Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Greece”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Factors influencing dental utilisation in Greece.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that influence utilisation of dental services in Greece. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data was obtained through the "WHO Multi-Country Survey Study on Health and Responsiveness", a survey organised by the WHO and locally executed by the National School of Public Health. A national random sample of 5,000 prospective participants was selected through the national phone directory. Of those, half (2,500 participants) were mailed the self-administered questionnaire designed to assess the general health status of the Greek population, while the other half were mailed the questionnaire designed to assess responsiveness of the Greek healthcare system. Both research instruments contained a question related to utilisation of dentists during the last month, and several potential predictors. 1,819 individuals answered the questions and participated in the analysis. Two main outcomes were identified: a) reporting of any utilisation vs. none, statistically analyzed using Logistic Regression, and b) frequency of utilisation (number of visits), analyzed using Poisson Regression. RESULTS: 25.1% reported at least one dental visit, while the mean number of visits during the last month was 0.48. Income gave an odds ratio of 1.139 (95% CI:1.038, 1.251). Dental visit frequency increased with increased income (b = 0.11, p = 0.004) and decreased whith improved self-rated health (b = 0.15, p = 0.003) and age (b = -0.006, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Income is an important determinant of dental utilisation in Greece; it influences both the percentages and the frequency of such utilisation. Additionally, increased age and high self-rated health are associated with less frequent dental utilisation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The incidence of idiopathic scoliosis in Greece--analyais of domestic school screening programs.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is the documentation of the national incidence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) based on the School Screening programs performed at the various geographical departments of the country, and the estimation of the probable number of children who will need to be conservatively or surgically treated. MATERIAL-METHODS: During the years 1975 - 1999, 17 School Screening programs were performed in Greece and their results were analyzed and published in the book "School Screening in Greece". These studies had in common the children age distribution, the clinical examination, the radiological definition of IS when the Cobb - angle was > or = 5 degrees or > or = 10 degrees after SRS. The standing forward bending test was used. An Orthopaedic surgeon always participated in the scientific screening team. 215899 children aged 5.5 - 15 years were screened. When there was suspicion of scoliosis, the child was further assessed radiolographically (standing postero - anterior spinal radiographs), for Cobb angle appraisal. RESULTS: In 130689 screened children, scoliosis was considered when the consequent radiological assessment revealed Cobb angle of > or = 10 degrees, (a), and in 85210 children when it revealed Cobb angle of > or = 5 degrees respectively, (b). In (a) studies the scoliosis incidence was 2.9% (range 1.1 - 5.7%), and (b) 4.9% (range 2.7 - 9.5%) respectively. The right thoracic curves dominated in both (a) and (b) studies and thoraco - lumbar, lumbar and double curves followed. Among 7965 scoliotics out of the total sample of 215899 children, 4.5% were conservatively treated with the use of a brace, and only 0.19% was treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: From data of 1998 national census, the population of children aged 8 to 14 years old was approximately 751000. With the above -mentioned datum and with a national mean scoliosis incidence of 2.9%, (Cobb angle > or = 10 degrees), 21781 children will be found with scoliosis. 980 will need conservative treatment using a brace while 41 children will need surgical treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in northwestern Greece: frequency and effect on lipid parameters.

Apolipoprotein (apo) E gene polymorphism and its effect on serum lipid parameters were examined in a Greek population originating from northwestern Greece (n = 555). The allele frequencies were epsilon2: 6.3%, epsilon3: 80.7%, and epsilon4: 13.0%. The epsilon4 allele frequency was higher in our population than was previously reported in individuals from other parts of Greece. ApoE polymorphism was associated with significant differences in serum lipid, and lipoprotein levels. Particularly, individuals with the epsilon2 allele had higher serum triglyceride and apoE levels and lower levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apoB, compared to those with the alleles epsilon3 and epsilon4. However, the impact of the epsilon4 allele on lipid parameters seen in other populations was not observed in our population. Furthermore, the combination of apoE polymorphism and serum apoE concentration explained a larger percentage of serum lipid variability than the polymorphism alone. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that ethnic differences, as well as alterations of serum apoE levels, significantly modify the relationship between apoE gene polymorphism and serum lipid variability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

A clinical and educational telemedicine link between Bulgaria and Greece.

