Demographic and socioeconomic inequalities in ideal cardiovascular health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, the American Heart Association introduced a new concept of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) defined as the simultaneous presence of 7 favorable CVH metrics (smoking, diet, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose). The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies examining the prevalence of ideal CVH, and each of the ideal CVH metrics as well as the relationship between socio-demographic determinants and ideal CVH. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline and Scopus databases for studies published between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2020. A total of 50 studies including 2,148,470 participants were analyzed. Associations were estimated using DerSimonian-Laird random-effect models. Heterogeneity was investigated through subgroup analyses, Q-test, and I2 statistics. RESULTS: This study showed a low prevalence of ideal CVH defining as 6 and 7 ideal metrics (3.3%). Among seven ideal CVH metrics, smoking was the best metric (71%), while the poorest CVH metric was a healthy diet (5.8%). Gender was a statistically significant moderator of ideal smoking (81% in females and 60% in males) and ideal blood pressure (42% in females and 30% in males). Females and young adults had better CVH status compared to males and older adults. Also, more educated and better-off individuals had a greater number of ideal CVH metrics. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on the relationship between participants' socioeconomic status and ideal CVH. The results suggest that the prevalence of ideal CVH and most metrics was unsatisfactory. In order to achieve the improvement of the CVH metrics and the overall ideal CVH, nationwide prevention efforts at the population and individual levels are urgently needed.

Quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis: A one-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Literature on the quality of life trends across time in children with atopic dermatitis are scarce. AIMS: To assess factors associated with quality of life of children with atopic dermatitis after a one-year follow-up and to examine the factors contributing to greater improvement in the atopic dermatitis-related quality of life over one year. METHODS: Our cohort consisted of 98 children who were treated for atopic dermatitis at the clinic of dermatovenereology. Data collection included atopic dermatitis scoring using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) for children aged > four years and Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDLQI) for children aged 0-4 years. Categorization of the impairment of quality of life score due to atopic dermatitis was as follows: mild (score from 0 to 6), moderate (score from 7 to 12) and severe (score from 13 to 30). The cohort was followed for one year after which a total of 80 children were reassessed. RESULTS: Improvements of both CDLQI and IDLQI were observed in children whose impairment of quality of life due to atopic dermatitis after one year was 'mild'. This was not observed in children whose atopic dermatitis caused either 'moderate' or 'severe impairment' of their quality of life. Adjusted analysis showed that lower initial SCORAD and greater improvement in SCORAD after the one-year follow-up were associated with a better quality of life at follow-up. LIMITATIONS: The size of our cohort was relatively small. Study participants were recruited from the largest urban and medical referral center in Serbia. Persons from suburban or rural regions may have had different perceptions of atopic dermatitis-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Children with less severe atopic dermatitis were more likely to improve their atopic dermatitis-related quality of life. Lower SCORAD was associated with both better quality of life initially and greater improvement in quality of life after one year of follow-up.

Adolescents' beliefs and perceptions of acne vulgaris: A cross-sectional study in Montenegrin schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high prevalence in adolescent and early adult years. The aim of this study was to assess the self-perceived beliefs of Montenegrin secondary school pupils regarding the acne aggravating and ameliorating factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey of the pupils was conducted during October and November 2020 in four randomly selected public secondary schools in Podgorica, Montenegro. All 500 pupils were asked to fill in a questionnaire that included questions on age, sex, presence of acne, perceived acne aggravating and ameliorating factors, and sources of their information about acne. RESULTS: A total of 500 pupils, 234 (46.8%) boys, and 266 (53.2%) girls, aged 14-17 years, participated in the study. Acne was self-reported in 249 (49.8%) pupils, whereas 251 (50.2%) did not report acne. Factors most often believed to aggravate acne were inadequate face washing (85.0%), hormones (84.0%), sweets (82.0%), greasy food (72.6%), makeup (71.2%), and stress (67.8%). Overall the most prevalent acne ameliorating factors were cosmetic treatment (80.4%), increased water consumption (77.6%), a diet change to a healthier food choice (77.4%), and being on school holidays (62.2%). Girls reported more frequently that genetics, stress, sweets consumption, inadequate face wash, and makeup are acne exacerbating factors, whilst cosmetic treatment, increased water consumption, smoking, and being on school holidays are acne ameliorating factors. Boys more frequently considered the benefit of losing weight. There was no statistically significant difference between pupils with and without acne in perceived factors, except for cosmetic treatment. Those with acne more frequently believed in the benefits of cosmetic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Many adolescents' self-perceived beliefs about factors that aggravate and ameliorate acne are myths and misconceptions without evidence-based justification. More efforts are needed to educate pupils about the acne aggravating and ameliorating factors, its health-related consequences, and the treatment possibilities.

