Women In Romania Research Articles

Exploring Factors Influencing Pregnant Women's Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Midwifery Care in Romania: Implications for Maternal Health Education Strategies.

Midwives are strong advocates for vaginal births. However, their visibility and accessibility are poorly perceived by women in Romania. Consequently, the women's options are limited to a single direction when pregnancy occurs, involving the family doctor, the obstetrician, and often an interventional technical approach at the time of birth. The aim of this research is to identify specific variables that affect the perceptions and attitudes of pregnant women towards the care provided by midwives. This knowledge could contribute to the development of more effective education and information strategies within maternal health services. A cross-sectional observational analytical survey was conducted in Romania among pregnant women from the general population. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, with informed consent obtained from each participating pregnant woman. The questionnaire was administered online using the cloud-based Google Forms platform and was available on the internet for seven months, from January to July 2023. The questionnaire was distributed through various media channels, both individually and in communication groups, in the form of a link. All questions were mandatory, and the questionnaire could only be submitted after answering all questions. A total of 1301 individual responses were collected. The analysis of the socio-demographic and obstetrical profile of the pregnant women revealed that approximately half, 689 (52.95%), of the participants were aged between 18-29 years, and 1060 (81.47%) of the participants were married. Among our group of 1301 pregnant women, 973 (74.78%) had higher education, and 987 (75.86%) had a regular job. A majority of the survey participants, 936 (71.94%), lived in an urban geographic area, while 476 (36.58%) had attended childbirth education courses, and 791 (60.79%) were in the third trimester of pregnancy. A total of 298 (22.9%) respondents did not want to give birth in a hospital, and one-third, 347 (26.67%), did not place significant importance on control over the childbirth process. The main factors influencing women's decisions regarding perinatal care and the importance of midwives as a component of the maternal-infant care team are modifiable, and thorough educational and psychological preparation would reduce the increasing predominance of preference for cesarean section, thereby promoting healthier and more woman- and child-centered perinatal care.

PREVALENȚA ȘI TIPURILE DE TULBURĂRI DE PERSONALITATE LA FEMEILE PRIVATE DE LIBERTATE

This article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at establishing the prevalence and types of personality disorders encountered among women in custody in Romanian prisons. It is important to emphasize that incarcerated women in Romania represent a category of inmates that has been insufficiently investigated regarding personality disorders. To date, there are no specific studies conducted among this group of inmates in Romania on this topic. The research sample consisted of definitively sentenced incarcerated women (N=200 respondents) serving their sentences in the only prison in Romania that exclusively houses women, distributed across all detention regimes. The SCID-II Personality Questionnaire was used, designed to identify and evaluate personality disorders according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). The percentage distribution shows that obsessive-compulsive (82%) and borderline (80%) personality disorders are among the most prevalent observed in incarcerated women included in this study. For other personality disorders, a prevalence ranging from 11,5% to 75% was observed. The result of this research have significant practical implications, providing a solid foundation for the development of specific intervention programs dedicated to this category. Thus, specialists in the penitentiary administration system can use this data to create programs based on a genuine understanding of these women`s profiles.

Breast Cancer Screening and Prophylactic Mastectomy for High-Risk Women in Romania.

Breast cancer remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality within oncology. Risk factors, encompassing genetic and environmental influences, significantly contribute to its prevalence. While germline mutations, notably within the BRCA genes, are commonly associated with heightened breast cancer risk, a spectrum of other variants exists among affected individuals. Diagnosis relies on imaging techniques, biopsies, biomarkers, and genetic testing, facilitating personalised risk assessment through specific scoring systems. Breast cancer screening programs employing mammography and other imaging modalities play a crucial role in early detection and management, leading to improved outcomes for affected individuals. Regular screening enables the identification of suspicious lesions or abnormalities at earlier stages, facilitating timely intervention and potentially reducing mortality rates associated with breast cancer. Genetic mutations guide screening protocols, prophylactic interventions, treatment modalities, and patient prognosis. Prophylactic measures encompass a range of interventions, including chemoprevention, hormonal inhibition, oophorectomy, and mastectomy. Despite their efficacy in mitigating breast cancer incidence, these interventions carry potential side effects and psychological implications, necessitating comprehensive counselling tailored to individual cases.

