1,721,016 research outputs found
The impact of indoor and outdoor environmental factors on air quality in kindergarten playrooms and primary and secondary school classrooms
No full textUvod: Šolajoči otroci in mladostniki skoraj 12 % svojega življenja preživijo v šolskem okolju. Slaba kakovost notranjega zraka v šolah se povezuje z vplivi na zdravje učencev in na njihovo uspešnost pri pouku. Zaradi višje frekvence dihanja, nepopolno razvitih pljuč in še razvijajočega imunskega sistema se otroci uvrščajo v občutljivo populacijsko skupino. Namen: Namen magistrskega dela je opredeliti možne dejavnike vpliva zunanjega in notranjega okolja na kakovost zraka v vzgojno-izobraževalnih zavodih in oceniti razširjenost opredeljenih dejavnikov v slovenskih osnovnih šolah. Metode dela: V prvi fazi smo s sistematičnim pregledom literature proučili dejavnike, ki vplivajo na kakovost zraka v vzgojno-izobraževalnih zavodih. V drugi fazi smo analizirali rezultate anketnega vprašalnika, ki je bil izveden v slovenskih osnovnih šolah v sklopu ciljno raziskovalnega projekta, številka V3-1904. Z analizo rezultatov anketnega vprašalnika smo ocenili razširjenost opredeljenih dejavnikov, ki vplivajo na kakovost zraka v osnovnih šolah v Sloveniji glede na mikrolokacijo. Oceno povezanosti med mikrolokacijo osnovnih šol in izbranimi dejavniki vpliva smo statistično preverili s preizkusom Pearsonov hi-kvadrat. Rezultati: S sistematičnim pregledom raziskav smo ugotovili, da sta bila kot najpogostejši vir onesnaževanja notranjega zraka navedena bližina prometnih cest ter dejavnost uporabnikov v učilnicah. Na anketni vprašalnik se je odzvalo 355 od 454 osnovnih šol v Sloveniji. Ugotovili smo, da je, v raziskanih primerih slovenskih šol, prometna cesta najpogostejši potencialni zunanji vir onesnaževanja notranjega zraka v centru mesta in na obrobju mesta/manjšem mestu. Na vasi/podeželju je bil najpogostejši potencialni zunanji vir onesnaževanja stanovanjsko naselje z individualnimi kurišči na drva. Dejavniki vpliva kot so, oddaljenost osnovne šole 200 m od potencialnih virov onesnaževal, oddaljenost od najbližje prometnice, energent, na katerega se ogreva šolska stavba, so statistično značilno povezani z mikrolokacijo osnovne šole. Razprava in zaključek: Na podlagi sistematičnega pregleda literature ugotavljamo, da tako zunanji, kot notranji dejavniki vpliva pomembno vplivajo na kakovost notranjega zraka v prostorih vzgojno-izobraževalnih zavodov. Najpomembnejši rezultati naše presečne raziskave so pokazali, da je mikrolokacija osnovnih šol v Sloveniji statistično značilno povezana le z nekaterimi zunanjimi dejavniki vpliva. Poznavanje dejavnikov vpliva nam daje pomemben vpogled v obravnavano problematiko in usmeritev v najbolj pereča vprašanja glede zmanjševanja notranjih koncentracij onesnaževal v igralnicah vrtcev in učilnicah šol.Introduction: School-age children and adolescents spend almost 12% of their lives in the school environment. Poor indoor air quality in schools is associated with the impact on students\u27 health and their educational performance. Due to the higher respiratory rate, incompletely developed lungs and still developing immune system, children are classified as a vulnerable population group. Purpose: The purpose of the master thesis is to define the potential factors of the indoor and outdoor environment that affect indoor air quality in an educational setting and to assess the prevalence of the identified factors in Slovenian primary schools. Methods: In the first phase, we conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the factors that affect indoor air quality in educational settings. In the second phase, we analysed the results of the questionnaire survey, conducted in Slovenian primary schools as part of the targeted research project number V3-1904. By analysing the results of the questionnaire, we assessed the prevalence of the identified factors that affect indoor air quality in primary schools in Slovenia according to micro location. The assessment of the association between the micro location of primary schools and the selected factors that affect indoor air was statistically tested using the Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: Based on a systematic review of the literature, we found that the most common sources of indoor air pollution were proximity to busy roads and user activity in classrooms. 355 out of 454 primary schools in Slovenia responded to the questionnaire. In Slovenian school cases studied, we have found that traffic road is the most common outdoor source affecting indoor air quality in the city centre and in the suburbs/small town. In the village/rural area, the most common outdoor source was residential area with individual wood-burning stoves. Factors such as the 200-metre distance of the primary school from potential pollution sources, the distance from the nearest major road and the energy source used to heat the school building are statistically significantly associated with the micro location of the primary school. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the systematic literature review, we found that both outdoor and indoor factors have a significant impact on indoor air quality in educational settings. The main results of our cross-sectional study showed that the micro location of primary schools in Slovenia is statistically significantly associated with only certain outdoor factors that affect indoor air quality. Knowing the factors that affect indoor air quality gives us important insights into the discussed issues and a focus on the most pressing issues with regard to reducing the concentrations of pollutants in kindergarten playrooms and school classrooms
Methodological approach for assessment of sick building syndrome among health workers and co - workers in observed hospital
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Zdravstveni delavci, zdravstveni sodelavci/drugi zaposleni in pacienti so v bolnišničnem okolju izpostavljeni številnim dejavnikom tveganja. Epidemiološke presečne raziskave navajajo od 21 do 80 % pogostost sindroma bolnih stavb (SBS) v bolnišničnem okolju, medtem ko pogostost SBS v drugih notranjih okoljih znaša okoli 30 %.
Namen
Namen doktorske disertacije je bil razviti metodološki pristop za celovito oceno pogostosti SBS v povezavi z okoljskimi parametri pri zdravstvenih delavcih, zdravstvenih sodelavcih/drugih zaposlenih v opazovani bolnišnici.
