PRESSUM OJS Sveučilište u Mostaru
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THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY IN PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
No full textBackground: Spirituality is becoming increasingly recognized as a key factor which influences mental health, and offers coping strategies and emotional support, particularly among adolescents. The connection between spiritual practices and reduced stress levels has been widely acknowledged in prior research.Aim: This study aims to explore the relationship between spirituality and mental health among high school students, focusing on the role of spiritual practices in fostering emotional stability, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. Results: The study revealed that 73% of participants believe in God and engage in spiritual practices. These individuals report lower levels of acute stress and greater emotional stability. Students who perceive their families as harmonious and complete (74%) also showed higher levels of emotional resilience. Key symptoms of stress, including somatization, loneliness, and interpersonal sensitivity, were less pronounced in students actively involved in spiritual activities. Spirituality was found to reduce feelings of isolation, provide social support, and contribute to better coping mechanisms for stress. All hypotheses, including the protective role of spirituality, its connection to emotional well-being, and its social benefits, were confirmed.Conclusion: The findings confirm that by reducing stress and improving emotional stability and resilience, spirituality significantly enhances mental health. Spiritual practices act as effective coping strategies and provide social and emotional support, making spirituality a valuable component in mental health interventions for adolescents. Integrating spiritual dimension into educational and preventive programs is crucial for fostering students’ mental well-being
EMPATHY, RESILIENCE, AND PERSONALITY TRAITS: A TRIAD IN THE SERVICE OF MENTAL HEALTH
No full textIntroduction: The topic of this research focuses on the key components of mental health by analyzing three interrelated characteristics: empathy, resilience, and personality traits. Each of these traits plays a significant role in shaping mental health and the overall psychological well-being of an individual. The aim of the research is to demonstrate how these three characteristics interact and contribute to the preservation and improvement of mental health.Methods: The research was conducted through an analysis of existing literature and a review of studies on the topics of empathy, resilience, and personality traits. The literature review includes studies that explore the connection between empathy and mental health, resilience and its role in coping with stress and trauma, and personality traits that influence emotional stability and behavior. The research also includes a review of empirical studies that confirm the importance of each of these characteristics.Results: It has been shown that empathy, resilience, and personality traits significantly contribute to mental health and emotional stability. Empathy improves social interactions, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and alleviates feelings of loneliness. Resilience helps in facing challenges and reduces the risk of mental disorders, while personality traits, including temperament and moral values, shape adaptation to stress and emotional stability. These traits are crucial for understanding and maintaining mental health.Conclusion: Understanding and developing these traits can significantly contribute to preserving mental health and fostering positive social relationships. Future research should continue to explore the interconnections between these characteristics in order to develop more effective strategies for supporting individual mental health and well-being
NARRATIVE REVIEW OF USING PSYCHOBIOTICS AND NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED DIETS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
No full textIntroduction: The gut microbiota is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health, with the gut-brain axis linking it to mental and neurological function. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacteria, is associated with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Psychobiotics, a promising subgroup of probiotics, may help treat these conditions by reducing inflammation, stress, and improving cognitive function. Objectives were to analyse the gut-brain axis and its impact on mental health issues.Results: Bidirectional communication between the brain and gastrointestinal tract regulates homeostasis and nervous, immune, and hormonal functions, with the vagus nerve linking the gut and brain. Psychobiotics, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli found in fermented foods, support cognitive and emotional health by influencing neurotransmitter synthesis and reducing inflammation. While promising, psychobiotics are most effective when used alongside conventional treatments for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.Discussion and conclusion: The brain-gut axis regulates homeostasis at neuronal, immunological, and hormonal levels, with psychobiotics like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli supporting both digestive and mental health. Found in fermented foods, psychobiotics show potential in improving neuropsychiatric conditions, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cognitive and emotional functions, particularly as part of synbiotics or complementary therapies
THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE AND TOXICITY OF CYCLIN- DEPENDENT KINASE 4/6 INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF HORMONE RECEPTOR-POSITIVE, HUMAN EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR-2 NEGATIVE METASTATIC BREAST CANCER– A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE
No full textBackground: The aim of the study was to determine the therapeutic response and toxicity of CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy in patients with hormone-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Additional aims were to determine whether there is a difference in survival and response to therapy in relation to age, ECOG status, other visceral diseases, the length of time waiting for drug approval, side effects, and consequently, treatment interruption and dose reduction.Methods: The study analyzed all available medical documentation for 65 patients who were treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors for hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer at the Oncology Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar during the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023. Data for analysis were obtained by processing the medical documentation. Additionally, data were obtained from the Federal Fund of the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the obtained data.Principal conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in response to therapy regarding PFS between patients who received CDK 4/6 inhibitors in four different therapeutic lines. However, a statistically significant difference in OS was found, i.e., patients who received this therapy in the first and second lines of treatment had longer survival compared to those who received therapy in later lines, partially confirming the hypothesized hypothesis. A statistically significant majority of patients on CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy did not experience side effects, thus confirming the hypothesis
NAVIGATING THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL BOUNDARIES OF EMBRYO STATUS: A BALKAN PERSPECTIVE WITH A FOCUS ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