Correlation between high-risk HPV infection and p16/Ki-67 abnormalities in Pap samples in a South Eastern Europe cohort.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths amongst women worldwide. CC represents a major global healthcare issue, and Romania ranks the worst in mortality rates amongst EU countries. However, the early detection of CC can be lifesaving. To understand the testing process undergone by women in Romania, we performed a retrospective study, and investigated a cohort of 83 785 cervical cases from Romanian women aged 15-70, obtained in private-based opportunistic screening. We examined the correlation between Pap smear results, human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping, and the expression of cell cycle markers p16 and Ki-67. Analysis of Pap results revealed approximately 10% abnormal cases, of which high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesionsconstituted 4.9%. HPV genotyping of 12 185 cases with available Pap results unveiled a range of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types associated with cervical abnormalities. Notably, 26% of hrHPV-positive cases showed no observable abnormalities. In a subset of cases with abnormal Pap and a type of hrHPV, P16/Ki-67 double-staining was also positive. This study suggests the importance of an integrated diagnostic algorithm that should consider the HPV genotype, Pap smear, and p16/Ki-67 staining. This algorithm should enhance the CC screening accuracy and its management strategies, particularly in those regions with a high disease burden, such as Romania.

Screening attendance disparities among Hungarian-speaking Roma and non-Roma women in central and eastern European countries.

The Roma populations in Central and Eastern Europe are two to three times more likely to have unmet health needs compared to non-Roma residents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the disparity in screening attendance between Hungarian-speaking Roma (R) and non-Roma (nR) women in Hungary (HU-R:322; nR:294), Romania (RO-R:258; nR:183), and Slovakia (SK-R:146; nR:163), while also identifying the factors that influence attendance at any kind of screening tests in both populations. In order to examine these factors, a multiple binary logistic regression was conducted. The findings revealed significant associations between attendance at any kind of screening tests and certain factors among different groups. Among Hungarian Roma women, it was found that having a chronic disease and smoking were linked to attendance at any kind of screening tests (p = 0.009). Specifically, having a chronic disease increased the odds of attendance (OR = 1.71 [1.01, 2.90]), while smoking decreased the odds (OR = 0.57[0.365, 0.91]). In Romania, the study found that not having health insurance decreased the odds of attendance among Roma women (OR = 0.50 [0.27, 0.91]), whereas having a chronic disease increased the odds (OR = 2.87 [1.44, 5.72]) (p = 0.006). Among non-Roma women in Romania, physical inactivity was associated with a decreased likelihood of attendance at any kind of screening tests (OR = 0.48 [0.25, 0.95]). Among Slovakian Roma women, not having health insurance (OR = 0.09[0.02, 0.36]) and smoking (OR = 0.25[0.11, 0.61]) were found to decrease the odds of attendance (p < 0.001). On the other hand, non-Roma women in Slovakia with chronic diseases were more likely to attend at any kind of screening tests (OR = 2.52[1.12, 5.66]). Our research emphasizes the impact of lacking health insurance on screening attendance, particularly among the Roma population. It also highlights the significance of health-related behaviours such as smoking and physical inactivity in relation to missed screening tests, which in turn contribute to the development of non-communicable diseases. Therefore, promoting targeted screening programs for the Roma community is crucial to ensure their access to screening tests, especially in cases of chronic illnesses.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Contraception Awareness and Mental Well-Being in Teenagers and Young Adult Women: A Three-Year Cross-Sectional Analysis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant shifts occurred in reproductive health, especially among teenagers and young adult women in Romania. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2022, aimed to longitudinally assess contraceptive awareness and its correlation with mental well-being in this demographic. A cohort of 210 participants aged 15-25, with a history of wanted or unwanted pregnancy, was studied. The research involved collaborations with Romanian educational institutions and strict adherence to ethical standards. Participants' data on contraceptive knowledge and practices were analyzed, considering factors like substance use and prior sexual education. Mental well-being was evaluated using the SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales. The study revealed a positive correlation between increased contraceptive knowledge and improved mental health scores. In 2022, 68% of participants displayed proficient contraceptive awareness, up from 52% in 2020. Those with good contraceptive knowledge had an average SF-36 score of 72, indicating a better quality of life, compared to a score of 58 among those with limited knowledge. Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores among individuals with better contraceptive awareness, suggesting reduced anxiety and depression levels. The SF-36 survey results showed significant improvements across the years: the physical score increased from 52.1 (±6.3) in 2020 to 56.5 (±6.8) in 2022, the mental score from 51.4 (±7.2) to 55.0 (±6.9), and the total score from 53.6 (±7.9) to 57.5 (±8.0). WHOQOL-BREF results showed a substantial increase in the social domain score from 53.6 (±18.2) in 2020 to 63.0 (±20.5) in 2022. GAD-7 scores declined from 7.9 (±2.6) in 2020 to 6.5 (±3.3) in 2022, indicating a decrease in anxiety symptoms. PHQ-9 scores, measuring depression, also showed a downward trend, from 4.8 (±2.2) in 2020 to 3.9 (±2.8) in 2022. These findings highlight the intertwined nature of contraceptive awareness and mental well-being. The improvements in contraceptive awareness positively impacted mental health outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions in this demographic, particularly during global crises like the pandemic.

