Northern Kosovo Research Articles

Associations of night eating with depressive symptoms among health sciences students living in a postconflict region.

Populations affected by war may experience food insecurity, which could predispose them to eating disorders. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health sciences students in Northern Kosovo from November 2018 to March 2019. Data were collected using the sociodemographic Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The study sample comprised 534 students. The prevalence of students who had at least mild depression (BDI ≥ 10) was 20.6%. More frequent night eating was consistently associated with a higher EDI score in the total sample as well as in the subgroup of students whose EDI score was ≥ 10. In addition, having poorer sleep quality and having more anxiety symptoms were associated with having stronger depressive symptoms. In a population of health sciences students who live in a post-conflict region, night eating is associated with having stronger depressive symptoms.

Association of eating behavior with body mass index and waist circumference in university students

Abstract Background University students often change their eating habits in favor of snacking and intake of calorie-dense food while studying. This study aimed to examine whether the consumption of specific foods is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Methods This research was conducted at the University of Pristina temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia, from November 2018 to March 2019. In this cross-section study participants completed a socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). All students were measured for body weight, height, and waist circumference. A linear regression model was adjusted for age, gender, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, number of daily hours spent sitting, having chronic diseases, PSS, BAI and BDI. Results The study sample consisted of 534 students. Overall, the average BMI was 23.7 ± 4.5. The adjusted model showed that neither the number of fruit and vegetable portions nor the frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood were associated with a lower BMI. The same model confirmed that neither the number of fruit and vegetable portions per day nor the frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood were associated with a lower waist circumference. However, a regular intake of breakfast was associated with a lower waist circumference (B -1.882; 95% confidence interval -3.59, -0.17; p = 0.031). Conclusions Regular intake of breakfast is associated with a lower waist circumference among health sciences students in Northern Kosovo. Providing opportunities for breakfast intake on the school campus should be one of the main goals of the school authorities. Key messages • Regular intake of breakfast may help health sciences students have a lower waist circumference. • Prioritizing breakfast intake can be beneficial for students’ health.

Risk Perception About HIV Among University Students in One of the Last Hotspots for HIV Transmission in Europe

BackgroundHIV testing in the Northern Kosovo province is challenging, because the infrastructure is being rebuilt after the ethnic conflict. The purpose of this research was to examine self-perceived risk for acquiring HIV infection and factors associated with risk assessment among university students.MethodsStudents completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic data, knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission, attitudes toward people living with (PLHIV) and self-perceived risk for HIV infection. The self-perceived risk was categorized as low, unknown and high.ResultsThe majority of students (72.5%) assessed their risk as low, 8.5% assessed their risk as high and 19.1% did not know their risk. Compared to low self-perceived risk, high self-perceived HIV risk was associated with being male, having lower knowledge about HIV prevention, less strong Segregation and protection attitude toward PLHIV, stronger Ignorance and indifference attitude toward PLHIV and positive opinion about gays/lesbians. Students who perceived own risk for acquiring HIV as high had lower knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention. However, those who were previously tested for HIV, despite their poorer knowledge about HIV prevention, assess their HIV-related risk as low.ConclusionsStudents assessed their risk of HIV infection mostly as low. Still, lower knowledge of HIV prevention has been consistently associated with a high and unknown risk of HIV. Moreover, being ignorant and indifferent about PLHIV was associated with increased self-perceived HIV risk. These findings highlight the need for continuous specialized HIV-related education to reduce fear and stigma of PLHIV and HIV testing as well as risky behaviors.

Contribution to the knowledge of serpentine flora in western Kosovo, with comparisons of the western, central and northern serpentine massifs

This article presents the results of a floristic survey conducted between 2011 and 2021 on Mt. Kaznik, western Kosovo. In all, 361 plant taxa belonging to 75 families and 147 genera of vascular flora were recorded. These areas are dominated by serpentine soils, which are known for the increased occurrence of endemic plant taxa. Detailed analysis of chorological and biological data in conjunction with general vegetation data has highlighted the distinctive nature of Mt. Kaznik, making it a floristically important area. Of the taxa identified, 15 were classified as threatened plant taxa at the national level, while a total of 17 taxa are endemic plants. For each plant taxon, data on floristic element, habitat characteristics, life form, and general vegetation data are provided. A syntaxonomic analysis of the recorded taxa showed that they belong to nine vegetation classes, with the pubescent oak and mixed deciduous forest class Quercetea pubescentis being dominant. In addition, a floristic comparison was made between the serpentines of Kaznik and those in central and northern Kosovo. Considering the floristic importance and the high degree of diversity exhibited by the serpentines, the data presented are of particular importance to a better understanding of the floristic composition of Kosovo.

