This study investigated the attitudes of Slovak medical students to COVID-19 vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted between 10 March 2021 and 24 March 2021, as the second wave of coronavirus spread in Slovakia. It was performed in four medical faculties with students in years 1–6. An online anonymous questionnaire was distributed through official university platforms. The survey was completed by 1228 of 5374 medical students. The vaccinated group of students had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study was conducted on 1228 students, of which 880 (71.7%) were vaccinated and 348 unvaccinated (28.3%). The median age was 22 years (range 18–33 years), and 70.6% were women. The lowest vaccination rate was among first (32.7%) and second-year students (61.6%), students living at home with their family (63.8%) and students living in urban areas (69.8%). Only 22.4% of medical students were concerned about serious side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, and 38.8% were concerned that the COVID-19 vaccine may not be effective. This study provides key information related to medical student vaccination in Slovakia and education about COVID-19 vaccination.

Oral diseases, particularly dental caries, affect as much as nine in 10 persons globally. Its development starts during childhood. Behavioural factors play an important role in its aetiology. The aim of the research was to analyse the prevalence of selected behavioural factors associated with dental caries in Slovak adolescents. Selected factors, such as toothbrushing less than once a day, consumption of sweets and sweetened soft drinks daily and their combination, were analysed using data from Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children surveys carried out in 2005/2006, 2009/2010, 2013/2014 and 2017/2018 in Slovakia. The target group consisted of 11- to 13-year-old schoolchildren. The results were analysed by sex and socioeconomic status. The consumption of sweets and sweetened soft drinks, despite declining, remains widespread (41.3% of boys and 39.6% of girls in 2017/2018). The absence of daily toothbrushing, similarly as a co-occurrence of factors, were more frequent in boys (10.6% and 5.0% in 2017/2018, respectively) than in girls (5.1% and 2.3% in 2017/2018, respectively). The absence of daily toothbrushing was associated with a lower socioeconomic situation. In conclusion, behavioural risk factors affecting oral health are widespread in Slovak adolescents. Despite the positive development of the epidemiological situation, effective interventions, as well as the improvement of oral hygiene in lower socioeconomic groups, are needed.

Background: While public water supplies are regulated by Directive (EU) 2020/2184, inconsistencies in member state legislation for individual wells pose health risks. The study investigates the management of Slovak wells, providing insights to inform and potentially strengthen national water policies. Methods: The survey-based study collected data via online and in-person questionnaires during March 2024. It collected retrospective information on well characteristics, usage, stewardship practices, and water quality concerns. Results: We received 251 responses from 52 Slovak districts. The well water for drinking was used by 122 (48.6%) households, with notable regional variations. Only 41.0% of the respondents conducted a proper technical inspection of their wells within the past year. There has been an increase in the use of wells since the millennium. Individuals who drank well water were significantly more likely to conduct water quality tests (p < 0.05). The recommended frequency of technical inspections and annual testing was not reached in either well owners who drink well water or those with wells who drink water from other sources. Conclusions: The amendment of legislation specifically targeting individual wells, along with educational campaigns, appears crucial for well stewardship in Slovakia. The study provides data for further research and public health interventions.