1. Differences in alcohol consumption habits between Roma and non-Roma in Northeastern SloveniaErika Zelko, Jana Podojsteršek, Igor Švab, Marko Kolšek, Maja Sever, 2017, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Slovenia has a high level of alcohol consumption. Comparisons of the alcohol consumption habits of the Roma and non-Roma population have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this research was to compare alcohol consumption habits between Roma and non-Roma in a sample population in Northeastern Slovenia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we included 100 representatives of Roma and 100 representatives of non-Roma population, aged 18 to 65 years. The questionnaire used included demographic data (gender, age, marital status, education, and employment) and the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) questionnaire. Two logistic regression models (teetotallers/drinkers and non-hazardous drinkers/other drinkers) were used for the comparison of drinking habits. Results: Roma scored lower on overall AUDIT score (4.51) than non-Roma (4.56). Roma and non-Roma differ significantly regarding teetotallers (39.0 % vs. 16.0 %) and non-hazardous drinkers (38.0 % vs. 64.0 %). Ethnicity was identified to have a statistically significant impact on the studied drinking behaviour: teetotallers (p < 0.001) and non-hazardous drinkers (p = 0.015). Discussion and conclusion: Our aim was to look at the differences between the two groups rather than obtain representative data on the population. Our research also casts a doubt on whether the AUDIT questionnaire is suitable for measuring alcohol abuse.
Keywords: ethnicity, drinking habits, Slovenia, Roma, AUDIT questionnaire
Published in DiRROS: 28.01.2026; Views: 147; Downloads: 80
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2. Dimensionality and reliability of the epworth sleepiness scale in dental patients referred for oral appliance therapyKsenija Rener-Sitar, Mike T. John, Dennis P. Haley, Anthony J. DiAngelis, Michael J. Howell, Snigdha S. Pusalavidyasagar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: There is a limited amount of published research on the dimensionality and reliability of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire for adult patients referred for oral appliance therapy. This information is crucial for dentists, who often lack objective measures of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during titration process of an oral appliance. This study investigated the dimensionality and reliability of ESS scores in adult dental patients with SDB undergoing oral appliance treatment. Methods: In 103 dental patients with SDB referred by a physician (mean age: 52.3 ± 13.0 years; 35% female), the dimensionality of the ESS was investigated using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to determine how many scores are needed to characterize the construct. ESS questionnaires were administered twice before treatment. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed. Results: Horn's parallel analysis suggested a one-factor model. Extracting one factor and standardizing loadings led to strong loadings for all items, ranging from 0.53 to 0.82. The fit indices indicated a good model fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.999, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.020, and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.064). Cronbach's alpha with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.85 (0.82-0.88), indicating strong internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient type 2,1 (95% CI) was 0.86 (0.79-0.90), and the weighted kappa ranged from 0.50 to 0.81. Conclusions: In this patient population, the ESS reliably characterizes excessive daytime sleepiness with a single score and appears suitable for individual assessment in dental patients undergoing oral appliance treatment for SDB.
Keywords: dental sleep medicine, dimensionality, epworth sleepiness scale, excessive daytime sleepiness, factor analysis, obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance, questionnaire, reliability, sleep-disordered breathing
Published in DiRROS: 14.01.2026; Views: 130; Downloads: 75
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3. Cultivation and utilization of Poplars, Willows and other fast-growing trees in Slovenia : report of the National poplar commission, time period: 2020-2023Gregor Božič, Andreja Ferreira, Anže Martin Pintar, Gordana Beltram, Marko Kovač, Darja Istenič, Marjana Westergren, Nikica Ogris, Barbara Piškur, Hojka Kraigher, Aleksander Koren, Tadej Törnar, Anja Cigan, Špela Ščap, Katja Kavčič Sonnenschein, Simon Veberič, Andraž Čarni, 2024, treatise, preliminary study, study Keywords: Poplar, Willow, Black Walnut, Black Locust, international commission, FAO, national report, questionnaire, genetics, forest protection, legislation, categorisation, forest products, ecology, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 314; Downloads: 144