No full textThe status of the human embryo remains one of the most debated issues at the intersection of science, ethics, and law. This paper explores the ethical, legal, and scientific perspectives on the embryo, with a particular focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina. A comparative analysis of legal frameworks across the Balkans highlights inconsistencies and gaps in regulation, particularly regarding embryo research and extended in vitro culture. Religious perspectives, predominantly shaped by monotheistic traditions, further complicate policy-making in this domain. By integrating scientific findings, ethical debates, and legal texts, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of the embryo, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion underscores the importance of harmonizing national laws with European standards, such as the SOHO Directive and ESHRE guidelines, while considering the region\u27s unique socio-cultural and religious landscape. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy changes, advocating for the extension of embryo culture up to the 14th day and the introduction of regulated research within IVF laboratories. These proposed changes aim to balance ethical concerns with scientific progress and align Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legislation with contemporary European practices
INTEGRATIVE BIO/GEOMEDICINE AND HEALTH FOR ALL IN THE AI AGE
No full textBio/Geomedicine with AI represents a powerful intersection between geography, medicine, and technology to improve medical understanding, prediction, decision-making and therapeutic effectiveness as well as health promotion and diseases prevention. This intersection provides a holistic transdisciplinary understanding of how life, environment, and health affect each other in order to promote health at all levels and predict, prevent, and manage diseases through an eco-geographical model. Human health is significantly influenced by the places where people live and work, including natural, man-made and social environments. Bio/geomedicine involves environmental epidemiology, public health planning and precision medicine and gives a hope for integrative holistic health care
METACOGNITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
No full textMetacognition and physical activity represent two important areas that can be interconnected to improve cognitive functions and overall human health. Metacognition refers to an individual\u27s ability to understand and manage their cognitive processes, such as planning, monitoring, and adjusting thinking strategies. On the other hand, physical activity positively impacts physical health but can also have beneficial effects on mental processes, including metacognitive skills. The relationship between metacognition and physical activity lies in the fact that regular physical activity can enhance metacognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, concentration, and coping strategy development. Individuals who engage in regular physical activity demonstrate a better ability to reflect on their mental processes, which can lead to increased confidence in learning and problem-solving. Furthermore, physical activity can positively influence stress reduction and emotional well-being, which may improve and enhance metacognitive skills, such as self-awareness and emotional regulation. The implementation of physical activity into daily life offers a holistic approach to improving health, including cognitive aspects, and encourages the understanding and management of one\u27s thought processes. Scientific research in this field is still exploring how different forms of physical activity affect specific metacognitive processes and how metacognition can be integrated into physical activity performances. The connection between metacognition and physical activity provides new opportunities for developing interventions that could enhance cognitive functions and the overall health of individuals
THE IMPACT OF VISUALISATION ON EMOTIONAL STATES AND OXYTOCIN SECRETION IN PATIENTS AFTER MYOCARDICAL INFARCTION
No full textBackground: Psychological interventions are increasingly used in the rehabilitation process after myocardial infarction. Previous studies have shown that guided visualization, which was also used in our research, is one of the most effective interventions.Subjects and methods: The study involved 20 participants undergoing rehabilitation after myocardial infarction at the Internal Clinic of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. They were divided into two groups, experimental and control. Participants in the experimental group performed guided visualization daily for 28 days. At the first and last sessions, two saliva samples were collected from all participants - before and after guided visualization. Participants measured their heart rate variability (HRV) parameters using a mobileapplication during visualization. Statistical methods used to determine the effects of visualization included t-test for two dependent samples and Wilcoxon test. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparisons between groups.Results: The study results show a significant impact of visualization on reducing negative affective states, while other variables showed changes in the expected direction that were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Study findings can contribute to the development of a more comprehensive psychophysiological approach to patients recovering from myocardial infarction, and they can also serve as a basis for the development of non-invasive post-infarction treatment with oxytocin
13TH GASTROENTEROLOGY INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM IN MOSTAR: NEW CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY
No full textFrom 22 to 24 November 2024, Mostar hosted the 13th Gastroenterology International Symposium, one of the most important events in the field of gastroenterology in the region. This prestigious gathering brought together eminent experts and scientists in the field of gastroenterology, who exchanged the latest research, clinical approaches and innovations in the diagnostics and treatment of digestive system diseases
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE INFECTIONS IN UNIVERSITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL MOSTAR
No full textTreatment of Clostridioides difficile infections in University Clinical Hospital Mostar from an economic perspective Clostridioides difficile is the most prominent pathogen directly tied to a healthcare system and proven to be one of the main causes of high economic impacts. It results in a frequent need for hospitalization, including the treatment of sepsis and post-acute care, and requires an extended number of days spent at the hospital. In addition to the costs of the medicine and laboratory analysis, extended hospitalization is the key component of the high healthcare expenses. The rational use of antibiotics, mandatory implementation of general hygiene measures, like washing hands, and disinfecting surfaces can significantly contribute towards hospital\u27s overall expenses. This is particularly important for those in contact with an infected patient or with a patient suspected of having CDI. These basic measures establish security systems in the prevention of CDI. Proper managing and forecasting of the costs on the annual level for each individual healthcare institution is a necessary measure. Developing an accurate estimate of the funds needed for the treatment and prevention of CDI and its best therapies for each form of the disease, is a secure way to prevent recurring episodes that cause a significant economic burden on healthcare institutions