Women In Slovenia Research Articles

The impact of value orientations on body image and the use of physical beauty practices by young women in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia

This work deals with the assessment of the impact of value orientations on body image and the use of physical beauty practices by young women in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. The transitional course of events as well as the historical, cultural and religious differences of each country have also left their mark on the role and position of women in each of the countries. This research deals with how much modernization did, in terms of modernization theory (Inglehart and Welzel, 2007), through a system of dominant value orientations the use of the media and cultural features of the countries analysed, influenced the differences in the perception and understanding of the female body, which is reflected in the body image of women and the use of physical beauty practices. We analyse the impact of the factors (values, media influence, sociodemographic factors and body mass index (BMI)) on body image and the use of physical beauty practices by young women in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. The results did not confirm a direct impact on body image values, however, the value orientations were shown to be a relevant factor of the media impact and the use of beauty practices. Body image was also statistically significantly influenced by BMI and some sociodemographic factors (education, wealth). A significant impact of sociodemographic factors (size of place of residence, education, wealth) on values and physical practices was also proven.

Hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in Slovenia: study on 31,849 samples obtained in four screening rounds during 1999, 2003, 2009 and 2013.

The majority of people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are unaware of their infection. Assessment of the prevalence of HCV infection in the general population and in key populations at increased risk is needed for evidence-based testing policies. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), the prevalence of HCV viraemia (HCV RNA), and to describe HCV genotype distribution among pregnant women in Slovenia. Unlinked anonymous testing was performed on residual sera obtained from 31,849 pregnant women for routine syphilis screening during 1999, 2003, 2009, and 2013. Anti-HCV reactive specimens were tested for HCV RNA and HCV genotypes were determined. Annual prevalence of anti-HCV ranged between 0.09% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03–0.18) in 2009 and 0.21% (95% CI: 0.12–0.34) in 2003 and HCV RNA positivity between 0.06% (95% CI: 0.02–0.14) in 2009 and 0.14% (95% CI: 0.07–0.25) in 2003. We observed no statistically significant differences in anti-HCV or HCV RNA prevalence between age groups (<20, 20–29 and ≥30 years) in any year and no trend in time. Of 29 HCV active infections, 19 were with genotype 1 and 10 with genotype 3. HCV infection among pregnant women was rare suggesting a low burden in the Slovenian general population. Antenatal screening for HCV in Slovenia could not be recommended.

Standpoints of Roma women regarding reproductive health.

BackgroundLittle is known about the reproductive health of Roma women in Slovenia. The aim of this study is to present the standpoints of Roma women regarding reproductive health, the degree to which primary healthcare services are available to Roma women and the reproductive health circumstances which lead most Roma women to decide to visit a gynaecologist.MethodsA qualitative research study was carried out. Forty-four adult Roma women from the Hudeje/Vejar settlement in the Dolenjska region, Slovenia, took part in the research. The collected material was processed by means of inductive (qualitative) content analysis. The coding procedure was supported by the QDA software Atlas.ti.ResultsEighteen categories and six themes were identified that enable with the relevant codes an understanding of the standpoints of Roma women regarding reproductive health. The research results showed that the cultural needs of Roma women should be taken into account in their comprehensive healthcare treatment. Roma women wish for equal treatment when health is in question, drawing attention to better communication and the problem of ethnic discrimination in medical facilities. Roma women also feel a need to be educated and to receive professional advice, such as appropriate lectures and/or workshops dealing with reproductive health that would ensure them a higher quality of life over time.ConclusionsThe research results call attention to the necessity of recognising both the need to educate Roma women as well as the need for different approaches to the provision of healthcare services in the field of reproductive health with such a sensitive group of female inhabitants. It will be necessary to familiarise them with preventive programmes and to implement such programmes, to inform them of possible diseases and to encourage them in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner to regularly visit their gynaecologist.

