of information on stroke (internet, television, families, GPs) more than men. CONCLUSION: The Czech respondents' interest in stroke is significantly influenced by their sex, age, place of residence, marital status, and the respondents' education. The findings play a role in the focus on preventive activities in this area. It is necessary to implement the general public education not only in general practitioners' offices but also in mass media in order to improve the awareness of stroke.

Increased prevalence of the CVD-associated ANRIL allele in the Roma/Gypsy population in comparison with the majority Czech population.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death around the world, with highest prevalence reported in minority Roma/Gypsy populations living in developed countries. Whether these differences are caused by unhealthy lifestyles or genetic factors remain unknown. The aim of our study was to examine the genotype frequencies of the rs10757274 polymorphism in the 9p.21 locus within ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus), a long non-coding RNA located in the vicinity of the CDKN2A/2B inhibitors loci. ANRIL is understood to be the strongest genetic determinant of CVD in Caucasians. Using PCR-RFLP, we analysed the ANRIL rs10757274 polymorphism in 298 non-Roma (50% male) and 302 Roma/Gypsy (50% male) adult (39.5 ± 15.1 years and 39.2 ± 12.8 years, respectively) subjects. We found that frequencies of the ANRIL GG, GA and AA genotypes were 20.1%, 52.4% and 27.5% in the majority population and 32.9%, 47.9% and 19.2% in Roma/Gypsy subjects, respectively. The distribution of genotypes was deemed significantly different at P < 0.001. Within the Roma/Gypsy population, we detected increased prevalence of the CVD-associated GG genotype. Increased prevalence of CVD among Roma/Gypsies subjects may be significantly linked to genetic background.

Five genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the Czech non-Roma and Czech Roma population samples.

Objectives Cytochromes P450 play a role in human drugs metabolic pathways and their genes are among the most variable in humans. The aim of this study was to analyze genotype frequencies of five common polymorphisms of cytochromes P450 in Roma/Gypsy and Czech (non-Roma) population samples with Czech origin. Methods Roma/Gypsy (n=302) and Czech subjects (n=298) were genotyped for CYP1A2 (rs762551), CYP2A6 (rs4105144), CYP2B6 (rs3745274) and CYP2D6 (rs3892097; rs1065852) polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP or Taqman assay. Results We found significant allelic/genotype differences between ethnics in three genes. For rs3745274 polymorphism, there was increased frequency of T allele carriers in Roma in comparison with Czech population (53.1 vs. 43.7%; p=0.02). For rs4105144 (CYP2A6) there was higher frequency of T allele carriers in Roma in comparison with Czech population (68.7 vs. 49.8%; p<0.0001). For rs3892097 (CYP2D6) there was more carriers of the A allele between Roma in comparison with Czech population (39.2 vs. 38.2%; p=0.048). Genotype/allelic frequencies of CYP2D6 (rs1065852) and CYP1A2 (rs762551) variants did not significantly differ between the ethnics. Conclusions There were significant differences in allelic/genotype frequencies of some, but not all cytochromes P450 polymorphisms between the Czech Roma/Gypsies and Czech non-Roma subjects.

Five genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the Czech non-Roma and Czech Roma population samples.

Objectives Cytochromes P450 play a role in human drugs metabolic pathways and their genes are among the most variable in humans. The aim of this study was to analyze genotype frequencies of five common polymorphisms of cytochromes P450 in Roma/Gypsy and Czech (non-Roma) population samples with Czech origin. Methods Roma/Gypsy (n=302) and Czech subjects (n=298) were genotyped for CYP1A2 (rs762551), CYP2A6 (rs4105144), CYP2B6 (rs3745274) and CYP2D6 (rs3892097; rs1065852) polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP or Taqman assay. Results We found significant allelic/genotype differences between ethnics in three genes. For rs3745274 polymorphism, there was increased frequency of T allele carriers in Roma in comparison with Czech population (53.1 vs. 43.7%; p=0.02). For rs4105144 (CYP2A6) there was higher frequency of T allele carriers in Roma in comparison with Czech population (68.7 vs. 49.8%; p<0.0001). For rs3892097 (CYP2D6) there was more carriers of the A allele between Roma in comparison with Czech population (39.2 vs. 38.2%; p=0.048). Genotype/allelic frequencies of CYP2D6 (rs1065852) and CYP1A2 (rs762551) variants did not significantly differ between the ethnics. Conclusions There were significant differences in allelic/genotype frequencies of some, but not all cytochromes P450 polymorphisms between the Czech Roma/Gypsies and Czech non-Roma subjects.

