Danica Železnik

Prof. Dr. Danica Železnik

Faculty of health and social sciences Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia, Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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ICIvana Crnković
Ivana Crnković
KLKarmen Lončarek
Karmen Lončarek
DŽDanica Železnik
Danica Železnik
SLSanja Ledinski
Sanja Ledinski
TVTomislav Vlahović
Tomislav Vlahović
GKGoran Knežević
Goran Knežević
The aim of this observational study was to investigate the level and association of physical activity and selected chronic diseases in functionally independent LTC residents after prolonged physical and social isolation during COVID-19 in Croatia. Adhering to the inclusion criteria, 180 functionally independent residents were included in the study. Assessment of physical activity was carried out by 7-day motor monitoring. Prolonged physical and social isolation negatively affected the achieved level of physical activity of LTC residents (x¯ = 5058.74). Major depressive disorder resulted in significantly lower residents’ physical activity scores, demonstrating a shrinking effect ranging from 0.42 to 0.45. A significant negative impact on the residents’ physical activity was also found in the presence of osteoarthritis and iron deficiency anemia, where a downward effect was present in the range from 0.66–0.72 and 0.64 to 0.66. The presence of comorbidities has a significant negative impact on the residents’ physical activity, where a downward effect is present in the range from 0.91–0.92.

25 December 2024 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ICIvana Crnković
Ivana Crnković
KLKarmen Lončarek
Karmen Lončarek
NMNada Tomasović Mrčela Tomasović Mrčela
Nada Tomasović Mrčela Tomasović Mrčela
DŽDanica Železnik
Danica Železnik
TVTomislav Vlahovic
Tomislav Vlahovic
Background and Objectives: The use of wearable fitness technology is a trend nowadays and has significant potential in promoting an active lifestyle among long-term care (LTC) residents. The objectives of this observational study were to examine the use of fitness trackers and smartwatches for monitoring physical activity and to analyze the relationship between the use of these technological solutions and the sociodemographic characteristics of LTC residents during the COVID-19 lockdown. Materials and Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 198 LTC residents stationed in eleven organizational units that provide long-term accommodation services for older adults in the city of Zagreb in Croatia. LTC residents aged 65 and older who receive the 1st level of accommodation services in the social care system according to their functional ability and health status were included in this study. Results: During the COVID-19 lockdown, 19.19% of LTC residents used wearable activity trackers. Gender (p = 0.0411) and education level (p = 0.0485) were recognized as significant sociodemographic predictors regarding the use of fitness trackers and smartwatches for monitoring physical activity. An odds ratio for gender of 0.454 (95% CI: 0.213–0.969) indicates that women have a 54.6% lower chance of using fitness trackers and smartwatches then men. The odds ratio for the education effects of 0.050 (95% CI: 0.003–0.980) demonstrates that there is a 95% lower chance of using fitness trackers and smartwatches for individuals with only elementary education as opposed to university graduates. Conclusions: The sociodemographic differences of LTC residents regarding the use of fitness trackers and smartwatches require further research, but they are also an incentive for the implementation of these technological solutions to protect the health of older adults.