Metode
Epidemiološka presečna raziskava je temeljila na različnih metodoloških pristopih. Uporabili smo mešano metodološko zasnovo, kombinacijo kvantitativne in kvalitativne raziskave. Podlaga za izvedbo raziskave je bil sistematični pregled znanstvene literature. Raziskava je potekala na vzorcu zdravstvenih delavcev (n = 258) in zdravstvenih sodelavcev/drugih zaposlenih (n = 78) v opazovani bolnišnici. Za samooceno pogostosti SBS med opazovanima populacijama smo uporabili standardizirana merska instrumenta za ocenjevanje kakovosti notranjega okolja (MM 040 NA Hospital in MM 040 NA Office). Kot orodje za analizo smo uporabili statistično programsko opremo SPSS za Windows (različica 21.0IBM CorpArmonk. NY. ZDA) (licenca: Univerza v Ljubljani, Slovenija). Uporabili smo metode opisne statistike, razlike smo testirali s Kruskal-Wallisovim testom ali ?2-kvadrat testom. Z metodo multiple regresijske analize smo ocenili vpliv neodvisnih spremenljivk (ocena prisotnih dejavnikov tveganja, dejavniki delovnega okolja, potencialno moteči dejavniki) na pojavnost simptomov SBS. Rezultate smo kot statistično značilne vrednotili pri vrednostih p ? 0,05.
Rezultati
Ugotovili smo, da so splošni simptomi SBS najpogostejši izmed vseh simptomov SBS pri zdravstvenih delavcih (51,9 %) in zdravstvenih sodelavcih/drugih zaposlenih (44,9 %). Zdravstveni delavci so izmed vseh okoljskih dejavnikov tveganja v najvišjem deležu samoocenili neprijeten vonj (39,1 %), zdravstveni sodelavci/drugi zaposleni pa zatohel zrak (34,6 %). Večje število zaznanih okoljskih dejavnikov tveganja zdravstvenih delavcev je pomenilo večje število navedenih simptomov SBS (ß = 0,205p = 0,001). Manjša možnost vpliva na organizacijo dela je pomenila prisotnost večjega števila simptomov SBS (ß = 0,192p = 0,001). Pri zdravstvenih delavcih, ki so redkeje ocenjevali prevelik obseg dela smo ugotovili pojavnost manjšega števila simptomov SBS (ß = –0,140p = 0,021). Prisotnost nočnega dela je pozitivno vplivala na večjo prisotnost simptomov SBS (ß = 0,139p = 0,012). Manjša zaskrbljenost s spremembami v delovni situaciji je pomenila pojavnost manjšega števila simptomov SBS (ß = –0,234p = 0,000). Med izmerjenimi okoljskimi dejavniki tveganja ter obema skupinama opazovancev med ogrevalno in neogrevalno sezono smo ugotovili statistično značilno razliko v temperaturi zraka notranjih prostorov [°C] (p =Theoretical background
Health workers, co-workers/other employees and patients are exposed to a number of risk factors in a hospital setting. Epidemiological cross-sectional studies report a 21 to 80 % incidence of sick building syndrome (SBS) in hospital settings, whereas the incidence of SBS in other indoor settings is about 30 %.
Purpose
The purpose of the doctoral dissertation was to develop a methodological approach for a comprehensive assessment of the frequency of SBS in relation to environmental parameters in health workers, co-workers/other employees in the observed hospital.
Methods
Epidemiological cross-sectional research was based on different methodological approaches. We used a mixed methodological design, a combination of quantitative and qualitative research. The basis for conducting the research was to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature. The research was conducted on a sample of health workers (n = 258) and co-workers/other employees (n = 78) in the observed hospital. For self-assessment of the frequency of SBS among the observed populations, we used standardised measurement instruments to assess the quality of the internal environment (MM 040 NA Hospital and MM 040 NA Office). We used the statistical software SPSS for Windows (version 21.0IBM CorpArmonk. NY. USA) (license: University of Ljubljana, Slovenia). In our analysis we used descriptive statistics and the differences found were tested using the Kruskal - Wallis test or the chi-square test. Using the multiple regression analysis method, we assessed the influence of independent variables (assessment of present risk factors, work environment factors and potentially - disturbing factors) on the occurrence of SBS symptoms. The results were evaluated as statistically significant at p 䁤 0.05.
Results
We found that the general symptoms of SBS are the most common of all the symptoms of SBS experienced by health workers (51.9 %) and co-workers/other employees (44.9 %). Of all the environmental risk factors, health workers rated unpleasant odour the highest (39.1 %), while co-workers/other employees rated stale air (34.6 %) the highest. A higher number of perceived environmental risk factors by health workers meant a higher number of reported SBS symptoms (β = 0.205p = 0.001). Due to a reduced capability of influencing the organisation of work meant there was a presence of a larger number of SBS symptoms (β = 0.192p = 0.001). A lower number of SBS symptoms (β = -0.140p = 0.021) were found in health workers who rarely considered their workload as excessive. The presence of night work had a positive effect on the increased incidence of SBS symptoms (β = 0.139p = 0.012). Less concern about changes in the work situation meant the occurrence of fewer SBS symptoms (β = -0.234p = 0.000). A statistically significant difference was found between the measured environmental risk factors and both groups of observed individuals dependent on seasons where heating was either used or not used/ with ambient indoor air temperature [°C] (p
Assessment of vitamin D status of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
No full textUvod: Na preskrbljenost z vitaminom D vplivajo vedenjski in prehranski dejavniki. Namen doktorske naloge je bil oceniti preskrbljenost z vitaminom D, razlike med slovenskimi premenopavznimi in pomenopavznimi ženskami, starimi med 44 in 65 let ter razviti model, ki bi omogočal napovedovanje preskrbljenosti z vitaminom D brez določanja serumskih vrednosti.
Metode: V obdobju med 1. marcem in 31. majem 2021 smo izvedli presečno epidemiološko študijo, v katero je bilo vključenih 319 žensk, starih med 44 in 65 let. V končno analizo smo vključili 176 preiskovank. Preskrbljenost z vitaminom D smo določili z meritvijo koncentracije skupnega 25-(OH) vitamina D (25(OH)D), vitamin D vezavnega proteina (DBP), albumina ter z izračunom biorazpoložlivega in prostega 25(OH)D. Za izračun obogatitvenega modela smo vsebnost vitamina D v neobogatenem mleku (vključno z jogurtom) in jajcih nadomestili z vsebnostjo v (bio)obogatenih živilih. Po 20 mesecih je bil udeleženkam poslan spletni vprašalnik za nadaljnje spremljanje. 123 udeleženk je odgovorilo s popolnimi podatki.
