Population Of Kosovo Research Articles

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Kosovo-Wide Population-Based Seroepidemiological Study.

Seroprevalence studies have proven to be an important tool in tracking the progression of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure the seroprevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the general population of Kosovo by gender, age group and region and among asymptomatic people. The Institute of Public Health of Kosovo conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey, aligned with the protocols of the WHO Unity Studies, from the beginning of May to the end of June 2021. The survey covered a total of 2204 people with a response rate of 91.8% (41.9% [923] males and 51.2% [1281] females). In May to June 2021, the prevalence of antibodies in the overall population (IgG antibodies ≥ 1.1) was 37.0%. Seroprevalence was 34.4% in men and 38.9% in women (p < 0.05), with the highest percentage (48.7%) found in the 60-69 years' age group. The overall prevalence of acute IgM antibodies (IgM ≥ 1.1) was 1% (95% CI: 0.7%-1.5%), with no significant difference between genders and the highest prevalence among participants of 60-69 years of age (1.6%; 95% CI: 0.7%-3.6%). A high prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was found in Kosovo before the start of the vaccination campaign. However, the results of the survey suggested that, by the end of June 2021, a desirable level of protection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus had not been reached.

Differences In The Qualitative Features Of Dermatoglyphs Between Persons With Turner And Klinefelter Syndromes And Those With A Normal Karyotype

: Individuals with numerical abnormalities in the X and Y chromosomes are ideal candidates for studying the impact of these chromosomes on the development of specific dermatoglyphic characteristics in humans. The aim of this study is to identify differences in the qualitative features of dermatoglyphs in the Albanian population of Kosovo between women with Turner syndrome and women with a normal karyotype, as well as between men with Klinefelter syndrome and men with a normal karyotype.

The National Defense Committee of Kosovo and the Albanian state towards the displacement of the Albanians of Kosovo in 1918-1924

The political map of the Balkans changed by the end of the First Balkan War 1912-1913. The Vilayet of Kosovo was occupied by Serbia. This War and the following years brought a tragedy to the vulnerable Albanian civilian population in Kosovo. Many Kosovar Albanians were forced to leave their country or their homes and to go into exile. Most of them sheltered in Albania. Kosovars were welcomed and helped in the Albanian state, they were enabled to have a political organization and representation of their interests and rights. The organization, the National Defense Committee of Kosovo played a key role in preventing migrations and sensitizing international opinion during the years 1918-1924.

Estimation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against infections and severe outcomes using routine surveillance data in Kosovo, July-September 2021.

COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective against severe outcomes in many settings, yet vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates remain lacking for Kosovo. We aimed to estimate VE against COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations, and deaths for one and two vaccine doses during the fourth pandemic wave in July-September 2021, the period when vaccination initially became widely available. We analysed routine surveillance data to define cases and vaccination status as partially (one dose) or completely (two doses) vaccinated. We used the screening method to calculate the proportion of cases with the outcomes vaccinated (PCV). The proportion of the population vaccinated (PPV) was based on numbers vaccinated and the Kosovo population estimate on 30/09/2021. Between July-September 2021, 51,804 COVID-19 cases were reported in Kosovo with 9.3% of cases partially and 3.4% completely vaccinated. Estimated vaccine effectiveness for one dose was 93.1% (95%CI:92.9-93.2%) for infections, 90.3% (95%CI:88.8-91.7%) for hospitalisations, and 90.3% (95%CI:88.4-92.1%) for deaths. Estimated vaccine effectiveness for two doses was 97.8% (95%CI:97.6-97.9%) for infections, 94.5% (95%CI:93.3-95.6%) for hospitalisations, and 94.2% (95%CI: 93.7-96.5%) for deaths. This study provides real-world evidence for COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Kosovo using routine administrative data sources and the screening method. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against infections and severe outcomes in Kosovo was higher with two vaccine doses than one dose, which is in accordance with findings from other study designs and settings. Using the screening method in our study reflects an important initial methodology for estimating vaccine effectiveness with routine surveillance that may be particularly important for low- and middle-income settings with less robust surveillance systems or fewer opportunities to conduct more robust vaccine effectiveness study designs.