Increase in Tolerance towards Violence against Women in the Private Sphere: Changes in Slovenian Public Opinion between 2005 and 2012

The aim of this article is to present Slovenian public opinion on questions related to violence against women in the private sphere. The article sheds light on the results of two surveys carried out in 2005 and 2012 among the citizens of the Republic of Slovenia, and places special emphasis on differences that appeared in the interval between their deliveries. When presenting Slovenian public opinion on violence against women in Slovenia, the article focuses on the levels of sensitivity to violence and social tolerance towards violence, the assessment of knowledge of the phenomenon, its visibility, the perception of violence against women as a private or public issue and, above all, the connection between traditional values (related to the perception of female and male gender roles and the position of women and men in society) and tolerance towards violence. The analysis reveals a downward trend in sensitivity to violence and an upward trend in tolerance to violence against women and apportioning blame to victims, as well as a growing perception of domestic violence as a private and not public issue. Keywords: violence against women; private sphere; public opinion; Slovenia Language: en

Seasonal variations of vitamin D concentrations in pregnant women and neonates in Slovenia

ObjectiveWhile foreign research shows a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and consequently in neonates, we do not have any data on vitamin D concentration in these risk groups for Slovenia. We performed a prospective study to evaluate vitamin D concentration in pregnant women and neonates in Maribor region. Study designWe determined 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentration from blood samples taken before delivery from 100 pregnant women who gave birth in Maribor University Clinical Centre in September and December 2013, respectively, and from the cord blood of their neonates. We collected data on nutrition and sun exposure during pregnancy. We calculated the vitamin D concentrations in pregnant women and neonates according to season of birth and use of nutrition supplements, determined the vitamin D levels in some pregnancy complications and checked the correlation of maternal and neonatal vitamin D concentrations. ResultsThe average vitamin D concentration in the September group was 54.3±25.2nmol/L, and in the December group 33.3±18.6nmol/L (p<0.001). Optimal vitamin D concentration (>80nmol/L) was reached by 12.0% of pregnant women in September and by only 2.0% in December. Women who took nutrition supplements containing vitamin D during pregnancy had significantly higher vitamin D levels than those who did not (September 68.9±27.0nmol/L vs. 46.5±20.3nmol/L, p<0.001; December 38.7±17.9nmol/L vs. 30.2±18.4nmol/L, p=0.028). Neonates had higher average levels of vitamin D than their mothers but there was a good correlation between maternal and neonatal vitamin D values. ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is very common in pregnant women in Slovenia as well, especially in winter and in those women who do not take nutrition supplements containing vitamin D.

Inequalities in women’s mortality by education / Neenakosti v umrljivosti žensk po izobrazbi

Abstract Background: Researchers have found that mortality is decreasing in all socioeconomic population groups but the relative differences in mortality between lower and higher social classes remain unchanged or have even increased. In Slovenia this has not yet been studied. Methods: The analysis included all women in Slovenia who died in the 2005-2010 period and were recorded in the Registry of deaths. Cause of death data was linked to data on the educational attainment of the deceased person, which was applied successfully in 98.8% of cases. The rate ratios (RR) for age-standardised death rates were calculated for women with a low and high educational attainment. Results: The calculated gap in life expectancy at age 30 between women with low and high educational attainment stood at 5.5 years. Women aged 0-84 with a low educational attainment had a statistically significant higher risk of death than women with a high educational attainment (RR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.57-1.73). Inequalities in premature mortality were even greater (1.78; 1.65-1.93). Educational inequalities in premature mortality were revealed in the majority of causes of death, e.g. cervical cancer (1.99; 1.22-3.67), lung cancer (1.70; 1.30-2.26), cardiovascular diseases (3.02; 2.41-3.91), causes directly attributable to alcohol (7.34; 4.96-12.27), motor vehicle accidents (2.23; 1.21-4.45) and suicide (1.68; 1.19-2.41). Conclusions: Significant socioeconomic gaps in women’s mortality in Slovenia obligate us to more systematic monitoring of health inequalities in the future. Further research is required in order to clarify specific reasons for the major gaps in mortality from specific causes of death.

