This study provides evidence that the translated version of the BSES-SF may be a valid and reliable measure of breastfeeding self-efficacy among postpartum women in Croatia.

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Aim To compare the prevalence and characteristics of bullying between two towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina -Stolac, which was exposed to firearm conflict during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Posušje, which was outside of the active combat zone. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we included 484 primary school pupils attending 4th-8th grade of elementary school, 217 (44.8%) of them from Stolac and 267 (55.2%) from Posušje. The pupils were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire on the experience of bullying.Results Every sixth pupil (16.4%) experienced at least one form of bullying almost every day, while 34 (7.0%) pupils constantly bullied other children. Sixth-eighth graders were more often bullies than 4th-5th graders (P = 0.044). Girls were most often victims of bullying, while boys were most often bullies (P = 0.036). The expected difference in bullying between the two towns was not observed, except for older pupils in Posušje, who were more violent than their peers in Stolac (P = 0.044). Among the analyzed variables of sex, age, town, and school achievement, only male sex was significant predictor of bullying (P = 0.010), increasing the relative risk by 3.005 times.Conclusion Bullying among primary school pupils did not differ between areas that experienced war activities in 1992-1995. Our results could be useful in the introduction of specific prevention measures against bullying in postwar situation.

Background: Studies show that hyperuricemia is an element of the pathophysiology of many conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout management. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the primary physicians’ attitudes, knowledge, and patient management regarding hyperuricemia and gout. Results: A total of 336 primary care physicians were included. Physicians who read at least one scientific paper covering the topic of hyperuricemia in the past year scored significantly higher in knowledge questions (N = 152, 6.5 ± 2.05 vs. N = 183, 7.04 ± 2.14, p = 0.019). Only around half of physicians correctly identified drugs that can lower or elevate serum uric acid levels. Furthermore, the analysis of correct answers to specific questions showed poor understanding of the pathophysiology of hyperuricemia and possible risk factors. Conclusions: This study identified gaps in primary care physicians’ knowledge essential for the adequate management of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout. As hyperuricemia and gout are among the fastest rising non-communicable diseases, greater awareness of the available guidelines and more education about the causes and risks of hyperuricemia among primary care physicians may reduce the development of diseases that have hyperuricemia as risk factors.

Objective To analyze the trends in scoliosis screenings over 10 years (2010 vs. 2020). To assess the management of schoolchildren with a preliminary diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by school medicine specialists. Methods Historical data were used for the year 2009/2010, and a cross-sectional study was conducted during the school year 2019/2020 on 18,216 pupils of 5th, 6th, and 8th elementary school grades. A forward bend test was used to detect clinical features of scoliosis and some positive findings were referred to orthopedists or physiatrists for further evaluation. Results In the analyzed 10-year period abnormal forward bend test findings increased from 4.9 to 5.8% (by 18.4%; P < 0.001). While its prevalence escalated markedly in girls (from 5.8 to 8.3%; P < 0.001), a modest but significant decrease, from 3.8 to 3.2% ( P = 0.018), was noted in boys. Most pupils had low to moderate curves, and its prevalence was some 6.5 times higher in girls ( P < 0.001). The forward bend test positive predictive value was 84.7%. Discrete forward bend test aberrations were managed by school medicine specialists only. Conclusion While actively promoting scoliosis screening in children, we have shown that forward bend test is an acceptable tool for early adolescent idiopathic scoliosis detection in school medicine. In collaboration with other specialists and using additional diagnostic methods, school medicine specialists can ensure early detection and appropriate interventions, avoiding the potential harms of radiation exposure.