Period neizvjesnosti i nesigurnosti: Pravni i politički status Kosova u periodu od 1989. do 1991. godine

This research holds great significance not only for the Albanians of Kosovo in the former Yugoslavia but also for the entire Balkan region during a highly important historical period between 1989 and 1991. It gives a succinct history of Kosovo, detailing Serbia's legal persecution and the nonviolent protests of the Albanians. This research combines a variety of official documents, local and worldwide literature, as well as international actions and judgments, using an analytical approach to the sources to create a thorough comprehension of the events and their causes. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Serbian state undertook a series of constitutional and legal changes that resulted in the limitation of Kosovo's autonomy. These restrictive changes caused a series of peaceful civil and political reactions from the Albanian population in Kosovo. Conscious of their position, the Albanians of Kosovo strive to assert their rights and preserve their cultural identity. This research aims to describe the constitutional and legal acts of the Serbian state as well as the political and civic responses of the Albanians in Kosovo. The study examines the cause-and-effect link between the oppressive acts of the Serbian government (cause) and the responses of the Albanian community (effect), illuminating the intricate dynamics that molded the course of the area. The research attempts to provide a nuanced and comprehensive view of the period of political and legal uncertainty by evaluating these changes within the specified timeframe. The methodology used in this research is based on material analysis, employing descriptive, historical, and analytical methods. The expected results of this research emphasize the challenges that Kosovo faces in the context of political and legal insecurity. The research highlights human rights violations, socio-political struggles, and efforts to preserve the identity of the Albanian community. The study also shows the reactions of the international community to these events and the impact of external actors on the situation in Kosovo. In conclusion, this research presents the answers to the research questions or hypotheses. It also explains why the years between 1989-1991 were a period that led to the beginning of an end for the system of the former Yugoslavia. It is evident that these years marked a critical and significant turning point in the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia. The legal repressions and political turmoil experienced by Kosovo during this period were decisive in the dissolution of the so-called Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). Understanding the events between the years 1989 and 1991 is crucial from a future analytical standpoint to comprehend the larger historical framework of Kosovo and the Balkans since these events had an impact on the neighboring nations as well. By concentrating on this significant time period, which had a significant influence on Kosovo's history and its road to liberation and independence, this research seeks to add to scholarly discourse. Recognizing the struggles and resiliency of the Albanian community over these years might provide important lessons for tackling problems and boosting stability in the area as Kosovo develops and moves forward.

Palatoscopy and Palatal Rugae Pattern among Adolescents of Southeastern Kosovo

Background: Palatal rugae are elevations found on the anterior part of the hard palate and are the most stable features in the mouth. Our study aimed to analyze the palatal rugae pattern among an adolescent sample of the Albanian population in southeastern Kosovo. Methods and Results: A total of 100 adolescents (50 females and 50 males) aged from 12 to 18 were selected from schools in southeastern Kosovo. Palatal impressions were taken with elastomers, and models of the upper jaw were poured into stone casts for further examination. The rugae patterns were classified according to the Thomas and Kotze classification. The current study indicates that the predominant rugae pattern among the young population in southeastern Kosovo is the straight rugae. The predominant rugae pattern among female subjects is straight rugae and among males, wavy rugae; the frequency of various rugae patterns differed significantly between men and women. The total number of palatal rugae in men was significantly higher than in women. At the same time, there is no significant difference in the number of palatal rugae on the left and right sides between male and female subjects.

Comparison of Some Anthropometric Parameters and Blood Pressure between Adolescents with Down Syndrome and Healthy Ones.