Assessing the Level of Knowledge and Experience Regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening among Roma Women in Romania.

Background and Objectives: Romania ranks among the countries with a particularly high rate of mortality that can be prevented through prevention programs, screening, early detection, and prompt care. Cervical cancer (CC) is a major cause of these preventable deaths, affecting individuals from marginalized and rural regions, as well as the Roma population. The purpose of this article was to identify accurate and consistent information about the Roma population on the risk of CC, as well as the importance of understanding the causes of the disease and awareness of the available prevention methods. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire applied only to Roma women in Romania. Results: We enrolled 759 patients in this study. These were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 289 (38.1%) women who had been tested for HPV infection, while Group 2 included 470 (61.9%) women who had never been tested for HPV infection. Characterization of women in Group 1: mostly aged between 25 and 54 years, with high school education, married, who started sexual activity under the age of 18 years, with only one sexual partner, and had over five pregnancies. Regarding contraceptive methods, 35.7% of women do not know or use any contraceptive method, and 32.2% use hormonal contraceptives. Two thirds of the women tested had heard of HPV, and 19.7% were vaccinated against HPV with at least 2-3 doses. A percentage of 8.7 had a diagnosis of CC, compared to those who were not tested (p-0.0001), whereas 63% of the tested women did not know much about CC, as opposed to 85.7% of the group of untested women. Conclusions: Cervical cancer (CC) continues to be a public health concern in Romania, particularly among vulnerable groups. Promoting campaigns to raise awareness for HPV vaccination and CC screening are necessary to reduce the associated mortality and morbidity.

Gender violence and the construction of new gender identities: Roma migrant women's lived experiences in Romania and Spain

Recent research indicates that there are critical physical, psychological, verbal and economic issues that shape the types of violence to which women are subject. This study analyses how Roma migrant women fall victim to domestic abuse, both in their home country (Romania) and abroad (Spain). Drawing on literature regarding violence against women, a survey (N=132) was conducted with Romanian Roma migrant women in Spain to understand the ways in which they reconstructed their gender identities in the face of violence. Further semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five Roma migrant women to determine the ways in which these women perceived the forms of violence to which they fell victim, what caused their partners to become perpetrators, and what roles their own families played in this scenario. The findings of our study reveal the inherent insecurities that violence has inflicted on our participants, unmask the destructive effects on the family unit, and explain how some of the interviewees were able to transcend their experience and initiate a process of resetting their gender identities. If the predominance of the traditional patriarchal structure of Roma society can be observed during the life experiences of the Roma women in Romania, the gender characteristics are changing among those Roma women who have migrated to Spain: there is a greater emphasis on a fairer distribution of domestic tasks, decision-making in the family, and their ability to adapt to new possibilities for professional development. The study concludes that although violence against Roma women is still a real issue in Spain, women are re-defining their gender identities to resist traditional patriarchal structures.

Appraisal of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance in the Romanian Pregnant Population.

Widespread COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and minimizing the risk of novel variants arising in the general population, especially in pregnant women. According to the publicly available research data, vaccination intentions vary significantly by country, with Romania among the European countries with the lowest vaccination rates. Thus, we sought to determine the scale of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign among pregnant women in Romania, as well as the variables affecting their choices. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women referred to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Timisoara Municipal Emergency Hospital in Romania, where participants were asked to complete an online survey including standardized and unstandardized questionnaires indicating their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the reasons for their willingness. Out of the 500 women who were requested to participate, there was a total of 345 validated questionnaires, with 184 vaccinated and 161 unvaccinated pregnant women. The statistically significant determinant factors for COVID-19 vaccination acceptance were the urban area of residence (OR = 0.86), having a higher level of education (OR = 0.81), the third trimester of pregnancy (OR = 0.54), trusting the government (OR = 0.83), being a frequent traveler (OR = 0.76), fearing the severity of COVID-19 (OR = 0.68), the higher availability of COVID-19 vaccines nearby (OR = 0.87), and seeing more people getting vaccinated (OR = 0.75). As there are no increased risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 immunization in pregnant women, the variables identified in this research are crucial in determining the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines that should be addressed in this vulnerable group to increase vaccination rates.