Quality of life in Montenegrin pupils with acne.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common skin disease that can affect a person's quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, and mood in an adverse manner. The aim of the current study was to assess QoL among Montenegrin pupils with acne. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted over October and November 2020 in four randomly selected secondary schools in Podgorica, Montenegro. All 500 pupils were asked to fill in a short questionnaire which included questions on age, sex, presence of acne, and for those with acne their duration and location, visits to doctors, presence of any other coexisting skin disease, and family history of acne. Only pupils who self-reported acne were asked to complete the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI). RESULTS: Self reported acne were presented in 49.8% (249/500) of all pupils. The mean CDLQI score of the total sample was 4.27 ± 5.13. Overall, the CDLQI domains that were most affected by acne were symptoms and feelings (mean score 1.49 ± 1.43), leisure (mean score 0.94 ± 1.72), and treatment (0.66 ± 0.79). The mean total CADI score was 3.53 ± 3.11 which was higher in girls (4.07 ± 3.11) than in boys (2.90 ± 3.00). There was good correlation between the two questionnaires (Rho = 0.76; P < 0.01). According to multiple linear regressions, higher overall CDLQI score was found in pupils with acne who reported other skin diseases, while girls, pupils who reported both acne on face and back, and who had any concomitant skin disease had higher CADI total score. CONCLUSIONS: Acne affects QoL of young adolescents in Montenegro with greater impact in girls. Our findings should point out the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment, and education of adolescents with acne.

Impact of atopic dermatitis on the quality of life of children and their families.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, with a significant effect on the quality of life (QoL). This study aims to evaluate the impact of AD on the QoL of children and their parents and to identify predictors affecting their QoL. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Montenegro. It included 200 children with AD aged 5-16 years and their parents. The severity of disease was measured by the Three Item Severity (TIS) score, while QoL was assessed with the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean CDLQI score of the children affected by AD was 17.11 and the mean DFI score of their parents 19.86. There was a significant correlation between AD severity score assessed by a doctor (TIS) and both CDLQI and DFI scores (r=0.53 and r=0.27, respectively). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the QoL of children with AD and QoL of their parents (r=0.53). According to multiple linear regression, more impaired QoL of affected children was associated with more severe AD, younger parent's age and their lower educational level. Poorer QoL of parents was associated with female sex, younger age of children, more severe AD, lower educational level of parents and absence of a family history of atopic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed that AD has a large negative impact on QoL of both patients with AD and their families. More impaired QoL was associated with more severe AD.

Sulfur dioxide and exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases: A time-stratified case-crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that air pollution plays a significant role in the exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to assess the potential relationship between daily levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and emergency department (ED) visits for allergic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding ED visits for allergic respiratory diseases were routinely collected from the EDs in the Zlatibor district, and the General Hospital, Uzice. The daily average concentrations of SO2 were obtained from the regional automatic air quality monitoring stations. All data were collected from June 2012 to July 2014. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and ORs adjusted for weather conditions were calculated using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Statistically significant associations were seen between 0-day lagged exposure to SO2 and ED visits for all allergic diseases (OR = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-2.48; P = 0.028) and between 2-day lagged exposure to SO2 and ED visits for asthma with allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.03-3.88; P = 0.042). These results were adjusted for temperature, temperature2, and humidity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that short-term exposure to SO2 conferred an increased risk of ED visits for allergic respiratory diseases, particularly for asthma with concomitant allergic rhinitis.

Short-term effects of air pollution on exacerbations of allergic asthma in Uzice region, Serbia.