Criminality of women in Slovenia

Both in theory and research, the criminality of women is a fairly overlooked area, crime being primarily a male sphere, with men committing on average around 96% of all criminal acts, and women only 4%. To understand the criminality of women, and in particular the criminality of women in Slovenia, the author focuses on the following theses: (1) For the understanding of the gendered aspect of criminality it is not so much important why the number of women involved in crime is so low, but rather why the number of men is so high; (2) The criminality and criminal acts committed by women in Slovenia are a reflection of the traditional image of the woman, which manifests in the social division of gender roles, and also influences the extent and types of criminal acts; and (3) For the understanding of criminality, it is necessary to research it from the point of view of gender, as only this kind of approach enables the examination of the overlooked point where criminality is reproduced.

Migrant Women’s Transnationalism: Family Patterns and Policies

AbstractWhereas current policies on migration and integration are beginning to recognise family reunion as one of the most legitimate reasons for acceptance by a host society, they in most cases still do not account for the growing trend of feminisation of migration, and even rarely do they address specific migrants’ needs. As currently constituted, the integration bills envision a one‐way process that places migrants into a position where they cannot question, but only accept and fulfil the predetermined requirements of integration plans. But who are the women that migrate, what influence do their transnational experiences have on their families, and how do migration policies envision the reality of increasing transnationalism? This paper focuses on biographical interviews with migrant women in Slovenia as a valuable method to question current integration measurements, applied here to explore female migrants’ experiences in transnational family life and social networks. A gender sensitive approach is applied that critically evaluates the specificities of family reunification policies, which define women migrants as dependent family members. We discuss life trajectories of women migrants, focusing the debate on their own experiences in and with family life. This new empirical material is used to theorise gaps in contemporary migration research. Women migrants’ own reflections of transnational family ties show a great variety of experiences and their narratives are a unique window into motivational, political, as well as legal dimensions of migration.

The influence of education on differences in depressive symptoms between men and women in Slovenia

The influence of education on differences in depressive symptoms between men and women in SloveniaBackground: This paper discusses depressive symptoms among men and women in Slovenia and their relationship to various socioeconomic factors, and education in particular.Methods: The analysis is based on the European Social Survey Round 3 (ESS-3) from 2006, for the Slovene population (n = 1,282). Depressive symptoms, as a dependent variable, are measured using an 8-item version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression (CES-D 8) scale. Independent variables included in the research model are: gender, age, education, income, marital and employment status and the presence of a child under the age of 12 in the household. Using mean comparisons of depression symptoms and regression analyses, the paper presents gender differences in depression levels and factors that influence it.Results: Education contributes to lower depression levels in both genders; however, its influence is substantially higher among women. Depression symptoms are closely related to education. Lower educated women show a significantly higher score in depression symptoms than lower educated men. However, higher educated women show better mental health than higher educated men. Different sociodemographic factors influence the levels of depression symptoms differently between genders. The impact of housework

Biomarkers of low-level mercury exposure through fish consumption in pregnant and lactating Slovenian women

In order to assess the mercury exposure of pregnant and lactating women in Slovenia, levels of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were determined in hair, cord blood and breast milk. In addition, the frequency of fish consumption was estimated, because fish is generally the main pathway for human exposure to MeHg. Hair samples were collected from 574 women participating in this study, while cord blood and breast milk samples were collected from 446 and 284 women, respectively. As expected, the levels of THg in hair (median (Med)=297ng/g, 10th percentile (P10)=73ng/g, 90th percentile (P90)=781ng/g), cord blood (Med=1.5ng/g, P10=0.5ng/g, P90=4.2ng/g) and breast milk (Med=0.2ng/g, P10=0.06ng/g, P90=0.6ng/g) were low, due to low consumption of fish (X=25g/day). A significant linear correlation was found between levels of lnTHg in hair and lnTHg in cord blood (r=0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–0.89), between levels of lnTHg in hair and lnMeHg in cord blood (r=0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.96) and between lnTHg levels in cord blood and lnTHg levels in breast milk (r=0.36, 95% CI: 0.25–0.47). Spearman's rank correlations between the frequency of fish consumption and THg in hair (rs=0.35, 95% CI: 0.28–0.42), and between the frequency of fish consumption and THg in cord blood (rs=0.43, 95% CI: 0.36–0.51) or MeHg in cord blood (rs=0.31, 95% CI: 0.06–0.52) were weak. This could be due to the approximate information on fish consumption obtained from the questionnaires, the high variability of MeHg concentrations in fish and a relatively high proportion of inorganic mercury in the biomarkers which originates from sources other than fish. In conclusion, THg levels in cord blood, THg levels in hair and MeHg levels in cord blood are suitable biomarkers of low-level Hg exposure through fish consumption. Compared to cord blood, hair samples are easy to collect, store and analyse.

