Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement)

HepaMeta - Prevalence of Hepatitis B/C and Metabolic Syndrome in Population Living in Separated and Segregated Roma Settlements: a Methodology for a Cross-sectional Population-Based Study Using Community-Based Approach

Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Peter Jarčuška, Mária Mareková, Daniel Pella, Leonard Siegfried, Pavol Jarčuška, Monika Halánová

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S6-S11 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3972  

Background: Roma represent one of the largest and oldest minorities in Europe. Health of many of them, particularly those living in settlements, is heavily compromised by poor dwelling, low educational level, unemployment, and poverty rooted in generational poverty, segregation and discrimination. The cross-sectional population-based study using community based approach aimed to map the prevalence of viral hepatitis B/C and metabolic syndrome in the population living in separated and segregated Roma settlements and to compare it with the occurrence of the same health indicators in the majority population, considering selected risk and protective...

Assessment of Clinical Biochemical Parameters in Roma Minority Residing in Eastern Slovakia Compared with the Majority Population

Beáta Hubková, Jana Mašlanková, Marek Stupák, Juraj Guzy, Anna Kováčová, Daniel Pella, Peter Jarčuška, Mária Mareková

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S12-S17 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3895  

Roma constitute the largest ethnic minority in Europe and the second largest minority in Slovakia. Their health problems originate mainly from their low socioeconomic status, certain cultural aspects and their health-threatening lifestyle as well as the psycho-social burden arising from poverty and frequent migration. Evaluation of glucose, albumin, triacylglycerol (TAG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations did not reveal any clue about the presumed deteriorated health of the Roma population. Higher proportions of subjects with elevated serum total cholesterol were found in Roma women as compared to both control groups of...

Biomarkers Associated with Obesity and Overweight in the Roma Population Residing in Eastern Slovakia

Darina Petrášová, Izabela Bertková, Miroslava Petrášová, Emília Hijová, Mária Mareková, Ingrid Babinská, Peter Jarčuška, Daniel Pella, Andrea Madarasová Gecková

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S18-S21 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3896  

Background: Obesity and overweight are major contributors to the global burden of chronic diseases and disability in both majority and minority populations. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional population-based HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The sample comprised a total of 452 Roma. Measurements of special bioactive mediators were taken in final groups consisting of 63 male Roma respondents (mean age = 32.59; SD=8.63) and 117 female Roma respondents (mean age = 34.55; SD=8.35). Respondents were divided into three groups: those with normal weight, those with overweight and obese. Values for anthropometric parameters,...

Does the Population Living in Roma Settlements Differ in Physical Activity, Smoking and Alcohol Consumption from the Majority Population in Slovakia?

Ingrid Babinská, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Peter Jarčuška, Daniel Pella, Mária Mareková, Gabriela Štefková, Zuzana Dankulincová Veselská

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S22-S27 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3897  

Background: Several studies have revealed a high prevalence of risk factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle among individuals with lower socioeconomic status. In Slovakia, one of the most socially and health-disadvantaged groups is the Roma minority. The aim of this study is to explore differences in physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption between the population living in Roma settlements and the majority population in Slovakia. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional epidemiological HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The sample consisted of 452 Roma (mean age = 34.7; 35.2% men) and 403 non-Roma (mean...

Higher Prevalence of Nephropathy in Young Roma Females Compared with Non-Roma Females

Jaroslav Rosenberger, Mária Majerníková, Peter Jarčuška, Daniel Pella, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S28-S31 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3898  

Objectives: Ethnic differences in the prevalence of various chronic diseases, including end-stage renal disease, have been previously reported. Surprisingly, data focusing on the lower grade of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore differences in the prevalence of nephropathy between the Roma and non-Roma populations. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional population based HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia were used. Nephropathy was defined as: a known history of any kidney disease; or the presence of proteinuria/hematuria; or glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<60 ml/min. The odds ratio...

The Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis in the Population Living in Roma Settlements: a Comparison with the Majority Population

Monika Halánová, Pavol Jarčuška, Zuzana Kalinová, Katarína Cáriková, Jaroslava Oravcová, Peter Jarčuška, Daniel Pella, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Lýdia Čisláková

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S32-S36 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3899  

Background: We aimed to study the occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the population living in Roma settlements and to compare the obtained results with the prevalence in the majority population. Methods: We examined 340 people for the presence of bacterium C. trachomatis, 208 of them were Roma (66 men, 142 women) and 132 were from the majority population (75 men, 57 women). Respondents were aged 18-55 years (mean age = 33.44, STD=9.57). The occurence of C. trachomatis was detected by direct proof of the pathogen by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of 340 respondents included in the study, 22 (6.5%) showed...

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Roma Population in Eastern Slovakia: a Population-Based Study

Martin Janičko, Gabriela Senajová, Sylvia Dražilová, Eduard Veselíny, Ján Fedačko, Leonard Siegfried, Pavol Kristian, Ladislav Virág, Daniel Pella, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Peter Kalanin, Peter Jarčuška, Monika Halánová

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S37-S42 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3900  

Background: The simultaneous presence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in the high-risk Roma community constitutes a high risk for liver cirrhosis and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to explore the relationship between MS and CHB. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta Study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants were tested for the presence of MS, and lipid levels - total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B100, and CHB HBsAg and anti-HBc IgG were also...

Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Level Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Proinflammatory Parameters in the Young Roma Population in Eastern Slovakia: a Population-Based Study

Peter Jarčuška, Martin Janičko, Sylvia Dražilová, Gabriela Senajová, Eduard Veselíny, Ján Fedačko, Leonard Siegfried, Pavol Kristian, Michal Tkáč Jr., Daniel Pella, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Pavol Jarčuška

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S43-S50 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3901  

Background: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is present approximately in half of all patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between GGT and MS or proinflammatory parameters. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants (n=446) were divided into 2 groups; those with elevated GGT and those with normal GGT levels. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria; presence of central...

High Hepatitis B and Low Hepatitis C Prevalence in Roma Population in Eastern Slovakia

Eduard Veselíny, Martin Janičko, Sylvia Dražilová, Leonard Siegfried, Lýdia Pastvová, Ivan Schréter, Pavol Kristian, Ladislav Virág, Pavol Jarčuška, Ivana Valková, Katarína Cáriková, Gabriela Senajová, Ján Fedačko, Daniel Pella, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Peter Jarčuška

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S51-S56 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3902  

Background: Viral hepatitis B and C prevalence in the Roma population of eastern Slovakia is largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic viral hepatitis B and C among Roma living in segregated communities in eastern Slovakia. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 among Roma living in rural communities were used. Participants were tested for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG and anti-HCV. The risk factors were assessed mainly via a structured questionnaire/interview. Results: Altogether 452 Roma were screened, and 11 were excluded...

Socioeconomic Characteristics of the Population Living in Roma Settlements and Their Association with Health and Health-Related Behaviour

Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Ingrid Babinská, Daniela Bobáková, Zuzana Dankulincová Veselská, Lucia Bosáková, Peter Kolarčik, Peter Jarčuška, Daniel Pella, Monika Halánová

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S57-S64 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3903  

Background: The aim of this study was to compare socioeconomic characteristics of the Roma population living in Roma settlements with the majority population. Moreover, it was aimed to assess socioeconomic differences in health and health-related behaviour within the population living in Roma settlements. Methods: Data from the cross-sectional HepaMeta study conducted in Slovakia in 2011 were used. The sample consisted of 452 Roma (mean age = 34.7; 35.2% men) and 403 non-Roma (mean age = 33.5; 45.9% men) respondents. Roma in selected settlements were recruited by local Roma community workers. Respondents from the major population were...

Do Eating Habits of the Population Living in Roma Settlements Differ from Those of the Majority Population in Slovakia?

Emília Hijová, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Ingrid Babinská

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S65-S68 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3797  

Living in Roma settlements is associated with worse health in comparison with the majority population; this might be partially explained by socioeconomic disadvantages as well as cultural differences, including lifestyle. Eating habits represent an important part of lifestyle closely related to primary causes of morbidity and mortality, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases or cancers. The eating habits of the population living in Roma settlements in comparison with those of the majority population were explored using the cross-sectional epidemiological HepaMeta study conducted in 2011. A representative sample of Roma (n=452, mean age...

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Relation to Metabolic Syndrome in the Roma Population Compared with the Non-Roma Population in the Eastern Part of Slovakia

Ján Fedačko, Daniel Pella, Peter Jarčuška, Leonard Siegfried, Martin Janičko, Eduard Veselíny, Jozef Pella, František Sabol, Pavol Jarčuška, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Peter Pažinka, Monika Jankajová, Ján Kmec, Marián Babčák, Peter Kalanin, Sylvia Dražilová, Ingrid Babinská, Beáta Čečetková

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S69-S74 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3904  

Background: Obesity-induced metabolic syndrome is a multiple risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and type 2 diabetes, and ethnic minorities seem to have unfavourable medical risk factors in general more frequently than majority populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in relation to metabolic syndrome in the Roma population compared with the non-Roma population residing in the eastern part of Slovakia. Results: 123 Roma and 79 non-Roma patients with metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Men between 40-55 years of age had 4.76-times higher odds and women...

Clinical and Biochemical Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome among Roma and Non-Roma Subjects in the Eastern Part of Slovakia

Ján Fedačko, Daniel Pella, Peter Jarčuška, Leonard Siegfried, Martin Janičko, Eduard Veselíny, František Sabol, Pavol Jarčuška, Mária Mareková, Andrea Madarasová Gecková, Peter Pažinka, Monika Jankajová, Ján Kmec, Marián Babčák, Peter Kalanin, Sylvia Dražilová

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S75-S80 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3905  

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clustering of cardiovascular risk. The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among populations of lower socioeconomic status is a cause of concern and calls for an effective public health response. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Roma population compared with the non-Roma population in the eastern part of Slovakia and to determine the parameter which has the strongest association with metabolic syndrome. Results: 123 Roma and 79 non-Roma patients with metabolic syndrome were evaluated. In the subgroup of Roma men, we found...

Editorial

Low Socioeconomic Status and Unhealthy Lifestyle Lead to High Morbidity in Young Roma of East Slovakia

Darina Sedláková

Cent Eur J Public Health 2014, 22(Supplement):S3-S5 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a4008  

Roma people constitute one of the oldest and largest minorities in Europe. In Slovakia, there are approximately 400,000 Roma, and represent 7.5% of total population. However, according to recent official census in 2010, only 105,738 (2% of total population) citizens declared themselves as Roma ethnic. Approximately one sixth of Roma people live in segregated settlements. This supplement contains results of the HepaMeta study, which has aimed to map the socioeconomic, lifestyle, selected anthropometric, and health-related aspects of young Roma people living in the settlements and their majority counterparts. This study was conducted in 2011 and its...