Bulletin of Social Hygiene and Health Care Organization of Ukraine
The journal publishes articles which highlights the issue of public health policy, the theoretical foundations of health; conceptual foundations reform, the issue of prevention in public health, medical, demographic, medical and social research, study and prediction of health, development of models health management. ISSN 2414-9470 (Online), ISSN 1681-2786 (Print)
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SOCIAL-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS OF EYE TRAUMA: COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF AGE, GENDER AND PROFESSIONAL DETERMINANTS IN REGIONAL CONDITIONS
Purpose. Comprehensive analysis of socio-demographic factors of eye injuries among the adult population of the Zakarpattia region with the identification of age, gender and professional determinants to substantiate differenti- ated preventive approaches. Materials and Methods. A retrospective epidemiological study of 949 cases of traumatic eye injuries in resi- dents of the Zakarpattia region aged ≥ 18 years in 2019–2024 was conducted. Epidemiological, medical-statistical, sociological and analytical methods were applied. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 25.0 and Microsoft Excel 2019 with the calculation of incidence, prevalence, relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and mul- tivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. Over six years, the primary incidence increased from 18.4 to 22.7 per 100,000 populations (an increase of 23.4%), the prevalence from 45.2 to 58.9 per 100,000. The working-age population aged 25–54 was mainly affected (42.8 per 100,000, 2.4 times higher than the regional average). Men accounted for 78.5% of those affected; the incidence was 36.2 versus 9.4 per 100,000 in women, RR = 3.85 (95% CI 3.52–4.21). A pronounced occupa- tional differentiation of risk was found: the highest rates were among industrial workers (89.4; RR = 3.94), construc- tion workers (71.8; RR = 3.16), agricultural workers (67.3; RR = 2.97) and the unemployed (47.6; RR = 2.10). The educational gradient was characterized by a threefold increase in risk in individuals with a low level of education (RR = 3.61; 95% CI 3.24–4.02). Urban residents had higher incidence and timeliness of treatment. Independent predictors of risk: employment in industry/construction (OR = 4.21), male gender (OR = 3.42), low educational level (OR = 2.83), age 25–54 years (OR = 2.67) and urban residence (OR = 1.87). Conclusions. Eye trauma pathology in the region has a clearly defined socio-demographic profile with a pre- dominance of able-bodied men in industrial, construction and agricultural professions, and people with low educa- tional levels. The identified risk predictors justify the need for intersectoral preventive programs for high-risk groups, increasing medical literacy and improving the availability of ophthalmological care for the rural population.
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DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT OF MEDICAL STATISTICS IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION
Purpose. To identify promising pathways for the training of healthcare professionals in medical statistics based on an assessment of the current state, existing problems and needs. Materials and Methods. The study employed bibliosemantic, information-analytical, and content analysis methods. The research materials included scientific publications, national regulatory and legal acts, WHO policy documents, educational programs of higher education institutions of Ukraine containing medical statistics content, as well as corresponding course syllabi. Results. Current educational standards stipulate the necessity for healthcare professionals of various spe- cialties to acquire medical and statistical knowledge and develop relevant competencies. An analysis of educational programs implemented in higher education institutions of Ukraine demonstrated that medical statistics is taught within the training of specialists of various disciplines and at different levels of higher education. At the same time, a number of challenges in the training of medical statistics professionals were identified, including an insufficient practical component; variability in the number of hours allocated to medical statistics; limited use of modern statis- tical software and artificial intelligence; and inadequate integration with digital medicine and eHealth. Based on the study findings, the key directions for improving the training of healthcare personnel in medical statistics have been identified. Conclusions. Promising directions for enhancing the training of healthcare personnel in medical statistics include optimization of curricula and their alignment with actual sectoral needs; harmonization with EU require- ments and WHO recommendations; strengthening interdisciplinarity; increasing practice-oriented training and implementing flexible learning formats; ensuring continuous professional development; and promoting international certification, among others. The training of such personnel and the acquisition of relevant competencies consti- tute an essential component of the effective implementation of epidemiological surveillance and population health assessment tasks, the analysis of healthcare system performance, and the introduction of evidence-based strategic management in the healthcare sector.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL AND INFORMATIONAL FACTORS ON PARENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD CHILDHOOD VACCINATION
