Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Prevalence of strabismus in different age groups in Macedonia

2025-01-30T21:37:16+01:00

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of strabismus by age groups in Caucasian Macedonian population.

Methods: A study population of 1900 patients (aged 0-86 years) from the capital city, Skopje, Macedonia, were analysed in a secondary health institution in the central urban area. Ophthalmological examination included: visual acuity, slit- lamp biomicroscopy, autorefraction, and ocular motility examination.

Results: In our retrospective cohort (1900), 60 patients did have strabismus (3.2%). The highest prevalence of strabismus was in primary school children (10-14 years- 20.2 %; 0-4 years- 16.2 %; 15-19 years- 11.8% and 5-9 years- 8.6%). Our adult population showed results similar to Caucasian Danish population with prevalence of strabismus of 0.7% (age group 50-54 years) and 0.8 % (age group 55-59). The most frequently identified subtype was esotropia (73.3%), followed by exotropia (23.4%) and cyclovertical strabismus (3.3 %).

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of strabismus on Macedonian cohort was 3.2%. Our results on primary school children are much higher than other studies on Caucasian and Asian population, but similar to prevalence in the population in Saudi Arabia. The most prevalent type of strabismus was esotropia (73.3%). Regarding gender distribution, both esotropia and exotropia were more frequent in males.

Factors that facilitate or inhibit professional self-development motivation in employees of educational institutions

2025-01-03T08:44:48+01:00

Introduction: the efficiency, motivation, and involvement of human resources are critical factors in the effectiveness of organizations, particularly educational institutions. This paper explores these factors.

Objectives: the objectives were to identify the factors that facilitate professional self-development motivation in employees of educational institutions and to identify the factors that inhibit professional self-development motivation in employees of educational institutions.

Material and Methods: the study employed a scoping review method to identify factors influencing professional self-development motivation among educational institution employees. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, followed by a rigorous screening process to select 19 relevant studies. Data was organized and synthesized qualitatively, with findings validated by independent reviewers and experts in the field.

Results: the study identifies key facilitators of professional self-development motivation in educational institutions, including a personal growth mindset, organizational support, and access to digital resources. In contrast, inhibitors include a lack of self-awareness and organizational challenges like conflicting priorities. Effective leadership and professional development resources significantly enhance employee motivation and performance. Conversely, mismanagement and a lack of support can diminish motivation, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to individual employee needs.

Conclusion: The study's conclusion underscores the necessity for educational institutions to cultivate an environment that is conducive to professional development and motivation to achieve optimal performance.

Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Quantum-Entropy theory in Psychology and Medicine

2024-12-21T12:41:03+01:00

Introduction: Nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) have proven to be valuable tools in various disciplines, such as psychology, medicine, and biology, where they offer insights into complex, non-linear behaviors. These systems often complement the Theory of Quantum Entropy Logic (TQEL), a framework used to model complex systems and predict the behavior of biological systems. NDS and TQEL are particularly effective in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychological disorders and optimizing medical treatment protocols.

Methodology: This article examines the application of NDS in psychology and medicine, focusing on key concepts such as attractors, bifurcations, chaos theory, fractals, and self-organization. These concepts are utilized to explain complex psychological phenomena, including human behavior, emotions, and cognition. Additionally, the article explores the role of brainwave entrainment and Quantum-Entropy theory in influencing specific cognitive and consciousness states.

Results: The integration of NDS with psychological and medical research has led to novel insights into human behavior and the mechanisms underlying psychological disorders. Concepts like attractors, bifurcations, and chaos theory have been used to model human emotions, cognition, and mental states. The application of brainwave entrainment and Quantum-Entropy theory has demonstrated the potential for inducing specific cognitive states, which could have therapeutic applications.

Conclusion: Nonlinear dynamical systems, in conjunction with quantum-entropy theory, offer a promising framework for advancing the understanding of human psychology and medicine. By elucidating the complex behaviors of the mind and body, these systems provide new opportunities for developing diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and personalized medicine.

Dravet Syndrome – Clinical and Developmental Characteristics: A Case Report

2024-11-26T16:54:48+01:00

Introduction: Dravet syndrome is a rare, genetically determined epilepsy and epileptic encephalopathy primarily caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the SCN1A gene, also associated with autism spectrum disorder. Follow-ing birth, patients have typical neurodevelopment, but the regression of cognitive, motor and speech abilities become noticeable after the onset of seizures.
Aims and case report: We report on the case of a five-year-old girl with characteristic clinical features of Dravet syndrome, detailing her basic clinical and developmental characteristics, disease course and treatment. The first seizure occured at four months of age, coinciding with increased body temperature, and by the end of first year she developed recurrent seizures. While the baseline electroencephagram was nomal, follow-up examinations revealed continuous high-amplitude and sharp, multifocal spike waves. During her second year of life, significant delay in psychomotor development became apparent. The Bayley-III scale was used to assess psychomotor de-velopment in cognition area, comprehension and quality of speech, as well as fine and gross motor skills. The results indicated that her cognitive abilities corresponded to those of an eight-month-old child, while her motor skills were at the level of an 18-month-old. Notable gait impairment was observed, with a wide-based crouch gait. The patient was also diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Conclusion: Although rare, Dravet syndrome is an important differential diagnosis in children presenting with early-onset epilepsy and progressive developmental delays. It is essential to evaluate patients for common comor-bidities, such as autism, gait disorders, and intellectual disability, important determinants of patients’ quality of life.

Psychosocial approaches as a solution to the challenge of risky online behaviors

2024-12-19T03:40:34+01:00

Aim: To address and define the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of children and their families in
the digital environment.
Methods: With surveys and their comparison, we want to assess whether the number of users in the digital environment, and consequently the number of individuals included in psychosocial programs designed to support
addicts and/or excessive users and their families, increased during and after the pandemic period.
Results: The data reveals a growth in the number of users in the digital environment, as well as an increase in
individuals participating in psychosocial programs aimed at supporting addicts, excessive users, and their families.
We have also addressed important points of departure for the formulation of policies and thus appropriate intervention approaches that would enable the resolution of the challenge in this area. With this contribution, we also
highlight the importance of free psychosocial activities to those addicted to digital devices.
Conclusion: The results of the current research confirm that the number of users of the digital environment, and
consequently the number of inclusions in psychosocial support programme for addicts with digital technologies
increased during and after the pandemic period. Due to the increase in the use of scree.