Rezultati in diskusija: Pomanjkanje vitamina D (skupni 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) je bilo ugotovljeno pri 29,0 % premenopavznih in 24,4 % pomenopavznih žensk. Nezadostnost vitamina D (skupni 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) je bila ugotovljena pri 76,8 % premenopavznih in 61,7 % pomenopavznih žensk. Premenopavzne ženske so imele 11,8 % nižji skupni 25(OH)D in 32,2 % nižji biorazpoložljivi 25(OH)D kot pomenopavzne ženske. Razmerje obetov (OR) za nezadostnost vitamina D (skupni 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) med preiskovankami, ki ne dodajajo vitamina D, je bilo OR = 6,23p<0,001. Dodajanje vitamina D se je v primerjavi z obdobjem pred pandemijo povečalo za 7-krat in je po 20 mesecih ostalo na visoki ravni. (Bio)obogatitev bi lahko stroškovno učinkovito povečala povprečni vnos vitamina D iz 2,2±1,3 µg/d (brez obogatitve) na 10,5±6,5 µg/d (bioobogatitev jajc, obogatitev mleka in jogurta).
Zaključki: Presejalni vprašalnik ne bi bil dovolj zanesljiv pri napovedovanju nizkih serumskih vrednosti skupnega 25(OH)D. Dodajanje vitamina D z zdravili in s prehranskimi dopolnili je za razliko od obogatitve živil, učinkovito le na individualni ravni. Cilj obogatitve živil mora biti izkoreninjenje hudega pomanjkanja vitamina D(25(OH)D 75 nmol/L) pa bi bilo med mesecem oktobrom in aprilom še vedno potrebno dodajanje vitamina D preko zdravil ali prehranskih dopolnil. V času pandemije covida-19, se promocija dodajanja vitamina D v medijih izkazala kot zelo uspešna, zato bi bilo to smiselno sistematično in kontinuirano izvajati.Introduction: Vitamin D status is influenced by behavioural and dietary factors. The aim of this doctoral thesis was to determine vitamin D status and differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal Slovenian women aged 44 to 65 years and to develop a model for predicting vitamin D status without measuring serum levels.
Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted between 1 March and 31 May 2021 (during Covid-19 lockdown), involving 319 women aged 44 to 65 years. 176 participants were included in the final analysis. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring the concentration of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (total 25(OH)D), vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), albumin and by calculating bioavailable and free 25(OH)D. For the fortification model calculations, the vitamin D contents of unenriched milk (including yoghurt) and eggs were replaced by enriched foods containing vitamin D. After 20 months an online follow-up questionnaire was sent out, to which 123 participants responded with complete data.
Results and discussion: Vitamin D deficiency (total 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) was found in 29.0 % of premenopausal and 24.4 % of postmenopausal women. Vitamin D insufficiency (total 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) was found in 76.8 % of premenopausal and 61.7 % of postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, total 25(OH)D levels were 11.8 % lower and bioavailable 25(OH)D levels were 32.2 % lower than in postmenopausal women. The odds ratio (OR) for vitamin D insufficiency (total 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) among vitamin D non-supplementers was OR = 6.23p<0.001. Vitamin D supplementation increased 7-fold compared to pre-pandemic levels and remained at a high level after 20 months. With (bio)fortification it would be possible to cost-effectively increase the average intake of vitamin D from 2.2±1.3 µg/d (no fortification) to 10.5±6.5 µg/d (biofortification of eggs, fortification of milk yoghurt)
Conclusions: A screening questionnaire would not be reliable enough to predict low serum levels of total 25(OH)D. Vitamin D supplementation with medications and supplements has been shown to be an effective, although unlike food fortification, it is only effective at the individual level. The goal of food fortification should be to eradicate severe vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D 75 nmol/L), the addition of vitamin D through medication or food supplements would still be necessary from October to April. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the promotion of vitamin D supplementation in the media proved to be very successful, so it would make sense to implement it systematically and continuously
Evaluation of daylight in indoor environment and formation of an assessment instrument
No full textUvod: Področje dnevne osvetljenosti v stavbah je slabo raziskana tema. Pomanjkanje dnevne svetlobe ima dokazano negativen učinek na zdravje in počutje uporabnikov. Z namenom izboljšanja svetlobnega udobja v notranjem okolju stavb je treba izdelati ocenjevalni instrument (vprašalnik), s katerim bi ocenili vpliv dnevne osvetljenosti na počutje in zdravje uporabnikov. Namen: Z magistrsko nalogo smo želeli oceniti dnevno osvetljenost v notranjem okolju izbranega prostora in oblikovati ocenjevalni instrument za oceno povezanosti med dnevno osvetljenostjo ter učinki na zdravje in počutje uporabnikov. Metode dela: S pomočjo bibliografskih baz smo izvedli pregled literature na štirih področjih mikroklime, s poudarkom na svetlobnem udobju. V predavalnici 213 na Zdravstveni fakulteti UL smo v 11 terminih (od marca do junija 2016) na 16 delovnih mestih izvajali meritve osvetljenosti. Hkrati smo spremljali vedenje uporabnikov (spremljanje prilagajanja delovnega okolja razpoložljivi dnevni svetlobi). Pri raziskavi je sodelovalo 15 študentov tretjega letnika Sanitarnega inženirstva. Izdelali smo tudi simulacijski model obravnavane učilnice in prikazali svetlobno okolje s predpostavljenimi pogoji. Glede na ugotovljeno smo izdelali ocenjevalni instrument, ki so ga z namenom validacije uporabniki tudi izpolnjevali. Rezultati: Področje dnevne osvetljenosti je slabo raziskana tema doma in v tujini. Raziskovalci še niso razvili ocenjevalnega instrumenta, s katerim bi ugotavljali vpliv dnevne osvetljenosti na počutje in zdravje uporabnikov. Povprečne meritve osvetljenosti so na petih delovnih mestih od šestnajstih znašale manj kot 500 lx. Na delovnih mestih ob okenskih površinah so bile povprečne izmerjene vrednosti osvetljenosti višje, in sicer od 1431 do 4260 lx. Osvetljenost se je z globino prostora zmanjševala. Vrednosti osvetljenosti so pri simulacijskem modelu in zlasti ob oblačnem stanju neba sovpadale z meritvami, vendar so bile od njih nižje. Razprava in zaključek: Število