INTRODUCTION: Many time-series studies have shown a positive association between air pollution and asthma exacerbation. However, till now only one study in Serbia has examined this relationship. AIM: To examine the associations between air pollution and asthma emergency department (ED) visits in the Uzice region, Serbia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A time-stratified case-crossover design was applied to 424 ED visits for asthma exacerbation that occurred in the Uzice region, Serbia, in 2012-2014. Data about ED visits were routinely collected in the Uzice Health Centre. The daily average concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon (BC) were measured by automatic ambient air quality monitoring stations. Odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for the potential confounding influence of weather variables (temperature, humidity and air pressure). RESULTS: Statistically significant associations were observed between ED visits for asthma and 3-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.05-9.95), and between ED visits for asthma with coexisting allergic rhinitis and 0-day lag exposure to NO2 (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 0.94-2.65), 2-day lag exposure to SO2 (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.02-3.80), and 3-day lag exposure to PM10 (OR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.17-4.84). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to ambient air pollution in the Uzice region increases the risk of ED visits for asthma, particularly during the heating season.

Quality of life in infants with atopic dermatitis and their families.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, with a significant effect on quality of life (QoL). AIM: To evaluate the impact of AD on QoL of Montenegrin infants and their parents and to identify predictors affecting their QoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2017 and July 2018 and included 186 infants with AD aged 0-4 years and their parents. The severity of disease was measured by the Three-Item Severity (TIS) score, while QoL was assessed with the Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL) and the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean overall scores were 14.72 for IDQOL and 17.78 for DFI. The positive correlation was observed between AD severity and both the IDQOL and DFI scores (r = 0.61, p < 0.001 and r = 0.67, p < 0.001, respectively). The highest-scoring IDQOL items were "itching and scratching", and "child's mood". Poorer infants' QoL was associated with more serious AD (B = 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08-3.04), concomitant atopic disease (B = 3.86; 95% CI: 1.78-5.94), family history of atopic disease (B = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.84-5.77), older age of the child (B = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.20-2.07) and older age of the parent (B = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.04-0.53). Similarly, parents had poorer QoL if their infants had more severe AD (B = 2.56; 95% CI: 2.14-2.87), another atopic disease (B = 2.91; 95% CI: 0.99-4.84) or family history of atopic disease (B = 4.33; 95% CI: 2.57-6.09). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that AD has a significant negative impact on infants' QoL as well as on QoL of their parents.

How frequently does palmoplantar psoriasis affect the palms and/or soles? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is a variant of psoriasis that affects the palms and/or soles. Although PPP is a disabling and therapeutically challenging condition, its epidemiology is poorly defined. AIM: To assess the prevalence of PPP locations (palms, soles or both), and to analyse epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two bibliographic databases (MEDLINE and SCOPUS) were used as data sources searched from inception to October 2017. The selection of articles was limited to human subjects and English or French languages. RESULTS: A search resulted in a total of 293 articles, out of which 24 were utilized for the current systematic review and 21 for meta-analysis. All listed studies comprised a total of 2083 patients with PPP, with more males than females. According to the results of meta-analysis, majority of patients had the highest prevalence of both palms and soles involvement (95% CI: 47-67), with an almost equal prevalence showing palmar (21%; 95% CI: 13-30) or plantar (20%; 95% CI: 12-29) involvement. The most prevalent type of PPP was plaque/hyperkeratotic, followed by the pustular type. CONCLUSIONS: Almost three-fifths (59%) of all PPP patients had involvement of both palms and soles, while exclusive palmar or plantar involvement was seen in 21% and 20% of patients, respectively. Future research should be performed to elucidate basic epidemiological and clinical characteristics of PPP, which would be helpful for proper consideration of this condition.

Does age influence the quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis?

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common childhood skin diseases that can affect the quality of life (QoL) of children. The QoL of Montenegrin children with AD has not been sufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to assess their QoL with special emphasize on age differences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included children with AD seen at the Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro (CCM) in Podgorica between August 2017 and July 2018. The QoL was assessed with the Infants' Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL) and the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Disease severity was measured by the Three Item Severity (TIS) score. RESULTS: A total of 386 children with AD aged from newborn to 16 years took part in this study. The mean total score of the QoL was 14.7 in infants (0-4 years old), 19.4 in younger children (5-9 years old), and 16.6 in older children (10-16 years old). Age was in negative correlation with the CDLQI score, leisure domain of the CDLQI and CDLQI sleep, and in positive correlation with the IDQOL child mood. TIS score was in positive correlation with both the IDQOL and CDLQI score. CONCLUSIONS: The QoL measured by CDLQI was more impaired in younger children, whilst IDQOL child mood was more impaired in older infants. The most impaired QoL was seen in children in the age group 5-9 years. Regardless of disease severity, treatment and counseling of children suffering from AD should be tailored specifically to their age.

