23 research outputs found
CONTAMINATION WITH TOXOCARA SPP. EGGS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES OF PUBLIC PLACES OF VARNA CITY, BULGARIA
Full text linkToxocariasis in humans is an unknown and underdiagnosed disease with increased risk of distribution determined by the large canine and cat populations. Contamination of the environment with pets faeces containing helminth eggs is the key route of transmission toxocariasis, threatening especially the youngest children.
The purpose of this study is preliminary research of the degree of pollution of the environment with Toxocara spp. eggs by examining soil and sand samples from different public places of Varna, Bulgaria.
Material and methods: In 2018, 40 soil and sand samples were collected from various locations of Varna city: public park areas, areas for dog-walking, playgrounds, sandboxes and yards with domestic animals. The samples were processed using a modified Romanеnko’s method.
Results: Soil analysis showed Toxocara spp. eggs in one sample from a public park area in the central region of Varna. In another soil sample of a private yard with domestic dog typical ova of the Taeniidae family was observed (possibly of E. granulosus). In two other samples, eggs from other canine parasites were discovered.
Conclusion: The first research on the environmental contamination with helminthic eggs in Northeastern Bulgaria showed Toxocara spp. eggs in one of the central and most populated areas of Varna city. Furthermore, at least 10% of the tested materials were contaminated with canine excrements that testify for the lack of proper control of domestic and stray animals, which represents a real and imminent danger from zoonotic infection for the public health in the region
Management Of The Epidemic Process Of Scarlet Fever By Raising Awareness Among Parents Of Children In Kindergartens
Full text linkBulgarian general population attitude to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination: A nationwide cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: The issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, entwined with citizens' rights and autonomy, impacts vaccine uptake and trust in health authorities. This study centers on Bulgaria, aiming to uncover attitudes towards obligatory COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: Employing an online questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional survey involving 1433 adults in Bulgaria between April and May 2022. Analysis of responses from 1200 participants illuminated perspectives on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Results: Among respondents, 38.6% supported or were uncertain about mandatory vaccination, while 61.4% opposed it. Binary logistic regression, utilizing demographic predictors, unveiled that younger age groups, particularly those aged 18–25, demonstrated diminished odds of supporting mandatory vaccination. Those with apprehensions about contracting the virus (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.65–5.39), perceiving minimal vaccine risks (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.80–8.26), acknowledging vaccine benefits for health protection (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.80–8.26), and pandemic containment (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.16–9.60) were more prone to endorse mandatory vaccination. Trust in general practitioners and pharmaceutical companies also emerged as influential factors. Conclusion: The study portrays a diverse sentiment within Bulgaria's population concerning compulsory COVID-19 vaccination. It underscores the importance of conveying accurate, evidence-based information while upholding individual autonomy. National health authorities should harmonize methodical vaccination initiatives with health promotion interventions targeted at the general population and healthcare professionals. Such an approach can facilitate well-informed choices and contribute to public health objectives
Epidemiological aspects of anthrax in Northeastern Bulgaria
Full text linkIntroduction: Northeastern Bulgaria is a territory where the climatic, geographic, and economic features facilitate the spread of the anthrax infection.Aim: The aim of the current study is to establish the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in this region and to reveal the officially registered anthrax cases for the period 1985–2018.Materials and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the nationwide data from 1926 was performed with a focused investigation on the anthrax cases in Northeastern Bulgaria from 1985 to 2018. Results and Discussion: The retrospective epizootiological analysis shows that in the 1950s anthrax-affected settlements in Bulgaria were 2 253 (42.5%). In the subsequent decades, the number of active stationary anthrax foci decreased more than 13 times. Presently, the most epizootically intensive regions are located in Northeastern Bulgaria. From 1985 to 2018, most of the anthrax-affected settlements were in the Shumen, Silistra, Varna, and Targovishte regions. The most diseased animals are found in the Varna and Shumen regions, and the majority of people with anthrax are in the Dobrich and Silistra regions. The anthrax problem has existed and still exists in many settlements of Northeastern Bulgaria.Conclusion: Although the number of anthrax cases has declined significantly over the last decades, continuing anthrax activity can be expected. We must improve the current interdisciplinary approach between the different structures (veterinarians, epidemiologists, food safety and public health experts) to minimize the anthrax threat to humans and animals alike.
