QUALITY OF LIFE (BANJA LUKA) - APEIRON

Cognitive Screening in Older Adults: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study Using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Sindu S — 2026-02-26

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate cognitive functioning in older adults using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in a sample from Bangalore, India. Method: A convenience sampling method was used. A total of 71 anonymized MMSE scores were collected through convenience sampling at Bangalore Neurocentre in Bengaluru, India. The sample included 38 males and 33 females. Educational backgrounds varied: 15 participants had an education below Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC), 19 had completed SSLC, and 37 had a degree. The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis. Result: The study revealed no significant differences in MMSE scores between males and females, but a significant difference in MMSE scores among educational levels, with a medium effect size. Specifically, older adults with an academic background below SSLC scored lower than those with a degree. Additionally, there is a significant difference in the sub-scale of orientation, registration, and language in the MMSE among educational levels, with a medium effect size, in which older adults with an educational background of a degree scored greater than individuals with below SSLC. There is a significant relationship between education and components of MMSE, with a correlation coefficient ranging from a moderate to a strong relationship. Education plays a crucial role in cognitive functions, and individuals with higher education backgrounds tend to perform better in various cognitive domains.

Baseline Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Survey at Primary Schools in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Borka Kotur — 2026-02-26

Within the goals of the Protocol on Water and Health, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Srpska) has set the goal on improving WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) in primary schools. The baseline WASH survey at primary schools is planned as the first activity in its achievement. The overarching goal of school-based WASH is to improve sustainability of hygiene, sanitation and water supply services. Such services are a core component of infection prevention and control. The aim of the research is to examine the state of WASH in primary schools in the Republic of Srpska. The research is a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted from September 2019 to March 2020 in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Conditions of WASH were assessed in 67 primary schools. The results of a survey showed that all investigated schools provided basic water services, 75.7 % of toilets provided basic sanitary services and 61.2 % of hand washing facilities provided basic hygiene services. The results revealed that there is a need for increased awareness and efforts to ensure basic provisions for sanitation, hygiene and drinking-water safety. Such measures are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Influence of Air Conditioning Devices Age, Distribution Installation Materials, Maintenance and Dynamics of Use on the Appearance of Legionella: A Study Conducted in the Territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Amina Vukotić — 2026-02-26

Because man strives to ensure the comfort in living and working spaces, there is a lot of air conditioning devices to achieve the desired temperature. Bacteria from the genus Legionella is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause the disease to occur in very severe form. It most often inhabits water systems created by human activity, among which are air conditioning devices, which is why there is a need to test factors that favors bacteria colonization. The study included 79 facilities from the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, of which 42 or 53.2% facilities with centralized, and 37 or 46.8% facilities with individual air conditioning devices. Data were collected using a survey and laboratory analysis of samples. The analysis was performed individually, taking into account the different requirements and complexity of the two types of air conditioning devices. The objectives were related to the correlation between the age, distribution installation material, project, the maintenance dynamics and the need to use the air conditioner with Legionella spp. colonization. The results indicate a positive influence of the air conditioner age and steel distribution installation on the Legionella spp. colonization. Significant correlation was not observed between the collected survey responses (project, maintenance and the air conditioner use frequency) and the Legionella spp. colonization. The identification of factors that positively correlate with the presence of Legionella spp. in air conditioning devices has significant public health and technical contribution, especially in the context of legionellosis prevention, the implementation of adequate monitoring and maintenance.

Assessment and Modeling of Environmental Noise From Open-Air Concerts in a Student Residential Area

Dragana Nešković Markić — 2026-02-26

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study on the assessment of environmental noise levels at selected locations used for public events in the city of Banja Luka. The research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the impact of noise on the environment and public health, as well as determining compliance of the measured noise levels with applicable legal regulations and the recommendations of the European Union and the World Health Organization. The study includes a theoretical analysis of the physical and physiological characteristics of sound and noise, their propagation in space, perception, and effects on the human organism, as well as a review of the relevant legislative framework. Field measurements were carried out at several representative locations using standardized measuring equipment and prescribed methodologies, and the obtained results were analyzed and graphically presented through noise propagation models. Based on the results, conflict areas with elevated noise levels were identified, and specific urban planning, technical, and organizational measures for noise reduction were proposed. The noise modelling results enabled the definition of a noise protection zone and a maximum permissible sound emission level of 78.5 dB(A) for open-air concert organization in the studied student residential area. The conclusions of the study provide a professional basis for the development of decisions and action plans aimed at sustainable noise management during public events and the improvement of quality of life in the urban environment.

Assessment of Chemical Hazards in Hospital Workplaces during the Summer Period

Srđan Šabić — 2026-02-26

Workplace exposure to gaseous chemical pollutants represents a significant occupational health concern in healthcare environments, particularly in large clinical centers where diverse chemical agents are used and emitted. In this study, we provide a comprehensive assessment of chemical hazards in selected workplaces at the Public University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka during the summer period. The results indicate pervasive exceedances of regulatory reference values for acrolein (C₃H₄O) and localized exceedances for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), suggesting potential occupational relevance in specific areas. Exploratory factor analysis identified six components explaining approximately 79% of the total variance, indicating multiple partially overlapping emission sources. Correlation analysis revealed structured associations among several reactive and aromatic pollutants, pointing to common controlling processes. Differences between operating rooms and other areas were statistically significant for CO₂, CH₄, isopropanol (C₃H₈O), and acetone ((CH₃)₂CO). The findings highlight the spatial heterogeneity and activity-driven nature of chemical exposure in hospital environments and support the need for integrated monitoring approaches to improve occupational health risk management. The study contributes to a better understanding of chemical exposure patterns in hospital environments and provides a basis for future risk management and occupational health interventions.

Prevention of Suicidal Behavior in Patients with Depressive Disorder – The Role of the Nurse

Nada Lazić — 2026-02-26

Depressive disorder represents one of the most common and complex mental illnesses of modern society, with suicidal behavior being its most severe and dangerous consequence. Suicide prevention among individuals suffering from depressive disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the nurse plays a key role. Since nurses most often establish the first and most intensive contact with patients, they have a crucial role in the early recognition of suicidal risk indicators, providing support, and implementing appropriate interventions. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of the nurse’s role in the prevention of suicidal behavior among patients with depressive disorders, through the analysis of responsibilities, competencies, and duties arising from everyday clinical practice. Numerous studies confirm that continuous education, well-developed communication skills, empathy, and clearly defined work procedures contribute to improving patient safety and the overall quality of healthcare. Through a professional and humanistic approach, the nurse becomes a key link in the chain of suicide prevention, providing not only care but also restoring hope and dignity to individuals in a state of deep psychological crisis.