Background: The inappropriate and empirical use of antibiotics in early childhood remains a major global public health concern, contributing significantly to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Kosovo, the COVID-19 pandemic further influenced prescribing behaviors in primary care, increasing the reliance on symptom-based treatment in the absence of laboratory confirmation and age-appropriate formulations. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic prescribing among children aged 1–7 years in primary health care centers in Prishtina and Ferizaj from January 2022 to December 2025, and to compare regional differences in prescribing practices and guideline adherence. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the national electronic health record system and protocol books. All pediatric visits for children aged 1–7 years with infectious diagnoses were included. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate prescribing prevalence, demographic and seasonal variations, and independent predictors of antibiotic use, including assessment of appropriateness based on international pediatric guidelines. Results: Of 4320 pediatric visits, 1328 (30.7%) resulted in an antibiotic prescription. Prescribing prevalence was higher in Ferizaj (34.2%) than in Prishtina (28.5%, p < 0.01). Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (42.9%) and amoxicillin (21.5%) were the most frequently prescribed agents, while macrolides (11.7% vs. 6.2%) and cephalosporins (7.9% vs. 3.4%) were more common in Ferizaj. Only 61.4% of prescriptions were fully guideline-concordant. Younger age (1–3 years), winter season, and residence in Ferizaj were independently associated with higher odds of receiving an antibiotic. Conclusions: Pediatric antibiotic prescribing in Kosovo remains high and predominantly empirical, reflecting real-world limitations in diagnostic capacity and formulation availability. Significant proportions of partially appropriate and inappropriate prescriptions highlight the need for standardized pediatric guidelines, improved diagnostic support, and strengthened stewardship initiatives within primary care.

Background: Pharmacovigilance is a critical component of patient safety, particularly among older adults with chronic diseases who are frequently exposed to polypharmacy. In Kosovo, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported by patients remain insufficiently recognized within the healthcare system. Polypharmacy, limited access to pharmaceutical counseling, and self-medication practices may contribute to increased medication-related harm. Capturing ADRs directly from patients provides valuable insight into medication safety challenges and communication gaps in clinical care. Objective: To assess the frequency, characteristics, and reporting behavior of adverse drug reactions among adults aged 60–75 years with chronic diseases in Kosovo, and to identify factors associated with awareness and reporting practices. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between January and September 2025 in four major cities in Kosovo (Prishtina, Prizren, Peja, and Gjilan). A total of 1024 patients receiving continuous therapy for at least one chronic condition were surveyed using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, drug exposure, ADR experience, and reporting behavior. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of ADR reporting. Results: Overall, 47.3% of participants reported experiencing at least one ADR in the preceding 12 months. Among those, 39.5% reported the event to a healthcare professional, whereas 60.5% did not seek professional advice. The most frequently implicated drug classes were antihypertensives (32.8%), analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (27.4%), and antirheumatic agents (14.6%), with mainly gastrointestinal (24.1%) and cardiovascular (18.9%) manifestations. Approximately 19.8% of participants reported discontinuing medication due to adverse effects. Female patients were more likely to report ADRs compared to males (p < 0.01). Lack of prior counseling about potential side effects was independently associated with lower reporting (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.41–3.33). Patients using more than six medications had a higher prevalence of ADRs (61.2%). Conclusion: Adverse drug reactions were frequently reported by older patients, while formal reporting to healthcare professionals remained limited. Strengthening patient education, improving patient–provider communication, and integrating clinical pharmacists into primary care may enhance pharmacovigilance practices and medication safety.