Most of the people with Down syndrome have short stature compared to general population. There is also a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, mainly in the adolescence and in the adult life. The aim of this study was to compare some anthropometric parameters, heart rate and blood pressure of children with Down syndrome and those with normal development. Down syndrome is among the most commonly classified categories of mental sub normality, with the incidence at birth being around 1: 700 and 1: 750 in live births in most countries worldwide, with the risk of increasing with mother's age. The sample consisted of 82 children, 32 with Down syndrome and 50 healthy children, male, aged 14-15 yr from the population of Kosovo in 2022. There were no health problems present in the healthy children. About 53% of children with Down syndrome have normal body mass, 15.62% are overweight, and 21.8 are obese. In terms of blood pressure, Down syndrome children have higher systolic pressure (121.94mm/hg), sd ±21.69 than healthy children (111.18mm/hg, sd ±10.88). Children with Down syndrome had significantly higher body mass index, heart rate, and systolic pressure at rest compared to healthy children. However, after short physical activity, healthy children exhibited greater diastolic pressure than children with Down syndrome.

Palatal Rugae Pattern in Adolescents of Southeastern Kosovo with Class I, II, III Malocclusions According to Angle’s Classification

Background: Palatal rugae, or plicae palatinae, are uniquely designed structures, well-formed, asymmetric, irregular mucosal folds suited in the anterior part of the hard palate. Palatoscopy, or the analysis of the palatal rugae pattern, is a simple, low-cost, non-invasive, innovative, and highly sensitive technique that can be successfully used in stomatology. This study aimed to analyze the palatal rugae pattern among an adolescent sample of the Albanian population in Kosovo, to determine the most prevalent palatal rugae pattern in both genders in association with Class I, II, and III malocclusions according to Angle’s classification. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 adolescents (50 males and 50 females) aged from 12 to 18 were randomly selected from schools in southeastern Kosovo. All subjects were divided into classes of malocclusion according to Angle’s classification (Class I, Class II, and Class III). The rugae patterns were classified based on shape, unification, and length according to the Thomas and Kotze classification. In the present study, the palatal rugae pattern in Class I, II and III malocclusions show no significant difference between female and male subjects. In Class I malocclusion, the straight pattern was dominant in female subjects, and the wavy pattern was dominant in male subjects. The straight pattern was dominant in males and females with Class II malocclusion. In Class III malocclusion, the wavy pattern was dominant in female subjects, and the curved pattern was dominant in male subjects. The study showed that male subjects were at slightly higher risk for having Class I malocclusion and slightly lower risk for having Class II and Class III malocclusions than female subjects. Conclusion: This study provides essential information regarding the dominant palatal rugae pattern among Albanian adolescents of southeastern Kosovo with Class I, II, and III malocclusions according to Angle’s classification.

Priština: od varošice do grada (1929-1941)

Priština, within the Gračanica county, belonged to the Vardar Banovina. Based on the population census in 1931, it was one of the largest cities in Southern Serbia. However, at the beginning of the thirties of the 20th century, it was an underdeveloped town that needed state investments. The Yugoslav state made efforts to modernize Priština, as well as other cities in Kosovo and Metohija. Investments were made in construction, so nine buildings were built in Priština, electric lighting was introduced, streets and roads were improved. The railway line Kosovo Polje - Priština was built. However, even during attempts at modernization, there were problems, especially with members of the Albanian population, who were in the majority in this area, and who were uninterested in Yugoslav state measures or were afraid of changes. There were industrial companies in Priština, and an automatic mill was built. Trade showed signs of improvement, although like other industries, it was difficult to tear people away from the way they had worked generations before. Craftsmanship, which was traditional in Kosovo and Metohija, was stagnating in Priština, which was evident in the number of commercial, catering and craft shops, primarily because it began to develop as an economic center. Educational and health opportunities were in the beginning of development. In the Priština district, there were the fewest buildings that corresponded to the school’s needs, and the teaching staff was not adequate either. The conditions for the modernization of education were generally difficult in the area of Kosovo and Metohija. The arrangement of health conditions was of indisputable importance for the population of Kosovo and Metohija. Banovina Hospital was built in Priština, which was one of the largest, but people’s awareness of going to the doctor was low. The efforts and investments of the Yugoslav state in the area of Kosovo and Metohija, and therefore Priština as an economic center in development, were interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War.