Evaluation of the Impact of Black Carbon on the Worsening of Allergic Respiratory Diseases in the Region of Western Serbia: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study.

Background and Objectives: Many epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between black carbon (BC) and the exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. However, none of the studies in Serbia examined this relationship yet. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between BC and emergency department (ED) visits for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in the Uzice region of Serbia. Materials and Methods: A time-stratified case-crossover design was applied to 523 ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation that occurred in the Uzice region of Serbia between 2012-2014. Data regarding ED visits were routinely collected in the Health Center of Uzice. The daily average concentrations of BC were measured by automatic ambient air quality monitoring stations. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for the potential confounding influence of weather variables (temperature, humidity, and air pressure). Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between ED visits for allergic rhinitis and 2-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.20; CI = 1.00-10.18; p = 0.049) and allergic asthma and 3-day lagged exposure to BC (OR = 3.23; CI = 1.05-9.95; p = 0.041). Conclusion: Exposure to BC in the Uzice region increases the risk of ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly during the heating season.

Status of cardiovascular health in the Republic of Serbia: Results from the National Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the most significant cause of death in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of CVD continues to rise due to the increasing incidence of CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) across sex and age groups and to analyze associations between demographic and socio-economic variables and ideal CVH metrics in the adult population of the Republic of Serbia. METHODS: Information on demographic (age, sex, marital status, and type of settlement) and socio-economic characteristics (education, and wealth index), and the 7 ideal CVH metrics (smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) was obtained for 13100 respondents aged 20 years and above, from the 2013 National Health Survey in the Republic of Serbia. According to the American Heart Association, the ideal CVH was defined as the simultaneous presence of 7 ideal CVH metrics. RESULTS: Out of all ideal CVH metrics, the most prevalent components were ideal glucose (92.2%), ideal cholesterol (86.4%) and ideal smoking (63%), while the least prevalent ideal CVH component was ideal healthy diet (2.4%). Only 0.1% had all 7 CVH components at the ideal level. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis the higher number of ideal CVH metrics was observed in women (OR = 4.46), younger people (OR = 7.12), people living without partner (OR = 1.70), more educated (OR = 2.51 for middle educated and OR = 3.57 for high educated), as well as among the rich (OR = 1.43). CONCLUSION: Our findings of existing age-specific, sex and socio-economic differences in the prevalence and number of ideal CVH metrics should serve for the development of appropriate CVD prevention policies tailored to fit specific needs of both sexes, all age groups and people with different socioeconomic status.

Patterns of Health Care Utilization for Noncommunicable Diseases in a Transitional European Country: Results From the National Health Survey.

This study aimed to assess possible differences in health services utilization among people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina, with special reference to NCD multimorbidity. In addition, the relationship between self-perceived health and health care utilization was assessed. Data were retrieved from the 2010 National Health Survey. A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 4,673 persons aged 18 years and older were identified in the households, of which 4,128 were interviewed. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the effects of NCDs on health care utilization in RS. Respondents with NCD multimorbidity more frequently visited family physicians (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.34 - 3.19), dentists (OR, 1.57; CI, 1.28 - 1.92), private doctors (OR, 2.14; CI, 1.74 - 2.64), and urgent care departments (OR, 2.30; CI, 1.75 - 3.03) than their counterparts without NCDs. They also had more hospital admissions (OR, 2.03; CI, 1.56 - 2.64). This is the first study to address the relationship between health care utilization and NCDs in the population of RS. Further research is needed to explore how best to organize health care to meet the needs of people in RS with NCDs, especially with NCD multimorbidity.