Purpose: To assess the impact of social and informational factors on parents’ level of awareness and commit- ment to childhood vaccination. Materials and Methods: Bibliosemantic, sociological, analytical, and statistical methods were employed. A sur- vey was conducted among residents of Ternopil with children of various ages using a custom-designed questionnaire. The study evaluated levels of vaccine advocacy, factors influencing these levels, and the information sources most frequently used by parents. Results: The survey revealed a predominantly positive attitude toward childhood immunization. The most sig- nificant motivation for parents when making vaccination decisions is protecting their child from dangerous infec- tious diseases (87% of respondents). 83% of respondents recognize the importance of all vaccinations included in the national immunization schedule. Although the majority of parents decide to vaccinate without hesitation, one in three still experienced certain fears or had even refused vaccinations. Among the reasons for concern, 70.4% cited potential side effects, and 37% were worried about inadequate vaccine quality. 89% of respondents consult the opinions of other parents before their child’s vaccination, confirming a strong social influence on the decision- making process. 94.4% of parents receive information about vaccination from doctors. The Internet ranks second at 32.5%. Only 61% of citizens fully rely on medical professionals for vaccine information, while 50% consider the official websites of the Ministry of Health and the WHO to be the most reliable sources. 30% of respondents believe there is a lack of information campaigns regarding vaccination. Conclusion: The conducted sociological survey demonstrated a generally high level of support for childhood vaccination among parents and a positive attitude toward immunization as a key tool for infectious disease preven- tion within the public health system. The results indicate a need to improve information campaigns by ensuring they are accessible, clear, and focused on addressing parents’ primary concerns – specifically side effects and vaccine quality. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen the communicative role of medical professionals by standardizing parental consultations and increasing awareness regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.
EVALUATION OF THE ATTITUDE OF MEDICAL UNIVERSITY TEACHERS TOWARDS THE NEED FOR STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA
Purpose. To investigate the opinion of medical university teachers regarding the need for medical students to study glaucoma and the possibility of future ophthalmologists to obtain knowledge of glaucoma diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Materials and Methods. Survey data study using a questionnaire developed by us for teachers of four medical universities of Ukraine. The work used bibliographic, statistical and analytical methods. Results. When asked about the need for future doctors of various specialties to have knowledge of mod- ern approaches to organizing preventive work to prevent the development of glaucoma, the basics and modern approaches of treatment of glaucoma, the need for knowledge of modern approaches to prevent complications of glaucoma and prevent its progression, and modern approaches to identifying factors that contribute to the develop- ment of glaucoma, more than 75% of the surveyed teachers answered affirmatively. However, only 57% of those surveyed answered affirmatively that the amount of information provided to future family doctors is sufficient for this. Among the mechanisms for future ophthalmologists to gain competence in the organization of ophthalmological care and prevention of open-angle glaucoma, the teachers noted the importance of use of medical care standards and local clinical protocols (94% and 95%, respectively). However, more than 22% of respondents answered that clinical protocols for managing patients with glaucoma were not included in curricula of future ophthalmologists. More than 45% of surveyed medical did not teach future ophthalmologists the Order of the Ministry of Health No. 939 “Glaucoma” and the Guideline of the European Glaucoma Society. Conclusions. Despite the fact that the majority of the surveyed teachers believed that knowledge of glaucoma treatment and prevention was important for future doctors, only half of the respondents considered the amount of information provided in the educational program sufficient for medical students to obtain the necessary knowledge about modern approaches to the organization of ophthalmological care and prevention of glaucoma. There is a dis- crepancy between the importance of studying protocols and standards for the provision of medical and preventive care, and the real indicator of students’ study of modern domestic and European orders and protocols.
LEPTOSPIROSIS AS A PRESSING PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE IN UKRAINE: A REGIONAL ANALYSIS
Purpose. To analyze the dynamics of leptospirosis incidence in Ukraine, Ternopil region, and Terebovlia district for the period 2015–2024, as well as to forecast its development until 2028. Materials and Methods. The article analyzes official statistical data from the Public Health Center of the Minis- try of Health of Ukraine, the Main Directorate of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service in Ternopil region, Ternopil Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Terebovlia District Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, and Terebovlia Department of the Ternopil City and District Center for Disease Control and Prevention for 2015–2024. Methods of retrospective and descriptive epidemiological analysis, statistical data processing, and trend forecasting using linear and polynomial models were applied. Results. The dynamics of leptospirosis incidence in Ukraine, Ternopil region, and Terebovlia district for 2015–2024 were analyzed. A trend toward an increase in the share of leptospirosis in the structure of infectious diseases at the national and regional levels was established, with heterogeneous dynamics at the local level. An increase in the role of waterborne transmission of the infection and a predominance of morbidity among men have been identified. The results of forecasting until 2028 indicate a likely further increase in morbidity in Ukraine and Ternopil region, which justifies the need to strengthen preventive and organizational-epidemiological measures. Conclusions. Leptospirosis remains a pressing public health issue in Ukraine, with a growing incidence at the national and regional levels. Regional differences in the epidemic process have been identified, with an increase in the role of waterborne transmission and a predominance of cases among the male population. The results of the forecast justify the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and preventive measures, taking into account regional characteristics.