Associations of personality traits with night eating among students in health sciences who live in a post-conflict setting

ABSTRACT The intake of food later in the evening can have harmful health consequences. Some researchers suggest that having certain personality characteristics may be associated with the onset of eating disorders. There is a lack of studies on personality traits and night eating in a complex socio-political setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between personality traits and more intense night eating among students in northern Kosovo. A cross-section study was conducted in a population of health science students at the University in Kosovska Mitrovica. Students completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), HEXACO-60 personality inventory, Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The independent variables (exposures) were the six domains of the HEXACO-60 (Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience). The study outcome was the NEQ score. The study sample consisted of 534 students. The prevalence of night eating syndrome was 3.0%. The multivariate linear regression model suggested that stronger Extraversion and Openness to Experience were associated with more frequent night eating. Additionally, later bedtime, poorer sleep quality and higher scores on BDI and BAI were associated with more frequent night eating across all six models of models of personality traits. In a population of health science students who live in a complex socio-political environment, extraversion and openness to experience traits were associated with more frequent night eating. These findings could help researchers and clinicians tailor specific behavioral therapies to match the personality traits of people with night eating issues.

Compliance and approach to voluntary HIV testing in a high-risk region for HIV transmission in Europe.

The Kosovo province is being considered as a high-risk region for the spread of HIV. To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with HIV testing in a sample of university students from the Serbian northern Kosovo province. A questionnaire examining socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-related knowledge, attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV testing was used in data collection. A total of 1,017 students from the University of Priština temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica completed the questionnaire. Only 5.4% of students have previously been tested for HIV, even though the majority (70.9%) had a positive approach to HIV testing. Factors associated with having been tested for HIV were being male and younger, having interest in HIV testing and having previous contact with PLHIV. Being more knowledgeable about HIV and having stronger positive attitude towards PLHIV, being older, receiving information about HIV through friends and special educational programs, using condom at last sexual intercourse, having positive opinion on gays/lesbians and previous contact with PLHIV were associated with positive approach to HIV testing. Having a positive approach to HIV testing does not suggest that students would take the HIV test. However, students who have low HIV-related knowledge, negative approach or lack of interest in HIV testing (believing that there is no need to take it) would likely never take the HIV test. Increasing HIV-related knowledge, acceptance of PLHIV and access to testing facilities should be public health priorities to raise HIV testing rates.

RADON IN DRINKING WATER FROM ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF WATER SUPPLY IN THE NORTH OF KOSOVO.

In this study, the results of research on radon activity concentrations in natural mineral waters, traditionally used for drinking but also for other needs, in rural and urban households in northern Kosovo are presented. Radon activity concentration in water was measured by the alpha spectrometric method with a RAD7 device. Radon activity concentrations in the 24 waters studied ranged from 1.6±0.5 to 46.3±6.3Bq l-1, with an average activity concentration of 12.4±2.0Bq l-1, which was somewhat higher than the EPA recommended maximum activity concentration, but below the WHO recommended maximum. The contribution of radon activity concentrations in water was determined in relation to the total radon activity in air and enclosed space. The estimated annual effective doses of inhalation and ingestion radon from water were 109.4±16.7 and 2.6±0.4μSv y-1, respectively.

POLITICAL INSTABILITY, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CHALLENGES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS IN THE POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

In the ever challenging post-pandemic world with emerging threats of revisionist global order and growing regional challenges, the Western Balkans region cannot be immune. From threats of destabilization of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the volatile situation in northern Kosovo, and the ongoing Serbia-Kosovo talks to the internal and external threats vis-à-vis Montenegro, the region is facing unprecedented challenges. The freezing of the European Union integration process, the new ideas of “Associate Members” and the new “clusters” methodology have led to enlargement fatigue not only from Brussels but also from regional capitals as well. On the other hand, the growing threats of Russia’s geopolitical ruptures and China’s economic penetration through “debt trap” diplomacy and other mechanisms are making governments and observers in the region increasingly skeptical. This paper tends to explore some of the insights and the economic effects both fiscal and monetary impact they have.