Different prevalence of T2DM risk alleles in Roma population in comparison with the majority Czech population.

BACKGROUND: The Czech governmental study suggests up to a 25% higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Roma population than within the majority population. It is not known whether and to what extent these differences have a genetic background. METHODS: To analyze whether the frequencies of the alleles/genotypes of the FTO, TCF7L2, CDKN2A/2B, MAEA, TLE4, IGF2BP2, ARAP1, and KCNJ11 genes differ between the two major ethnic groups in the Czech Republic, we examined them in DNA samples from 302 Roma individuals and 298 Czech individuals. RESULTS: Compared to the majority population, Roma are more likely to carry risk alleles in the FTO (26% vs. 16% GG homozygotes, p < .01), IGF2BP2 (22% vs. 10% TT homozygotes, p < .0001), ARAP1 (98% vs. 95% of A allele carriers, p < .005), and CDKN2A/2B (81% vs. 66% of TT homozygotes, p < .001) genes; however, less frequently they are carriers of the TCF7L2 risk allele (34% vs. 48% of the T allele p < .0005). Finally, we found significant accumulation of T2DM-associated alleles between the Roma population in comparison with the majority population (25.4% vs. 15.2% of the carriers of at least 12 risk alleles; p < .0001). CONCLUSION: The increased prevalence of T2DM in the Roma population may have a background in different frequencies of the risk alleles of genes associated with T2DM development.

Awareness of Patient Physical Handling Issues Associated with Routine Nursing Care.

INTRODUCTION: Physical handling (PH) of patients is an essential component of nursing care. It is an intervention that is troublesome for patients and strenuous for general nurses and other nursing staff. Handling techniques and mechanical aids for PH have improved through the years; however, they are not routinely used in nursing practice. AIM: The aim of this research was to determine (1) the level of awareness of PH issues within the management of South Bohemian hospitals, (2) how management perceives, organizes and implements PH protocols, and (3) how PH protocols are applied in everyday nursing practice. Method and Research Sample: Two qualitative methods were used: a semi-structured interview and observation. The participants were management representatives of South Bohemian hospitals in Czech Republic. Fifty nurses were observed during PH at the same hospitals. RESULTS: The study found that PH was not monitored, nor was it provided systematically. In spite of this, no serious drawbacks were found; nonetheless, many areas were identified where the quality of PH could be improved. For example, awareness of PH issues by management, educational programs teaching new handling techniques, and provision of state-of-the-art PH aids. Several issues related to PH were found to be related to staff shortages, which remains a major problem. CONCLUSION: This issue needs more attention; it should be addressed by both those doing nursing research as well as those engaged in everyday nursing practice. Both will require the assistance of hospital staff and management.

Stress within preventive cardiology.

