Browsing by Author "Janković, Janko (15022715100)"

Objective: Studies about mental health among urban and rural residents are scarce. A limited number of studies report somewhat better mental health in rural settings, despite higher rates of suicides. The main objective of this study was to describe social conditions of the population of Serbia in rural and urban settlements and to assess the differences in the prevalence of mental health disorders. Methods: Propensity score matching of urban and rural persons (2 × 3,569 persons) has eliminated confounding effects from social variables (age, gender, wealth index, education level, employment, family status) and self-rated health. Thus, any statistical differences concerning mental health variables (five-item Mental Health Inventory and clinically diagnosed chronic anxiety or depression) between the two populations were not a result of differences in the matching variables. Results: After matching all variables, the estimated prevalence rate of poor mental health was significantly higher among residents of urban (52.2%) than rural (49.1%) settlements (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Almost half of the Serbian population suffers from poor mental health, therefore, there is a need to increase efforts on mental health promotion, prevention and treatment. Our study findings also support the importance of promoting benefits of rural settings for people with mental distress. © 2017, Czech National Institute of Public Health. All rights reserved.

Background: Psoriasis has a substantial impact on patients' quality of life. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the impact of the clinical severity of psoriasis on patients' quality of life and to determine the effects of psoriasis-related stress on patients' everyday life. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Dermatovenereology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade. The study included 201 patients (124 men and 77 women), aged 18-70 with a diagnosis of psoriasis, hospitalized or treated as outpatients during 2009. For the assessment of patients' quality of life, the psoriasis disability index (PDI) was used. The stress related to psoriasis was measured with the psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI) and disease severity with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Results: We found moderate correlation between PLSI and all PDI subscales and overall score (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.334 to 0.521). The correlation between PASI and PDI subscales was weak, while we failed to find any significant correlation between PASI and the PLSI. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that stress, more severe disease, and lower educational level are significant determining factors of a poorer quality of life in patients with psoriasis. Conclusion: Our results support the importance of assessing the quality of life in psoriasis and effects of stress in patients' adjustment to their condition and may have important implications for a psychological stress management approach in the clinical management of psoriasis. © 2014 The International Society of Dermatology.

Objective: Cardiovascular health (CVH) is a relatively new concept defined by the American Heart Association (AHA). The aim of the present study was to assess whether the indices of CVH were discriminators of socioeconomic status (SES) in the adult population of the Republic of Srpska (RS). Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. Setting: RS, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants: The study involved 4165 adults aged ≥18 years (mean age 50.2; 54% women) who participated in the National Health Survey performed from September to November 2010 in the RS. Study variables: Participant's education was a proxy for SES. Potential discriminators of SES were indices of CVH presented according to AHA as: ideal health behaviours index (non-smoking, body mass index <25 kg/m2, physical activity at goal level and healthy diet); ideal health factors index (untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, untreated blood pressure <120/<80 mm Hg, untreated fasting glucose <100 mg/dL and non-smoking); and ideal CVH status (defined as all seven ideal health metrics present) versus intermediate and poor CVH status. Results: Participants with high educational levels had a significantly greater number of ideal CVH metrics, and ideal health factor metrics compared with those with low or medium educational level (OR 0.88 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99 and OR 0.88 95% CI 0.80 to 0.96; OR 0.81 95% CI 0.69 to 0.96 and OR 0.77 95% CI 0.68 to 0.87; respectively). The number of ideal behaviour metrics was not a discriminator of educational groups. Concerning the categories of CVH status the poor CVH was a discriminator for low and medium education compared with those with high education (OR 1.93 95% CI 1.24 to 3.01 and OR 1.54 95% CI 1.08 to 2.19, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings emphasise the large potential for preventing cardiovascular disease, showing a low proportion with a favourable CVH profile, especially among low-educated people. It is necessary to consider prevention strategies aimed at improving CVH in RS, targeting primarily low educational groups.

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. © 2018 National Stroke Association

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease that has a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this paper was to evaluate if gender affects some aspects of QoL in children with AD. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, between August 2017 and July 2018 and included 200 children aged 5−16 years with AD diagnosis. 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). Socio-demographic data on children with AD were collected by a short questionnaire. Results: The difference in overall CDLQI between boys and girls was not statistically significant. The domains that were most affected by AD were school/holidays (mean score 2.27 ± 0.65), and symptoms (mean score 2.22 ± 0.70). Swimming/ sports activities, school/holidays, teasing/bullying and sleep disturbance were more affected in girls. Overall CDLQI score and CDLQI subscale scores (except school/holidays and sleep in boys) significantly correlated with TIS. According to multivariate logistic regression analyses statistically significant differences between two genders were not found for age, AD severity, concomitant atopic disease, and family history of atopic disease. Conclusion: Although we did not find differences between the two genders in the overall health related QoL, this study confirmed the tendency for AD to have a more severe impact on girls' lives. These results may influence treatment and counselling of children affected with AD. © 2019, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka. All rights reserved.