COVID-19 vaccination and potential predictors for vaccination among students in Bulgarian medical universities
No full textUniversity students, especially those in healthcare sciences, are of particular importance in COVID-19 vaccine views since their future careers will allow them to educate citizens regarding vaccination. The study examined COVID-19 immunisation coverage, behaviours, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines among students in Bulgarian medical universities. A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in September 2021- January 2022. Demographics, university programme, year of study, general vaccine attitudes and behaviour, and personal experience with COVID-19 and vaccines were collected. The chi-square test was used to test for associations and binominal logistic regression to identify possible predictors for vaccination. A total of 3050 students with a median age of 22 years, predominantly female participated. Three-quarters of the students (73.5%) have been vaccinated against COVID-19. An association was found between COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination in the previous season (χ2 = 67.15, p < 0.001) as well as the intention to receive the flu vaccine in the current season (χ2 = 142.83, p < 0.001). Vaccine hesitation mainly stemmed from fear of side effects and safety concerns, but non-vaccinated students voiced them more often. Respondents who were less likely to be vaccinated considered themselves to have: (a) limited access to sufficient information to allow them to make an informed decision to vaccinate against COVID-19; (b) lack of public awareness and education campaigns about COVID-19 vaccines; (c) insufficient information about COVID-19 vaccines during university education that would allow them to make an informed decision to vaccinate; and (d) had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Informational initiatives that emphasise vaccine safety will boost COVID-19 immunisation coverage
Awareness Of The One Health Approach Among Key Professional Groups In Bulgaria
Full text linkThe sustainable implementation of the One Health concept requires a new way of thinking that embraces holistic knowledge, extending beyond narrowly defined professional competencies of those engaged in public health. The aim of this study is to present findings on the level of awareness of the One Health concept among two key professional groups in Bulgaria: human healthcare and veterinary medicine professionals. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional sociological study was conducted using direct individual questionnaires administered to the two target groups in paper format. The study was carried out between March 2023 and September 2024 following ethical approval.Results: The study included 228 respondents from the fields of human and veterinary medicine. A total of 168 healthcare professionals from different types of hospitals and 60 veterinary specialists from public and private institutions were surveyed. The sample was predominantly female (80.7%), with a mean age of 47 years, reflecting the actual professional structure of the sectors.The results demonstrate very low awareness of the One Health concept within human healthcare, regardless of the type of healthcare institution. Veterinary professionals showed higher levels of awareness; however, no evidence of substantial practical implementation was identified. Intersectoral communication exists primarily at a formal level, with minimal real participation in coordinated joint actions.Conclusion: The study reveals low overall awareness of One Health in Bulgaria and highlights the need for systematic education to support effective intersectoral practice.Introduction: The sustainable implementation of the One Health concept requires a new way of thinking that embraces holistic knowledge extending beyond narrowly defined professional competencies of those engaged in public health. The aim of this study is to present findings on the level of awareness of the One Health concept among two key professional groups in Bulgaria: human healthcare and veterinary medicine professionals.Materials and methods: A survey of the level of One Health awareness was conducted among the two target groups, admin-istering the questionnaires in paper format. The study was carried out between March 2023 and September 2024 following ethical approval.Results: The study included 228 respondents from the fields of human and veterinary medicine. A total of 168 healthcare pro-fessionals from different types of hospitals and 60 veterinary specialists from public and private institutions were surveyed. The sample was predominantly female (80.7%), with a mean age of 47 years, reflecting the actual professional structure of the sectors. The results demonstrate very low awareness of the One Health concept within human healthcare, regardless of the type of healthcare institution. Veterinary professionals showed higher levels of awareness; however, no evidence of substantial practical implementation was identified. Intersectoral communication exists primarily at a formal level, with minimal real participation in coordinated joint actions.Conclusion: The study reveals low overall awareness of One Health in Bulgaria and highlights the need for systematic education to support effective intersectoral practice
Dangerous medical practices related to exposure tо blood and body liquids in medical staff at risk