INTRODUCTION: The mental, physical and social stress and pressure of present day influences the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Studies suggest that some psycho-social factors significantly increase the risk of CVD. But they are not paid the necessary attention. The goal of the study consisted in ascertaining how citizens assess their own mental health, how they perceive the influence of stress on CVD, how physicians and nurses work with them in the area of stress and how efficient their activity is. Research set and methods: The data ware collected via a non-standardized questionnaire leaded with face-to-face controlled interviews face-to-face. The analysis was carried out by the SASD 1.4 program with 1st degree and 2nd degree sorting. The goodness-of-fit χ2 was applied. The independence test at the level of significance α = 0.05, α = 0.01, α = 0.001 was calculated. We approached 2 306 randomly chosen citizens by quota selection. 314 citizens (13.6 %) refused the participation. The set consisted of 1 992 citizens (86.4 %) aged from 40 to 80 and more years, including 937 (47 %) men and 1055 (53 %) women. The relation of selected sociometric parameters was observed. RESULTS: The citizens aged 40 and more years assess their mental status as good (85 %), at the scale from 6 to 10, (1 the worst, 10 the best mental status). With increasing age, the mental status is assessed as worse at a significantly higher degree (p < 0.001). The mental status is assessed worse as the physical condition, with values 9 and 10. Out of the total number of the citizens approached, 87.9 % agree that stress influences the origination of CVD. Citizens from lower age groups (40-59 years) tend to think it (p.

Assessment of the Perceived Relationship Between Healthy Nutrition and Cardiovascular Diseases by the Adult Czech Population.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases constitute one of the main causes of disability and premature death. The basic pathology consists of atherosclerosis. Therefore, influencing risk factors, including nutrition, is essential for prevention. AIM: To assess the opinion of Czech citizens, over 40 years old, on the role of nutrition as it relates to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Data from 1992 participants were acquired using a research questionnaire administered throughout the Czech Republic from 1.4.2016-20.4.2016. The data was analyzed using the SASD program, version 1.4.12. RESULTS: Data analyses revealed that the age group in question still includes a great number of people who are unaware of the relationship between nutrition and development (31.8%) or progression (18.0%) of heart diseases. Rejection of the relationship was most frequently expressed by those 40-49 years of age and those that were employed. The study also found that the role of nutrition modification was more frequently discussed between patients and physicians (54.7%) than patients and nurses (38.0%). An overwhelming majority of respondents considered information related to nutrition modification useful (93.0%). CONCLUSION: In order to increase the efficiency of preventive measures, the transfer of theoretical knowledge to the lay public must be accompanied by interventions aimed at information repetition, motivation, and establishment of partnerships with health care providers.

Cultural Features Influencing Eating, Overweight, and Obesity in the Roma People of South Bohemia.

This article describes the important cultural specifics that impact on treatment of overweight and obesity for the Roma people of South Bohemia. METHODS: Data on health and nutrition were collected using a semi-structured interview of 302 Roma adults (quantitative phase). A further 25 participants received in-depth interviews regarding their eating and lifestyle habits and perceptions about obesity and overweight (qualitative phase). Height and weight were measured with calibrated scales and stadiometer. Qualitative data were analyzed with the “grounded theory” method. RESULTS: The participants reported a relatively high consumption of high-sugar drinks and foods compared to fruits and vegetables. Lifestyle factors increasing risk of overweight identified from the qualitative interview included unemployment, socially isolating housing, poor transport, poverty, inactivity, tobacco smoking, and for women weight gain after childbirth. Also identified was the need for better health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Effective health education may help to address risk factors for overweight and obesity in Roma peoples. Other measures include improved socioeconomic status and housing security, and improved health literacy of the Roma people.

Qualification of Food Intake by the Roma Population in the Region of South Bohemia.

The article presents the results of a correlation study, aimed at quantifying the food intake of the Roma population in the South Bohemian Region. To achieve the goal, we applied the method of one-day dietary recall and frequency food analysis (non-standardized). The quantification was carried out by analysis in the Nutridan program. The study involved 302 Roma persons and 298 persons in the control group. Both groups had the same representation of males and females (50:50). The age categories of both sets differed; the average age of the Roma was lower (39.2 years) (p < 0.001). The probands from the Roma population were chosen with the help of the snowball method through known respondents. The statistical analysis shows differences in nutritional estimate between the Roma population and the control sample. The Roma differ in their energy intake. Both groups showed lower intake of sugars, below 50% total energy intake (TEI) and higher intake of fats, above 30% TEI. The respondents from both groups consume little fruits and vegetables, which may be connected with their low dietary fiber intake. In addition to the differences in the nutritional estimates, we recorded statistically significant differences in body mass index (BMI; p < 0.001), in age (p < 0.001), regular alimentation (p = 0) and demanding physical activities (p = 0). In spite of the fact our groups differed in age (the Roma are younger), it can be assumed that the obesity of the Roma may be caused by unbalanced alimentation and lack of physical activities.