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4. The risk of occupational anaphylaxis in beekeepers : an educational public health interventionTea Močnik, Mihaela Zidarn, Nina Frelih, Sabina Ličen, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Beekeepers are at increased risk for anaphylaxis due to frequent honeybee stings. This study developed an educational program for anaphylaxis prevention and an assessment tool to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of Slovenian beekeepers.Methods: The educational program was developed using the Delphi method with 13 healthcare professionals (9 allergists and 4 registered nurses specialized in allergology). The Beekeepers Anaphylaxis Awareness and Learning Questionnaire (BAALQ) consisted of two distinct components, developed by 12 experts. Content validity for the Recognition and Anaphylaxis Action Scale (RAAS) was confirmed by 59 healthcare professionals. Criterion and construct validity were assessed with 143 beekeepers without a history of anaphylaxis, using a nominal scale for measuring knowledge and a 5-point Likert scale for evaluating Socio-Cultural Learning Attitudes Scale (SCLAS). Knowledge differences among beekeepers before and after the educational intervention were evaluated using the Wilcoxon test. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was used to assess internal consistency of the instrument.Results: The RAAS included 26 statements. Kendall’s W was 0.799 (95% CI: 0.718–0.866, x2 = 359, p < 0.001), indicating strong expert agreement, while Cronbach’s alpha was 0.798 (95% CI: 0.756–0.840). To further assess internal consistency, the Split-half method showed a Pearson correlation of 0.733, with a Spearman-Brown correction value of 0.846, confirming the instrument’s good reliability. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant increase in knowledge (Z = −10.078; p < 0.001), with Mdn scores rising from 18 to 25. The SCLAS included 15 statements. Kendall’s W was 0.714 (95% CI: 0.600–0.814, x2 = 289, p < 0.001). Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed three factors: “Self-confidence,” “Importance of knowledge and education,” and “Influence of gender and age.” The model fit well (RMSEA = 0.0618, CFI = 0.925, TLI = 0.911), with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.717 (95% CI: 0.683–0.751).Conclusion: The developed educational program is effective in improving beekeepers’ knowledge of recognizing and responding to anaphylaxis. The assessment tool shows strong validity and reliability and supports its use in future educational and research contexts.
Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, questionnaire
Published in DiRROS: 08.12.2025; Views: 307; Downloads: 129
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5. Psychometric properties of the Slovenian adaptation of Zuckerman-Kuhlman Cross-Cultural 50 item personality questionnaire (ZKPQ-50-CC) in a sample of emerging adultsTimotej Glavač, Žan Lep, Maja Zupančič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the present study was to validate the Slovenian version of the ZKPQ-50-CC (Aluja et al., 2006). The ZKPQ-50- CC is a shortened, cross-culturally validated version of the Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ; Zuckerman et al., 1988), based on an alternative five-factor model of personality. Our sample included 2138 emerging adults (1534 females; Mage = 21.28 years; SD = 3.62) who filled in both the ZKPQ-50-CC and the Big Five Inventory (BFI; John et al., 1991). The results of a confirmatory factor analysis showed similarities to those of the original validation study across four European countries (Aluja et al., 2006). To improve upon the psychometric properties of the ZKPQ-50-CC scales, however, we removed six items with low factor loadings (below .30), resulting in the ZKPQ-44-CC. The five factors (Impulsive Sensation Seeking, Neuroticism-Anxiety, Aggression-Hostility, Activity, and Sociability) of the adjusted instrument suggested acceptable internal reliability, as well as satisfactory convergent and divergent validity against the BFI factors. We also determined relatively high levels of temporal stability (measurements two years apart) of the alternative five factors in a smaller follow-up sample (n = 168). Despite several drawbacks, we consider the ZKPQ-44-CC appropriate for psychological research in Slovenia.
Keywords: Zuckerman’s alternative five-factor personality model, the ZKPQ-50-CC, Slovenian validation, validity, internal reliability, temporal stability, Zuckerman-Kuhlman Cross-Cultural 50 item personality questionnaire ZKPQ-50-CC, test validity, psychometrics, test reliability
Published in DiRROS: 08.07.2025; Views: 416; Downloads: 254
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6. Survey results on nucleic acid tests of infectious diseases : present status and need for rapid and near-patient diagnosticsJörg Neukammer, Martin Hussels, Andreas Kummrow, Alison S. Devonshire, Carole A. Foy, Jim F. Huggett, Helen C. Parkes, Jana Žel, Mojca Milavec, Heinz Schimmel, Wolfgang Unger, Müslüm Akgöz, Timothy D. McHugh, Viktorija Tomič, Hans-Peter Grunert, Heinz Zeichhardt, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: This survey discusses current and emerging isothermal and rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based nucleic acid amplification methods for near-patient diagnostics.
To assess the clinical need of rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases based on nucleic acid tests (NATs) we performed and analysed a questionnaire among laboratories participating in corresponding INSTAND ring trials for external quality assurance. The questions concerning new amplification technologies like isothermal nucleic acid amplification, potentially suited to significantly decrease turnaround times, were complemented by questions to evaluate the present status of NATs. Besides end-users, companies were also addressed by sending out a manufacturer specific questionnaire.
