Medical Sciences
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.aab-edu.net/handle/123456789/59
The Medical Sciences community showcases scholarly publications and research outputs authored by faculty and researchers in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This collection includes journal articles, working papers, conference proceedings, and other academic works that contribute to the understanding of theory, policy, and practice. It aims to promote open access to high-quality economic research conducted within the institution.
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Item Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the population of Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizObjectives: To observe the prevalence of arterial pressure and glycemia in Kosovo and to provide free screening service through health promotion. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over a 3-year period, during 2017–2019. All data were collected by AAB College staff in 11 Kosovo cities prior to a random sample with 7254 observations. Data included demographic information as well as blood pressure and glycemic level measurements. Results: The overall prevalence of arterial pressure was registered at 27.6% and diabetes mellitus at 9.2%. Arterial pressure in females had a tendency to increase with age (r = 0.3552, P < 0.001), as well as the glycemic index (r = 0.1997, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, age had a stronger impact on males than in females, with regard to higher arterial pressure in the year 2017 (P < 0.001). In the following years, 2018 and 2019, the ratio had reversed. Glycemia had strong correlation with systolic arterial pressure value (P < 0.001). For a 1 mmol/L increase in glycemia, the diastolic value increased by 0.19 mmHg on average. Conclusions: This study concluded that at younger ages the values of arterial pressure and glycemia remain within the commonly observed range, but over the years the probability for higher blood pressure or glicemia increases. Through continuous control of arterial pressure and glycemia at an early age, it is possible to identify abnormal diagnostics, in order to address them in time. Educational initiatives and screenings should take place in order to increase awareness of the citizens for checking themselves regularly.Item Health Care Personnel’s Attitude toward Hand Hygiene in Regard to the Prevention of Health-Care Associated Infections: A Cross Sectional Study at the University Hospital Pristine(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizBackground: Hand hygiene is the leading measure for preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance and reducing healthcare-associated infections, but health care worker compliance with optimal practices remains low in most settings. Objective: The main aim of this paper is to determine findings and start drafting policies in implementing them into practice after finding out nurses’ opinions, beliefs and attitudes toward hand hygiene (HH). Methodology and methods: A cross sectional descriptive and observational study during November 2009. Results: From the total number of 175 health care workers employed in this unit, 67 (38.3%) were observed regarding adherence to hand hygiene. Regarding the knowledge, practices and attitudes of the nurses, data were collected from 54 (50.0%) among 108 nurses in four intensive care units within the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK). From research findings, it was concluded that hand hygiene compliance in the intensive care units was low (51.3%). Conclusion: Research results show the necessity of organizing multimodal programs with intensive care units of University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK) on increase of knowledge level on health-care associated infections (HAI).Item The Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses Toward Management of Hospitalacquired Infections in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizBackground: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) are called those infections that were not present at the time of patient’ hospitalization in a hospital or other medical institutions and have been acquired after hospitalization. Aim: The aim of this paper was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses about preventing the spread and management of HAIs at University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK). Methods: The questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection in 6 clinics of UCCK during the November-December 2016. Out of 350 nurses, only 331 returned the questionnaire completed. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package-SPSS, version 22. Results: The age of participants was 37.9 ± 9.3 years by the mean. The general level of knowledge of nurses about the spread of HAIs was 90%, about the attitudes was 84.4% and about the nurses’ practices was 76.2%. The work experience had a significant impact on the nurses’ knowledge about management of HAIs OR = 2.18 (95% Cl 1.01-4.71), the attitudes of nurses OR = 3.99 (95% Cl 2.14- 7.45) and the nurses’ practices OR = 2.87 (95% Cl 1.65-4.99). The impact of the level of education in the knowledge OR = 0.22 (95% Cl 0.10-0.48) was significant (p <0.05), while its impact in the nurses’ attitudes OR = 0.59 (95% Cl 0.32-1.09) and the nurses’ practices OR = 0.8 (95% Cl 0.46-1.38) was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Nurses stated that they had the necessary competencies to practice safe patient care. However, there are necessary joint efforts of policymakers and managers of UCCK to implement intervention strategies in order to reduce HAIs.Item The COVID-19 Vaccine Opinions of Women Planning a Pregnancy: International Web Blogs Scanning(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizBackground: The unprecedented COVID-19 has infected millions of people and killed hundreds of