Objectives: Acute drug poisoning represents a significant public health issue among the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of drug poisoning in children and adolescents in the Vojvodina region from 2018 to 2023. Methods: In a retrospective observational study, 82 patients with confirmed drug poisoning were included, and data was collected regarding demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, types of drugs involved, and the therapeutic interventions administered. The severity of poisonings was evaluated using the Poisoning Severity Score, and toxicological analysis was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: The results indicated that poisonings were most prevalent in adolescent girls (72%), with 78% of cases resulting from intentional poisoning, while unintentional poisoning was more common in children. Benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and analgesics were the primary drugs causing these poisoning incidents. The majority of patients (78%) experienced mild clinical symptoms, whereas 9% of pediatric patients suffered from severe poisoning, related to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and acute renal failure. Addressing pediatric drug poisoning in Vojvodina requires an increased focus on preventive strategies, including parental education and appropriate psychosocial support for the youth. Conclusions: Through collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers, prevention, treatment, and support mechanisms can be enhanced to combat this pressing public health challenge.

Introduction. Acute pediatric poisoning has become an increasingly important medical emergency. This study was aimed at determining characteristics of acute poisoning in children and adolescents hospitalized at the Institute of Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina from 2015 to 2017. Material and Methods. Data were collected from medical records of all patients hospitalized for suspected acute intoxication at the Institute of Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina during the observed time. Results. This study included 519 patients hospitalized for suspected exposure to toxic substances. There were 49% male and 51% female patients. The intoxications had no seasonal features. The toxic substances were commonly taken orally. Medications were the most frequent cause of all poisonings, among which the most commonly reported were drugs for central nervous system disorders. Medications were the most frequent cause of poisoning in children and adolescents, as well as in children up to 10 years of age. In adolescents, the most prevalent cause of intoxication was alcohol abuse. Poisoning with suicidal intent and intentional self-poisoning without suicidal attempt were considerably more frequent in girls than in boys. There were no fatalities. Conclusion. It is of great importance to be familiar with the characteristics and circumstances of acute poisoning to plan and implement adequate preventive measures.

Introduction/Objective. Obese children and adolescents are exposed to stigma and discrimination from peers, teachers and family which can lead to numerous health problems, including psychosocial problems. The aim of this study is to determine whether obese adolescents in Serbia are exposed to stigmatization and which are the most common forms of stigmatization they face. Methods. The study included 335 adolescents who were hospitalized for a treatment of obesity. During hospitalization weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Participants completed independently Questionnaire about weightbased stigmatization made for the purpose of this research. Questionnaire also included questions about sex, age of respondents, and about obesity of other family members. Results. Fifty-nine percent of participants experienced offence, 19% were teased, 47.5% were subject of a gossip, and 25% were excluded from peer group; 45% reported that other people had prejudice against them. Male adolescents significantly more often faced overt forms of stigmatization/discrimination compared to female adolescents. Nineteen percent of participants were stigmatized by health workers and 6% stated that their family is ashamed of their obesity. Conclusion. A significant percent of obese adolescents is exposed to a stigma due to their weight, most often to insults, gossip and social exclusion. Obese adolescents are most often exposed to stigmatization by peers, but there are a significant proportion of adolescents who are exposed to stigma from health workers.

This study examines how life satisfaction and personality traits are intergenerationally transmitted from fathers to their adolescent children. The sample comprised 144 father-child dyads (mean child age = 13.65; 55.9% male; mean father age = 43.06). The data were obtained via questionnaires. The Satisfaction With Life Scale served as the measure of life satisfaction. Fathers also completed a brief version of the NEO Personality Inventory. The results showed that fathers’ life satisfaction significantly positively correlated with their children’s life satisfaction, supporting the theory of intergenerational transmission. Unexpectedly, fathers’ high neuroticism positively correlated with adolescents’ life satisfaction, contradicting previous studies suggesting a negative association. Additionally, fathers’ high agreeableness was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction in their children, indicating that agreeable fathers contribute to a supportive and nurturing family environment, enhancing adolescents’ well-being. In conclusion, this study emphasizes how fathers’ personality traits, particularly agreeableness and neuroticism, notably contribute to the psychological and emotional well-being of their adolescent children.