Domestic Violence against Women in Slovenia: A Public Problem?

Osnovni cilj rada jest analiza nasilja nad ženama u obitelji i pitanja u kojoj mjeri je identificiran kao relevantan drustveni i politicki problem u Sloveniji. Problem je analiziran kroz promjene na razini politike, a posebice u kontekstu rezultata empirijskog istraživanja javnog mnijenja koje obicno reflektira stupanj prepoznavanja i prihvacenja problema u drustvu, kao i uvjerenja o nekom drustvenom problemu. Analiza empirijskih rezultata istraživanja nasilja nad ženama u obitelji upucuje na dvojnost pogleda na nasilje nad ženama. S jedne strane, javnost je svjesna problema nasilja nad ženama, prepoznaje ga kao drustveni problem i odgovornost, dok s druge strane, pokazuje relativno visoku razinu tolerancije za određene oblike nasilja i vjerovanje da je nasilje privatna stvar. U javnosti se tako cesto reproduciraju stereotipni pogledi i mitovi o nasilju nad ženama u obitelji i ne prepoznaje ga se kao važan drustveni problem.

Domestic Violence against Women in Slovenia: A Public Problem?

Domestic Violence against Women in Slovenia: A Public Problem?

Mercury, selenium, PCBs and fatty acids in fresh and canned fish available on the Slovenian market

In order to contribute to the general understanding of the risks and benefits of consuming fish and fish products, total mercury (THg), monomethylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), selenium (Se), n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were determined in fresh and canned fish on the Slovenian market. Furthermore, the mercury exposure of pregnant women in Slovenia was assessed by determining total mercury (THg) in hair, and through fresh and canned fish consumption obtained by a food frequency questionnaire. Based on the frequency of fish consumption and levels of MeHg, THg and PCBs determined in the present study, it can be concluded that fish available on the Slovenian market do not represent a health risk. It was also confirmed that fish are important sources of selenium and n-3 fatty acids.

Working women's roles in Slovenia: Conflict or enrichment?

In the past, men and women had different experiences in balancing their professional and family lives. This is why they see their roles differently today. Our scope of interest in this article is employed women in Slovenia. Working women's various roles today may lead to conflict or enrichment. This study seeks to determine the connection between their multiple roles, life orientation, and life satisfaction. This study was carried out through Internet questionnaires and it surveyed 1,298 working women. Their average age was 35.6 years. A total of 43% of participants at least had a college degree. The results show that working women are the least satisfied with their leisure time and the most satisfied with their maternal role. Women with higher career satisfaction report about higher life satisfaction. Women with multiple roles are more satisfied with their maternal role but less satisfied with their partners and leisure time. They are also more optimistic.

Attitudes Towards Gender Roles and Gender Role Behaviour Among Urban, Rural, and Farm Populations in Slovenia

This paper aims to contribute to still existing discussion about the origins of the unequal gender roles in society. Albeit significant changes in redefinition of the gender roles under the impact of economic and cultural globalisation the unequal position of women in private and public spheres still persists even in societies with the most developed economies and welfare systems. The basic argument followed in the study is that working arrangements women choose are not simply in accordance with their preferences and attitudes, but a result of complex interplay of attitudes and practical constrains embodied in contextual factors. The result of the study based on the Second European Comparative Survey on the Acceptance of Population-related Policies (PPA2) for Slovenia support that argument by showing that certain contexts (type of place of residence and the way of making a living - like farming) still significantly delineate women lives. In spite of common national specifics (long tradition of high women’s employment, favourable gender equality legislation and availability of institutions and services for working mothers) and relatively similar attitudes towards gender roles among the population, farm women in Slovenia considerably diverge in their daily life patterns (e.g. taking care of children) and preferences to combine family and working life from urban and even rural women and in general from men as well. Based on such results, reflected by ample gender rural studies’ evidences, it can be argued, that not simply natural predispositions affect farm women’s occupational choices, but