Paralelni Univerzitet u Prištini, 1991-1999: Funkcionisanje, izazovi i mirni otpor

University of Prishtina, serving as an institution of education and science and as a centre of Albanian democratic and cultural movements, since its foundation was amongst the institutions on the target of Serbian regime. Upon abolition of the autonomy of Kosovo in 1989, the Serbian regime started the discriminatory policies against the Albanian population, the overwhelming majority population in Kosovo, including the expulsion of the Albanian pupils and students from the schools and university premises, massive dismissals from work, etc. It was the academic year 1991/1992 when the doors of the University of Prishtina were closed to Albanian students and teachers. The University of Prishtina and its campus in the center of the capital Prishtina, libraries, institutes and student dormitories all remained available to Serbian and other non-Albanian teachers and students. The Albanian population created a parallel state, a unique example in the world, and such state created the parallel institutions in various fields of life, such as health, culture and education, including also the parallel University of Prishtina. This paper, in light of the sources of the time (documents in the Archive of the Rectorate of University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, published reports of the international organisations, press of the time) and the relevant historiography aims at elaborating: the initial protests and resistance of Albanian professors and students against the violent measures imposed by the Serbian regime; how the students and teachers were expelled from the facilities of the University of Prishtina; the procedures and the circumstances under which was established the Parallel University of Prishtina; how this parallel university functioned in the situation of pressure and continuous violence from the Serbian regime, at private facilities in the suburbs of the city; how the entire Albanian population from Kosovo was mobilized to support this university. The paper offers data from the unpublished documents which are stored at the Archive of the Rectorate of the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, regarding the number of planned and enrolled students, which indicates how the political situation was reflected on the number of students who attended the university studies. Particular attention in the paper was paid to the students’ protests of 1997 by elaborating how this Parallel University, through the peaceful student protests, influenced the sensitizing of the international institutions and media on the question of the Albanian people in Kosovo. It emphasizes the important role of students represented by Independent Union of Students of the University of Prishtina (Unioni i Pavarur i Studentëve i Universitetit të Prishtinës - UPSUP), who gained the support and encouragement of international political personalities of the time for the continuation of peaceful student activism. Despite all the drastic challenges the Parallel University of Prishtina functioned in all the segments that characterize a university. All managerial mechanisms were developed, teaching was held in three cycles of study, even though only private premises were available but no laboratories, libraries and dormitories, new students were enrolled, staff were continuously recruited and promoted, and university textbooks were prepared. However, due to many factors, including the emigration of the Albanian population, the continuous violence by the Serbian police, and the financial difficulties of Albanian families, the number of students was constantly decreasing. In addition, this situation impacted their learning. The lack of literature and laboratories, teaching and learning in private premises and homes, the constant dangers and mistreatment by the Serbian regime, were making university studies a very difficult mission. However, the Parallel University of Prishtina turned into a centre of peaceful resistance and a symbol of determination to continue studies and advancement in the Albanian language regardless of the extreme political and social situation. The University did not interrupt the work even in the state of war, until 21 March 1999. All this readiness, will and peaceful resistance had gained the attention and respect of international opinion.

DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN’S TOLERANT ATTITUDES TOWARD GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN KOSOVO

Gender-based violence against women is still one of the most worrying facts in Kosovo. This paper examines determinants of women’s tolerant attitudes toward gender-based violence against women in Kosovo. An empirical assessment of determinants of tolerance towards domestic violence was conducted by utilizing data from the Kosovo Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) carried out in 2019–2020. The survey was carried out with 5,124 households, drawn from a sample representative of the whole population of Kosovo. The national representative sampling by the MICS survey allows for generalized findings. Economic conditions, lower education level, residence, marital status, and marrying age are important predictors of a higher rate of women’s tolerant attitudes toward gender-based violence among women in Kosovo. The study’s important findings open new pathways for multi-level design studies including more variables such as social support, family finances management, gender roles in parenting, health situation, institutional responsiveness, and efficacy of institutional interventions to reduce gender-based violence.