Background: The overuse and inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in early childhood remains a global public health concern, mainly due to the risk of accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care services in Kosovo underwent notable changes in prescribing practices. Aim: This study aimed to examine the prescribing rate and patterns of antibiotic prescribing among children aged 1–7 years in primary health care centers in Prishtina and Ferizaj between January 2022 and January 2025, and to compare regional differences in prescribing behaviors. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the national electronic health record system. All pediatric visits for children aged 1–7 years were included. Antibiotic prescriptions linked to infectious diagnoses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to evaluate prescribing prevalence, regional differences, and associated factors. Results: Out of 4,320 pediatric visits, antibiotics were prescribed in 1,328 cases (30.7%). Prevalence was significantly higher in Ferizaj (34.2%) than in Prishtina (28.5%, p < 0.01). Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (42.9%) and amoxicillin (21.5%) were the most prescribed antibiotics. Metronidazole accounted for 16.4% of prescriptions, while Ferizaj showed a significantly higher use of macrolides (11.7% vs. 6.2%) and cephalosporins (7.9% vs. 3.4%). Only 61.4% of prescriptions were consistent with international clinical guidelines. Younger age (1–3 years), winter season, and residence in Ferizaj were independently associated with higher odds of antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing among Kosovar children aged 1–7 years remains high, with concerning regional differences and suboptimal adherence to clinical guidelines. These findings underline the urgent need for standardized pediatric prescribing protocols, enhanced physician education, and robust antibiotic stewardship programs in Kosovo’s primary care system.

Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being and having a sound mind is an invaluable asset. This study aimed to explore the conditions and therapy management at the Mental Health Center in Pristina by analyzing data from January to December 2022 and 2023. The research, conducted retrospectively with respect for patient confidentiality, examined the frequency of psychiatric disorders, treatment types, medications used, patient demographics, diagnoses, and side effects. In 2022, 155 patients (79 males, 76 females) were recorded, while in 2023, the number decreased to 110 patients (63 males, 47 females), with average patient age increasing from 32.42 to 38.42 years. Despite challenges in patient care, appropriate treatment plans significantly support health and social integration goals. The data indicate a reduction in psychiatric cases over the studied period, though the predominance of a relatively young age group raises concerns possibly linked to living conditions and lifestyle. These findings highlight the ongoing need for assessment and optimization of mental health therapies.

Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal (BPJ) is an international, open access, peer reviewed, quarterly research journal.

Background: Hypertension remains one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although antihypertensive medications demonstrate substantial efficacy in randomized clinical trials, their real-world use, tolerability, and follow-up patterns are influenced by patient characteristics, treatment regimens, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization. Pharmacoepidemiological evidence from routine primary healthcare remains limited. Objective: To characterize real-world antihypertensive prescribing patterns, evaluate treatment safety, and identify clinical factors associated with early clinical reassessment among patients with hypertension. Methods: This retrospective pharmacoepidemiological study included 1212 adults with hypertension treated in the Family Medicine and Internal Medicine services of the Main Primary Healthcare Center in the Municipality of Obiliq, Kosovo, between January 2024 and July 2026. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, baseline blood pressure, antihypertensive therapy, dosing frequency, treatment pattern, concomitant medications, statin use, adverse drug reactions, early clinical reassessment within 7–30 days, and hospitalization were evaluated. Categorical associations were examined using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, mean blood pressure values across drug classes were compared using one-way ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with documented adverse drug reactions. Results: The mean age was 63.4 ± 12.5 years; 60.8% of patients were women and 80.1% lived in rural areas. Grade 2 and Grade 3 hypertension accounted for 42.7% and 39.4% of patients, respectively. Losartan 40 mg was the most frequently prescribed medication (56.4%), followed by lisinopril 5 mg (25.7%). Adverse drug reactions were documented in 25.2% of patients and differed significantly across antihypertensive classes (p < 0.001). Early clinical reassessment was recorded in 96.9% of patients with available follow-up information and was significantly associated with treatment pattern and antihypertensive drug class (both p < 0.001). Hospitalization occurred in nine patients and was associated with baseline blood pressure grade (p = 0.014). In multivariable analysis, calcium-channel blocker therapy (adjusted OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.72–7.82) and other antihypertensive classes (adjusted OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.90–7.31) were associated with higher odds of documented adverse reactions, whereas chronic treatment (adjusted OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.93) and statin use (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.98) were associated with lower odds. Conclusions: This study provides real-world pharmacoepidemiological evidence on antihypertensive prescribing, treatment safety, and early clinical reassessment in primary care. The findings highlight substantial variation in documented adverse reactions across drug classes and support closer, individualized monitoring of antihypertensive therapy in routine clinical practice.