THE AUTHORITARIAN FATHER: THE PREDICTIVE ROLE OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STYLES AND THE ATTACHMENT DIMENSION

The authoritarian parenting style with its negative connotation has many adverse effects on various aspects of children's development, so the aim of this paper will be to identify potential predictors of the authoritarian parenting style of fathers. The concept of attachment and conflict resolution styles used by fathers are part of the model used in this paper which, together with the age of the fathers, represent important predictors of a father's authoritarian parenting style. A convenience sample included 101 fathers and their children from the territory of Northern Kosovo. The instruments used in the research are The Experience in Close Relationship Scale (Hanak and Dimitrijević, 2013; Brennan, Clark & Shaver, 1998), Conflict Management Styles Assessment (Adkins, 2006,) and the Parental Authority Questionnaire (Buri, 1991). The results partially proved the hypothesis, and were discussed in the context of attachment theory and previous empirical research that provides a strong framework of reference for understanding the results of this research.

The measles epidemic in northern Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia, October 2017-August 2019.

Measles is among the most contagious and vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases. The aim of this research was to describe the socio-demographic profile, clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of measles patients hospitalized at Kosovska Mitrovica Clinical Centre during the 2017-2019 outbreak. The prospective study included all patients that had contracted measles (107) who were hospitalized at Kosovska Mitrovica Clinical Centre during the outbreak. All complications that led to hospitalization were analyzed and the frequencies of complications with respect to patient age and vaccination status were recorded. More than half (51%) of the patients were unvaccinated. Patients' age varied statistically significantly with respect to vaccination status. Pneumonia was noted in 65% of the patients from the younger age group, compared to 32% of adults, and this difference was statistically significant. Hepatitis was a significantly more frequent complication in adults, affecting 36% of measles patients in this age group, compared to only 7% of those aged below 18 years. In the unvaccinated group, 71% pneumonia frequency was noted, compared to 11% and 35% in the vaccinated and unknown vaccination status groups, respectively. The differences in frequencies based on vaccination status were statistically significant. Most hospitalized patients were unvaccinated. Complications showed a significant difference with respect to the age and vaccination status of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out continuous health promotion activities to raise awareness among the entire population of the importance and need for vaccination of children against measles, but also adults who have not been previously vaccinated.

The Serbian Progressive Party's re-articulation of the Kosovo myth within the internal dialogue on Kosovo, 2017–2018

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the re-articulation of the Kosovo myth, specifically Serbia's claim to the territory of Kosovo, within the so-called internal dialogue on Kosovo initiated in 2017 by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. It asks what elements are re-articulated and through which practices, in an effort to institute a counter-hegemonic project of partitioning Northern Kosovo from the rest of the territory. This is mainly achieved through de-mythologizing, de-emotionalizing/rationalizing and economizing Serbia's approach to Kosovo. Within this counter-hegemonic project, Vučić is constituted as an empty signifier, incarnating a solution to the Kosovo-Serbia dispute, whatever content it might take on. Re-articulation of the Kosovo myth involves both transposing Serbia's claim to the territory from Southern and Central to Northern Kosovo, and dis-articulating the Kosovo discourse from the sedimented affects of love and pride that constitute it. The article offers a deconstructive reading of the Kosovo myth, conceptualizing it as a discourse in poststructuralist terms and focusing on citationality and re-articulation of its elements in other discursive constellations. Such a reading has implications for re-thinking national myths as bounded narratives of the past, by examining how their elements can constitute even counter-hegemonic projects aimed at the future.

Aktivnost enzima katalaze u biljkama sa metalnog jalovišta rudnika olova i cinka "Trepča"

The environment of Northern Kosovo and Metohija has been remarkably influenced for a long time by the huge metallurgical complex "Trepča". The technological process of ore exploitation and processing in the Mining and Metallurgical Chemical Company "Trepča" has resulted in a large amount of discharged material, deposited on metal tailings that are mostly located in inappropriate areas, partially covered with vegetation, mostly consisted of several invasive plants. The activity of the enzyme catalase was investigated in plant species collected from abandoned metal tailings "Žitkovac" and compared with the same plant species from the environment from the vicinity of Niš city. Measurements of enzyme activity were carried out in the underground and above-ground parts of plant species Artemisia vulgaris, Cichorium intybus, Erigeron canadensis, Robinia pseudacacia, Medicago sativa, Teucrium chamaedrys, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosella, Tanacetum vulgare and Euphorbia cyparissias using gasometric method. The results have indicated that an increase of catalase activity in tested plants from the metal tailings is possibly a consequence of stress caused by specific environmental conditions.