The Constitutional And Legal Position Of National Minorities In Kosovo: Ahtisaari Package And The Privilege Of Minorities

Background: In this article, we address the legal and constitutional position, focusing particularly on the Serbian minority and other minorities in a broader context. We delve into their rights and privileges and Kosovo institutions' obligations and responsibilities concerning national minorities. Certainly, national minorities are an integral part of the population of Kosovo; they should enjoy rights and obligations arising from the Constitution and applicable laws. National minorities are an added value in every society; they enrich the mosaic of the country where they live and should be respected, promoting the values they carry and represent in society. The article pays great attention to the Serb community living in Kosovo, their rights identified by the Ahtisaari package, and the privileges that this package recognises as a minority. The Ahtisaari package acknowledges the Serbian Orthodox Church's unique status and explicitly outlines this community's representation within central institutions. This includes reserved and ensured seats in both the executive and legislative branches. At the local level, the package determines how they will be represented. Minorities are represented in the police, prosecutors' office, court, and all other public institutions. Attention has been paid towards instances of sabotage within the state and institutions of Kosovo by the Serbian community that lives in Kosovo and is influenced and directed by Serbia. Representatives of the Serbian community in Kosovo enjoy income and benefits from the state of Kosovo for the mandate they exercise. Still, their actions within the institutions tend to align with Serbia’s agendas rather than addressing the concerns of the community they are supposed to represent. Despite the absence of recognition from the state of Kosovo and partial acceptance by some Serbs living in Kosovo, it is crucial to acknowledge that Kosovo is an independent state and internationally recognised by 116 democratic states of the world. Notably, the Constitution of Kosovo, as a strong constitution, guarantees double rights in favour of the Serbian community living in Kosovo even though they constitute no more than 5% of the overall population. The research uses the descriptive analysis method, based on the precise description and in-depth analysis of the topic through gathering detailed data related to the research problem, analysing and interpreting legal texts and relevant information and privileging a certain community. These methods have been employed to compare the legislation in force with the international obligations that Kosovo has received through the comprehensive proposal for treating non-majority minorities. Results and Conclusions: Our research shows that national minorities in Kosovo are not treated equally. The Serbian community is constantly privileged and continues to be favoured by the international community, while other communities have substantial problems living in practical terms. The citizens of Kosovo understand the issue of minority rights best. Therefore, the state of Kosovo and its citizens should not allow national minorities to be discriminated against or their rights abused. Implementing the agreements reached in the dialogue, fulfilling international obligations, and advancing the rights of minorities in Kosovo is the obligation of Kosovo and its citizens. Kosovo institutions are obligated to dialogue with the Serbian community because they are part of society and must be integrated into it.

A Morphologic Approach of Lip Prints in a Sample of Albanian Population in Kosovo

Background: Cheiloscopy (lip-print studies) is an important tool for the identification of human bodies in social and criminal issues. Lip prints present the labial mucosa with characteristic grooves and lines specific to every person. The purpose of this study was to analyze the lip prints among an adolescent sample of the Albanian population in Kosovo, to determine the most prevalent lip-print pattern in both genders, and to determine if there are any differences between male and female lip prints. Methods and Results: A total of 100 adolescents aged from 12 to 18 were randomly selected from schools in southeastern Kosovo. The lip prints were classified according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi's classification (1970). For the analysis, the lips were divided into four quadrants: right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, and left lower quadrant. The analysis was done using a magnifying glass. In the present study, the slightly prevalent lip-print pattern among all subjects was Type II (25.0%), followed by Type I (20.0%), Type III (17.0%), Type IV (16.0%), Type I′ (16.0%), and Type V (6.0%). The lip prints of Type IV were slightly more common in female subjects (24.0%), followed by Type II (20.0%), Type I (18.0%), Type III (18.0%), Type I′ (12.0%), and Type V (8.0%). Type II was slightly more common in male subjects (30.0%), followed by Type I (22.0%), Type I′ (20/0%), Type III (16.0%), Type IV (8.0%), and Type V (8.0%). However, some differences between the sexes, with a tendency toward the predominance of Type IV in women and Type II in men, were not statistically significant, and there was no significant difference between the lip patterns by quadrants in women and men.