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 Užice 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 Užice region of Serbia between 2012–2014. Data regarding ED visits were routinely collected in the Health Center of Užice. 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 Užice region increases the risk of ED visits for allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly during the heating season. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The use of preventive health services is a long-term health investment due to its potential to help individuals to take care of their health. This study aimed to explore the availability and performance of health services in primary health care (PHC) in the domain of general practice (GP), pediatrics, and gynecology, as well as to analyze the influence of sociodemographic and health determinants on the utilization of preventive health services. This descriptive study used data from the National Health Insurance Fund and the Statistical Office of the Serbia for 2015 and included 149 independent PHC units. The relationship between the utilization of preventive services and sociodemographic and health characteristics of the population was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate linear regression models. The higher health expenditure per capita and noncommunicable diseases mortality rate were, the more preventive health services were provided by a chosen GP. Children with a higher completion rate of primary school (p = 0.024), higher health expenditure (p = 0.017), and higher life expectancy at birth (p = 0.041) had more preventive health services. The fertility rate was positively associated with the number of preventive health services per 1000 women (p = 0.033). Our findings should serve as a starting point for where efforts should be made to achieve better health outcomes. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The use of preventive health services is a long-term health investment due to its potential to help individuals to take care of their health. This study aimed to explore the availability and performance of health services in primary health care (PHC) in the domain of general practice (GP), pediatrics, and gynecology, as well as to analyze the influence of sociodemographic and health determinants on the utilization of preventive health services. This descriptive study used data from the National Health Insurance Fund and the Statistical Office of the Serbia for 2015 and included 149 independent PHC units. The relationship between the utilization of preventive services and sociodemographic and health characteristics of the population was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate linear regression models. The higher health expenditure per capita and noncommunicable diseases mortality rate were, the more preventive health services were provided by a chosen GP. Children with a higher completion rate of primary school (p = 0.024), higher health expenditure (p = 0.017), and higher life expectancy at birth (p = 0.041) had more preventive health services. The fertility rate was positively associated with the number of preventive health services per 1000 women (p = 0.033). Our findings should serve as a starting point for where efforts should be made to achieve better health outcomes. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background and objectives: While most previous surveys on the clinico-epidemiological features of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) have predominantly focused on a single disease entity or just one disease group, there have been only few studies examining the incidence of various AIBDs. In the present study, we set out to determine the spectrum of AIBDs, to estimate the incidence of the most common AIBDs, and to examine their temporal trends in Central Serbia over a period of 20 years. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 1,161 new AIBD cases diagnosed in Central Serbia during the period from January 1991 to December 2010. The diagnosis was based on strict clinical, histological, and immunohistological evaluation. Results: The incidence rates were: 4.35 per million population/year (pmp/year) for pemphigus, 4.47 pmp/year for pemphigoid, 1.42 pmp/year for dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), 0.25 pmp/year for linear IgA disease, and 0.08 pmp/year for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. In the period observed, age-adjusted incidence rates significantly increased for pemphigus and particularly for pemphigoid, whereas they decreased, albeit not significantly, for DH. Conclusions: For the first time, our study evaluates the incidence rates of the entire spectrum of AIBDs in Serbia, and examines their temporal trends over a 20-year period. To the best of our knowledge, our finding of similar incidence rates for pemphigus and pemphigoid has previously not been reported. © 2016 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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. © 2017, Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+).