Food safety knowledge and practices among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Slovenia

Food safety knowledge and practices among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Slovenia were systematically assessed through an inquiry-based investigation. The study was conducted with 291 pregnant women, who attended antenatal classes at the time of the investigation, and 200 non-pregnant women, all of whom participated during consultation hours for parents in ten, randomly selected primary schools in the country. Results showed that a high level of food safety awareness was possessed by both groups of respondents. However, some food safety differences were recorded (e.g., kitchen practices that can lead to cross-contamination), mainly in younger women under 25 years of age. Pregnant women more frequently had the main meal at fast-food restaurants and de-frosted frozen food at room temperature in the kitchen. However, when purchasing food they paid more attention to food safety assurance elements such as checking ‘best before’ date, paying attention to hygienic conditions in stores, and assessing the veterinary control of meat. The results showed that the living location (in town) and age group (above 25 years of age) had a significant impact on food safety knowledge. Educational programs in antenatal classes need to be supplemented with information concerning the principles of food safety at home in order to encourage desired food safety patterns. To achieve global food safety it is necessary to inform consumers, especially vulnerable groups, about fundamental principles of food safety assurance at home, since food safety begins and ends in the home of a consumer.

Adverse effects of thyroid dysfunction on pregnancy and pregnancy outcome: Epidemiologic study in Slovenia

Objective. To evaluate the consequences of maternal thyroid dysfunction for pregnancy outcome.Methods. A retrospective analysis involving all pregnant women who delivered in Slovenia in the 1997–1999 triennium; those having a medical history of thyroid dysfunction and/or taking thyroid medications were allotted to the study group (n = 748) and the remaining ones to the control group (n = 52 253).Results. Significantly higher incidences of infertility (5.5% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.05), menstrual cycle irregularities (3.2% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.05), hypertensive disorders (7.0% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.05), threatened preterm delivery (9.1% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001), and delivery before 32 weeks (2.7% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.05) were found in the study than in the control group. There were no significant differences in the incidences of miscarriage, non-gestational diabetes mellitus, proteinuria, hyperemesis, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, preterm delivery, small for gestational age newborns (SGA), and stillbirths.Conclusions. This is the first study to evaluate the incidence of thyroid dysfunction for the whole population of pregnant women in Slovenia using a retrospective analysis. Thyroid dysfunction adversely affects pregnancy and pregnancy outcome but to a lesser extent than presented in previous studies. An evaluation of thyroid function in the women who experience menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility, and complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery would be advisable.

Seasonal variations in acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Slovenia

Between December 1999 and December 2004, 40 081 pregnant women were examined for toxoplasmosis with Toxo-IgG, Toxo-IgM enzyme immunoassay. Women with positive results were then retested with the Toxo-IgG avidity assay for recent toxoplasmosis. Recent acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was found to be significantly more frequent (p < 0.01) during winter than summer. The incidence of acute toxoplasmosis during winter-spring was also significantly more frequent (p < 0.025) than summer-autumn. This phenomenon should be taken into account when formulating preventive measures for toxoplasmosis, especially for pregnant women.

