Browsing by Author "Nikolic, Zeljka (8553762100)"

Background Unwanted pregnancies are still common in Central and Eastern European countries, including Serbia. Little is known about the use of contraception in different ethnic groups. This research was undertaken to investigate the use of contraception between Roma and non-Roma women in Serbia and factors associated with it. Methods Data from the 2010 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS4) conducted in Serbia were used. This research included 1082 Roma and 2145 non-Roma women aged 15-49. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze socio-demographic factors associated with the use of contraception in both population groups. Results Roma women use any type of contraception more often than non-Roma women. However, Roma women rely more on traditional and unsafe methods such as withdrawal and lactational amenorrhea method, but significantly less on modern methods such as pill, condom and intrauterine device. Place of living (region) is also associated with contraceptive usage. Conclusions Inequalities in the use of contraception between Roma and non-Roma women exist. Promoting modern methods of contraception and education about the importance of the use of contraception should be in the focus of national health policies and strategies related to reproductive health to reduce these inequalities. ©The Author 2014.

Objectives: To explore largely unknown experience and expectations of European employers of public health professionals with regard to competences required to perform in the best way for the public health. Methods: A survey targeting employers in Europe was carried out September 2011-October 2012. The web-based questionnaire on public health competences and expected performance levels was returned by 63 organisations out of 109 contacted (57.8 %) as provided by Schools and Departments of Public Health (SDPH) in 30 European countries. Results: The assessment of the current and desired levels of performance did not show significant differences between employer categories. However, current and desired levels across all employers differ significantly (p < 0.001), varying around a difference of one rank of a five-point scale. On the other hand, SDPH rank the exit qualifications of their graduates with one exception (presumed competences in preparedness for public health emergencies) higher than the current performance level as determined by employers, i.e. closer to their expectations. Conclusions: SDPH should reconsider priorities and question their estimate of exit qualifications in close contact with potential employers of their graduates. © 2013 Swiss School of Public Health.