Assessing the awareness of Czechs, age 40+, on the link between lifestyle choices and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases constitute the main cause of disability and premature death worldwide. Those diseases will continue to endanger health unless the public understands clearly and completely which risk factors contribute to the development of these diseases and what they can do to avoid these risks. This article assesses the understanding of risk factors that can lead to the development of heart and vessel diseases. METHODS: A non-standardized questionnaire was used for data collection. The respondents expressed their opinions on influenceable factors using a five-degree Likert scale. The research set included 1,992 respondents. Data were statistically analyzed using the SASD program, version 1.4.12. To calculate the level of dependence of the selected characteristics, the Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated. The goodness-of-fit χ2 was applied as well. RESULTS: The results show that 66.8% of respondents go walking for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days per week. Respondents from lower age groups reported significantly more (p < 0.001) walking. The comparison of mean values showed that Czech citizens aged 40 or more years express the highest agreement with the statement that they could prevent heart and vessel diseases by modifying their eating habits. The results further showed that 25.8% of Czech citizens smoked and that men smoked significantly more (29.6%) than women (22.5%). More than one-half (60.1%) reported drinking alcohol occasionally; the remaining respondents reported drinking alcohol 3-4 times a month or more often. Men reported drinking beer significantly more often (p < 0.001) than women, while women reported drinking wine significantly more often (p < 0.001) than men. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents aged 40 or more years were aware of some, but not all, of the risk factors that can influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. They accepted that they could prevent heart and vessel diseases by modifying their eating habits, however, their opinions regarding exercise differed from professional recommendations. Two-thirds of the respondents stated that smoking could also influence heart and vessel diseases. The study suggests that primary care providers need to put more effort into educating their patients regarding steps that can be to influence their own health.

Distribution of ADH1B genotypes predisposed to enhanced alcohol consumption in the Czech Roma/Gypsy population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the frequencies of rs1229984 genotypes within the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) gene in a Gypsies/Roma population and compare them with other populations and with ethanol consumption. METHODS: We analysed the ADH1B (rs1229984; Arg47→His; c.143G>A) genotype using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in two ethnically different groups - Gypsies/Roma (N = 301) and Czechs (N = 300) where one day alcohol consumption was recorded. RESULTS: ADH1B genotype/allelic frequencies did not significantly differ between the populations (p = 0.32). The frequency of minor A allele carriers was slightly higher in Gypsies/Roma (14.7%) than in Czechs (11.9%). The prevalence of subjects reporting alcohol intake on the previous day was non-significantly lower in Gypsies/Roma (10.5% vs. 16.4%), as was the amount of alcohol consumed the day before the examination in ethanol consumers (36.1 ± 18.3 g vs. 43.0 ± 27.2 g). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of rs1229984 genotypes in the ADH1B gene within the Gypsies/Roma population corresponds with frequencies obtained in North India/Central Asia, the putative country of this ethnic origin. Our results suggest that the minority Gypsies/Roma population consume slightly less alcohol than the Czech majority population.

Frequency of adult type-associated lactase persistence LCT-13910C/T genotypes in the Czech/Slav and Czech Roma/Gypsy populations.