The Impact of Unspecified Anxiety during Pregnancy on the Fetus Development and Childbirth Complications

Introduction: The high levels of chronic psychosocial stress and traumatic experiences faced by the general population of Kosovo in recent decades resulted in a high prevalence of unspecified anxiety (45.17%) among women at the reproductive age. On this psychological ground there are objective hypotheses that fetal growth and childbirth process may be affected. Objective: The purpose of the study is to research the correlation of unspecified anxiety during pregnancy with the intrauterine development of the fetus and complications during childbirth. Method: The research is prospective randomized and after fulfilling the selective criteria included three hundred (300) pregnant women in the second trimester and at the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy in the general population of women on Kosovo. Scale of unspecified anxiety was determined with the Hopkins Symptom Check List (HSCL-25). Statistical package for results analysis included software SPSS 12, ANOVA analyses, frequencies, Chi square test, and linear regression analysis. Results: Findings proved that there is no significant correlation between the emotional state of pregnant women and the slowing down of the intrauterine fetal development. However, the study proved the significant correlation between the degree of unspecified anxiety during early and mid-term pregnancy with the degree of cervix effacement at the beginning of the birth act, and with tachycardia in the newborn baby. Discussion: Based on the study results and the data from the literature, these clinical correlations occur based on the interference of unspecified anxiety during pregnancy with neuroendocrine trajectories of pregnancy, fetus and placental functions. Conclusion: Unspecified anxiety during early and mid-term pregnancy may initiate cervix effacement and may cause fetal tachycardia at birth. The obtained results suggest the need for greater care for the emotional state of the woman during pregnancy.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Drug Abuse Among Inmates in Kosovo Prisons

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in drug use among inmates in prisons worldwide, including Kosovo, due to restrictions on visitation and addiction recovery programs. Objectives: This study analyzed drug use among 33,144 inmates in Kosovo prisons over nine years and aimed to identify potential solutions, foster collaboration between relevant institutions, and develop better programs and treatments. Methods and Results: The study is based on data from the medical files of inmates examined over nine years (2014-2022) in 10 Kosovo prison health units. From the total number of inmates, 8.22% were identified as drug users, and the percentage of drug use among inmates steadily increased from 5.8% in 2014 to 15.48% in 2019. In 2020, the first year of the pandemic, there was a decrease of 1.16% (from 15.48% to 14.28%), which was the first decrease in six years. The study also found a disproportional decrease in the number of inmates admitted during the same period. The Medico Psycho Therapeutic Center “Labyrinth” showed a similar trend. Suicide attempts, death under custody, and tobacco use increased linearly, with alcohol use remaining stable. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for effective prevention, treatment, and management strategies for drug use among inmates and the general population in Kosovo. Continuous collaboration between relevant institutions and stakeholders is essential to improve the health and well-being of those affected by drug use and create a brighter future for Kosovo.