During its transition to a free economy, Bulgaria benefited from foreign aid provided by Greece. One of the projects was the clinical and educational telemedicine link between the Medical University of Varna in Bulgaria and the Faculty of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. This began in 1997. In terms of the educational activities, the Bulgarian side of the network supports (a) electronic design and publishing activities, (b) web hosting and mail server activities and (c) satellite communications. In addition it supports an electronic classroom equipped with personal workstations, multimedia projectors and videoconference facilities. Communications are via the ISDN network. In terms of its telemedicine activities, the network provides remote medical assistance to "language handicapped" travellers and to migrant workers in both countries. The main clinical experience is remote consultations in immunology. This admittedly limited experience demonstrates that telemedicine can be used to provide assistance to remote colleagues. In cases where the patient cannot communicate with the attending physician, the use of telemedicine can greatly improve the quality of care available to travellers and migrant workers.

Bulgaria↗
PubMed2004

Allergenic fungi spore records (15 years) and sensitization in patients with respiratory allergy in Thessaloniki-Greece.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of respiratory allergy to fungi spores (FS) is not precisely known but is estimated at 20-30% of atopic patients. There are no aerobiological records, necessary for respiratory allergy diagnosis and treatment, in Thessaloniki and generally in Greece. AIM: Creation of a database on FS circulation and investigation of skin sensitivity (SS) of asthmatics by using skin prick tests (SPT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Daily records and identification of 15 airborne FS species were conducted, using a Burkard trap during 1987-2001. SS to 5 most common FS extracts was investigated, by using SPT in a total of 1311 asthmatics with atopy, submitted to the Out-Patient Clinic of Asthma (Pulmonary Dept, Aristotle Univ, Thessaloniki) in 1990-2001. RESULTS: The FS recorded in the 15-year period were as follows: Cladosporium spp. (72.2%), Alternaria spp. (9.8%), Ustilago spp. (8.1%), Ascospores (2.7%), Agrocybe spp. (1.5%), Helminthosporium spp. (1.4%), Leptosphaeria spp (1.2%), Agrogybe spp. (1.1%), whereas the species Botrytis, Stemphylium, Pleospora, Nigrospora, Epicoccum. Fusarium, Torula and Phoma presented concentrations <1%. The highest numbers of airborne FS were recorded during summer. Positive skin reaction to FS was observed in 421 (32%) patients of the 1311 asthmatics. Positive skin reaction to Altemaria species was observed in 177 patients (13.5%), in 98 (7.4%) to Cladosporium, 65 (5%) to Aspergillus, 45 (3.4%) to Fusarium and 36 (2.7%) to Rhizopus. FS sensitivity is much more frequent in younger men. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time in Thessaloniki-Greece, 15 allergenic FS species circulation has been recorded for the last 15 years. SS was more frequently detected for the species of Alternaria, Cladosporium and Aspergillus.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2004

Epidemiology of aids defining conditions in Greece.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the secular trends of all AIDS opportunistic infections to occur first (OIs) in Greece, by year, by gender and by mode of transmission. METHODS: The study included all AIDS defining conditions reported among Greek residents diagnosed with AIDS from 1981 to June 2003 and notified to the Hellenic Centre of Infectious Diseases Control. The analysis of trends in AIDS defining conditions in Greece has been performed only for the period 1993--2003. RESULTS: From 1981 to the first six months of 2003, 2,394 AIDS cases, 2,361 adults and 33 children, have been reported. HIV wasting syndrome was the most frequent OI to occur first followed by PCP pneumonia and Kaposi sarcoma. The frequency at which OIs occurred first varied by sex. Kaposi sarcoma was more frequent in males while tuberculosis and oesophageal candidiasis were more frequent in females. The frequency at which OIs occurred first varied also by exposure mode. Kaposi sarcoma was more frequent among men who have sex with men but that was not the case for the remaining transmission categories. From 1993 to the first six months of 2003 a downward trend was noticed only for chronic simplex disease. Since the introduction of HAART, an increasing trend was noticed for CMV disease, recurrent pneumonia, oesophageal candidiasis, Burkitt and immunoblastic lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Further epidemiological studies are needed to assess the OIs trends in coming years in order to plan prevention strategies and future medical care needs.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2002

The abuse of children in Greece.

Children are being abused in Greece at an alarming rate. This article aims to clarify the magnitude of the child abuse issue in Greece and to highlight medical and legal aspects that may play a contributory role in the existing defects in the revelation, prevention, and punishment of this type of crime.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Factors associated with initiation and duration of breastfeeding in Greece.