Lactase non-persistence (leading to primary lactose intolerance) is a genetically dependent inability to digest lactose in adulthood. As part of the human adaptation to dairying, the human lactase LCT-13910C/T mutation (which propagates adult expression of lactase) developed, spread and participated in the adaptation to dairying. This variant is associated with lactase activity persistence, and its carriers are able to digest lactose. We compared the frequencies of lactase 13910C/T (rs4988235) genotypes in Czechs/Slavs (N = 288) and Czech Gypsies/Roma (N = 300), two ethnically different groups where this polymorphism has not yet been analysed. Allelic frequencies significantly differed between the populations (p < 0.0001). In Czechs/Slavs, the lactase persistence T allele was present in 76% of the individuals, which is in agreement with frequencies among geographically neighbouring populations. In the Czech Gypsy/Roma population, only 27% of the adults were carriers of at least one lactase persistence allele, similar to the Indian population. In agreement with this result, dairy product consumption was reported by 70.5% of Czechs/Slavs and 39.0% of the Czech Gypsy/Roma population. Both in the Czech Gypsy/Roma and in the Czech/Slavs populations, the presence of carriers of the lactase persistence allele was similar in subjects self-reporting the consumption of unfermented/fresh milk, in comparison to the others.

[New ways towards the improvement of the seniors health literacy]. / Nové cesty pro zlepsení zdravotní gramotnosti senioru.

The elderly population is one of the vulnerable groups due to their low health literacy. Health literacy represents a way of effective ensuring, comprehension and utilization of health information to be able to make the best possible decisions in the care of one's health. The presented systematic overview study was compiled using the analysis of 38 database publications. The goal was to find relevant resources concerning the relation between health literacy and compliance in the treatment of adult and elderly individuals. Another goal was to describe the influence of tools and the possibility of using e-health to improve the seniors' health literacy. The source analysis proves that limited health literacy correlates with the decrease of cognitive functions. Some studies show that health literacy directly correlates with the level of education and age. The elderly individuals who show higher health literacy observe their doctors' advice more frequently and are, moreover, active recipients of health care. One of the tools of how to improve health literacy is e-health technology using internet, mobile phones, tablets or other information media.Key words: health literacy, health care, patient, senior, compliance, e-health.

Approach to prevention of obesity of Roma population in the Region of South Bohemia with focus on selected eating behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: To survey obesity prevention methods for use in the Roma population with a focus on eating behaviors. METHODS: A semi-structured interview was used to identify potentially useful obesity prevention methods. Basic anthropometric measurements were also gathered at the same time. This study was part of the "Obesity and overweight in the Roma minority in the Region of South Bohemia" research project (grant project 280-COST-LD14114). Participants consisted of members of the Roma minority (302 respondents) as well as the majority (Czech) population for comparisons. RESULTS: Differences in eating behaviors like irregular eating schedules and excessive consumption of fast food were observed. Statistically significant differences between the Roma minority and the majority (Czech/non-Roma) population were found in this area with the help of statistical significance tests. The Chi-square characteristic of independence (χ2) was, in case of this distribution, valued at 30.815 with 5 degrees of freedom, P < 0.001. The analyses, based on the second degree of classification, identified statistically significant differences between the Roma minority and the majority population. Members of the Roma minority attended preventive health check-ups statistically less often than members of the majority population. Differences between the majority and the Roma population were also found in the degree of patient cooperation with general practitioners. CONCLUSION: The results show that the Roma population is more likely to engage in eating behaviors that can contribute to overweight and obesity than the majority population. Based on the results of a semi-structured interview and on the results of anthropometric measurements, we can say that the Roma population is at a greater health risk, relative to overweight and obesity, than the majority population.