raziskav na področju svetlobnega udobja je nizko, vendar se z leti povečuje. Z meritvami osvetljenosti smo identificirali delovna mesta z nizko osvetljenostjo z dnevno svetlobo. To so bila zlasti mesta, ki so od okenskih površin oddaljena najdlje. Uporabniki senčil, s katerimi bi izboljšali svetlobno udobje, niso prilagajali. Na podlagi rezultatov izdelan ocenjevalni instrument bo v nadaljnjih raziskavah lahko uporabiti in s pomočjo njega uporabnikom pripraviti priporočila za dosego svetlobnega udobja ter zdravega okolja.Introduction: The field of daylighting in buildings is a poorly researched topic. The lack of daylight has proven negative impact on health and well-being of individuals. In order to improve visual comfort in the indoor environment of buildings, an evaluation instrument should be designed in order to assess the influence of daylight on users’ well-being and health. Purpose: With the master’s thesis we wanted to evaluate visual comfort in the indoor environment of the chosen room, and design an assessment instrument (i.e. questionnaire) for evaluation of the connection between the daylight and its effects on users’ health and well-being. Methods: Using bibliographic databases, we performed literature review in the four fields of microclimate with the emphasis on visual comfort. In the lecture room 213 at the Faculty of Health Sciences of University of Ljubljana (from March to June 2016), we performed illumination measurements at 16 working places. At the same time, we monitored users’ behaviour (monitoring adaptation of working environment to the available daylight). The research included 15 students of the 3rd year of the programme Sanitary Engineering. We also designed simulation model of the subject classroom and presented the illumination using the pre-set conditions. In regard to the established, we designed the assessment instrument that was filled-in by the users for the purpose of validation. Results: The field of daylight is poorly researched topic locally and abroad. Researches have not yet developed an assessment instrument to determine influence of the daylight on users’ health and well-being. Average illumination measurements on five working places out of sixteen totalled to less than 500 lx. At the working places next to the windows, average measured illumination values were higher, namely from 1431 to 4260 lx. Illumination decreased with the depth of the place. Illumination values in simulation model and mainly cloudy weather coincided with measurements, but were lower. Discussion and conclusion: Number of researches in the field of visual comfort is low, but it has been increasing. By measuring illumination, we identified working places with low daylight. Those were mainly the working places the furthest away from windows. Users did not adjust shades in order to improve visual comfort. Based on the results, we designed an assessment instrument, which can be used in further researches. On the basis of that, it will be possible to prepare recommendations for users of how to achieve visual comfort and healthy environment
Assessment and use of data from epidemiological studies for spatial presentation: an example of determining arsenic exposure in the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi
No full textUvod: Arzen je strupena snov in lahko povzroča številne zdravstvene težave, kar je razlog za zaskrbljenost v vseh življenjskih obdobjih, še posebej pri otrocih. V občini Zagorje ob Savi je bila leta 2016 izvedena epidemiološka presečna raziskava »Poglobljena ocena tveganja za zdravje otrok zaradi izpostavljenosti arzenu v občini Zagorje ob Savi«. Namen: Na primeru že pridobljenih podatkov v raziskavi »Poglobljena ocena tveganja za zdravje otrok zaradi izpostavljenosti arzenu v občini Zagorje ob Savi« smo pripravili metodologijo za izvedbo prostorskih prikazov s podatki, pridobljenimi v epidemioloških študijah, in ocenili kakovost tovrstno pridobljenih podatkov za uporabo pri pripravi prostorskih prikazov. Metode dela: Podatke o izpostavljenosti arzenu smo pridobili iz laboratorijskih analiz vzorcev jutranjega urina. Opazovana populacija so bili otroci, stari 3–5 let. Območje opazovanja je predstavljala občina Zagorje ob Savi. Prostorske informacije s področja okolja v Sloveniji smo našli v dostopnih zbirkah prostorskih podatkov. Naslovom bivališč otrok, podjetij in obratov ter nekdanjim rudnikom antimona smo pridobili geografski koordinati, s katerimi jih je bilo možno uporabiti v orodju geografski informacijski sistem. Ocenili smo kakovost vhodnih podatkov z vidika obravnave v prostorskem prikazu. Izdelali smo prostorske sloje, ki so bili podlaga za prostorski prikaz. Ocenili smo korelacijo med koncentracijami arzena in oddaljenostjo bivališča otrok od morebitnih virov arzena. Rezultati: V obliki tabele smo prikazali zbrane vhodne podatke, ki smo jih potrebovali za izdelavo prostorskih prikazov. Ugotovili smo, da so podatki dovolj kakovostni za izvedbo prostorskega prikaza. Prostorsko smo prikazali lokacijo občine Zagorje ob Savi na zemljevidu Slovenije ter naselja, potoke, morebitne naravne in antropogene vire arzena (nekdanji rudniki antimona, obrati, podjetja) v občini Zagorje ob Savi. Otroci, ki so živeli bližje morebitnim naravnim in antropogenim virom arzena, niso imeli višjih koncentracij arzena v urinu v primerjavi z otroki, ki so živeli dlje od virov. Razprava in zaključek: Pri pripravi prostorskih prikazov moramo uporabiti kakovostne vhodne podatke. Prostorski prikazi so dobrodošel dodatek pri predstavitvi različnih podatkov, pridobljenih iz laboratorijskih analiz in vprašalnikov. Uporabi se jih lahko za dodatne analize, ki preučujejo vplive oddaljenosti med posameznimi točkami. Razvit metodološki pristop se bo lahko uporabil pri drugih raziskavah s področja okolja in zdravja.Introduction: Arsenic is a poisonous substance and can cause various health problems, which is a reason for concern in every stage of life, especially during childhood. In the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi an epidemiological study titled “Refined risk assessment for children’s health due to arsenic exposure in the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi” was carried out. Purpose: With the example of data obtained from the “Refined risk assessment for children’s health due to arsenic exposure in the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi” study methodology was prepared for the implementation of spatial presentation of the data obtained in the epidemiological