AIM: Our aim was to study factors affecting the initiation, progress and duration of breastfeeding in Greece. METHODS: We studied 938 infants born in 2001 in 17 maternity hospitals in Greece. RESULTS: The percentage of breastfeeding infants was 85.5%. The actual progress of breastfeeding was different from the one that the mothers intended to follow. Although the majority of women claimed in the beginning that they would breastfeed mainly for four to six months (23.2%) and 12-14 months (23.1%), the majority had discontinued breastfeeding by the fourth month (58.5%) and only 7.3% breastfed for more than one year. The initiation time of breastfeeding was positively influenced by natural delivery (p = 0) and pleasant delivery (p = 0.397). Smoking was negatively associated with the duration of breastfeeding (p = 0) and the infants of smokers breastfed mainly for one to two months (38.7%). Exclusive breastfeeding in the maternity hospital was positively associated with the mother's intention to refuse to use a mixed diet after being discharged (p = 0). CONCLUSION: Greater support is needed so that women can implement their original intentions concerning the progress of breastfeeding.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 DNA sequences in human immunodeficiency virus-negative individuals without Kaposi's sarcoma in Greece.

BACKGROUND: It has already been established that the prevalence of human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) in the general population varies among different geographical areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HHV8 infection in the Greek population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight hundred blood samples were collected consecutively from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative individuals without evidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). All individuals were Greeks and were classified according to gender, age and geographic origin. HHV8 DNA sequences were detected by nested-PCR. RESULTS: An overall HHV8 positivity rate of 9.6% was found. Analysis of the KS330 region within ORF-26 revealed that the HHV8 strains were distributed to the C1, C3 or A1 subtypes. Logistic regression showed no association between HHV8 presence and geographic regions in Greece. The results indicate that very few individuals (4.3%) were exposed to HHV8 before 15 years of age. The infection rate peaked (16.4%) between the ages of 31 and 40. Females and males showed similar prevalence of HHV8. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that HHV8 is spread in Greece, but to a lesser extent than that observed in other Mediterranean countries. The fact that HHV8 was also found in individuals under 15 years of age indicates that a small percent of HHV8 transmission could occur through non-sexual contacts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Chest radiography and tuberculosis case-finding in asymptomatic native and immigrant populations in Greece.

SETTING: A university hospital in southern Greece. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) and other clinically significant conditions in routine chest X-rays (CXRs) of asymptomatic Greeks and immigrants in Greece. DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: CXRs of 4338 asymptomatic persons (56.8% Greeks, 43.2% immigrants, 18-74 years of age) were examined by two experienced chest radiologists blinded to identifying data. Abnormalities were recorded and the final radiological diagnosis was established by consensus. Results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The majority (94.7%) of the CXRs were reported as normal. Clinically significant findings were reported in four cases (0.08%). No case of active TB was depicted. The incidence of old TB was higher in the Greek-born group than among the immigrants, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The low prevalence of TB in the Greek-born group implies that radiographic screening in that group presents an unnecessary risk and should possibly be abandoned. Our study does not confirm noticeably higher rates of TB in immigrants in comparison to the native Greek population. However, larger prospective studies are required to confirm this finding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Establishing a regional contact & service centre for public health care: the case in central macedonia, Greece.

Regional Healthcare System Authorities (RHSAs) run under the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Greece, aim is to improve the level of quality that health care organizations offer as well as to control the expenditure of health care services provided by the health care organizations. In this article we present the considerations taken during the establishment of the first Regional Contact & Service Center for Public Health in Greece in two of the RHSAs. In this respect, the current piece of work provides an up-to-date experience in establishing and setting the RCSC in its organizational context, an outline of its conceptual model and design, an outlook of the first quarterly results of its use, and a discussion of its potential impact.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed2004

The evolution of the management system of hospitals in Greece.

