According to the general public in Slovakia, compliance with the law is problematic when it comes to Roma and health. Roma compliance with laws has not yet been studied. The aim of this is study was to explore the determinants of Roma behavior in the field of health laws. We used the concept of a semi-autonomous field proposed by Moore (1973) and the theory of planned behavior by Ajzen (1985). We found that Roma (non-)compliance with health laws was influenced by many different factors, such as beliefs, traditions, living conditions and culture. Group beliefs overrule national laws and also individual preferences, which tend to be subordinate to the group view. The less contact Roma from settlements have with non-Roma, the stronger their own rules are in the field of health. Roma health status is influenced by many factors: group beliefs and community traditions are stronger and overrule individual and state behavioral influence. A community-based participatory approach together with improvement of living conditions in cooperation with Roma is desirable.
Background The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was ratified in 2004 in Slovakia and in 2005 in Finland. The aim of this study was to compare the implementation of the FCTC in the national laws and policies regarding smoking in Finland and Slovakia. Methods In this case study the following areas are compared: the legal framework; the monitoring system and health promotion; treatment; and policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. We report on these in this order after a short historical introduction. Results The legal frameworks are similar in Slovakia and in Finland. Finland far exceeds the minimum legal requirements. Slovakian regulations reflect the FCTC requirements; however, social tolerance is very high. In Finland the monitoring system and health promotion are aimed more at tobacco consumption. Slovakia does not follow the surveillance plans recommended by WHO so strictly; often there are no current data available. No additional documents regarding the FCTC have been adopted in Slovakia. The financial contribution to treatment is very low. Slovakian tobacco control policy is more focused on repression than on prevention, in contrast to Finland. Smoking bans meet European standards. Excise duties rise regularly in both countries. Conclusion Implementation of the FCTC is at different levels in the compared countries. Finland has a clear plan for achieving the goal of a smoking-free country. Slovakia meets only the minimum standard required for fulfillment of its international obligations. Its policy should become more transparent by making more up-to-date data available.
Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) are known as a religious group compliant with the national laws in the case of smoking, but not-compliant when it comes to blood treatment. Their beliefs prevent them from taking part in a blood transfusion, which is widely included in standard methods of a life-saving treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the behavior of JWs regarding their approach to blood treatment and to smoking in relation to legal regulations in the field of health. We measured JWs’ compliance with health laws regarding blood treatment and smoking (the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control—FCTC). We used the concept of a semi-autonomous social field by Moore and the theory of planned behavior developed by Ajzen. Our findings show that in the case of JWs, the group rules often prevail over state rules contained in generally-binding legislation. In the case of smoking, this means that they seem compliant to the FCTC and to their group rules. In the case of blood treatment, it seems that they are breaking the national rules, because of their group rules. Breaking the latter can result in exclusion from the JWs community. JWs are compliant with national laws as long as these are congruent with their own group rules. If this is not the case, the group influence is very strong and the fear of exclusion from the JW group is often greater than the potential negative health consequences in real life.
Introduction: Studies aimed at supporting or protecting victims of human trafficking are rare, although this is a current issue with global overlap. The aim of this work is to identify the specifics of the victims who use the services of organizations under the Program for Support and Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking in Slovakia. Methods: This research study was conducted using the method of content analysis of interviews with workers of organizations providing services under the Program for Support and Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking in Slovakia and documents issued by the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic (MoI SR) in 2010-2017. Results: 210 victims of human trafficking included in the Program for Support and Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking were identified in the monitored period -111 women and 99 men. From the perspective of origin, the area of the Eastern Slovakia was most prevalent. The demographic environment (village, district town, municipal city) did not play a significant role. The most common purpose of human trafficking was sexual exploitation and forced labour. There is no systematic approach in addressing the issue. Conclusion: The creation of a pilot field social work program for victims of human trafficking using case management would help take into account the specificities of human trafficking victims. The program would allow for coordinating the services that might provide a solution to the problem of a trafficked person At the same time, by using case management, we can prevent the provision of the same services to the client by several organizations and increase the likelihood of a successful solution to the client´s situation and work efficiency.
Introduction: Preventive measures in a field of health care are cheaper than addressing the consequences of neglected diagnosis and treatment. Aim of this study is to present the Slovak legislation and national plans in the field of preventive health care. This issue is discussed in relation to financing of health care from the health insurance. Methods: This study was conducted by using the method of content analysis of selected legislative and non-legislative documents and statistical reports of the Slovak ministries (finance, health) and of health insurance companies. Results: In Slovakia, universal and selective preventive health care is available for health care payers. Number of people who undergo the preventive examination differs in selected areas and the expenditure on medical treatment and addressing the consequences of neglected prevention are still high. Control plans are vague and do not cover concrete steps leading to achievement of goals presented. Access of marginalized groups of population to the preventive health care is still at very low level. Conclusion: The system of preventive health care measures in Slovakia is relatively well-defined in legislation and supports the provision of preventive care. However, it is not enforced. There are no serious sanctions in case of neglecting patient´s obligations and people are not motivated to undergo preventive examinations. Only sanctions that in some cases work are financial. The detailed research of access of people from socially disadvantaged environment to the preventive care is desirable.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) developed by the State Parties to the World Health Organization was ratified in Slovakia in 2004 and in Finland in 2005. The aim of this study was to explore and compare compliance with the FCTC in Finland and Slovakia. This is a two-country comparative study of tobacco control policy based on implementation of the FCTC in Slovakia and Finland. Compliance with the FCTC was measured similarly in Slovakia and Finland in terms of their institutional structure supporting a smoking free environment and implementation of selected articles of the FCTC. In Finland the responsibilities for anti-tobacco policy are clearly assigned. Slovakia does not have specifically responsible institutions. Finland has a clear plan for achieving the goal of a smoking-free country based on empirical evidence. Slovakia meets only the minimum standard resulting from its commitment as ratified in the FCTC and data are out of date or missing completely.
The paper deals with the amendment to Slovak Act no. 480/2002 Coll. on asylum, which entered into force on June 1, 2022, in the broader context of the employment of foreigners. The amendment in question was adopted in response to the international situation which arose as a result of the war in Ukraine. The aim of the article is to present the purpose of the amendment and the changes it brings in an effort to unify the rules and facilitate the initial integration of incoming people. The author perceives inclusion in the labor market as one of the key factors influencing the overall quality of life, starting with the economic side and ending with a sense of usefulness and self-worth. Even with regard to the needs of the Slovak labor market, it is more than desirable that the process of applying for foreigners in various job positions is as simple as possible.
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