Dental service utilisation among adults in a European developing country: findings from a national health survey.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to estimate the frequency of visits to a dentist and to assess the impact of determinants on dental care utilisation among adults in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2010 National Health Survey performed in the RS. A total of 4,128 adults (≥18 years) were interviewed in their homes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics, socio-economic characteristics, health behaviours, self-rated health, self-reported noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and dental care utilisation. RESULTS: Only 20% of all respondents reported a visit to a dentist in the year preceding the interview. Younger respondents (OR = 0.97), women (OR = 1.30-1.39), urban dwellers (OR = 1.41-1.61), those who were employed (OR = 1.20) and those who self-reported NCDs (OR = 1.32-1.33) more frequently utilised dental services. The opposite was true for those in the low wealth index group (OR = 0.79), persons with a low (OR = 0.31) and middle (OR = 0.48) level of education and people who self-rated their health as average (OR = 0.76-0.80). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a low frequency of visits to a dentist, especially for preventive oral health care. It also confirmed demographic, socio-economic and health-related differences in dental-care utilisation in RS. To minimise those differences, systemic approaches aimed at increasing access to dental care could be an important step. Oral health-promotion policies need to be adopted in the RS.

Psychosomatic factors of atopic dermatitis exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate whether the stress, lack of social support, and poor emotional relationships influence the recurrence of AD in adults. METHODS: Case-control study comprised 66 outpatients with AD and 132 controls with different skin diseases believed to be slightly influenced by psychosomatic factors. Participants were treated at the Department of Dermatology - Military Medical Academy and City Department for Skin and Venereal Diseases from January to June 2014. Stressful life events were assessed using the Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events. The attachment relationship and perceived social support were assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale and with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: AD patients had significantly higher anxiety scores when initiating a close emotional relationship and when avoiding an affective attachment (OR = 1.49; CI = 1.13-1.97; P = 0.005 and OR = 1.63; CI = 1.16-2.30; P = 0.005, respectively). Perceived social support from family and friends was significantly lower among cases compared to controls (OR = 0.93; CI = 0.88-0.98; P = 0.009 and UO = 0.94; CI = 0.89-0.99; P = 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AD patients had higher anxiety scores, and those with low social support tended to have more frequent disease recurrence. The number of stressful life events did not differ between studied groups.

Cardiovascular Health Status and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults Living in a Transition European Country: Findings from a Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are only a few published studies on the relationship between cardiovascular health (CVH) status as proposed by the American Heart Association and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in persons with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CVH and MetS and their correlation in the adult population of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to evaluate which set of cardiovascular risk factors (low or medium CVH status and MetS), or the combination of both, is a better predictor for the occurrence of CVD. METHODS: We included 3601 adults (aged ≥25 years) from the Republic of Srpska National Health Survey 2010. CVH status was evaluated according to the American Heart Association criteria, whereas MetS was defined using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. RESULTS: The prevalence of low or medium CVH status and MetS is significantly higher in participants who had experienced CVD than in those free of CVD. Our study showed that predictors for CVD occurrence were presence of MetS (odds ratio 3.61, 95% confidence intervals 2.14-6.07) and presence of both sets of cardiovascular risk factors in the same person (odds ratio 4.23, 95% confidence intervals 1.50-11.93). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that presence of both sets of cardiovascular risk factors (low or medium CVH status and MetS) is the strongest predictor of CVD. Identification of individuals with cardiovascular risk factors may provide opportunities to intervene earlier and can help reduce the risk of developing CVD.

Inequalities in the utilization of health care services in a transition European country: results from the national population health survey.

OBJECTIVES: To examine demographic, socio-economic, and health status inequalities in the utilization of health care services (UHCS) in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the 2010 National Health Survey for the RS adult population (n = 4128). A complex sample design was taken into account for statistical analysis. RESULTS: As compared to men, a higher percentage of women visited a family physician (FP), urgent care department, dentist and private doctor. Higher educated women and those worse-off (OR 1.17) more frequently visited FP. Hospitalization (OR 4.56 for males; OR 9.17 for females), visit to urgent care department (OR 3.19 for males; OR 2.42 for females) and visits to FP in females (OR 1.46) were associated with poor self-perceived health. No inequalities by wealth index were found for the utilization of FP, hospitalization, urgent care and dentist among persons with poor self-perceived health status. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities in the UHCS in RS. These findings have significant implications for health policy makers that seek to provide equal care for all people living in RS.