Sexuality and gender in postcommunist Eastern Europe and Russia

* About the Editors * Contributors * Foreword * Acknowledgments * Introduction. Sexuality and Gender in Times of (Aleksandar Stulhofer and Theo Sandfort) * Changing the Gender Order * Changing Social Regulation of Sexuality * Sexualities in Postcommunism * The Contributions * PART I: POSTCOMMUNIST CONSTRUCTIONS OF GENDER AND SEXUALITY * Chapter 1. Gender Inequalities in the Nationalist, Nontransitional Context of Serbia, Emphasizing Vojvodina, During the 1990s (Tatjana Duric-Kuzmanovic) * Introduction * A Gendered Approach to Theories of Development and * General Economic and Social Conditions in Serbia During the 1990s * Gender Oppression in Serbia: From Socialism to State-Directed Nondevelopment * Current Developments and Future Trends in the Labor Market for Women During in Serbia, Emphasizing Vojvodina * Summary: Toward Affirmative Action * Chapter 2. Hierarchies of Difference: National Identity, Gay and Lesbian Rights, and the Church in Postcommunist Romania (Voichita Nachescu) * Gender and Romanian Communism * Brief History * The Actors of the Debate * The Debate * Conclusion * Chapter 3. From Sworn Virgins to Transvestite Prostitutes: Performing Gender and Sexuality in Two Films from Yugoslavia (Kevin Moss) * Chapter 4. The Spatiality of Identities and Sexualities: Is Transition a Challenging Point at All? (Biljana KaSic) * Introductory Notes: Facing the Question * Facing the Approach and Problem That Sexuality Matters * Facing and War(s): Stereotypes, Trends, and Media Signifiers of Sexualities * Facing Female Sexuality Within the Pornography of War(s) * Instead of a Conclusion: Facing Obstacles, Gaps, and Potentials Within/Crossing Transition * PART II. SEXUAL POLITICS AND SEXUAL IDENTITIES * Chapter 5. Sexual Culture and Politics in Contemporary Russia (Igor S. Kon) * Post-Soviet Sexuality * Attitudes Toward Sex Education * The Antisexual Crusade * Chapter 6. Serbian Sexual Response: Gender and Sexuality in Serbia During the 1990s (Tea Nikolic) * Excitement (The Awakening of the Nation) * Plateau (Turbo Folk) * Orgasm (Pornography) * Resolution * Chapter 7. The Sexual Status of Lesbian Women in Slovenia in the 1990s (Tatjana Greif) * Introduction * Historical Background * The Lesbian Movement in Slovenia * The Current Legal Situation Concerning Lesbian Women * Lesbians Within Education, the Health System, and the Military * The Social Situation Concerning Lesbian Women * Conclusion * Chapter 8. Sexualities in Belarus: Some Major Patterns of Sexual Behavior and Their Cultural Background (Alexei Lalo and Nikolai Schitov) * Introduction * Gender Roles and Images * Sexualities and Witch Hunts * Post-Soviet Sexual Discourses and Western Influences * Issues of Domestic Violence: The Controversial Role of Physicians * Sex-Related Prejudice and Sex Crimes: The Orthodox Church and Homophobia * Conclusion * Chapter 9. The New Visibility: Representing Sexual Minorities in the Popular Culture of Post-Soviet Russia (Brian James Baer) * PART III. THE RISE OF SEX MARKETS * Chapter 10. Supplying Women for the Sex Industry: Trafficking from the Russian Federation (Donna Hughes) * Introduction * Collapse and Criminalization of the State and Economy * Economic Inequality for Women * Regional Variation in Unemployment * Traffickers Recruiting Women for Work Abroad * Public and Private Violence

QUESTIONNAIRE AND FOLLOW-UP COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Background. Endometrial cancer is the most frequent genital malignancy among women in Slovenia. During diagnostic and treatment procedures as well as follow-up of endometrial cancer patients after treatment, a lot of data is generated. However, its amount frequently disable the transparency and instant availability. Methods. An questionnaire for following of endometrial cancer patients has been compiled. Beside general information regarding the patient, diagnosis and treatment, it also includes the case history, data regarding clinical, ultrasonographic and preoperative examinations, surgery, histologic findings and follow-up after termination of treatment. A user-friendly computer program was developed for recording and processing of all available data collected during the diagnostic and treatment procedures. Results. Questionnaire and computer program have been in use for three years and have found they are very useful in follow-up of patients with endometrial cancer. Data are collected at one site, transparent and always available. Statistical analysis of collected data can be performed by computer. Conclusions. The aim of this uniform questionnaire and computer program is a concurrent, radical and simplified collecting and processing of data at each center dealing with the treatment of endometrial cancer.