Faculty of Medicine

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    METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT AND CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
    (Scientific Institute of Management and Knowledge, 2023)
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    Danijela Janichevikj, Ivanovska
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    Gasi, Blerim
    Methadone and buprenorphine are the major modalities on the opioid substitution therapy (OST) for opioid dependence in North Macedonia. Some studies reported that coronavirus pandemic in methadone maintenance patients (MMT) increase levels of stress, anxiety, depression and craving of substance use. The negative emotions aroused by the COVID 19 outbreak and the accompanying social isolation to patients on MMT maybe are an important factor of this occurrence. The aim ofthis study is to evaluate the effect of coronavirus pandemic on mental health and use of legal and illegal substances in methadone maintenance patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included two group of male patients on methadone therapy (N=30) between 20-51 years evaluated in Day hospital of heroin addicts-department of Psychiatric Hospital Skopje. The study was conducted for 6 months so the one groups of patients was evaluated before coronavirus pandemic and the second groups after six month of beginning the epidemic. The patients were assess using sociodemographic information by semi-structured questionnaire specially designed for the study. Urinary tests for determination of psychoactive substances, BDI scale to determinate depression and Zunk scale to determinate the anxiety Results of this study were determinate by descriptive methods and Students t-test. In our study we got not statistically significates results between sociodemographic characteristic in examination group. But we got statistically significates results between score of BDI and Zung scale in examination groups Also in our study we got that alcohol , tobacco use and recidivism of heroin use were statistical significantly higher in MMT patients after six monthsof coronavirus pandemic. Conclusion: Results in our studies, suggested that the psychological and behavioral changes of the patients receiving MMT duringthe epidemical were significant so maybe psychosocial treatment in the future, which will alleviate this conditions
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    PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS ON ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
    (Department of Anaesthesia and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, R.N. Macedonia, 2024-05)
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    Dimitrovski, Aleksandar
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    Andonovska, Spasovska Nadica
    Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10° in children aged 10-18 years. The deformity may progress severely during adolescent development and if the curve is greater than 45°, an operative treatment should be considered. This condition is accompanied by cosmetic deformity and dissatisfaction of adolescents with their own body image, which results in changes in their mental health and lifestyle. In addition, family functioning and the emergence of parental anxiety and depression may be affected after a child is diagnosed with a chronic health condition. Objective: Recognition of mental health disorders in the patients and their parents in order to take appropriate measures that would improve the outcome of AIS treatment. Method: Research was performed, using available databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, to capture relevant research published covering AIS. Results: Adolescents with scoliosis may show a less positive outlook on life, suffer from lower self-esteem, and have difficulty relating to peers. However, there is conflicting evidence whether the different stages of treatment, such as observation, bracing or surgery, affect the longterm psychological effect of scoliosis. Parents’ depression and anxiety were closely related to their children’s depression and anxiety. The parents face challenges such as acquiring adequate knowledge about scoliosis, participating in decisions about the type of treatment and managing their child undergoing invasive spine surgery. Conclusion: Psychosocial support is a key component in promoting better outcomes in adolescents as they cope with the challenges associated with idiopathic scoliosis. Providing parents with adequate information and resources on how to support their child can alleviate some of the emotional burden they experience.
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    Coping styles and mental health in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
    (Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2023)
    Kunovski, Ivo
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    Introduction: There is limited research on the factors influencing mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that coping styles variably influence the severity of mental health symptoms. However, no data is available on the effects of coping styles on mental health of healthcare workers in North Macedonia and the wider region of Southeast Europe. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted with 342 participants during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants provided sociodemographic data and were assessed in regard to coping styles, and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Associations between the variables were examined using nonparametric tests, and their additive effects were tested using generalized linear models. Results: Identifying as a woman, single, and of younger age was associated with higher levels of mental health symptoms. The coping styles that contributed to poor mental health outcomes included the use of active coping, instrumental support, substance use, venting, behavioral disengagement, self-blame, and the low use of emotional support and humor. Conclusion: The findings help identify vulnerable populations, and add to the growing research on gender differences in the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers. The study may help in the development of mental health prevention programs for populations at risk during health crises.
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    Screening of the use of benzodiazepines during Covid-19 pandemic in the general population
    (Macedonian Pharmaceutical Association, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Pharmacy, 2021)
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    Kacarska, Milijana
    Benzodiazepines have been commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia in the last few decades. There has been a rising concern regarding safety of benzodiazepines due to overdose related deaths, addictions and cognitive side effects. COVID-19 pandemic is expected to cause a mental health crisis. Several studies have shown an increase in anxiety and insomnia. Тhe prescriptions of benzodiazepines could increase due to increase in anxiety and insomnia. The pandemic calls for a rapid adaptation of conventional medical practices to meet the evolving needs of such vulnerable patients. COVID-19 patients may frequently require treatment with psychotropic medications. This pandemic is leading to additional health problems such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger and fear, globally. The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge to humanity. It is not only a health crisis but also a social crisis. The life is unlikely to be the same after we come out of the pandemic. There will be changes at the level of individuals, families, communities, states, nations, international relationships, and the way all of us will deal with a range of human and environmental situations. Disasters are always associated with increased rates of emotional health needs from distress to specific disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. Past experiences have shown psychosocial interventions, ranging from self‑care, psychological first aid, counseling, social support and formal psychiatric care can minimize the emotional health impact of disasters. These activities can be initiated by individuals and professionals.