The Impact of Changes in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index by Body Region on Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis severity varies by body region, with each affected region having a different impact on patient quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changes in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores by body region on QoL in patients with psoriasis after treatment. A total of 100 patients with psoriasis were recruited to the study. All patients completed the generic EuroQol-5D instrument and two specific QoL measures, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) at the beginning of the study, and 50 patients successfully completed the same questionnaires four weeks after the end of the treatment. Clinical severity was assessed using PASI total score and PASI body region (head, trunk, arms, and legs) scores. QoL improved after treatment, and PASI improvements on visible body regions (head, legs, and arms) showed significant correlation with the most sub-areas of the Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS), DLQI, and PDI. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that PASI improvement (particularly on the head), sex, age, and disease duration were predictors of QoL score changes for most domains of the three instruments. Improvement of psoriasis in visible body regions has an appreciable influence on QoL improvement, and may positively affect treatment success in patients with psoriasis.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND:: Emerging epidemiological evidence suggests independent associations between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with psoriasis, and to assess which factors may predict metabolic syndrome in these patients. METHODS:: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study with 244 psoriatic patients and 163 control subjects with skin diseases other than psoriasis was conducted at the Clinic of Dermatovenerology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, from October 2011 to October 2012. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Severity of psoriasis was measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Body Surface Area. RESULTS:: The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for psoriasis patients vs. non-psoriasis patients were 2.66 (95% CI, 1.58-4.42) for metabolic syndrome, 3.81 (95% CI, 2.30-6.31) for hypertension, 2.29 (95% CI, 1.39-3.78) for central obesity, 1.92 (95% CI, 1.08-3.41) for hyperglycemia, 1.87 (95% CI 1.18-2.96) for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and 1.42 (95% CI, 0.87-1.04) for hypertrigliceridemia. We failed to find any statistically significant association between the metabolic syndrome and clinical severity of psoriasis. Later onset and longer duration of psoriasis were predicting factors for metabolic syndrome in our patients. Study limitations: The cross-sectional design of the study does not allow us to draw directional causal inferences concerning the association between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. Factors such as diet, alcohol consumption or mental health, which have not been evaluated in this study, may be confounders in this relation. CONCLUSION:: A higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with psoriasis than in controls, regardless of disease severity, emphasizes the need for early treatment and follow-up of all psoriatic patients with respect to metabolic diseases.

Inzidenz von bullösen Autoimmunerkrankungen in Serbien: eine retrospektive Studie über 20 Jahre.

HINTERGRUND UND ZIELE: Die meisten früheren Arbeiten zu den klinisch-epidemiologischen Merkmalen von bullösen Autoimmunerkrankungen (AIBD) konzentrierten sich vor allem auf eine einzige Krankheitsentität oder nur eine Krankheitsgruppe; nur in wenigen Studien wurde die Inzidenz verschiedener AIBD untersucht. Bei der vorliegenden Studie war es unser Ziel, das gesamte Spektrum der AIBD zu betrachten, die Inzidenz der häufigsten AIBD zu ermitteln und die zeitlichen Trends ihres Auftretens in Zentralserbien über einen Zeitraum von 20 Jahren zu untersuchen. METHODEN: Wir rekrutierten retrospektiv 1161 AIBD-Fälle, die in Zentralserbien von Januar 1991 bis Dezember 2010 neu diagnostiziert wurden. Die Diagnose stützte sich auf eine strikte klinische, histologische und immunhistologische Beurteilung. ERGEBNISSE: Folgende Inzidenzraten wurden für die einzelnen Erkrankungen ermittelt: 4,35 pro eine Million Einwohner/Jahr (pME/Jahr) für Pemphigus, 4,47 pME/Jahr für Pemphigoid, 1,42 pME/Jahr für Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), 0,25 pME/Jahr IgA-Dermatose und 0,08 pME/Jahr für Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Im betrachteten Zeitraum stieg die altersbereinigte Inzidenzrate für Pemphigus und insbesondere für Pemphigoid signifikant an, während sie für DH, allerdings nicht signifikant, abnahm. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Unsere Studie befasst sich zum ersten Mal mit den Inzidenzraten des gesamten Spektrums der AIBD in Serbien und untersucht die zeitlichen Trends ihres Auftretens über einen Zeitraum von 20 Jahren. Nach unserem besten Wissen wurde ein ähnlicher Befund wie der unsere, dass nämlich die Inzidenzraten von Pemphigus und Pemphigoid vergleichbar sind, bisher noch nicht publiziert.