studies. The quality of such data for spatial presentations preparation was assessed. Methods: The data about arsenic exposure was obtained from laboratory analysis of morning urine samples. The population observed were children aged 3 to 5 years. Observation area was the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi. Spatial information regarding environment in Slovenia was found in accessible spatial databases. Geographic coordinates for children’s addresses, companies and plants and former antimony mines were obtained so that they could be used in geographic information system. Input data quality was assessed from the spatial presentation perspective. Spatial data layers were made as a basis for spatial presentation. Correlation between arsenic concentration and the distance of the children’s home from possible sources of arsenic was assessed. Results: Collected input data needed for spatial presentations were represented in a chart. We found the data were of sufficient quality to be used in a spatial presentation. The location of the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi was spatially presented on a map of Slovenia, as were settlements, brooks and potential natural or anthropogenic sources of arsenic in the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi. Children living closer to the potential natural or anthropogenic sources of arsenic did not have higher concentration of arsenic in urine than those living further from the sources. Discussion and conclusion: When preparing spatial presentations high quality input data must be used. Spatial presentations are a welcome addition to the presentation of different data obtained from laboratory analyses and surveys. They can be used for additional analyses studying the effects of distance between certain points. A developed methodological approach can be used for other analyses from the fields of health and environment
Association between children\u27s and adolescent\u27s prevalence of asthma symptoms and environmental risk factors: pilot study
No full textUvod: Astma je pogosta kronična bolezen dihal, ki nastane zaradi vnetja dihalnih poti in krčenja gladkih mišic. Kljub napredku pri obvladovanju in preprečevanju poslabšanja astme je nujno zmanjšanje izpostavljenosti dejavnikom tveganja zunanjega in notranjega okolja zaradi njihovega vpliva na pojavnost in poslabšanje astme. Namen: Namen magistrskega dela je oceniti povezanost med prevalenco simptomov astme in astmi podobnih simptomov ter opazovanimi okoljskimi dejavniki tveganja pri otrocih (6-7 let) ter pri mladostnikih (12-13 let) na priložnostnem vzorcu izbranih osnovnih šol v Sloveniji. V sklopu magistrskega dela smo oblikovali 3 cilje: (1) oceniti prevalenco simptomov astme in astmi podobnih simptomov pri otrocih in mladostnikih na priložnostnem vzorcu, (2) oceniti prevalenco okoljskih dejavnikov tveganja ter (3) oceniti povezanost med prevalenco simptomov astme in opazovanimi okoljskimi dejavniki tveganja. Metode dela: Magistrsko delo je presečna epidemiološka raziskava. V raziskavo smo vključili podatke, zbrane v obdobju od 1. 9. 2023 do 31. 5. 2024. Priložnostni vzorec sestavlja 561 otrok (6-7 let) in mladostnikov (12-13 let) iz 11 osnovnih šol. Podatke smo pridobili na podlagi vprašalnika in jih obdelali z uporabo statističnega programa IBM SPSS Statistics. Rezultate smo opisali glede na 2 opazovana izida z 29 pojasnjevalnimi in 6 motečimi dejavniki. Rezultati: Prevalenco simptomov astme in astmi podobnih simptomov vsaj enkrat v življenju smo ocenili pri 35,6 % otrok in mladostnikov, v zadnjih 12 mesecih pa pri 19,1 % otrok in mladostnikov. Diagnozo astme ima 2,5 % otrok in mladostnikov. Razprava in zaključek: Ocenjujemo, da na priložnostnem vzorcu na pojav simptomov astme in astmi podobnih simptomov kadarkoli v življenju vplivajo prenatalna izpostavljenost tobačnemu dimu, prisotnost plesni v stanovanju v zadnjih 12 mesecih, prisotnost plesni v otroški sobi ter uporaba lepil, razredčil in drugih kemikalij v prisotnosti otroka, na pojav simptomov astme in astmi podobnih simptomov v zadnjih 12 mesecih pa stanovanje v bližini industrijskega obrata, kajenje matere v obdobju nosečnosti, trenutna izpostavljenost otroka tobačnemu dimu v stanovanju in reden stik otroka z živalmi na kmetiji v prvem letu življenja. Pomemben je tudi vpliv nekaterih motečih dejavnikov: celo leto neprehoden ali zamašen nos, genetska predispozicija in izobrazba matere.Introduction: Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease caused by inflammation of the airways and smooth muscle contractions. Reducing exposure to environmental risk factors remains key despite advances in managing asthma exacerbations. Aim: The aim of this master thesis is to assess the association between the prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms and observed environmental risk factors in children and adolescents in a convenience sample of selected primary schools in Slovenia. We developed three objectives: (1) to estimate the prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms in children and adolescents in the convenience sample, (2) to estimate the prevalence of environmental risk factors, and (3) to estimate the association between the prevalence of asthma symptoms and observed environmental risk factors. Methods: We included data collected from 1 September 2023 to 31 May 2024. The convenience sample consists of 561 children (6-7 years) and adolescents (12-13 years) from 11 primary schools. The data was collected via a questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics. We described the results in terms of two observed outcomes with 29 explanatory and 6 confounding factors. Results: Asthma and asthma-like symptoms occurred at least once in the lifetime of 35.6 % of children and adolescents, while 19,1 % experienced symptoms in the last 12 months. A diagnosis of asthma was reported in 2.5 % of children and adolescents. Discussion and conclusion: In this convenience sample, we estimate that the occurrence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms at any point in life is influenced by prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke, the presence of mould in the home in the last 12 months, the presence of mould in the child\u27s room, and the use of glues, thinners and other chemicals in the presence of the child. In the last 12 months, asthma and asthma-like symptoms were associated with living near an industrial plant, maternal smoking during pregnancy, current exposure to tobacco smoke in the home and the regular contact with farm animals during the first year of life. The influence of certain confounding factors is also important, including a year-round blocked nose, genetic predisposition and the mother\u27s education level