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy among Romanian Pregnant Women.

Universal COVID-19 immunization is seen as a critical approach for limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and reducing the danger of new variations emerging in the general population, especially in pregnant women. The literature and accessible research data indicate that vaccination intentions vary greatly by country, with Romania ranking among the European nations with the lowest vaccination rates. Thus, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Romania and the factors influencing their decision. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women referred to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Timisoara Municipal Emergency Hospital in Romania. Participants were asked to complete the validated VAX scale about vaccine hesitancy and to report their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and their reasons for hesitancy. The group of 184 pregnant women who completed the survey recorded significantly more hesitant respondents than the non-pregnant group with 161 respondents (52.2% vs. 40.3%). They had significantly higher average scores in all VAX scale subsections, while 78.1% of them gave credits to social media for their COVID-19 vaccination decision, compared with 63.0% of non-pregnant women. The independent risk factors for hesitancy were determined as not being afraid of COVID-19 OR = 1.89, below-average income OR = 2.06, trusting social media rumors OR = 2.38, not believing in SARS-CoV-2 existence OR = 2.67, and being a vaccination non-believer OR = 3.15. We advocate for pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and for the development of targeted campaigns to address the factors of hesitation. This research emphasizes the critical need for delivering the COVID-19 immunization to the whole community, including pregnant women who may have vaccine-related concerns.

Romanian Women in Sciences: Facts, Figures, and Achievements in the Last Two Centuries

In the last two centuries, Romanian women had to struggle in order to carve a place for themselves not only in sciences, but also in the society. Eventually, their struggle paid off. Today, women can enjoy a prominent career in academia as well as in any other field of their choice. This article provides a concise summary of their struggles and their achievements as well as a short catalogue of the leading feminine figures. It aims at pointing out the main roads to emancipation, modernization and empower-ment of women in Romania from the XIXth century onwards.

IDENTITY AND GENDER EQUALITY IN ROMANIA A QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the paradigm in which international organizations, UN member states, national, regional and local authorities act together to solve the concrete problems facing the world today. Although women and girls represent more than half of the world's population, they do not enjoy the same rights and freedom everywhere. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 of the 2030 Agenda proposes to empower women by promoting equal opportunities for women and men around the world, facilitating women's access to education, training and careers, ensuring participation in political decision-making and in the management positions of companies, providing solutions to accommodate the time spent for childcare and family with the work schedule, preventing and combating all forms of violence against girls and women, improving their access to health and reproductive services. Starting from the targets and indicators associated with SDG 5, this study proposes a quantitative assessment of the quality of life of women in Romania. In this regard, we used data provided by Eurostat, the National Institute of Statistics, the National Commission for Strategy and Forecasting, as well as data from the reports of the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men and the European Institute for Gender Equality. To verify the working hypotheses (research questions) we used descriptive statistical analysis with SPSS, Pearson correlation and linear regression processed with the XLSTAT program, graphical representation techniques with PHILCARTO software.

Assessment of the importance of physical activity and quality of life for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. Osteoporosis is one of the most important ten diseases worldwide, still causing extreme suffering to patients and huge costs to the health system. The rapid increase of the population 's aging was involved in many aspects of human health, and, among these ones, osteoporosis was one of the main public health issues. The aim of the study was to assess the importance of physical activity and the quality of life in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. The study is longitudinal, it was conducted in an outpatient setting for a period of 1 year and it included 20 patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. The demographic variables (age, living environment, body mass index) were assessed, and as parameters: pain (VAS scale), fracture risk (FRAX score), quality of life (Qualeffo-41 questionnaire), bone mineral density at the spine and at the femur (DEXA). The patients received pharmacological treatment such as bisphosphonates and underwent physiotherapy for pains: low frequency currents (TENS), ultrasound and physical therapy. Results and discussions. In all the studied cases, it was considered that the pain decreased following the use of the medicinal and physiotherapeutic treatment. This is an expected result given that other studies have shown this. Postmenopausal women in Romania with osteoporosis have a lower HRQoL than healthy controls, measured with the SF-36 instrument and the total QUALEFFO-41 score. Conclusions. The obtained data point out the correlation between bone mineral density, fracture risks and exercises in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. The FRAX score is useful to identify patients who need the combination of drug therapy and exercises to prevent vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in the next 10 years. Keywords: osteoporosis, physical activity, quality of life, COVID-19,