Full text linkIntroduction: Health services create conditions for occupational risks related to the health and safety of health workers. The management of safe and healthy working conditions in healthcare is the basis of public healthcare.Aim: The aim of the study is to study and analyze the dangerous medical practices related to the exposure of blood and body fluids in high-risk medical staff—medical laboratory technicians in medical diagnostic laboratories in Varna.Results: The results of the surveys among 107 people, including 5 managers of clinical laboratories, 49 laboratory technicians, and 53 clients/patients, confirm the working hypotheses.Failure to follow the rules of safe technique at work creates conditions for exposure to bloodborne infections. The most common reasons lie in the capping of used needles, non-use of gloves, or improper disposal of a sharp object in inappropriate containers. The immune status of medical laboratory technicians is not checked regularly, and non-immunized persons also work. The results of the surveyed clients reveal insufficient awareness of the risk exposures and the spread of bloodborne infections. It is worrying that 23% of them assume that doctors are fully responsible for the prevention of blood-borne virus infections.Conclusion: Bloodborne infections pose a significant risk to both society and healthcare professionals, but they can be prevented by measures aimed at minimizing the risk of infections: prevention of high-risk practices, compliance with universal precautions, the introduction of low-risk instruments and devices, and hepatitis B vaccination
Attitudes To The Prevention Of Hiv Infection Of Persons, Exercising Maritime Professions
Full text linkВъведение: Пристанището е транспортен възел като много от пътните центрове, които отдавна са част от програмите за превенция на HIV, но с още по-сложен микс от националности и доставчици на различни услуги. При лицата, упражняващи морски професии, естеството на тяхната работа и дългите периоди на отсъствие от дома определят тяхното поведение като рисково. Целта на настоящото проучване е да се изследват нагласите за превенция на HIV инфекцията сред лицата, упражняващи морска професия.Материал и методи: Чрез анонимна анкетна карта са изследвани 100 лица, упражняващи морска професия. Резултатите са обработени статистически с SPSS v. 20.0, като са използвани вариационен и сравнителен анализи.Резултати и обсъждане: Резултатите от проведените анализи показват, че лицата, упражняващи морска професия, продължават да не признават високорисковото си поведение, като подкрепят профилактичните прегледи за HIV инфекция, но не и задължителния им характер. Въпреки това те оценяват необходимостта от провеждането на обучение в посока безопасно сексуално поведение и информация относно разпространението и превенцията на ХИВ/СПИН.Изводи: Изправени пред липсата на ефективна ваксина, образованието и обучението играят ключова роля в превенцията на HIV/СПИН. Социалните партньори (морските лица, работодателите, местната общност, правителството) са в уникална позиция да насърчават усилията за превенция чрез информация, образование и подкрепа за промяна на поведението.Introduction: Ports are transport hubs like many of the road centers that have long been part of HIV prevention programs but with an even more complex mix of nationalities and service providers. In the case of persons practicing maritime professions, the nature of their work and long periods of absence from home determine their behavior as risky.Aim: The aim of this study is to explore attitudes to preventing HIV infection among seafarers.Materials and Methods: Anonymous questionnaire surveyed 100 people practicing a seafaring profession. The results were statistically processed with SPSS v. 20.0 using variation and comparison analysis.Results and Discussion: The results of the conducted analyses showed that seafaring professionals continue not to recognize their high-risk behavior, supporting prophylactic examinations of HIV infection, but not their mandatory nature. However, they confirmed the need to conduct training on safe sexual behavior and information on the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Faced with the lack of an effective vaccine, education and training play a key role in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The social partners (seafarers, employers, local community, government) are uniquely positioned to promote prevention efforts through information, education and behavioral support
ОЦЕНКА НА ИМУНИЗАЦИЯТА СРЕЩУ ЧОВЕШКИ ПАПИЛОМА ВИРУС ВЪВ ВАРНЕНСКИ РЕГИОН ЗА ПЕРИОДА 2015-2022Г.
Full text linkЧовешкият папиломен вирус (HPV) е най-често предаваната по полов път инфекция. Неговите патогенни и онкогенни качества са документирани и е известно, че причинителят се среща, както при жени, така и при мъже. Заразяването става предимно в юношеска и млада възраст. Към днешна дата,в световен мащаб са лицензирани шест HPV ваксини. В много страни нивото на ваксинация е високо не само сред подрастващите момичета, но и момчета. Към момента в България се изпълнява третата Национална програма за първична профилактика на рака на маточната шийка.Целта е да се представи епидемиологична характеристика на обхванатите с имунизация срещу HPV момичета във Варненска област за периода 2015-2022 г.Материали и методи. Ретроспективен анализ (2015г.-2022г.) на официални данни от годишните анализи на РЗИ-Варна.Резултати и дискусия. Поради незадължителния характер на ваксината, официалните данни не са пълни. През 2015г. са ваксинирани 667 момичета на възраст 12-13 години. За периода 2016г.- 2019г. сред обхванатите момичета с ваксината срещу HPV се отчита спад като най-малковаксинирани е имало през 2018г. - 275. През 2020г. се наблюдава покачване на броя на ваксинирате спрямо предходните четири години - 424, но през 2022 г. е регистрирана най-ниска активност на имунизацията срещу HPV за целия анализиран период - 170 момичета.Заключение. Забелязва се тенденция към понижаване на броя на обхванатите момичета с ваксина против човешки папилома вирус в регион Варна. Явлението се дължи най-вече на широко разпространения сред обществото негативизъм към ваксината срещу рак на маточната шийка