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities by gender in the utilization of health services in Serbia. Methods: Data from 2006 National Health Survey for Serbia were used. A total of 14 522 persons from six geographical regions of Serbia aged ≥20 years were completely interviewed. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the effects of demographic (age, gender, marital status and type of settlement), socio-economic (education and Wealth Index) and health status (self-perceived health) variables on the utilization of health services [visits to general practitioner (GP), private doctor, dentist and hospitalization]. All analyses were carried out separately for males and females. Results: As compared with women (reference category), a lower percentage of men visited a GP [odds ratio (OR) = 0.61; 95 confidence interval (95 CI) = 0.57-0.65], private doctor (OR = 0.62; 95 CI = 0.57-0.67) and dentist (OR = 0.81; 95 CI = 0.76-0.87), but there were no gender differences in hospitalization. Both males and females who belong to disadvantaged classes were less likely to have visited a GP, a private doctor or a dentist in 12 months before the interview, regardless of their health status. No inequalities by social class were observed for the hospitalization among persons with poor self-perceived health status, i.e. those in most need. Conclusions: This study has shown that demographic, socio-economic and health status inequalities in the utilization of health services exist in Serbia. Wise health policy with equitable utilization of health services, regardless these inequalities should be a priority in shaping Serbian health care system reform. © 2009 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.

Aim This manuscript deals with public health training, research and practice in order to identify the future perspectives and requirements of master's programmes in public health sciences in Serbia. Methods: A wide array of documents and websites was analysed. The methods used for data collection were: (1) review of the existing written reports, the relevant legislation and other documents, and (2) Internet searches accessing the websites of the Ministries of Health, Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Serbia as well as websites covering thematic areas in European and global education, research and development. Use has also been made of the results of the European Union projects done in the field of public health in Serbia, particularly the Tempus programme "Postgraduate Studies in Public Health Sciences". Results: The most important role in the field of change in public health in Serbia is played by the School of Public Health (SPH) and the Institutes of Public Health (IPH). Although at the managerial level the need for change has been perceived, in general there is not a shared, clear vision of what the change should be and how this should happen. The reorganisation of the IPH in Serbia is greatly needed given their poor present performance and the expectations of the government to reach EU standards and to increase the health status of the Serbian population. The main obstacles are seen to be inappropriate legislation, lack of financial resources and insufficiently trained staff. Three areas with priority for future development have been identified: (1) doctoral programmes in public health and in health policy and management, (2) expansion of continuing and life-long learning in good governance and public health management, and (3) increasing the research base in public health and management. Conclusion: The need for a better trained workforce in the fields of public health, health management and health promotion is clearly recognised by public health professionals in Serbia. Therefore, the educational infrastructure should be amended by doctoral programmes and life-long learning schemes, based on intensified public health research. © Springer-Verlag 2009.

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. © The Author(s) 2018.

Background In spite of many benefits for individuals and community, self-medication has a number of potential risks. Objective To identify predictors of self-medication with over-the-counter and prescription (Rx) medicines without doctor’s prescription. Setting Serbian population of 15 years of age and over. Method This was crosssectional, epidemiological study. Data have been drawn from Serbian National Health Survey 2013 database. Predictors of self-medication were determined among sociodemographic, health related and health services related factors, using multivariate logistic regression models. Main outcome measure Prevalence and predictors of selfmedication. Results The study included 14,623 participants. The prevalence of selfmedication was 27.1 and 24% after exclusion of vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations. Medicines for pain relief were the mostly used medicines without doctors’ prescription in 18.4% of participants. A relatively high prevalence of self-medication with Rx medicines, (1) tranquilizers and sleeping pills, (2) antibiotics and (3) antihypertensives, was found, 4, 2.5 and 1.9%, respectively. Socio-demographic factors (middle age, female gender, higher level of education), health related factors (chronic disease, stress, physical pain), and health service related factors (nonrealized healthcare needs due to long waiting, dissatisfaction with publicly funded health services) have been found as significantly associated with self-medication. Conclusion Self-medication in Serbia is predicted by socio-demographic and health related factors, unmet needs for healthcare and dissatisfaction with publicly funded healthcare services. Improvements in healthcare system, particularly, shortening of long waiting for healthcare services and improvements in pharmaceutical services, particularly better control of Rx medicines dispensing, could contribute in improvement of responsible self-medication. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

Background In spite of many benefits for individuals and community, self-medication has a number of potential risks. Objective To identify predictors of self-medication with over-the-counter and prescription (Rx) medicines without doctor’s prescription. Setting Serbian population of 15 years of age and over. Method This was crosssectional, epidemiological study. Data have been drawn from Serbian National Health Survey 2013 database. Predictors of self-medication were determined among sociodemographic, health related and health services related factors, using multivariate logistic regression models. Main outcome measure Prevalence and predictors of selfmedication. Results The study included 14,623 participants. The prevalence of selfmedication was 27.1 and 24% after exclusion of vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations. Medicines for pain relief were the mostly used medicines without doctors’ prescription in 18.4% of participants. A relatively high prevalence of self-medication with Rx medicines, (1) tranquilizers and sleeping pills, (2) antibiotics and (3) antihypertensives, was found, 4, 2.5 and 1.9%, respectively. Socio-demographic factors (middle age, female gender, higher level of education), health related factors (chronic disease, stress, physical pain), and health service related factors (nonrealized healthcare needs due to long waiting, dissatisfaction with publicly funded health services) have been found as significantly associated with self-medication. Conclusion Self-medication in Serbia is predicted by socio-demographic and health related factors, unmet needs for healthcare and dissatisfaction with publicly funded healthcare services. Improvements in healthcare system, particularly, shortening of long waiting for healthcare services and improvements in pharmaceutical services, particularly better control of Rx medicines dispensing, could contribute in improvement of responsible self-medication. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