Selected aspects of health literacy among seniors.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to map the selected indicators of health literacy in the senior population via a qualitative survey that focused specifically on its relationship with autonomy in the context of health literacy among seniors. METHODS: A qualitative survey focused on the selected indicators of health literacy of seniors living in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic (R1-19). The snowball sampling method was intentionally selected. Completed interviews were transcribed and data was reduced, analyzed, and categorized. The identified categories were 1) information comprehension, 2) decision-making in healthcare, and 3) compliance with nonpharmacologic treatment. RESULTS: The 'information comprehension' category clearly shows that the seniors involved in this study rated the comprehensibility of information provided by medical professionals as being good. An especially positive finding was that seniors do seek information through the internet, print sources, or other media, even though, as one senior (80-year-old woman) said, comprehension of medical information is becoming "more and more complex". The 'decision-making in healthcare' category touched upon opinions regarding informed consent and opinions regarding seniors' own involvement in healthcare. Results from this category suggest that seniors accept informed consent as a routine necessity. Inhibition regarding personal involvement in healthcare was also apparent: "... I come from a family accustomed to not bothering the doctor unnecessarily, so I just stick out my arm..." The last category of 'compliance with nonpharmacologic treatment' clearly shows that respondents are informed regarding lifestyle modifications that would benefit their treatment, although, few respondents had achieved the desired lifestyle changes. CONCLUSION: Results of this qualitative research show clear health literacy limits among seniors. As shown in this study, age itself could also be a limiting factor of health literacy.

Opinions regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological measures in prevention of cardiovascular disease in the Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of deaths. Cardiovascular mortality is influenced by several factors that can be changed by our behaviour. The goal of this study was to survey the opinions of physicians and nurses on the topic of preventative cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: The inquiry was carried out using a standardized structured interviewer-respondent interview (face-to-face). The final form of the interview was based on the results of a pre-investigation. The study was anonymous, participation was voluntary, and the actual interview did not contain any controversial ethical questions. To meet these goals, a non-standardized questionnaire for nurses and physicians was developed. The questions evaluated the interest, coping difficulties, and efficiency of multimodal interventions in practice. The study sample included 1000 physicians and 1000 nurses. The results were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The survey of physician and nurse opinions showed that patients were primarily interested in interventions in the area of nutrition, weight loss, and coping with pharmacotherapy; however, the overall lack of interest in smoking cessation was a surprising result. Physicians and nurses viewed smoking cessation as the most difficult risk factors to influence, followed by nutrition changes, and weight loss. It was noteworthy that more than half of the interviewed physicians and nurses were of the opinion that behavioral interventions were only sometimes or rarely effective. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that nurses and physicians largely agree on behavioral risk factors and how to influence them. Nurses and physicians in Czech health care generally agree that patients are interested in influencing the above risk factors, being least interested in exercise and smoking cessation. Nurses and physicians also consider smoking reduction and weight loss as particularly difficult risk factors to manage. Results from this study will contributed to the overall goal of preparing and implementing short-term and long-term interventions in preventive cardiology.

Areas of health-education of physicians and nurses in care for cardiac patients from the perspective of citizens of the Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this article was to assess the delivery of patient health-education, relative to cardiovascular disease from the perspective of physicians and nurses, as well as from the perspective of citizens living in the Czech Republic. METHODS: The article is based on data acquired from the "Intervention procedures in preventive cardiology" grant project. To evaluate patient health education, non-standardized questionnaires intended for physicians (n = 1000) and nurses (n = 1000) were used. A combination of a non-standardized questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess citizen (n = 1992) viewpoints. The actual investigation took place from April 1 to April 20, 2016 and was implemented over the entirety of the Czech Republic. Data were analyzed using the SASD v. 1.4.12 program. Both first and second degree sorting was used. The degree of dependence of selected characteristics was established based on the Chi-square test and the T-test. RESULTS: A bit more than half (53.1%) of the physicians indicated that nurses carried out patient education regarding influenceable risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, while 71.6% of nurses reported carrying out this duty. The overwhelming majority of physicians (97.1%) and nurses (92.3%) report informing patients about how to improve their health condition. Citizen respondents reported that topics such as nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and the drug side effects use were discussed with them more frequently by physicians than by nurses. Citizen respondents reported that nutrition was discussed most frequently with them, while the issue of smoking cessation was discussed the least frequently. CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed that physicians engage in patient education more frequently than nurses. At the same time, results suggest that a relatively significant number of physicians and nurses rarely or never educate regarding risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.