Sleep habits and psychosocial determinants of sleep habits of adolescents in Celje municipality
No full textUvod: Spanje predstavlja enega od gradnikov našega zdravja in vpliva na kakovost življenja v vseh starostnih obdobjih. Še posebej občutljiva skupina glede spanja so mladostniki, saj je mladostništvo obdobje rasti in razvoja, zdravo spanje pa je izredno pomembno za optimalno rast, razvoj in delovanje mladostnika. Hkrati je mladostništvo ključno obdobje za oblikovanje spalnih navad v odrasli dobi. Spanje ima pomemben vpliv na osnovne fiziološke procese, spoznavne funkcije, vedenja in čustva mladostnika. Mladostniki v povprečju spijo premalo. Pomanjkanje spanja ima pomembne negativne kratkoročne in dolgoročne učinke na zdravje mladostnika. Zaradi vpliva na zdravje mladostnikov je pomanjkanje spanja resen javnozdravstveni izziv, kar je v obdobju mladostništva treba ustrezno naslavljati. Za izboljšanje spalnih navad med mladostniki je treba raziskati spalne navade in psihosocialne dejavnike, ki vplivajo na oblikovanje spalnih navad in krepitev zdravega spanja. Za raziskovanje potrebujemo preveden in validiran vprašalnik, katerega rezultati lahko nadalje služijo oblikovanju intervencij, ki bodo temeljile na medsektorskem sodelovanju ter upoštevale vidik mladostnikov, staršev in učiteljev. Namen: Namen magistrskega dela je prevod, kulturna adaptacija ter validacija dveh vprašalnikov o spalnih navadah v pediatrični populaciji (angl. Pediatric Sleep Practices Questionnaire – PSPQ) ter psihosocialnih dejavnikih spalnih navad in zdravega spanja mladostnikov (angl. Psychosocial Determinants of Sleep Behavior and Healthy Sleep – PSD) in na podlagi slovenskega vprašalnika raziskati spalne navade ter psihosocialne dejavnike spalnih navad in zdravega spanja celjskih osmošolcev. Metode dela: Prevod in kulturna adaptacija vprašalnika o spalnih navadah pediatrične populacije in vprašalnika o psihosocialnih dejavnikih spalnih navad in zdravega spanja, vsebinska validacija obeh omenjenih vprašalnikov in izvedba presečne epidemiološke raziskave med osmošolci v Mestni občini Celje v februarju 2024. Rezultati: Pridobili smo dva vsebinsko veljavna in zanesljiva slovenska vprašalnika, in sicer vprašalnik o spalnih navadah v pediatrični populaciji (PSPQ – SI) ter vprašalnik o psihosocilnih dejavnikih spalnih navad in zdravega spanja mladostnikov (PSD – SI), ki sta pokazala, da celjski osmošolci spijo premalo, njihov urnik spanja pa je nedosleden. Razprava in zaključek: Za dvig ravni zdravega spanja in izboljšanje spalnih navad ter posledično izboljšanje zdravja in počutja mladostnikov potrebujemo uspešne javnozdravstvene intervencije, ki bodo kontinuirano naslavljale mladostnike, starše in učitelje.Background: Sleep is one of the building blocks of health, affecting our quality of life at every stage of life. Adolescents are particularly sensitive when it comes to sleep because adolescence is a period of growth and development. Healthy sleep is thus extremely important for adolescents to grow and develop optimally and function well. At the same time, adolescence is a crucial period for establishing sleep patterns that will persist into adulthood. Sleep significantly impacts basic physiological processes, cognitive functions, behaviour, and emotions in adolescents. On average, adolescents do not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can have significant negative short- and long-term effects on adolescent health. Sleep deprivation has a significant impact on adolescent health and is a serious challenge to public health that requires appropriate attention during this stage of life. In order to improve sleep behaviour among adolescents, it is neccessary to investigate sleep behaviour and psychosocial determinants that inlfuence the formation of sleep behaviour and promotion of healthy sleep. For research purposes, we require a translated and validated questionnaire. The results can then be used to develop cross-sectoral interventions that take into account the perspectives of adolescents, parents and teachers. Aim: The aim of this master\u27s thesis is to translate, culturally adapt, and validate two questionnaires: the Paediatric Sleep Practices Questionnaire – PSPQ, and the Psychosocial Determinants of Sleep Behaviour and Healthy Sleep – PSD. The aim is to use the Slovenian questionnaire to investigate the sleep behaviour and psychosocial determinants of sleep behaviour and healthy sleep among eight-graders in Celje. Methods: Translation and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire on sleep behaviour of the paediatric population and the questionnaire on psychosocial determinants affecting sleep behaviour and healthy sleepcontent validation of both questionnairesand conducting a cross-sectional epidemiological study among eight-graders in the Municipality of Celje in February of 2024. Results: We obtained two Slovenian questionnaires that are both substantively valid and reliable: a questionnaire on sleep behaviours in the paediatric population (PSPQ-SI), and a questionnaire on the psychosocial determinants of sleep behaviours and healthy sleep in adolescents (PSD-SI). These questionnaires showed that eight-graders in Celje are not getting enough sleep and have inconsistent sleep schedules. Discussion and conclusion: To improve sleep health and behaviours, and consequently the health and well-being of adolescents, we need successful public health interventions that continuously address adolescents, parents, and teachers
Noise in educational institutions (primary school)
Get PDFUvod: V današnjem času preživimo okoli 90 % svojega časa v zaprtih prostorih, kjer smo izpostavljeni raznim nenaravnim zvokom. Hrup je vsak neželen zvok, ki negativno vpliva na počutje in zdravje ljudi ter škodljivo vpliva na okolje. Namen: Pridobiti podatke, kolikšnim ravnem hrupa so izpostavljeni zaposleni pri opravljanju svojega dela na opazovani Osnovni šoli. Metode dela: Osredotočili smo se na zaposlene, otroci v raziskavo niso bili vključeni. Naloga je razdeljena na šest delov: samoocena hrupa zaposlenih (vprašanja o izpostavljenosti in zdravstvenih težavah zaradi izpostavljenosti hrupu), ocena stanja stavbe in njene okolice, (pregled okolice stavbe, velikost in orientacija prostorov, izvedba in materiali notranje opreme), meritve hrupa (v skladu s SIST ISO 9612:2009, z merilnim inštrumentom Brüel & Kjar 2260 Investigator. Meritve so potekale v ponedeljek, sredo in petek v učilnicah, avli, telovadnici, jedilnici in garderobi. Merili smo ekvivalentno raven hrupa, konično raven hrupa ter ocenjeno raven hrupa z impulzivno korekcijo - LAI,Te), namestitev elektorskega ušesa (namestitev v jedilnici za poskusno obdobje), pregled učinkovitosti uporabe elektronskega ušesa in korektivni ukrepi (organizacijski, pedagoški, gradbenotehnični). Rezultati: Po pregledu okolice šole smo spoznali, da le-ta nima vpliva na notranji hrup. Z analizo prostorov smo ugotovili, da prevladujejo materiali: les, beton in opeka. Popis opreme je pokazal, da je le-ta iz kovine in lesa (vsi uporabljeni materiali bolj odbijajo zvok kot absorbirajo). Najbolj hrupen dan v tednu je ponedeljek. Najvišje LAI,Te (povprečno 87,67 dB) so v avli šole, kar presega predpisano mejno vrednot 87 dB. Zgornja opozorilna vrednost 85 dB je presežena v jedilnici v času kosila in malice (86 dB). Spodnja opozorilna vrednost 80 dB je presežena v garderobi (82,9 dB). Uporaba elektronskega ušesa in izveden organizacijski ukrep je občutno zmanjšal hrup v jedilnici. Razprava in zaključek: Pripravili smo enostaven obrazec za celostno oceno stanja stavbe in splošen spisek najbolj pogostih korektivnih ukrepov za vse osnovne šole, ki imajo težave s hrupom, predvsem z zdravjem uporabnikov stavbe ter kakovostnim izvajanjem izobraževalne dejavnosti.Introduction: Nowadays, we spend about 90% of our time inside, where we are exposed to various unnatural sounds. Noise is each unwanted sound which has a negative impact on our feeling and health and has an adverse effect on the environment. Purpose: To obtain data about the levels of noise that the employees at the primary school concerned are exposed to. Methods of work: The focus was on the employees while children were not the subject of the research. The thesis is divided in six parts: self-assessment of noise by employees (questions about the exposure and health issues resulting from the exposure to noise), a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the building and its surroundings (examination of the surrounding of the building, the size and orientation of rooms, interior equipment layout and materials), measuring the noise (in accordance with SIST ISO 9612:2009, measuring instrument Brüel & Kjær 2260 Investigator. Measurements were done on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, in classrooms, lobby, gym, dining room and changing rooms. The following were measured: equivalent noise level, peak noise level and estimated noise level with impulsive correction - LAI,Te), installing an electronic ear (installing in the dining room for a trial period of time), review of efficiency of an electronic ear and corrective measures (organisational, teaching and construction and technical measures). Results: Examination of the surrounding of the school showed that it does not affect the noise inside. Analysis of the premises showed that the prevailing materials are wood, concrete and bricks, while the inventory of equipment included metal and wood (all the materials used bounce rather than absorb noise). The noisiest day in the week was Monday. The highest LAI,Te (average 87.67 dB) were recorded in the school lobby, which exceeds the limit value of 87 dB. The upper exposure value of 85 dB is exceeded in the dining room during breakfast and lunch (86 dB). The bottom exposure value of 80 dB is exceeded in the changing room (82.9 dB). Use of an electronic ear and an organisational measure implemented resulted in a substantially decreased noise in the dining room. Discussion and conclusion: A simple form for a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the building and a list of the most common corrective measures have been prepared, which can be applied by all primary schools which have problems with noise, mainly with the health of the users of the building and consequently with carrying out the educational activity
The challenges of restricting digital alcohol marketing with a review of Slovenian regulation
No full textUvod: Hitra rast sodobnih digitalnih medijev, predvsem družbenih omrežij in platform za izmenjavo slik in videoposnetkov, je alkoholni industriji omogočila uporabo tehnološko naprednih pristopov in strategij za tržno komuniciranje alkoholnih pijač z izbranimi ciljnimi skupinami. To predstavlja vedno večji regulatorni izziv za evropske države, saj večina izmed njih še ni ustrezno prilagodila svojih področnih predpisov. Namen: Namen magistrskega dela je bil na podlagi obstoječe znanstvene in strokovne literature preučiti skladnost tržnega komuniciranja alkoholne industrije z regulatornimi omejitvami, ki urejajo področje trženja in oglaševanja alkoholnih pijač v digitalnih medijih, ter pregledati veljavno področno ureditev omejevanja oglaševanja alkoholnih pijač v Sloveniji. Metode dela: Izvedli smo sistematični pregled literature v treh osrednjih bibliografskih bazah z recenziranimi revijami (WoS, PubMed, Scopus) ter ročno iskanje sorodnih avtoritativnih virov. Raziskave smo vključili, v kolikor so bile objavljene v angleškem jeziku, med letoma 2004 ter 2022 in so presojale skladnost digitalnega tržnega komuniciranja alkoholnih pijač z zakonsko regulativo ali samoregulativnimi kodeksi. Ob tem smo preučili in predstavili tudi področno slovensko državno regulativo kot tudi industrijsko samoregulativo. Rezultati: Opredelili smo skupno 4690 člankov. Po odstranitvi dvojnikov in proučitvi polne vsebine je bilo nadalje vključenih 14 raziskav. Ugotovitve raziskave kažejo, da je trženje alkoholnih pijač v različnih digitalnih medijih navkljub tehnološkemu napredku otrokom in mladostnikom še vedno pogosto dostopno. Oglaševalske vsebine alkoholnih pijač in blagovnih znamk na teh platformah ostajajo razširjene, pri čemer se za doseganje ciljnih skupin uporablja vse bolj inovativne pristope. Sistemi za preverjanje starosti so večinoma neučinkoviti pri preprečevanju dostopa mladoletnim osebam. Rezultati prav tako razkrivajo pogoste kršitve oglaševalskih samoregulativnih kodeksov ter uporabo prikritih pristopov za izogibanje obstoječim zakonodajnim predpisom. Slovenija se še vedno opira na več kot dvajset let staro zakonodajo, pristojni nadzorni organi pa imajo omejene zmožnosti za spremljanje in ukrepanje. Razprava in zaključek: Obstaja jasna potreba po razvoju boljše zakonodajne ureditve