Browsing by Author "Jovic Vranes, Aleksandra (8364487700)"

Background: Introduction of vaccines against COVID-19 has not encountered expected acceptance. The uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Western Balkans countries is lagging behind the European Union average. The aim of our study was to assess the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the population of unvaccinated adult citizens of five Western Balkans countries, and to explore factors that influence the vaccination intention. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from July to October 2021. The questionnaire was shared through online social media. Intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was measured by a single item assessing the likelihood of getting vaccinated on a 5-points Likert scale. Linear regressions were conducted with socio-demographic characteristics, presence of chronic diseases and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination as independent factors. Results: The largest proportion of unvaccinated respondents willing to get vaccinated in the future was observed in Montenegro and Albania (40.4% in each country), while in the Serbian sample, the willingness to get vaccinated was the lowest (22.6%). Socio-demographic characteristics were not significantly associated with the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in most of the countries. In Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia the strongest determinant of COVID-19 vaccination intention was the higher sense of social responsibility. Conclusions: Vaccination interventions and campaigns aiming to improve the COVID-19 vaccine uptake should be focussed on specific set of factors in each country, appealing to social responsibility as most prevalent determinant of vaccination intention in Western Balkans. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association.

Road traffic safety is a significant public health issue. Unfortunately, traffic crashes are frequent, as well as the deaths and injuries caused by them. Our aim was to analyze road traffic crashes in Serbia. Data were obtained from the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and were analyzed to identify the number of reported traffic crashes, the number of consequences (injury and fatality), demographic characteristics, and most common causes that led to accidents. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the analysis of data. From 1999–2007, the number of crashes increased, and from 2008. the number of road crashes has been decreasing. Greatest reduction in the number of road crashes, compared to the previous year, was reported in 2010, after the introduction of the new Law on Traffic Safety in 2009. Car occupants and pedestrians were the most frequent victims of traffic crashes. The majority of road crashes occurred as a result of improper driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Men were more prone to be killed on the roads than women, and the largest number of casualties occurred in the 18–25-years age group. The highest percentage of fatality was reported in the >65-years age group. Promotion of safe driving behaviors can significantly improve traffic safety. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Road traffic safety is a significant public health issue. Unfortunately, traffic crashes are frequent, as well as the deaths and injuries caused by them. Our aim was to analyze road traffic crashes in Serbia. Data were obtained from the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and were analyzed to identify the number of reported traffic crashes, the number of consequences (injury and fatality), demographic characteristics, and most common causes that led to accidents. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the analysis of data. From 1999–2007, the number of crashes increased, and from 2008. the number of road crashes has been decreasing. Greatest reduction in the number of road crashes, compared to the previous year, was reported in 2010, after the introduction of the new Law on Traffic Safety in 2009. Car occupants and pedestrians were the most frequent victims of traffic crashes. The majority of road crashes occurred as a result of improper driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Men were more prone to be killed on the roads than women, and the largest number of casualties occurred in the 18–25-years age group. The highest percentage of fatality was reported in the >65-years age group. Promotion of safe driving behaviors can significantly improve traffic safety. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd