Road traffic injuries remain a major contributor to premature mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study quantified the burden of premature mortality attributable to road traffic injuries in the Republic of Srpska by calculating Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL), and assessed changes following the 2021 amendments to traffic safety legislation. A quasi-experimental before–after design compared the periods 2011–2020 and 2021–2024. Mortality data were sourced from official demographic statistics and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results indicate a substantial decline in premature mortality. The mean number of road traffic deaths decreased by 27.9%, while YLL and PYLL were reduced by approximately 70%. Reductions occurred across all age groups, with the most pronounced decline among individuals aged 15-24 years and among vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and bicyclists. The Haddon matrix was used as the primary analytical framework, organizing findings across pre-crash, crash, and post-crash phases. The observed changes were primarily associated with system-level interventions in the pre-crash phase, particularly legislative and enforcement measures. Improvements in crash and post-crash determinants also likely contributed to reduced mortality. In conclusion, the reduction in premature mortality observed after 2021 is temporally associated with legislative amendments and aligns with a broader system-based road safety framework rather than isolated policy measures. Further research is warranted to quantify the contribution of individual interventions and to assess long-term trends.

Particularly as health systems seek to improve efficiency, service quality and innovation, the entrepreneurial intention of health professionals has become an area of growing interest. However, particularly in transitional healthcare systems such as that of the Republic of Srpska, little research has focused on the entrepreneurial intention of family physicians. The purpose of this study is the investigation of the level of entrepreneurship intent among general practitioners in the Republic of Srpska, and the identification of key psychological and background factors that influence entrepreneurship intent. A 121-sample of general practitioners practising in the Republic of Srpska was surveyed using a quantitative cross-sectional survey. The survey instrument is based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression modelling. Attitude, subjective norm and perceived control factors explained the intention of family medicine doctors (FMDs) to start a private Family Medicine Specialist Clinic (FMSC). There was a significant negative correlation between the intention of setting up a private FMSC and years of experience in family medicine and the job title of FMDs. The study highlights the potential and barriers to promoting entrepreneurship among family physicians in the Republic of Srpska. The entrepreneurial readiness of this key health workforce could be enhanced by addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted training and policy support. The findings provide valuable insights for policy makers, health care administrators and educators who wish to promote innovation and the sustainable development of the health care system in transition economies.

This study examines the statistical associations among gross domestic product per capita (GDP per capita), life expectancy at birth, income inequality, inequality in life expectancy, and human development across five Western Balkan countries. The analysis utilizes secondary data from the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Reports and the United Nations Statistics Division.The results indicate that, in 2022, Montenegro and Serbia are classified within the very high human development category, while Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia remain in the high human development category. Correlation analysis demonstrates a positive association between the Human Development Index (HDI) and GDP per capita, and negative associations between HDI and both income inequality and inequality in life expectancy. The association between HDI and life expectancy is relatively weak. Fixed-effects panel regression results show that GDP per capita, life expectancy, and income inequality are not statistically significantly associated with HDI. In contrast, inequality in life expectancy exhibits a negative association with HDI that approaches statistical significance. These results should be interpreted as statistical associations rather than causal relationships.

<p><strong>Introduction. </strong>This study analyzed the factors influencing the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with infertility issues. The investigation focused on endometrial thickness, the number of retrieved oocytes, and the number of obtained embryos as potential predictors of ART success.<br /><strong>Method.</strong> A health-epidemiological questionnaire of general data was created for the purposes of this study. Various statistical methods were applied for data analysis. Descriptive statistical parameters for the observed parameters were pre<br />sented, including the arithmetic mean (M), standard deviation (SD), skewness (Sk), and kurtosis (Ku), to examine deviations from the normal distribution. Multiple regression analysis was applied to investigate the relationships of the independent variables with the dependent variable.<br /><strong>Results. </strong>The study included 100 women of reproductive age. Endometrial thickness was not a significant predictor of ART&nbsp;<br />outcome. Conversely, the number of retrieved oocytes and the number of obtained embryos were identified as significant predictors of ART success. Participants with positive ART outcomes demonstrated a lower number of retrieved oocytes&nbsp;<br />but a higher number of obtained embryos.<br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> These findings highlight the importance of embryo quality in the implantation process. Further research is&nbsp;<br />needed to better understand this dynamic and to improve infertility treatments.</p>

Psychological violence among adolescents and young adults represents a significant challenge for both public health and the educational system, with long-term consequences for mental well-being. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and forms of psychological violence among individuals aged 12 to 24, as well as their awareness and personal experiences related to this issue. The research was conducted on a sample of 75 participants aged between 12 and 24 years, using a structured questionnaire that included demographic data, experiences with psychological violence, and familiarity with protective responses. The results revealed that a considerable number of participants had been exposed to various forms of psychological violence, including verbal abuse, social exclusion, and rejection. The study provides insight into the extent of psychological violence in this age group and indicates the need for further support measures. The discussion emphasizes the importance of involving students, parents, and teaching staff in efforts aimed at fostering emotional literacy and non-violent communication. Further research and programmatic development are recommended to enhance supportive strategies in school environments.

Svrha rada je da pruži pregled poslovnog okruženja u Bosni i Herce­govini i objasni njegov uticaj na priliv stranih direktnih investicija. U radu će se dalje analizirati struktura, iznosi i priliv stranih direktnih investici­ja koje je Bosna i Hercegovina privukla posljednjih godina. Prema podacima iz izvještaja međunarodnih organizacija, a na osnovu veći­ne pokazatelja, Bosna i Hercegovina i dalje zaostaje za susjednim zemljama. Da bi se stimulisao priliv stranih direktnih investicija, potrebno je stvoriti pre­duslove za njihov veći priliv, ali i stvoriti povoljan poslovni ambijent koji će biti atraktivan za strane investitore. Bosna i Hercegovina mora preduzeti niz aktivnosti, kako bi unaprijedila uku­pnu poslovnu klimu. Koje su to postojeće poslovne prepreke koje treba priori­tetno otkloniti, što bi rezultiralo povećanjem stranih direktnih investicija, ta­kođe će biti predmet razmatranja u ovom radu.

People consumed salt exclusively through food millions of years ago, which amounted to less than 0.5 g/day. Recent researches indicate that the average daily consumption of salt is more than 10 g/day. The general conclusion of studies investigating the relationship between dietary salt intake and blood pressure led to recommendations on reducing salt intake and limiting total intake to 5 g of salt per day by the World Health Organization and the European Safety Agency of Food. Increased salt intake causes suppression of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system by reducing sodium renal excretion. Also, an increase in salt intake leads to an increase in the concentration of sodium in the blood, which causes high secretion of vasopressin and causes high blood pressure. Namely, bread is a basic food and is high in salt, but the salt parameter is not mandatory in accordance with the regulations. Today, almost every EU country has different strategies that include recommending salt reduction through food reformulation to reduce the salt content of food, including bread and bakery products. Achieving and maintaining the reduction of the population's salt intake will soon give a great benefit in terms of the prevention of cardiovascular events as the first cause of death globally, then great savings for the health system and an individual.

Introduction. Inhalation of coal dust during blasting in brown coal mines has been shown to lead to a lung disease called pneumoconiosis. There is very little data in the literature on the direct impact of coal on the quality of life of people who work in coal mines as well as the body's immune response to the effects of coal dust. The aim was to examine the immune response to exposure to coal dust in miners in a brown coal mine and whether mine workers have poorer quality of life compared to those not exposed to coal dust. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study among 100 employees in the Brown Coal Mine in Ugljevik, of which 50 of them are exposed to coal dust on a daily basis. Blood samples were taken from all subjects to test for the presence of cytokines IL-2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, 17A, 17F, 21, 22, IFN-g and TNF-a. The quality of life of employees was measured using a questionnaire for self-assessment of physical and mental health (36-item Short-Form Health Survey, SF-36). Results. Group of miners had a significantly (p<0.05) higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IFN-g, IL-17A and IL-22 when compared to the control group. Subjects from the control group had significantly (p<0.05) higher concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 when compared to the group of miners. The quality of life was significantly (p<0.05) better in the control group when compared to the group of miners. Conclusion. Physical functioning, general health, mental health and Physical component summary were significantly poorer in the group of miners. Exposition to coal dust led to a significant increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Uvod. Mentalno zdravlje je povezano sa rizicnim ponasanjem u saobracaju i saobracajnim nezgodama. Cilj rada je ispitati socijalne i demografske karakteristike vozaca, kao i odnos mentalnog zdravlja i rizicnog ponasanja u saobracaju kod vozaca u Republici Srpskoj, Bosna i Hercegovina. Metode. Studija je dio istraživanja zdravlja stanovnistva Republike Srpske koje je provedeno 2010. godine. Istraživanjem je obuhvaceno 1866 domacinstava, a anketirano je 4178 odraslih osoba (1688 vozaca i 2490 nevozaca). Rezultati. Među 4178 osoba obuhvacenih istraživanjem, 59,6% su nevozaci i 40,4% vozaci. Znacajno veci procenat vozaca su muskarci (73,3%), osobe starosti između 25-54 godine (66,1%), koje žive u ruralnim podrucjima (55,3%) i koje su zaposlene (50,1%). Znacajno vise vozaca (58,2%) je bilo u kategoriji sa vrijednostima skora od 58 do 78 na skali mentalnog distresa, dok su nevozaci bili najzastupljeniji u kategoriji sa skorom mentalnog distresa 58 i manje (43,2%; p < 0,001). Takođe, znacajno veci procenat nevozaca (91,5%) se nalazi u kategoriji sa najnižim skorom mentalne vitalnosti (≤ 62,5), a procenat vozaca se povecava u kategorijama sa vecim skorovima na skali mentalne vitalnosti (p < 0,001). Osobe koje voze pod uticajem alkohola postižu niže vrijednosti skora na skali mentalnog distresa (p < 0,05, eta kvadrat = 0,005), dok osobe sklone upotrebi mobilnog telefona postižu vece skorove na skali mentalne vitalnosti (p < 0 ,001, eta kvadrat = 0,15). Zakljucak. Postoje znacajne razlike u mentalnom zdravlju vozaca i nevozaca. Osobe koje voze pod uticajem alkohola imaju niži skor mentalnog zdravlja, posmatrajuci rezultate na skali mentalnog distresa, a osobe koje koriste mobilni telefon tokom vožnje imaju veci nivo mentalne vitalnosti. Potrebno je dalje detaljno ispitivanje uticaja mentalnog zdravlja na sklonost ka rizicnom ponasanju u saobracaju.