thousands of people. A strategy to contain the spread of the disease was the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Objective: In our study, it was determined the opinions of women who are planning to become pregnant about the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: Blogs were used as the data source in the research, which was designed as a descriptive qualitative study. For this purpose, the expressions of 34 women identified between February and March 2021 were evaluated with directed qualitative content analysis. Results: Psychological changes, cognitive changes, and coping methods were determined as the themes of our results. This study demonstrates the value of using qualitative methods to determine the thoughts of women planning to become pregnant regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: For women planning pregnancy, continued research into vaccine safety and efficacy is vital, and results should be carefully investigated and handed in the right channels.Item A Self-Reported Study Toward Melanoma Knowledge, Protective Behavior and Personal Risk Among Nursing Faculty Students at AAB University of Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizIntroduction: In nowadays, melanoma is one of the major problems of public health all over the world. In Kosovo, the incidence of melanoma has shown irregular tendency with significant increases and decreases in the last five years. Aim: The aim of this paper was to detect the knowledge level of nursing students in Kosovo’s University (AAB University) regarding melanoma and its risk factors; to evaluate their knowledge about the protection and prevention methods of melanoma as one of the main topics of dermatology and major problems of public health worldwide nowadays. Of a great importance, it was to evaluate the necessity of establishing a dermatology course in nursing curricula in Kosovo universities, as nurses have a key role in educating and promoting health in the population. Methods: The training was conducted through slides, photos, videos and a questionnaire was used to collect the data before and after training. Data analysis was run through SPSS program version 20.0. Data were expressed through mean values and standard deviations. T-test, Anova and regression analysis were performed to test the relationship between the protective behaviors, knowledge, personal risk and level of concern. Results: Results indicated a low level of knowledge and a fairly poor protective behavior among the participants. Conclusion: On-going training and enrichment of school curricula emerged as an intervention to increase the awareness of the students toward potential risks of melanoma and ultimate change in the protective behavior.Item Predictors of nurses’ intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination: A cross-sectional study in five European countries(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizAims and Objectives: To investigate nurses’ intention in accepting COVID-19 vaccination and the factors affecting their decision. Background: COVID-19 vaccination has started in most European countries with healthcare personnel being the first group receiving the vaccine shots. Their attitude towards vaccination is of paramount significant as their role in the frontline could help in the awareness of general population. Methods: A study was conducted in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Kosovo with the use of an online questionnaire. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used. The STROBE checklist was followed for this cross-sectional study. Results: Study population consisted of 1135 nurses. Mean age of the participants was 38.3 years, while most of them were female gender (84.7%) and married (53.1%). Acceptance of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine was higher among Greek (79.2%) and Spanish (71.6%) nurses, followed by Cypriot (54%), Albanian (46.3%) and Kosovo (46.2%) nurses. Key factors for willingness to get vaccinated were male gender, living in a country with a high mortality rate in comparison with low mortality, being not infected with COVID-19, having high level of knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and having been vaccinated for influenza in the last 2 years. Moreover, trusting the government and doctors regarding the information about the COVID-19 and having high level of fear about this virus were key factors for willingness to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Vaccination of healthcare personnel is a crucial issue not only for their own safety but also for their patients’. Healthcare acceptance to get vaccinated can work as a role model for general population. Relevance to clinical practice: Gender, country, mortality rate, trust in government and health professionals and the level of fear were key factors that should be managed in clinical practice.Item Epidermolysis Bullosa: A case study in Cyprus and the nursing care plan(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizPurpose: To present a case study with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Cyprus and to determine the nursing care plan, explaining the nursing interventions and showing the importance of nursing care of patients with EB. Methods: Literature review on EB and semi-structured interviews commenced through a direct discussion with open-ended questions to the research subject as well as to a close relative describing his feelings, experiences, and concerns about the disease. Findings: Thematic analysis approach was used to identify and analyze patterns in the data. Then, data were synthesized using the standardized nursing terminology of NANDA-I and theNursing Interventions Classification. The accuracy of the diagnoses and the appropriateness of the nursing interventions were supported by the positive health outcomes of the patient. Conclusions: Nurses should apply evidence-based practice interventions for EB wound care, painmanagement, nutrition, psychological and social support to these patients. Implications for nursing practice: Although EB is classified in the category of rare diseases, the presentation of a case study in Cyprus and the nursing care plan contribute further bibliographically to the holistic and at the same time individualized nursing practice.Item Training as an Effective Tool to Increase the Knowledge About Hand Hygiene Actions. An Evaluation Study of Training Effectiveness in Kosovo(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizIntroduction: Hand hygiene (HH) compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines is essential to prevent bacterial transmission and infections acquired from hospital settings. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of training tool of World Health Organization’s (WHOs) Hand Hygiene multi modal campaign at all public hospitals and at the University Clinical Center in Kosovo (UCCK). Method: During February 2016, 691 questionnaires were distributed to health care workers. The data collection was conducted through a questionnaire distributed before and after training. Measurement of questions was realized through a 5 point Likert scale. Results: The gender structure of participants turned out to be greater for women (n=571, 85%). The knowledge of health care workers differed significantly before and after the training (p<0.001), emphasizing that the impact of the training was important to improve the knowledge of participants. Thus, the average value of improvement of HCW’ knowledge was about 41.66 %. Conclusion: The findings emphasized the role of the training to improve the knowledge of participants about hand hygiene as well as prevention from infection.Item Factors influencing nursing students' intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination: A pooled analysis of seven European countries(AAB College, 2025-07-17) Sopjani, IdrizBackground: Experiencing the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, high vaccination coverage by a safe and effective vaccine globally would be a great achievement. Acceptance of vaccination by nursing students is an important issue as they play a decisive role as future professionals in educating patients, counselling, and guiding them to the right clinical decision. Objectives: To explore the intention of nursing students to get vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the factors acting either as motivators or as barriers towards vaccination. Design: A multicenter cross-sectional design. Participants: In total 2249 undergraduate nursing students participated. Methods: The study was conducted in 7 universities in participating countries (Greece, Albania, Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, and Kosovo) through a web survey. Data was collected during December 2020–January 2021 in all countries. Results: Forty three point 8% of students agreed to accept a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, while the acceptance was higher among Italian students. The factors for intention to get vaccinated were male gender (p = 0.008), no working experience in healthcare facilities during the pandemic (p = 0.001), vaccination for influenza in 2019 and 2020 (p < 0.001), trust in doctors (p < 0.001), governments and experts (p = 0.012), high level of knowledge (p < 0.001) and fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Understanding of factors that influence students' decision to accept COVID-19 vaccination could increase the acceptance rate contributing to a management of the pandemic.Item Postpartum Depression and the Role of Midwives in Its Early Detection(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Tahiri, Shqipe; Sopjani, Idriz; Beqiri, LirijeTransition to being a parent is a stress-producing process that involves adapting both parents and their families even in the most favorable circumstances. Information on the level of psychological adaptation of women and family before and during pregnancy is very important as anxiety and the effects of accumulated life stress can directly affect individual and family well-being in the postnatal period. Especially for women or families facing multiple stresses and limited resources, ensuring security, understanding, compassion and direction may have a significant positive effect during this phase. A sample of 91 women immediately after birth at the Obstetrics- Gynecology Clinic (KOGJ) at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) completed two self-administered questionnaires. Initially, literature on postpartum depression was investigated. Two instruments for this paper have been selected from the range of instruments available for postnatal depression research literature: Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS). The introduction and analysis of data is done with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 21 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences—SPSS). Failure or frustration and sleep problems are the highest mean postnatal depression indicators 1.8. Then there is fatigue or lack of energy, increased appetite or anorexia and suicidal thoughts and self-esteem with a mean attendance of 1.7 in the post-depression indicator group. Depression or loss of hope and dissatisfaction or interest in activities are in the group of indicators with an average of 1.6. Movement or speech problems and concentration problems are the least affected indicators in the post-depression indicator group, with only 1.5. Our statistics show a relatively high level of postpartum depression, which includes women of all categories without taking into account the economic situation, the level of education or the number of births, the results derived from the correlation analysis which is non-aligning during the comparison of these categories. Involvement of nurses/midwives at a time setting of this phenomenon is a necessity for which to invest?