Analysis of the answers from 48 laboratories in 14 European countries revealed that a much shorter turnaround time is requested for selected pathogens compared to about 2 h or longer when applying temperature cycling amplification, i.e. PCR. In this context, most frequently mentioned were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), norovirus, influenza A and B viruses, cytomegalovirus (CMV) as well as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). At present, 8% of the laboratories having participated in this survey apply isothermal amplification of nucleic acids to identify infectious pathogens.
Keywords: nucleic acid tests, infectious diseases, virus detection, bacteria detection, isothermal nucleic acid amplification, status report, questionnaire, NAT, PCR
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 1354; Downloads: 797
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7. Olfaction and gustation abilities after a total laryngectomyGordana Mumović, Irena Hočevar-Boltežar, 2014, original scientific article Abstract: Background A laryngectomy affects many of a patient's functions. Besides speech and respiratory-tract problems, olfaction and gustation problems can also have an influence on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to find out how often various nasal problems and decreased gustation appear after a laryngectomy. Patients and methods. One hundred and five laryngectomized patients (9 women, 96 men, aged 45-88 years), treated in two tertiary centers, were included in the study. They completed a questionnaire about various nasal problems, olfactory and gustatory capabilities, possible allergies and irritants in their environment, and the impact of the nasal and gustation problems on their quality of life. Results Olfaction was impaired in 51.4%, and was even not possible in 30.5%, of patients. Decreased gustation abilities were reported in 26.7%, and dysgeusia in 11.4%, of patients. Almost 21% of patients were bothered by an impaired gustatory ability and 50.5% of patients were affected by their loss of olfaction. Frequent nasal discharge was reported in 20%, frequent sneezing in 58.1%, and nasal itching in 33.3% of the laryngectomized patients. There were no correlations between the age and the olfaction and gustation abilities and between the allergy and the nasal symptoms, whereas the correlation between olfaction and gustation appeared significant (p=0.025). Conclusions Various nasal and gustatory problems were reported in more than 80% of laryngectomized patients. The olfaction and gustation abilities are connected and have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Like in the case of speech, the rehabilitation of olfaction is also necessary in all laryngectomized patients and must take place soon after the completion of the treatment.
Keywords: laryngectomy, olfaction, gustation, questionnaire, quality of life
Published in DiRROS: 11.04.2024; Views: 1280; Downloads: 776
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8. Initial experiences of the first version of Slovene sustainable building Indicators that are based on Level(s)Sabina Jordan, Miha Tomšič, Friderik Knez, Marjana Šijanec-Zavrl, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: To determine the possibilities for the implementation of sustainable building indicators in Slovenia, testing of the first version of the indicators, developed in the CARE4CLIMATE project and based on the EU Level(s) framework, was carried out in 2022. Invited and interested stakeholders of the construction process were provided with video content and instructions on the Slovenian e-platform of sustainable building indicators. In addition, workshops and lectures with individual subjects were also performed. The final phase of the training and testing procedure included a questionnaire, which was used to obtain information about the participants' opinions regarding the indicators. The analysis of the results of the testing, which was focused on level 2, confirmed the key preliminary finding of the development group, namely that currently, due to the lack of certain knowledge, data, and tools, all indicators for this level are not yet feasible in practice. The research also highlighted the greater need for training and specialization of experts in this field. At the same time, it showed that the testing of the first version itself was a big challenge: only 30 experts fully participated and filled out the online questionnaire. This number seems alarmingly low at first glance, but compared to level(s) testing in the EU member states, it is much more than 50 times higher. However, for the further execution of the indicators in Slovenia, it will therefore be necessary to invest a lot of effort and engagement. It is likely that state support will also be needed, for example, in the form of financial mechanisms or incentives and/or legislative background.
Keywords: sustainability, building, indicators, implementation, testing, questionnaire
Published in DiRROS: 04.01.2024; Views: 1362; Downloads: 700
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10. Cultivation and utilization of Poplars, Willows and other fast-growing trees in Slovenia : report of the National Poplar CommissionGregor Božič, Andreja Ferreira, Anže Martin Pintar, Gordana Beltram, Marko Kovač, Darja Istenič, Špela Ščap, Marjana Westergren, Marko Bajc, Daniel Zorko, Simon Verebič, Nikica Ogris, Hojka Kraigher, 2020, treatise, preliminary study, study Keywords: Poplar, Willow, Black Walnut, Black Locust, international commission, FAO, national report, questionnaire, genetics, forest protection, legislation, categorisation, forest products, ecology, Slovenia
Published in DiRROS: 11.12.2020; Views: 2918; Downloads: 906
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