Aim To synthesize evidence about the influence of individual antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) related to the prevention of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection on primary and secondary outcomes. Methods Relevant databases such as Medline, PUBMED, COCHRANE library and EBSCO were searched from 1 April to 27 April 2017. Additional studies were reached by the manual search for original articles in relevant journals. We included all randomized controlled, quasi-experimental and observational studies, published in the English language from 2007 onward, that evaluated effectiveness of ASP in preventing and controlling C. difficile associated disease (CDAD) among adult inpatients. Results Implementation of ASP interventions was associated with CDAD incidence reduction in 62.5% studies, but no significant differences were reported for the duration of hospitalization, readmission and mortality rate. Improvements in prescribing patterns (decreased antimicrobial use or increased rational use) and microbial outcomes (decreased rates of selected antimicrobial-resistant bacteria) were reported. Evidence on the effects of ASP is mainly limited to the results of studies low in methodological quality with great heterogeneity of outcomes, interventions, and units in which CDAD incidence data were reported. Conclusion Despite the low strength of evidence of reviewed studies, consistency of findings suggest the positive impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs on the prevention and control of nosocomial CDAD. The significance of this problem imposes randomized control trial use as the best instrument to provide highquality evidence. Further studies need to systematically analyse changes in all antibiotic use and its outcomes.

U oblasti javnog zdravstva mnogo je nerazjasnjenih pitanja koja su cesto prouzrokovana kompleksnim, međusobno uslovljenim pojavama, sto namece potrebu za sve cescom primjenom kvalitativnih naucnih istraživanja. Ovakava istraživanja se, prije svega, fokusiraju na nacin na koji pojedinci ili grupe shvataju svijet oko sebe i omogucavaju formiranje njihovih stavova i prakse povodom određenih istraživackih pitanja. Kako je cilj kvalitativnih istraživanja razumijevanje nekog aspekta drustvenog života, ona se prevashodno bave analizom rijeci, umjesto brojeva, sto dobijene rezultate cini komplikovanijim za interpretaciju. Pružajuci osnovni uvid u nacin formulisanja istraživackog pitanja, odabir uzorka, prikupljanje i analizu dobijenih podataka, ovaj rad ce kroz nekoliko jednostavnih koraka omoguciti sagledavanje metoda kvalitativnih istraživanja.

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and surgical site infections (SSI) are a global public health problem. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of SSIs at the Surgical Clinics of the University Clinical Centre Banja Luka and to identify risk factors for the development of SSIs. Methods: In order to determine the frequency of SSIs through the incidence compared to the patients operated at the Surgical Clinics of the University Clinical Centre Banja Luka, we conducted a prospective cohort study which encompassed 11.216 operated patients, in the period from November 11th, 2014 to September 30th, 2015. In order to identify risk factors for the development of SSIs, a nested case-control study of risk factors for SSIs was conducted. The study group consisted of patients who were diagnosed with SSIs in the period of monitoring, while the control group was consisted of patients without SSIs who corresponded with the study group in age and sex. Results: The highest values of incidence of SSIs were observed at the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (2.65%), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (2.48%) and the Department of Vascular Surgery (2.15%), and the lowest ones at the Department of Urology (0.59%). Among the cases of SSIs, deep infections of the surgical site were the most represented (82.7%). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the following independent risk factors: length of pore-operative stay in hospital (p=0.000; OR=1.062; 95% CI=1.037-1.087), reintervention (p=0.000; OR=22.409; 95% CI=6.361-79.071) and cotrticosteroids (p=0.023; OR=4.141; 95%CI=1.221-14.047). Conclusion: The incidence of SSIs at the Surgical Clinics of the University Clinical Centre Banja Luka is at the level of hospitals in developed countries. There are a number of risk factors for SSIs, which may be prevented.