Reproductive health services use by the Roma minority women in Romania

Abstract Backgound In Romania Roma women are vulnerable to pregnancy-related events, unwanted pregnancies, stillbirth, abortion and cervical cancer. This paper aims to analysis the use of reproductive health services, family planning, prenatal care and screening for cervical cancer by Roma women. Methods A secondary analysis was performed on the data of the Reproductive Health Survey in Romania 2016, of a subsample of 314 Roma women, aged 15-44 years. Results 2/3 of Roma women had their first pregnancy in adolescence, 66.9% between 15-19 and 8.4% under 15 years of age. 65.4% Roma adolescent girls had their first child at 15-19 years, and 2.8% at ages under 15 years. During pregnancy, 24.1% of Roma women do not use prenatal care services, three times more than the women from the reference population (7.1%) (p &amp;lt; 0.01). 73% of Roma women have never benefited from cervical cancer screening compared to 42.7% in the general fertile female population. 46, 7% of Roma women use any type of contraceptive method and 38.1% modern methods, a closed prevalence of contraception in the general population of fertile women (48.4% of any method and 38.7% modern methods) Conclusions Roma women have their first pregnancy in adolescence. There are inequalities in the use of preventive services for prenatal care and cervical cancer screening of the Roma female population compared to the reference female population in Romania. Public health policies should include specific active measures for Roma women to improve their access to preventive services. In order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, public health policies in Romania should include family planning measures addressed towards all women, but using methods culturally adapted to the Roma population. Key messages There are inequalities in sexual reproductive health services use of Roma minories women I Romania. Services and active preventive mesures should be adressed to Roma populationtion.

Sexual behavior of Roma women in Romania

Abstract Background Roma women are considered a vulnerable population with regard to reproductive health. Early pregnancy and childbirth is common among Roma women. Roma women use less preventive services prenatal care, cancer screening and family planning. Methods The present study aims to analyze the sexual behavior of Roma women based on the secondary analysis of a subsample of 343 Roma women aged 15-44, as a part of the Romanian Reproductive Health Survey 2016. Results The main sexual events of the Roma women start in adolescence: 63.9% of Roma women had their first sexual intercourse at age of 15-19and 26.7% at age of 15 and 9.4% between 20-24 years. Roma with a low educational level start earlier sexual life, 28,8% of Roma women with no education had their sexual intercourse before age 15 and 64.8% between 15-19 years. Roma women are living in couples as adolescents with a higher prevalence of teenager couples in rural area 19.4% of Roma women in rural areas and 13.4% in urban areas are in a couple before the age of 15, (p &amp;lt; o,o5) and 60.5% in rural areas and 58.9% in urban areas between 15-19 years. 2/3 of Roma women had their first pregnancy in adolescence, 66.9% between 15-19 and 8.4% under 15 years of age. Concerning the first delivery 65.4% Roma adolescent girls had their first child at 15-19 years, and 2.8% at ages under 15 years. Conclusions The Roma female minorities had in adolescence their main sexual events, the first sexual intercourse, the start of a life in couple, the first pregnancy and the first delivery; Roma women from rural areas and women with a low level of education had all these experiences earlier; In order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, public reproductive health policies in Romania should include measures addressed to the need and specific educational and cultural characteristic of Roma women and their partners. Key messages Main sexual events of Roma women begin in adolescence. The reproductive health policies should be adressed with special emphasis to Roma adolescent women.