The administration system of the health units--hospitals of the country presented different alteration during its course from the formation of the Greek state until now days. To be more specific, we can observe that: a) During the first period, the management of the few hospitals in the country is practiced by a complicated and multiform systems. Moreover, some hospitals were managed by a fraternity, other by a committee, other by an administrative committee and finally other by a board of directors. In any case, members of these collective sectors are members of the state such as mayors, chief of the community, simply private citizens, or well off citizens who participated in the formation and function of some hospitals as benefactors. But, supreme place to these of organisation and management of the hospitals has the private initiative because of the financial adversity of the state. The turn of the health sector to the well off citizens is obvious, as they dispose great deal of money for health. During this period, the state just supervises the few hospitals, public benevolent and state hospitals. b)The second period from the reform of the compulsory Law 965/1937 until the year 1983 is characterized by two substantial legislative Acts, which changed radically the border of the organisation and management of health units. Firstly, the compulsory Law 965/1937 establishes officially the boards of the directors as the institution initially covered public hospitals of the country and in the meantime the hospitals of the rest of the categories. It is also established for the first time along with that institution, the institution of the Governmental Trustee. The second legislative Act of that period is the Law Order 2592/1953, through which public health is put into a new basis according to the demands of that period. The Administrative system of public hospitals remains the same without particular changes to it. c)During the third period from the establishment of the National Health System--Law 1397/1983 until nowadays. This period is characterized by two great facts: 1. The foundation of National Health System [Law 1397/1983]. It is a historical event for health in Greece. The health system has for the first time totally public features and the civilian enjoys the social good of health without any cost. However, the administrative system of health preserves from the establishment of the state until nowadays its centralizing character. 2. The reformation of the N.H.S, Law 2889/2001. It leads to the radical change of the valid administrative system after 175 years of state function. The country is divided into health districts, where in each one the peripheral health system is created (P.H.S.). It is managed by an administrative board, in which substantial authorities are given for the first time in history of Greek health sector. Consequently, we have today a decentralizing management system in health, which is applied by the seventeen (17) peripheral health systems in Greece.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed2005

Factors influencing the initiation and progress of breastfeeding in Greece.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate and assess the factors associated with the initiation, progress, and duration of breastfeeding in Greece. METHODS: We studied 1,010 infants born from 862 women from 1996 to 2000 in 17 hospitals. We followed the mothers for the period January-October 2001, while they were at the maternity hospitals to give birth to their next child. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data showed that factors positively associated with the duration of breast-feeding were the application of rooming-in (p = 0.0001), the initiation time of breast-feeding--mainly one to six hours after delivery (p = 0.0004), natural delivery (p = 0), pleasant delivery (p = 0.0142), the time the decision about breastfeeding was taken (p = 0), the fact that it was mainly a maternal decision and the mothers were not influenced by a specific person (p = 0.0272) and the fact that no mixed diet was administered (p = 0). Smoking was negatively associated with the duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.0036). Factors not associated with the duration of breastfeeding were: number of the mother's family members (p = 0.1231), whether the women themselves were breastfed as babies (p = 0.03924), some elements of their personality (p = 0.3871) as well as their beliefs concerning maternal milk (p = 0.1922). CONCLUSIONS: From our results we have indications as to which factors are related or unrelated to the initiation and progress of breastfeeding in Greece.

Breast Feeding↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Thessaloniki-Greece and Kayseri-Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece and in the Kayseri area of Turkey and compare the results. For this purpose, data concerning the weight and height of 2458 Greek school children aged 6-17 years (1226 6-10 years, 1232 11-17 years) and 3703 Turks (1032 6-10 years, 2671 11-17 years) were collected. BMI was calculated. The prevalence of overweight Greek schoolchildren was 22.2% while that of Turks was 10.6%. The obesity prevalence was 4.1% and 1.6%, respectively (total overweight and obese children 26.3% and 12.2%, respectively). In the analyses, the estimations of the prevalence of overweight and obesity are based on the international BMI percentile curves and cut-off points in subjects aged 2-18 years recently established. A significant gender difference was found, males being more overweight and obese compared to females. Finally, the prevalences for both Greeks and Turks were higher in children when compared to adolescents. In conclusion, Greece (as represented by the Thessaloniki area) has one of the highest prevalences of overweight schoolchildren recorded in Europe while Turkey (as represented by Kayseri area) one of the lowest recorded among developed and developing countries. Differences in lifestyle and socioeconomic status in the two regions are most probably responsible for these results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of stroke among Christians and Muslims in Thrace, Greece.

INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have demonstrated significant racial differences in incidence, age of onset, outcome and subsequent risk factors of stroke. However, there is scarce evidence available for Muslim populations worldwide. Xanthi region, a mainly rural and remote area in northern Greece, which is characterized by a mixed Christian/Muslim population, is considered appropriate for further studies in this area. METHODS: A prospective clinical study, based on a cohort of 530 consecutive unselected patients, 366 Christians and 164 Muslims, who had their first documented episode of stroke between 1998 and 2002. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test for comparison between discrete parameters, Student's t-test for comparison between quantitative parameters and Pearson's r for correlations (along with Bonferroni's adjustment) were used. A multiple logistic regression model was performed for evaluation of religion and gender as independent predictors of type of stroke. RESULTS: Muslims, when compared with Christians: (1) present with ischemic stroke less often (p = 0.049); (2) suffer from stroke at a younger age (67.26 +/- 9.77 vs 71.43 +/- 10.88 years; p < 0.001); (3) show a significantly lower incidence rate (87.2 vs 173.9 cases/100,000 person*years; RR 1.994; p < 0.001); (4) have lower rates of diabetes (p = 0.019) and atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001) and (5) present similar mortality (p = 0.347). CONCLUSIONS: Lower diabetes and atrial fibrillation rates among the Muslims of Thrace, Greece, might account for their low incidence of stroke. The contribution of culture-related habits (diet, occupation) remains to be investigated in further studies.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in different populations in Greece during 1993-2002.

OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence of resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP) and both combined (multidrug resistance [MDR]) in Greece from 1993 to 2002. DESIGN: We studied a single sputum sample per patient from 4108 patients referred to the Greek National Referral Centre for Mycobacteria. Patients were divided into native Greeks, immigrants and repatriated Greeks originating from the former Soviet Union. Prior treatment status was not recorded. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in resistance to INH and RMP and MDR was noted comparing the years 1993-1997 to 1998-2002 (P < 0.0001). Resistance to INH and RMP and MDR rose from 5.6% to 7.71%, from 1.57% to 4.49% and from 1.23% to 3.98%, respectively, among native Greeks and from 23.63% to 32.91%, from 6.36% to 15.19% and from 6.36% to 13.92% among repatriated Greeks. Smaller changes were seen among immigrants (from 15.43% to 9.57% for INH, from 5.51% to 6.12% for RMP and from 5.71% to 5.32% for MDR). CONCLUSION: We documented an increase in M. tuberculosis resistance to INH and RMP, and MDR. This was mainly limited to native and repatriated Greeks. Although this is likely the result of immigration and of mismanagement of index cases in Greece, molecular methods are needed to better describe the situation.

Antitubercular Agents↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of symptomatic knee, hand, and hip osteoarthritis in Greece. The ESORDIG study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of symptomatic knee, hand, and hip osteoarthritis (OA) in the general adult population of Greece. METHODS: This cross-sectional population based study was conducted on the total adult population of 7 communities (8547 subjects) and on 2100 out of 5686 randomly selected subjects in an additional 2 communities. Sixteen rheumatologists visited the target population at their homes; an interview based on a standardized questionnaire was conducted and clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations were done, when necessary. ACR classification criteria were used for diagnosing symptomatic OA. RESULTS: Of the final target population of 10,647 subjects, 8740 (82.1%) participated in the study. The age and sex adjusted prevalence of symptomatic knee, hand, and hip OA was 6.0% (95% CI 5.6-6.4), 2% (1.8-2.2), and 0.9% (0.7-1.1), respectively. Symptomatic knee, hand, and hip OA prevalence was significantly higher among women than men and increased significantly with age. Symptomatic knee OA was significantly more common in the rural compared to urban and suburban populations. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of female sex and age > or = 50 years with all sites of OA, of obesity with knee and hip OA, and of a low level of education with knee OA. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic knee, hand, and hip OA is common in the general adult population of Greece, showing a female preponderance and a prevalence increasing with age. Female sex and age are risk factors for all sites of OA, obesity for knee and hip OA, and a low level of education for knee OA.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Medical mission of Louis-André Gosse during his trip to Greece (1827-1829)].

Louis-André Gosse (1791-1873), a liberal-minded Geneva physician, went to Greece in 1827 in order to work, for a couple of years, for the Greek State, which had won its independence just a few years ago. When, in 1828, an Egyptian army brought plague back to Greece, Gosse took an active part in the fight against the epidemic. The present author gives a detailed account of Gosse's relation of his experience including treatment and preventive measures.

Greece↗