SURGICAL ORTHOPEDIC PATIENTS’ PERCEPTION OF ANTIBIOTIC USE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate orthopedic patients' knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Material and Method: Patients admitted to the hospital for orthopedic surgery were given a questionnaire containing a total of 26 questions, 7 multiple choices, nine true and false questions and ten likert scale questions adapted from a survey which has been published by World Health Organization and translated to Albanian to assess their knowledge and attitude toward antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Result and Discussion: Sixty-two percent of the patients misunderstood the definition of antibiotic resistance and answered yes to the question "Antibiotic resistance occurs when your body becomes resistant to antibiotics and the antibiotic is no longer effective." 62.4% of the patient strongly agreed that ‘antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest problems facing the world”. Although participants are aware of antibiotic resistance and the potential threats it may pose, their knowledge of the causes of antibiotic resistance and how to prevent it is limited. In conclusion, attempts need to be made to raise antibiotic resistance awareness and knowledge among the Kosovo population.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in Various Categories of Malocclusion among Orthodontic Patients in the Kosovo Region: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Objectives The objective of this retrospective research was to investigate the prevalence and the association between dental anomalies and malocclusion in a subset of Kosovo's population. Materials and Methods This retrospective descriptive study was conducted by recruiting 557 patients; 215 (38.6%) were males and 342 (61.4%) were females. The age range was from 7 to 44 years. The exclusion criteria were employed for the sample size, and 307 of 864 patients were excluded from the study. Malocclusion groups were divided through Angle's classification, and dental anomalies were defined according to the literature. Pretreatment panoramic radiographs, medical and dental history, study casts, and photographs were included to categorize malocclusion and identify dental anomalies (i.e., hypodontia, ectopic eruption, impaction, and diastema). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS software version 16.0. The chi-squared test was utilized to calculate the frequency and percentages of malocclusion and dental anomalies. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Five hundred and fifty-seven patient records from 2015 to 2020 were included. An increased prevalence of ectopic eruption (24.8%) was found in this study, whereas the least common was hypodontia (7.0%). The most common malocclusion was class I (46.9%). Vertical plane malocclusion demonstrated that 31.4% had a deep bite and 9.5% had an open bite. Most dental anomalies were significantly associated with class I malocclusion and least associated with class III malocclusion. Transverse malocclusion exhibited that 14% had anterior crossbite and 10.8% had posterior crossbite. Posterior crossbite was significantly less in the class III malocclusion group (p = 0.019). Conclusion The prevalence of the selected dental anomalies was overall high in our study; 557 of 864 patients faced dental anomalies. An association was seen between malocclusion and dental anomalies in the Kosovan population, especially with class I malocclusion. Deep bite was prominent in the vertical plane malocclusion, whereas anterior crossbite was the most common finding in the transverse plane. Anterior crowding was prevalent in the maxilla and posterior crowding in the mandible.

Smoking prevalence among the adult population of Kosovo: Results of STEPS survey 2019

Aim: Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low – and middle-income countries, and the gap is expected to widen further in the coming decades. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of smoking among Kosovo adults by gender, age group and type of smoking.Methods: A population-based survey was conducted among people aged 18-69 years from April 2018 to June 2019 using the WHO STEPs instrument. 2800 randomly selected households were approached using multistage cluster sampling, and 2695 agreed to participate in the survey (response rate 96.2%).Results: According to the findings of our study, 25.7% of the population aged 18-69 years was a current smoker (men 35.3% vs. women 15.9%) and 90.1% of them smoked tobacco products on a daily basis (Men 91.5% current smokers on daily basis vs. Women 87.1% on daily basis). Smokers started smoking at an average age of 19.3 years. Women started smoking significantly later than men, at the age of 20.9 years, compared to 18.6 years for men, and the younger age group started smoking earlier. The average smoking duration is 19.3 years, with no gender differences (Men 19.5 years vs. Women 19.0 years average smoking duration). On average, 97.4% of daily smokers smoke manufactured cigarettes.Conclusion: Smoking prevalence was high among Kosovo adults, especially men and the majority of them smoke on daily basis.

POSTER ABSTRACTS

POSTER ABSTRACTS

Level of satisfaction and socio-demographic correlates among users of primary health care services in Kosovo

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the level and socio-demographic correlates of satisfaction with services among adult primary health care users in Kosovo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo during the period May-June 2022 including a representative sample of 510 adult users (238 men and 272 women) of primary health care services in Kosovo (mean age: 44.6±19.2 years). In addition to socio-demographic data, a structured 23-item questionnaire aiming at assessing the level of satisfaction with primary health care services was administered to all participants (each item ranging from 1 [high] to 5 [low]). A summary score was calculated for all 23 items related to satisfaction level ranging from 23 (the highest satisfaction level) to 115 (the lowest satisfaction level). General linear model was used to assess the association between the summary score of satisfaction level with primary health care services and socio-demographic factors of study participants. Results: Mean summary score of the 23 items related to the satisfaction level with primary health care services was 49.8±13.0; median score was 49 (interquartile range: 41-57). In multivariable-adjusted models, the level of satisfaction with primary health care services was significantly higher among participants with a lower educational attainment, individuals with e lower income level, and ethnic Albanian participants. Conclusion: This study identified important socio-demographic correlates of the level of satisfaction with primary health care services in the adult population of Kosovo. Findings from this study should raise the awareness of policymakers and decision-makers in Kosovo and elsewhere in order to improve the quality of primary health care services.