Culture, tradition, and the registration of deaths: The case of Kosovo

Population statistics for Kosovo show an unusually high share of male deaths (SMD) among all deaths. Women have a very low status in traditional parts of Kosovo – a direct consequence of the so-called Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini. This set of behavioural rules, practiced in Northern Albania and Kosovo, is strongly associated with a patriarchal culture. According to the code, a woman cannot own immovable property. Thus, to register the death of a family member at the office for civil registration is less urgent for women than for men. We assume that female deaths are under-registered. (i) A high SMD is more prevalent among the population with primary education, compared to secondary or tertiary education. (ii) More women aged 65+ receive the basic pension than there are resident women in that age group. (iii) Islamic societies report SMDs in 2017–2019 that are markedly lower than SMDs from vital registration. Registration of a death at the Islamic society is required before the funeral can take place. Other factors could also explain the high SMD: under-registration of deaths among Serbs in Kosovo, violent deaths and smoking among men, and bad physical and mental health among veterans of the war of 1999.

Spatial Database Designing for Environmental Monitoring and Decision Making in Mitrovica Region, The Republic of Kosovo

The integration of spatial data analysis methods and thematic map models is an approach to reduce the negative impact of anthropogenic pressure on the environment due to mining and waste generation. The large amounts of industrial waste from mining in the Mitrovica region in northern Kosovo lead to serious environmental problems with organic and inorganic water and soil pollution. This study aims to design and establish a geospatial database for long-term environmental monitoring, provide analytical tools, and support appropriate management decisions by local authorities and agencies. The database contains topographical elements and ecological parameters collected from different national and open access international sources. All collected data have been analyzed, standardized and harmonized within the open-source QGIS ver.3 software. The results showed that in developed datasets were organized in different GIS layers and compiled several thematic maps. The designed database is unique by its architecture, providing an opportunity for periodical monitoring of the environment near the mining areas.
 Keywords: Environmental monitoring; Spatial database; Open source software; QGIS; Kosovo.
 
 Copyright (c) 2021 Geosfera Indonesia and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember
 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share A like 4.0 International License

Mental and Physical Health of Students Who Study in Post-conflict North Kosovo

Objective – To examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Serbian students who study in the northern Kosovo prov­ince and to explore potential differences in HRQoL relative to students’ region of origin. Materials and Methods – This study was conducted from April to June 2015. A total of 514 students from the University of Priština temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica were enrolled in the study. The students completed the socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, Beck Depres­sion Inventory (BDI) and the generic HRQoL questionnaire Short Form-36 (SF-36). The region of origin was classified based on the area in which the students were originally from: Republic of Serbia vs. North Kosovo vs. Southern enclaves. Results – The highest scores were observed for Physical Functioning and the lowest for Vitality. No difference in HRQoL was observed between students from the Republic of Serbia, North Kosovo and Southern enclaves. Compared to females, males scored better on Bodily Pain, General Health, Social Functioning and Mental Health. They also had better Physical and Mental Composite scores and Total HRQoL than females. Worse depressive symptoms were consistently associated with poorer HRQoL across all three groups of students. Conclusion – The HRQoL among Serbian students in the northern Kosovo province does not differ based on their region of origin. Health care services for university students should prioritize prevention, early recognition and treatment of de­pressive symptoms.

‘Good personhood’ in Kosovo: a Serbian perspective from below

ABSTRACT This research paper investigates the everyday experiences, perceptions and practices of ordinary Serb citizen outside the cluster of majority Serb villages and cities in Northern Kosovo. Through employing an emic perspective, it explores their quotidian social reality in which Serbian identity is negotiated and made meaningful. Through a focus on the everyday understanding of ‘good personhood’, the main aim of this research paper is to disentangle local values and uses of ‘being a(good) Serb’ from the externally imposed post-war discourse in Kosovo. The results of this research paper advocate are thinking of the role of Serbian communities in Kosovo and reveal that a newly pragmatic form of performing the Serbian identity has been inconspicuously emerging in Kosovo, challenging earlier assumptions of a purportedly homogenous ethno-nationalist identification preference.

What differs former, light and heavy smokers? Evidence from a post-conflict setting.