EUGENE OZARKEVYCH’S PUBLIC HEALTH CONCEPT: FROM THE MEDICAL COMMISSION OF THE SHEVCHENKO SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY TO THE HOSPITAL “NARODNA LICHNYTSIA”
Purpose. This study aims to examine the activities of Dr. Eugene Ozarkevych as the initiator and organizer of the public health system in Galicia at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and to identify the key stages in the development of a national public health concept. Materials and Methods. The research materials include the scholarly legacy of Eugene Ozarkevych, as well as publications by domestic and international researchers devoted to the activities of the Mathematical–Natural Sci- ences–Medical Section and the Medical Commission of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, the Ukrainian Medical Society, and to the organization and functioning of the Narodna Lichnytsia hospital – outpatient clinic in Lviv. The study employs bibliosemantic, historical-chronological, analytical, and descriptive methods. Results. Yevhen Ozarkevych’s concept of public health was grounded in a triad comprising science, accessible and high-quality medical care, and sanitary education. He regarded public health as a fundamental value requiring protection through the establishment of national scientific (the Medical Commission of the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the journal “Likarsky Zbirnyk”), medical (hospital “Narodna Lichnytsia”), and educational (the sanitary and hygienic journal “Zdorovlia”) institutions. Conclusions. Yevhen Ozarkevych demonstrated that public health is not merely the absence of disease but a systemic interaction of science, medical practice, education, and national self-awareness. His scholarly legacy represents a functioning model of societal self-organization for addressing public health challenges.
MACROSOCIAL STRESSORS OF THE WAR PERIOD AS PREDICTORS OF MENTAL HEALTH DETERIORATION AND THE COURSE OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN PRIMARY CARE
Purpose. To investigate the features of mental health of patients with hypertensive disease in conditions of mac- rosocial stress of martial law at the stage of primary medical care, to assess the relationship of psychoemotional disorders with the clinical condition of patients. Materials and Methods. 44 patients aged 49–64 years with confirmed stage II hypertension were examined. Psychoemotional state was assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), the HADS Depression and Anx- iety Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Hardiness Test (Muddy). Additionally, an analysis of the dynamics of somatic symptoms and blood pressure was performed. Statistical data processing was carried out using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and correlation analysis to determine the relationship between psy- cho-emotional and somatic indicators. Results. Most patients had an increased level of anxiety (75%), depressive manifestations (61.4%) and sub- jective stress (88.6%). The highest rates of psycho-emotional stress were found among women and middle-aged patients. Correlation analysis showed a close positive relationship between anxiety, depression and stress level (r = 0.47–0.54; p < 0.05), which confirms the integrated psychosomatic impact of stress on the course of hyperten- sion. Patients with a higher level of psycho-emotional stress had more frequent episodes of elevated blood pressure and worse hypertension control. Conclusions. Wartime macrosocial stress significantly affects the mental health of patients with hypertension, worsening blood pressure control and overall health. The results emphasize the need to integrate psychoemotional screening and brief interventions to reduce stress in primary care, which can increase treatment effectiveness and improve patients’ quality of life.
ACTIVITIES OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE HEALTH OF THE ORGAN OF VISION IN CHILDREN
Purpose. To establish the directions of the public health system to preserve and strengthen the health of the organ of vision in children. Materials and methods. Materials: the results of expert assessment of 27 independent experts. Methods: Bibliosemantic, of expert assessments, of structural-and-logical analysis. Results. Expert guidance has been provided to determine the areas of activity of the public health system to preserve the health of the organ of vision in children. In the course of the study, the following areas of activity of the public health system were established to form a motivated responsible attitude to the preservation and strengthen- ing of the health of the organ of vision: informational and educational comprehensive work on the prevention of pathology of the organ of vision in children and the impact of this pathology on the quality of life of children (100%); epidemiological surveillance of the risks of developing eye pathology in children (81.5%); formation of a network of health schools with the involvement of target groups of information influence in education (77,8%); formation of a motivated responsible attitude among parents and children to the preservation and strengthening of the health of the organ of vision (100,0%). A functional and organizational model of information and communication work of the public health system to preserve the health of the organ of vision in children has been developed. Conclusions. The public health system should play a leading role in the formation of a motivated responsible attitude among parents and children to preserving and strengthening the health of the organ of vision.
MEDICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE QUALITY OF CLINICAL AND CONSULTATIVE ACTIVITIES IN OBESITY PREVENTION
Purpose. To assess the level of professional competence of primary health care professionals in the prevention of overweight and obesity and to determine patient satisfaction with the quality of clinical and consultative care. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in 2024–2025 using a quantitative medical and sociologi- cal design. Data were collected through anonymous standardized questionnaires. The study involved 200 primary health care professionals who were undertaking continuing professional development at the Center for Continuing Professional Development of Zhytomyr Medical Institute. Professional competence was assessed using an author- designed questionnaire covering self-assessment of knowledge and skills, preventive counseling practices, access to educational resources, interdisciplinary interaction, and barriers to professional activity. Patient satisfaction was assessed among 87 respondents using a standardized questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics with the calculation of relative indicators and 95% confidence intervals. Results. Only one third of health care professionals rated their knowledge of obesity prevention as sufficient, and the majority had not received specialized training on this topic. Continuing professional development was irregular despite a high demand for relevant educational programs. Anthropometric measurements predominated in practice, whereas behavioral, psychological, and digital interventions were used to a limited extent. A low level of interdisciplin- ary interaction was identified. According to patient survey results, the overall level of satisfaction with preventive care was mostly moderate, with the lowest scores reported for the motivational component of counseling. Conclusions. Obesity prevention at the primary health care level is characterized by insufficient professional training of personnel, limited use of evidence-based approaches, and inadequate interdisciplinary interaction, which reduces the effectiveness of preventive counseling. The study findings substantiate the need to implement struc- tured continuing professional development programs and to improve the organization of preventive activities.
PREVENTIVE ACTIVITIES OF A MULTIPROFILE HEALTHCARE INSTITUTION AND APPROACHES TO ITS IMPROVEMENT
Purpose. To investigate the organization of primary and secondary prevention in a multidisciplinary healthcare institution and propose approaches to its improvement. Materials and Methods. Materials: scientific and regulatory sources of information (10 units); Charter, work plans, reporting and analytical, expert data of the institution where the research was conducted (55 units); work plans of the public health institution (4 units). Methods: bibliographic, structural and logical analysis, document analysis, comparative analysis, medical and statistical, generalization, graphic. Research period – 2017–2024. Research base – State Institution of Science “Center of innovative healthcare technologies” State Administrative Department. Results. low vaccination rates of the child population were identified (62.9–73.6%), in particular, children aged 0–6 years – 48.8–86.4%; the layer of parents refusing vaccinations for their children has increased from 3.0% to 4.1%; the identification of risk factors for diseases is concentrated at the patient level and is reactive in nature. The volume of detection of oncological pathology during preventive examinations has decreased from 79.9% to 65.5%. The levels of neglect and mortality up to 1 year from oncological diseases are decreasing, but fluctuate and remain unstable; there is a late appeal of patients with oncological pathology for medical care. Advertising and educational and information campaigns on prevention at the group level are not carried out. It is proposed to improve preven- tive activities in terms of population studies, improving immunoprophylaxis, educational and educational work by establishing cooperation with a public health institution through concluding an agreement and developing a joint action plan. Conclusions. The organization of primary and secondary prevention of a multidisciplinary health care institution needs improvement, which is possible by establishing cooperation with a public health institution through a bilateral agreement with an action plan and monitoring its implementation.
COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IMPLEMENTING A REGIONAL MODEL OF SPECIALIZED OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CARE FOR EYE INJURIES
Purpose. Comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of a regional model of special- ized ophthalmic care for eye injuries based on the analysis of medical, organizational and economic indicators to substantiate optimal approaches to organizing an ophthalmic service. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in two stages in a region with a population of 1.8 mil- lion people: the control period (2019–2020, n = 1847) and the main period after the implementation of the model (2021–2023, n = 2156). Medical and statistical, sociological methods, expert assessment and economic analysis were used. The implemented model included the creation of a dispatch center for coordination, the organization of round-the-clock shifts, the development of routing protocols, and a system of telemedical consultations. Statistical processing was carried out in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. Results. The mean time from injury to ophthalmological examination decreased from 8.4 ± 3.7 to 3.2 ± 1.8 hours (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients seen within 3 hours increased from 28.3% to 67.8% (p < 0.001). The pro- portion of patients with visual acuity ≥ 0.5 after treatment increased from 58.4% to 73.2% (p < 0.001), monocular blindness decreased from 8.9% to 4.3% (p < 0.001). In patients with penetrating injuries, the complication rate decreased from 34.6% to 21.3% (HR = 0.62; 95%CI 0.48–0.79). Patient satisfaction increased from 67.3% to 88.7% (p < 0.001). The economic analysis demonstrated a positive cost-effectiveness ratio. Conclusions. The implementation of a comprehensive regional model has significantly improved the timeli- ness, accessibility and quality of ophthalmic care for eye injuries, as evidenced by improved clinical outcomes, reduced complication rates and cost-effectiveness. The creation of a system of coordination, dispatching and tele- medicine consultations are key factors in the success of the model.
INTERSECTORAL COOPERATION IN THE EYE TRAUMA PREVENTION SYSTEM: MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF ORGANIZATION
Purpose. To develop and scientifically substantiate a model of intersectoral cooperation in the eye trauma prevention system with the determination of organizational mechanisms for coordinating the activities of various sectors at the regional level. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted during 2021–2024 in five regions of Ukraine. We analyzed statistical reporting forms No. 20, No. 47-OZ, conducted expert surveys of 142 specialists (38 ophthalmologists, 34 health care organizers, 37 occupational safety specialists, 33 representatives of educational institutions), and used organizational-analytical methods and modeling. A pilot project was implemented at 8 enterprises in Lviv oblast. Statistical processing was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0. Pearson’s χ² test and Fisher’s exact test were used for group comparisons (p < 0.05). Results. Analysis revealed the absence of coordinated intersectoral cooperation. Each sector operates autono- mously, leading to duplication of measures and leaving significant risk groups unattended. The structure of trau- matic eye injuries by place of occurrence: domestic injuries – 52.4%, occupational – 28.6%, street – 12.3%, sports – 4.2%, road traffic – 2.5%. Working-age people (18–60 years) accounted for 68.7% of victims. The main barriers to intersectoral cooperation were: lack of legal framework (88.0% of experts), unclear distribution of responsibilities (83.8%), and lack of financing (78.9%). We developed a three-level coordination model (strategic, tactical, opera- tional) including Regional Council for Eye Trauma Prevention, sectoral working groups, and operational implement- ers. A pilot project in Lviv oblast demonstrated a 38.2% reduction in occupational eye traumatism (p = 0.041) and a 50.0% reduction in severe injuries (p = 0.038). Use of personal protective equipment increased from 34% to 78%. Economic analysis showed cost-effectiveness of the prevention program. Conclusions. The developed three-level coordination model provides an organizational basis for coordinated preventive activities at the regional level. The pilot project results confirmed the partnership-based approach effec- tiveness, justifying the feasibility of scaling the model to other regions after adaptation to their specific conditions.
STAFFING OF THE REGIONAL OPHTHALMOLOGY SERVICE: MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE DEFICIENCY OF SPECIALISTS AND WAYS TO OVERCOME IT
Purpose. To conduct a medical and social analysis of the staffing of the ophthalmology service of the Trans- carpathian region, to identify the main factors of the shortage of specialists and to substantiate ways to optimize personnel policy at the regional level. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted during 2022–2024 on the basis of healthcare institutions of the Transcarpathian region. The staffing of 1 regional ophthalmology center, 12 ophthalmology departments of dis- trict hospitals and 23 ophthalmology offices was analyzed. The characteristics of 84 ophthalmologists were studied. A sociological survey of 67 ophthalmologists and 42 healthcare organizers was conducted. Medical and statistical, sociological, systems analysis and expert assessment methods were used. Results. A critical level of shortage of ophthalmologists in the Transcarpathian region was established, which is 30.0% of the regulatory need. The region’s provision decreased from 3.2 to 2.8 per 100 thousand population during 2019–2024. Significant unevenness in the territorial distribution of personnel was identified, with a concentration in the regional center (4.8 per 100 thousand) and a deficit in the districts (1.2–2.4 per 100 thousand). The average age of ophthalmologists is 52.3 years, the share of specialists over 50 years old is 57.1%. The main factors of the deficit are low wages (89.6% of respondents), unsatisfactory working conditions (58.2%), lack of housing (43.3%). 34.3% of doctors have migration intentions, among young specialists – 58.3%. Priority areas for optimization are identified as increasing wages, providing housing, improving the material and technical base, and targeted training of personnel. Conclusions. The staffing of the ophthalmological service of the Transcarpathian region is characterized by a critical shortage of specialists, uneven territorial distribution and aging personnel. Solving the problem requires a comprehensive approach with the implementation of measures to increase material motivation, improve working conditions, introduce targeted training of personnel and develop telemedical technologies.