Uvod. Kontaminanti i ostaci antibiotika u mesu i proizvodima od mesa predstavljaju javnozdravstveni problem i povezani su sa zdravstvenim rizicima. Cilj ovog rada je bio da se utvrdi ucestalost kontrole prisustva metala, radionuklida i ostataka antibiotika u mesu i proizvodima od mesa, i da se ukaže na potrebu pracenja svih kontaminanata predviđenih propisima. Metode. Ispitivanje je sprovedeno kao retrospektivna studija na 254 uzorka mesa i proizvoda od mesa iz spoljnotrgovinskog i unutrasnjeg prometa u Republici Srpskoj u periodu 2010-2012. dostavljenih u Institut za javno zdravstvo Republike Srpske. Uzorci su podijeljeni u 4 podgrupe: svježe meso, konzerve mesa, životinjske masti i ostali proizvodi od mesa. Sadržaj metala je određen metodom atomske apsorpcione spektrofotometrije, sadržaj radionuklida metodom gama spektrometrije visoke rezolucije, a rezidue hloramfenikola metodom kompetativne enzimske imunoanalize. Utvrđivanje zdravstvene ispravnosti uzoraka je izvrseno u skladu sa propisima iz oblasti bezbjednosti hrane važecim u periodu istraživanja. Rezultati. Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju da nisu utvrđeni zdravstveno neispravni uzorci hrane za ispitivana obilježja - metale, radionuklide i ostatke antibiotika. Na prisustvo arsena, kadmijuma i olova analizirano je 31,20% uzoraka, a na prisustvo 134Cs i 137Cs 29,98% uzoraka, a rezidue hloramfenikola su analizirane kod manje od 2% uzoraka mesa i proizvoda od mesa. Analiziranjem statisticke znacajnosti, razlike između vrste analiziranih kontaminanata u uzorcima mesa i proizvodima od mesa i vrste kontaminanata preporucenih propisima, uocava se da su ovi proizvodi statisticki znacajno cesce analizirani na prisustvo arsena, kadmijuma i olova u odnosu na druge preporucene kontaminante (χ2 = 303,16; p < 0,001). Zakljucak. Ispitivanje ucestalosti kontrola prisustva razlicitih kontaminanata u uzorcima mesa i proizvoda od mesa pokazalo je da su ovi proizvodi statisticki znacajno cesce analizirani na prisustvo metala arsena, kadmijuma i olova u odnosu na druge kontaminante predviđene propisima za ovu grupu proizvoda, koje je potrebno kontinuirano laboratorijski pratiti.

Introduction: Controlling the presence of contaminants or harmful substances in milk and dairy products provides early detection of risks since their presence, even in legally permitted concentration, increases the risk of damaging human health, especially children's health, such as allergic manifestations, and they can have potentially toxic, carcinogenic and genotoxic effects. Aim of the Study: The aim is to determine the frequency of the presence of contaminants in samples of milk and dairy products in the Republic of Srpska from 2010 to 2012 (metals, radionuclides, aflatoxins and residues of antibiotics and pesticides), and especially to point out their public health significance because of possible health risks. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the need for monitoring all the other contaminants in milk and dairy products specified in regulations. Material and Methods: The frequency of the presence of contaminants in the samples of milk and dairy products (n= 407) was determined on the basis of legally prescribed methodology of sampling, chemical analyses and preparation of expert opinion on food safety in accordance with current food regulations. Descriptive statistical indicators were used (a number of the samples, minimum and maximum concentrations). Chi square test (χ2) of contingency was used for testing the significance of differences in presence of contaminants and residues analyzed and recommended by regulations in samples of milk and dairy products. Results: The results of public health research of contaminants in samples of milk and dairy products indicate that no health defective food samples were determined at tested parameters - metals, radionuclides, aflatoxins, and residues of antibiotics and pesticides. A statistically significant number of samples examined on heavy metal content (83.29% or 339 samples) was determined comparing to the number of samples examined on the other contaminants and residues recommended by regulations in milk and dairy products (χ2=1000.776, p<0.001) Conclusion: The data obtained can serve as a basis for further analysis in the context of milk and dairy product sample monitoring. Although samples of milk and dairy products are safe, a long-term exposure to residues of harmful substances results in cumulative effect and damage health, meaning that each early detection of food risk found through continuous controls has a public health significance for preservation and promotion of population health in the Republic of Srpska.