Evidence suggests that people who live in regions affected by the armed conflict are more likely to smoke. The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with smoking status in a sample of students in the northern Kosovo province. A total of 514 students enrolled in University in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, were recruited between April to June 2015 at Student Public Health Center during mandatory health checks. Participants filled in socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Based on responses about smoking, students were categorized in non-smokers, former smokers, light smokers (1-13 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (> 13 cigarettes/day). Of 514 students, 116 (22.6%) classified themselves as smokers. Higher education level of fathers (Odds ratio [OR]=2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-6.44, p=0.009), not living with smokers (OR=0.42, 95%CI 0.15-0.97, p=0.017) and longer exposure to second hand smoke (OR=1.07, 95%CI 1.01-1.13, p=0.036) was associated with former smoking. Studying medical and natural sciences (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.05-4.18, p=0.040), consuming alcohol (OR=2.98, 95%CI 1.19-10.03, p=0.020), living with smokers (OR=2.88, 95%CI 1.49-5.56, p=0.002), longer exposure to second hand smoke (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11, p=0.019) and having a more intense depressive symptoms (OR=1.08, 95%CI 1.03-1.13, p=0.002) was associated with light smoking. Being male (OR=0.22, 95%CI 0.07-0.41, p=0.001), older (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.21-1.78, p=0.001), living with smokers (OR=3.78, 95%CI 1.69-8.07, p=0.001), longer daily exposure to second-hand smoke (OR=1.10, 95%CI 1.04-1.16, p=0.001), and having more severe depressive symptoms (OR=1.12, 95%CI 1.07-1.18, p=0.001) were associated with heavy smoking. Smoking prevention and cessation programs should include the entire community, because exposure to environmental second hand smoke may facilitate initiation and more intense smoking. Screening of student smokers for depression should be prioritized in the process of rebuilding the framework for primary and secondary prevention in the post-conflict period.

Mosses as bioindicators of radionuclide and metal pollution in northern Kosovo and Metohija mountain region

The study investigates mosses (Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw.) as bioindicators of pollution in three non-urban mountain areas of northern Kosovo and Metohija regions. Concentrations of radionuclides and metals were measured in moss and soil samples. 137Cs specific activities in soil were strongly correlated with organic matter content. 137Cs in mosses was significantly higher in coniferous than in deciduous forests. 7Be measured in moss samples was increasing with altitude. Concentrations of Ni, Cr, Cu and Zn exceeded regulatory limits in many soil samples from two mountains (Kopaonik and Rogozna). However, concentrations of elements in mosses were weakly correlated with those in soil.

Patterns of condom use in a university student population residing in a high-risk area for HIV infection

Objective The study objective was to investigate factors associated with condom use among university students. Methods During the 2013–2014 academic year, 1017 first and fourth year students from the University of Pristina temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, northern Kosovo, completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and risky behaviours. Results Condom use during the most recent sexual encounter and with casual partners was reported by just over half of participants. Factors associated with condom use during the most recent sexual encounter were: being male (35.1%), using medical sources of information about HIV (35.7%), having a positive approach to HIV testing (40.1%) and a positive attitude towards sex workers (17.7%), as well as not having had a sexually transmitted infection in the past year (54.2%). Factors associated with more frequent condom use with casual partners were: being single (28.9%), not living in a rented apartment or own home (32.1%), frequenting night clubs at the weekend (35.3%), not using drugs/opioids (54.1%), not being sure whether to keep a contact after learning of their HIV-positive status (10.1%), and having stronger opinions (either positive or negative) on homosexual individuals (15.5% and 32.1%, respectively), sex workers (18.7% and 23.9%, respectively) and drug users (13.2% and 36.5%, respectively). Conclusion Condom use among students in northern Kosovo was low. Strategies for HIV prevention should be focussed on promoting healthy behaviours, especially among female students and students who live alone while at university. Moreover, sexuality education should be carried out in schools and primary health care centres to provide support and enable young people to negotiate safe sex.

Performing statehood in Northern Kosovo: Discursive struggle over contested space

Since Serbia and Kosovo began their political and technical dialogue mediated by the European Union in 2011, numerous agreements were signed, but few of them implemented. In addition, since 2018 the idea of partitioning Kosovo along ethnic lines has entered public debates. This article asks why that is the case and argues that Northern Kosovo – specifically, who has the right to claim statehood over this area – lies at the heart of why partition was suggested as a viable option and why so few agreements have been implemented. In order to demonstrate this, the article adopts a performative view of statehood, particularly suitable for states ‘in-becoming’, such as Kosovo. As only externally performed statehood has been examined so far, that is, efforts for international recognition, this article extends performativity to internally negotiated statehood, against the background of two political systems competing for legitimacy in the long run. This is the case with Northern Kosovo, conceptualized as an area of overlapping limited statehood. The developed analytical framework can be extended to other cases of territorial disputes, such as Crimea or Palestine. The framework can also be expanded to explore performativity of statehood in areas where statehood is not institutionally disputed, but rather symbolically.