A decreasing trend in toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Romania - results of a large scale study.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). T. gondii infection is a cause of congenital infection worldwide. Primary infection or the reactivation of latent infection during pregnancy may lead to fetal infection and to congenital toxoplasmosis syndrome. Seropositive pregnant women are generally protected from maternal-fetal transmission of T. gondii, although exceptions exist. The aim of our study was to analyze the dynamics of T. gondii seroprevalence during a 10-year period and to correlate it with age and demographic features of pregnant women. We tested 6,889 pregnant women in Timisoara, Romania, for IgG-anti-T. gondii antibodies, in two successive periods: i) 2008-2010 (group 1: 1,457 participants); and ii) 2015-2018 (group 2: 5,432 participants). For each participant, data on age and area of residence were collected. Our results showed that in the Western Region of Romania T. gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women declined from 43.79 to 38.81% in the last ten years. This trend was observed in both urban (40.53 vs. 34.85%) and rural areas (52.22 vs. 46.22%). A higher seroprevalence rate was found in rural than in urban areas. In addition, we found an increasing tendency of seroprevalence related to the age of pregnant women.

HBV genotypes circulation in pregnant women in Romania: a pilot study

Abstract Background: The risk of mother to child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recognized worldwide, a reason for which the World Health Organization aims to reduce this public health issue of major concern in the next ten years. The aim of our study was to detect circulating HBV genotypes in a selected population of pregnant women, as scientific evidence to recommend personalized antiviral therapy and to obtain updated epidemiological information. Methods: HBsAg positive pregnant women were selected by the National Institute of Public Health Romania. Blood samples were collected after signing the informed consent. The HBV genotypes were tested by INNO LiPA HBV genotyping method. Results. The D genotype was detected in 9/18 (50%) patients, genotype A in 3/18 (16.7%), and genotype F in 3/18 (16.7%) patients. Three patients had double infection, 11 had unique infection, and 4 had no detectable genotype. Conclusion. This study confirmed the results of previous studies regarding HBV genotype circulation in our country, with the mention that F genotype was a new one for our area. These data are useful from an epidemiological point of view and also for therapeutical reasons, as it is known that therapy should be genotype guided.

GENDER ALCOHOL USE DISPARITIES AND (POSSIBLE) CONSEQUENCES ON MEN AND WOMEN HEALTH STATUS

In this study we approached gender differences of alcohol consumption and, also, the way these differences are reflected in women and men harmful effects of drinking. We focused on Romanian evidences but we reported our results to European realities. The method was secondary data analysis, applied on information provided by World Health Organization, allowing us to create a European countries database, containing patterns of gendered consumption and some harmful consequences of drinking. Available data didn't allow us to analyze the important disparities between gendered patterns of alcohol consumption; so, we had to content us with some selection from scientific literature. Romania has a relatively high level of alcohol consumption but, also, an important proportion of abstainers and low consumers. The apparent contradiction could be explained by the high share of people with „heavy episodic drinking”. To note that women in Romania consume 4.2 times less alcohol than men, have a proportion of abstinence 3.1times higher and the percentage of those who drink daily or weekly is 6.1 times less than of men. Regarding the consequences of alcohol consumption, its dependence prevalence has a very low level in Romania but men have a 3.3 times higher risks. „Alcohol use disorder” has, again, a low prevalence but males have a 3.2 higher probability of AUD. Finally, we mention that in Romania there is an important proportion of deaths attributable to alcohol (for men the proportion is 2.6 higher than for women). An important finding: as much as global alcohol consumption increases, most of gender differences diminish.

A seroprevalence study for hepatitis B virus markers of infection in pregnant women in Romania: results and opportunities for prevention.

The Action Plan for viral hepatites in the WHO European Region aims to eliminate them as a public health threat by the end of 2030. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) perinatal transmission is a problem of major concern. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of HBV markers in pregnant women in Romania, as scientific evidence for recommending public health interventions. The serum samples were prospectively collected in randomly selected maternities, from pregnant women admitted for birth beginning with July 1st, 2016. Signed informed consent was requested and the confidentiality of personal data was assured. The laboratory investigations were performed in two regional public health laboratories. The prevalence of HBsAg was 5.1%. Among HBsAg positives, the HBeAg was present in 7.4% and the anti-HBeAb were detected in 55.6% of the pregnant women. The results of the study were comparable to those in 2013 for the women of the same age group, which proves the need for established public health interventions leading to reducing, and halting HBV transmission in the population. .

PC034: The periodontal state of smoker versus non‐smoker pregnant women – gingival inflammation on a significant lot of pregnant women in Romania

PC034: The periodontal state of smoker versus non‐smoker pregnant women – gingival inflammation on a significant lot of pregnant women in Romania