omejevanja digitalnega tržnega komuniciranja alkoholnih pijač po državah članicah EU. Sprejetje zakonodaje mora biti podkrepljeno s kapacitetami za proaktiven nadzor ter učinkovito ukrepanje zoper kršitve. Po evropskih državah, vključno s Slovenijo, bi bilo treba izvesti nadaljnje raziskave o učinkovitosti obstoječih mehanizmov za omejevanje tržnega komuniciranja alkoholnih pijač na družbenih omrežjih, spletiščih in platformah za izmenjavo slik in videoposnetkov.Introduction: The rapid growth of digital media, notably social media, image and video sharing platforms, has created an opportunity for the alcohol industry to employ advanced strategies and alcohol marketing approaches to target key audiences and users. This presents a rising regulatory challenge for European countries, most of which have yet to adapt their restrictions accordingly. Purpose: To examine existing scientific and authoritative grey literature, assessing the alcohol industry’s adherence of digital alcohol marketing communication to contemporary statutory regulation and industry self-regulation, and to provide an overview of existing Slovenian alcohol advertising restrictions. Methods: We conducted a systematic search through three journal databases (WoS, PubMed, Scopus) along with a manual search of other authoritative sources. Studies were included in our review if they were published in English, after 2004, and assessed regulatory policy interventions enacted by an EU or non-EU governing body, nation’s governmental agency or private entity, and with the intent to restrict digital alcohol marketing. In addition, we conducted a manual search of grey literature and examined current Slovenian statutory and self-regulatory alcohol marketing restrictions. Results: A total of 4690 records were identified. After duplicate removal and full text assessment stages, 14 articles were examined in detail. Our findings indicate that alcohol marketing in digital media continues to be accessible by children and under-aged adolescents. Alcohol advertising content remains widespread on these platforms and increasingly innovative strategies are being applied to reach targeted audiences. Age-affirmation systems remain largely ineffective at preventing under-aged access. Current research also reveals cases of violations of marketing codes and self-regulations by the alcohol industry, and utilization of grey-area approaches to bypass existing regulations. Slovenia continues to abide by almost two decades old legislation and relies on an infrequent and inadequate monitoring and enforcement framework. Discussion and conclusion: There is a clear need for the development of statutory digital alcohol marketing restrictions in EU Member-States. Enacted regulation must be accompanied by proactive monitoring capacities and effective means of enforcement. Further research in also needed across European countries, including Slovenia, which would assess the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks of digital alcohol marketing practices on social media, websites and image and video sharing platforms
Renovation of school building based on the measurements of indoor microclimate, CO2 and noise: From model development to it\u27s implementation
No full textUvod: Otroci preživijo večino dneva v šoli, kjer se učijo novih znanj in spretnosti. Šole bi morale zagotavljati optimalno in zdravo okolje, v katerem bi se učenci dobro počutili in nadgrajevali svoje znanje. Namen: Namen magistrske naloge je izdelati metodološki pristop, temelječ na prenovi šolskih prostorov, ki bo izdelan na podlagi ocene stanja prostorov ter opreme in izmerjenih vrednosti mikroklime, CO2 ter hrupa v izbrani osnovni šoli. Metode dela: Uporabljena je kombinacija različnih metodoloških pristopov, in sicer sistematični pregled literature, samoocena stanja mikroklime s pomočjo namenskega vprašalnika, ocena stanja opazovanih okoljskih parametrov na podlagi meritev in izdelava algoritma. Rezultati: Z ogledom terena smo ugotovili, da zunanja kakovost zraka nima pomembnega vpliva na kakovost notranjega zraka v notranjosti osnovne šole. Ugotovili smo glavni problem slabe kakovosti notranjega zraka in povišanih koncentracij CO2. Problematično je odpiranje oken, ki ne omogočajo zadostnega prezračevanja. Visoke ravni hrupa so posledica slabe zvočne izoliranosti sten, tal in stropa, zaradi česar se zvočne vibracije širijo iz prostora v prostor. Ob ogledu smo odkrili tudi dotrajanost objekta osnovne šole, ki je potreben celovite prenove. Razprava in zaključek: Na podlagi razvitega metodološkega pristopa bodo prenove osnovnih šol v prihodnje bolj učinkovite in celostne, saj bo poleg arhitekturnega in gradbenega vidika upoštevan tudi zdravstveni vidik.Introduction: Children spend the majority of their day at school learning new skills. Schools should therefore provide an optimal and healthy environment making pupils feel comfortable to further upgrade their knowledge. Purpose: The purpose of the master\u27s thesis is to develop a methodological approach based on the renovation of school premises. This approach will be based on the assessment of the premises and equipment\u27s condition as well as the measured values of microclimate, CO2 and noise in the selected primary school. Methodology: A combination of different methodological approaches is used, including a systematic review of the literature, self-assessment of the microclimate using a purpose-made questionnaire, the observed environmental parameters state assessment (based on measurements) and algorithm creation. Results: While inspecting the premises, we found that the outdoor air quality does not significantly impact the indoor air quality inside the school. We managed to identify the main problem of poor indoor air quality and elevated CO2 concentrations. Windows not providing sufficient ventilation proved to be problematic. High noise values are caused by poor sound insulation of walls, floors and ceilingsthis causes sound vibrations to spread from classroom to classroom. During the inspection, we also discovered significant wear and tear of the primary school building, indicating the need for a complete renovation. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the developed methodological approach, the future primary schools\u27 renovations will be more efficient and comprehensive. The health perspective will also be taken into account, in addition to the architectural and construction aspects
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