MONITORING OF ACADEMIC PRIORITIES AND RESOURCE STATUS OF FACULTY MEMBERS AT THE DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL PROBLEMS OF I. HORBACHEVSKY TERNOPIL NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Purpose. Monitor of academic priorities and the resource status of faculty members at the departments of the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) to prospectively assess the prevalence of scientific or pedagogical com- ponents in the daily work of educators. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire was used to survey the teaching staff. Methods of comparative analy- sis, systematization, and descriptive statistics were used to process the results. Results. The questionnaire structure consisted of 4 blocks. In response to Block 1, faculty members identified a maximum level of the scientific component (47.0%), indicating strategic planning of scientific research given favorable collective factors. Block 2 aimed to evaluate the cognitive-operational component of teaching, information handling skills, and methodological tools; here, 47.0% of respondents showed a preference for the pedagogical component, 29.4% for the scientific-pedagogical, and 23.6% for the scientific component. The processing of Block 3 responses indicates high stress resistance among teachers and a sufficient level of self-control skills. In response to Block 4, employees favored the scientific-pedagogical component (62.0%), while 26.5% chose the scientific com- ponent and 11.5% the pedagogical one. Overall, at the Institute of Biomedical Problems, the scientific-pedagogical component prevails in 73.5% of teachers, while the pedagogical component accounts for 26.5%. This is consistent with the fact that the institute trains students of almost all years, interns, masters, and PhDs. Conclusions: The survey revealed the predominance of the scientific and pedagogical component in the struc- ture of teaching activities among 73.5% of employees of the higher education institution, which indicates a harmoni- ous combination of both components in the process of working with applicants and states that this structure of the questionnaire allows for comprehensive profiling of teachers.
ACCESSIBILITY OF SPECIALIZED OPHTHALMOLOGICAL CARE FOR VARIOUS SOCIAL GROUPS OF THE POPULATION: BARRIERS AND WAYS TO OVERCOME THEM
Purpose. Systematization of current scientific data on barriers to access to specialized ophthalmological care for different social groups of the population and analysis of effective strategies for overcoming them. Materials and Methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for 2014–2024. The search was carried out using keywords related to the availability of ophthalmological care, barriers and vulnerable population groups. The analysis included 22 publica- tions that met the criteria of quality and relevance. The analysis was conducted by thematic categories: types of barriers (economic, geographical, socio-cultural, organizational), vulnerable population groups, effective interven- tions and their results. Results. Four main groups of accessibility barriers were identified: economic (cost of services as a significant burden on the population, indirect costs), geographical (remoteness of medical facilities, especially in rural areas, shortage of specialists, especially in low-income countries), socio-cultural (low awareness of the importance of regular check-ups, cultural beliefs, language barriers) and organizational (long waiting times, inconvenient sched- ules, insufficient access of patients to necessary treatment, even with free services). The most vulnerable groups are the elderly (unmet needs 35%), the population of rural areas (average distance to a specialist 87 km), low- income individuals (risk of access restrictions 3.5 times higher), ethnic minorities (risk of late detection of glaucoma 2.1 times higher) and migrants. Effective strategies for overcoming the barriers include telemedicine (increasing access by 40–150%), mobile ophthalmology clinics (60–200%), financial subsidies (35–80%), educational pro- grams (20–45%), and integration of screening into primary health care (25–60%). Conclusions. The availability of specialized ophthalmology care is limited by a complex of interconnected barriers that require integrated interventions. The most effective are comprehensive approaches that simultane- ously address several types of barriers, taking into account the specifics of vulnerable populations. Telemedicine and mobile clinics demonstrate high cost-effectiveness in overcoming geographical barriers, but the risks of digital inequality must be taken into account.
TO THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST, DOCTOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR KONSTANTIN KONSTANTINOVICH VASILIEV
Редакційна колегія журналу «Вісник соціальної гігієни та організації охорони здоров’я України», друзі та колеги