Background/Aim: Acne can occur in people of all ages, but mostly affects the population at puberty. Given the high prevalence and large impact that acne has on young people, the aim of this study was to assess adolescents' knowledge about factors that improve or worsen the clinical picture of acne, as well as to evaluate the sources used to obtain information on acne. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 460 high school pupils from the Medical School and Gymnasium in Kosovska Mitrovica. A self-administrated questionnaire was used. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to model the association between gender (males/fe-males) or presence of acne (no/yes) and potential exacerbating and ameliorating factors, as well as sources of information. Results: 36.7 % of the respondents were male and 63.3 % were female. 48.9 % of high school pupils confirmed that they had acne. The main factors that worsen the condition of acne, were irregular face washing (88.7 %), hormones (87.0 %), fatty foods (80.9 %) and sweets (79.3 %). The majority of respondents believed that the intake of more water (83.9 %), cosmetic treatment (77.8 %), dietary changes (75.9 %), holiday (54.1 %) and sunbathing (39.3 %) affect improving acne. Taking more water (OR = 1.77; 95 % CI = 1.01-3.11) as a factor in improving acne was significantly more common in girls, while boys more often believed that sunbathing (OR = 0.62; 95 % CI = 0.41-0.94) and weight loss (OR = 0.53; 95 % CI = 0.32-0.88) affect the improvement of acne. The most important sources of information about acne were the Internet (73.0 %) followed by parents (62.6 %), friends (54.1 %), and a doctor (42.8 %). Conclusion: Acne was more common in women and those with a positive family history. The presence of misconceptions among young people regarding the factors that improve or worsen the condition of acne indicates the need for additional education. © 2022 Milić and Janković.

Background/Aim. Increasing epidemiological studies suggest the association between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the association of metabolic syndrome and its components with psoriasis in a sample of patients from Montenegro, and to predict the factors that determine the metabolic syndrome. Methods. A case-control study was conducted at the Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro, between January and December 2012. The study group included 101 patients with psoriasis (cases) and 126 patients with the diagnosis of dermatological disease other than psoriasis (controls) consecutively ad-mitted to the same clinic. Results. Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in the psoriasis patients than in the controls (48.5% vs 20.6%; OR = 2.99). In addition, the psoriasis patients were significantly more likely to be smokers (OR = 2.16) and were less physically active (OR = 0.58). Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate a strong association between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome independent of psoriasis severity. Patients with psoriasis should be routinely screened for metabolic syndrome and its components. © 2016, Institut za Vojnomedicinske Naucne Informacije/Documentaciju. All rights reserved.

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. © 2017 by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.

Background: Acne is a common problem in adolescent children and has a considerable impact on their quality of life. Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Serbian adolescents with acne, using 2 questionnaires: The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) and to provide a cross validation of 2 scales. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the pupils of the secondary railway-technical school in Belgrade, Serbia. 478 pupils (aged 15 - 18 years) completed 2 HRQoL questionnaires: CDLQI and CADI. We used t-test for differences between mean values of CDLQI and CADI and Spearman's rho coefficient for correlation between 2 questionnaires. Results: Self-reported acne was present in 71.6% of pupils (64.3% boys and 35.7% girls). The overall mean CDLQI score (4.35 of max. 30) and the overall mean CADI score (3.57 of max. 15) were low, indicating a mild impairment of HRQoL among adolescants. There was good correlation between the 2 questionnaires (Spearman' rho = 0.66). Conclusion: The CADI and the CDLQI questionnaires represent simple and reliable instruments for the assesment of HRQoL among schoolchildren with acne. In this study, we identified 17% of boys and 18% of girls perceived their acne as a major problem. It is important to detect and treat such adolescents on time to reduce the psychosocial burden associated with acne.

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. © 2020 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved.