Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial, progressive condition with a variety of approved therapeutic options. The purpose of this study was to offer an overview of the authorized antidiabetic medicines (excluding insulin) compared with marketed products in seven European countries. Data were obtained from primary sources, including the websites of national authorities and directly from specialists in the countries of interest. The range of marketed medicines compared with the authorized group was assessed in terms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (>60% in Bulgaria, France, Serbia), brand names (>70% in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Spain), pharmaceutical forms (>60% in all countries), strengths (>60% in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Spain), marketing authorization holder (≥50% in all countries) and the status of medicine. Spain was found to have the highest number of products based on most of these attributes. Over 90% of authorized medicines had a pharmacy price in Serbia. Regarding the newer class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a retail price for all approved substances was available in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. Only one brand name with one concentration was found available for some agents, being susceptible to drug shortages: glibenclamide (Romania, Serbia, Spain), glipizide (the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Spain), glisentide (Spain), acarbose (the Czech Republic), sitagliptin (Bulgaria, Poland), vildagliptin (the Czech Republic, Poland) and saxagliptin (the Czech Republic, France, Romania, Serbia). An overview of the national and international therapeutic options may allow competent authorities and health professionals to take rapid measures in case of supply problems or health crises.

Background As digital health services are increasingly developing and becoming more interactive in Serbia, a comprehensive instrument for measuring eHealth literacy (EHL) is needed. Objective This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and investigate the psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ); to evaluate EHL in the population of primary health care (PHC) users in Serbia; and to explore factors associated with their EHL. Methods The validation study was conducted in 8 PHC centers in the territory of the Mačva district in Western Serbia. A stratified sampling method was used to obtain a representative sample. The Translation Integrity Procedure was followed to adapt the questionnaire to the Serbian language. The psychometric properties of the Serbian version of the eHLQ were analyzed through the examination of factorial structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Descriptive statistics were calculated to determine participant characteristics. Differences between groups were tested by the 2-tailed Students t test and ANOVA. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine factors related to EHL. Results A total of 475 PHC users were enrolled. The mean age was 51.0 (SD 17.3; range 19-94) years, and most participants were female (328/475, 69.1%). Confirmatory factor analysis validated the 7-factor structure of the questionnaire. Values for incremental fit index (0.96) and comparative fit index (0.95) were above the cutoff of ≥0.95. The root mean square error of approximation value of 0.05 was below the suggested value of ≤0.06. Cronbach α of the entire scale was 0.95, indicating excellent scale reliability, with Cronbach α ranging from 0.81 to 0.90 for domains. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.63 to 0.82, indicating moderate to good test-retest reliability. The highest EHL mean scores were obtained for the understanding of health concepts and language (mean 2.86, SD 0.32) and feel safe and in control (mean 2.89, SD 0.33) domains. Statistically significant differences (all P<.05) for all 7 eHLQ scores were observed for age, education, perceived material status, perceived health status, searching for health information on the internet, and occupation (except domain 4). In multivariable regression models, searching for health information on the internet and being aged younger than 65 years were associated with higher values of all domain scores except the domain feel safe and in control for variable age. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the Serbian version of the eHLQ can be a useful tool in the measurement of EHL and in the planning of digital health interventions at the population and individual level due to its strong psychometric properties in the Serbian context.

Obesity is a chronic, complex, relapsing disease impacting healthcare systems and the economy worldwide. We aim to analyze the utilization trends of antiobesity drugs, and their reimbursement status on drug lists of health insurance funds (HIF) in selected European countries. The DDD/1000 inhabitants/day methodology is used for utilization trend analysis, where data from official national utilization reports were used. For the reimbursement status analysis of 5 antiobesity drugs (orlistat, semaglutide, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, setmelanotide), the websites of national health insurance funds (HIF) of 22 European countries were screened. Trend analysis revealed fluctuation for almost all antiobesity drugs (the highest decrease seen for orlistat in Serbia, and the highest increase for liraglutide in Croatia). Novel antiobesity drugs show an increasing utilization trend in almost all the countries. In two out of three European countries, 437 antiobesity drugs are not covered by the HIF. Slovenia and Denmark reimburse most of the antiobesity drugs. The Netherlands is the only country where the cost of setmelanotide is paid by the HIF. Our results emphasize the importance of prioritizing the introduction and implementation of new strategies and reimbursement scheme models in global and national antiobesity policies.

The evolution of training and skills development at BENU Pharmacies represents a remarkable journey characterized by strategic foresight and adaptability within the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical industry. Since its inception, BENU Pharmacies has exemplified a strong commitment to operational excellence and workforce development through a meticulously structured approach to training (1-3). Training and development are essential components of organizational success, particularly in industries as dynamic and regulated as pharmaceuticals (4). The ability to continuously enhance both technical and interpersonal skills is crucial for maintaining high standards of service delivery, adapting to emerging industry trends, and meeting the ever-changing needs of customers (5,6). Effective training programs not only ensure that employees are proficient in their technical roles but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Objective. The main objective of this research was to determine whether and to what extent the level of health literacy affects the reproductive health of young people. Methods. The research belongs to the group of epidemiological studies, conducted according to the type of cross-sectional study. It was carried out in the period from 1st to 17th of June, 2019.A total of 230 students of professional health studies participated in the research. The questionnaire, in addition to demo-graphic data, contained the S-TOFHLA health literacy test and specially designed questions about reproductive health. Results: Our research showed that six respondents (2.61%) had inadequate health literacy, 80 (34.78%) had marginal health literacy, and 144 (62.61%) had adequate health literacy. Greater health literacy is associated with sexual activity, number of partners and the use of anti-baby pills. Health literacy is influenced by many factors, including knowledge of reproductive health, age, gender, sociodemographic factors, economic status, level of education, and more. Insufficient promotion of sexual education in our society, potential mistrust in the official education system and the desire of respondents to independently research this area. Conclusion. More than two thirds of students show the adequate level of health literacy. Students who are older in terms of age and years of study have a higher level of health literacy. This research can serve as a starting point for the creation of new programs on reproductive health and health literacy, especially those aimed at the population of health professionals.