Several studies indicate an association between adolescents' sense of coherence (SOC) and health. However, a few longitudinal studies have been conducted. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SOC and health among adolescents during secondary education. Participants of longitudinal cohort study were followed by questionnaires at the age of 15 (N = 441), and 17 (N = 354). The data were analyzed using the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. We used hierarchical regression to examine significant predictors of health. Adolescents' SOC was stable during the analyzed two-year period (128.84 ± 22.17; 129.24 ± 23.06). A strong significant positive correlation was found between SOC and mental health (r = 0.635, p<.001; r = 0.670, p<.001). A significant difference was found between adolescents with a low SOC and those with a high SOC in physical functioning (p<.018), general health (p<.001), vitality (p<.001), social functioning (p<.001), emotional role functioning (p<.013) and mental health (p<.001). Boys had higher SOC and most of the health dimensions. Having a stronger SOC, being male, and living with both parents were predictors of better mental health. Sense of coherence was a significant and stable factor associated with mental health. Thus, salutogenic interventions for improving the sense of coherence during adolescence should be explored.

Person-centred care (PCC) is a fundamental principle in general practice, emphasising practices tailored to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. Despite the importance of PCC, general practitioners (GPs) face obstacles in effectively implementing it, with associated factors remaining unclear. The PACE GP/FP study aims to explore GPs' attitudes towards PCC and the factors facilitating or hindering its implementation in daily practice across European countries. This paper outlines the PACE GP/FP study protocol. The cross-sectional design with data collection via an online survey distribution to GPs in 24 European countries. Study instruments include two validated questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Patient Physician Orientation Scale (PPOS)) and additional items covering general information about the doctor and their practice, as well as facilitators and barriers to PCC. These additional items were specifically developed for the study, translated using the forward-backward method, evaluated through cognitive debriefing, and integrated into the REDCap platform to create language and country-specific survey links. The STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript. The PACE GP/FP study will provide a comprehensive exploration of GPs' attitudes towards PCC and the factors shaping its practice in Europe. The findings from the PACE GP/FP study will provide evidence for designing future implementation strategies and guide targeted interventions to promote PCC in primary care across Europe.

Healthcare professionals, especially general practitioners (GPs), are significantly more likely to experience work-related stress [1–3]. Chronic work-related stress is associated with adverse outco...

Background: Person-centeredness is a widely recognized key dimension of quality of care, but its implementation in primary care varies substantially. Understanding attitudes and challenges that support or hinder adoption is essential for effective integration. This paper explores general practitioners’/family physicians’ (GPs’) attitudes toward person-centered care (PCC) across 24 European countries and examines socio-demographic, professional, and work-related factors associated with these attitudes. Methods: An online self-reported survey was conducted among GPs across Europe. Attitudes were assessed with the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS), a validated instrument scored from 1 to 6 where higher scores reflect a more patient-centered orientation, including the Caring and Sharing sub-scales. Because GPs were nested within countries, linear mixed-effects (multilevel) models were used with country as a random effect and practitioner- and practice-level characteristics as fixed effects. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) quantified between-country variation. Analyses used cleaned data from the 24 countries available as of December 12, 2024. Results: In total, 3,691 GPs participated, and the mixed-model analysis of the PPOS total score included 3,370 respondents across 24 countries. Approximately 31% of the variance in PPOS total scores lay between countries (ICC = 0.31), indicating substantial cross-national variation. Regional grouping captured this variation better than EU integration status in descriptive comparisons; however, between-group variance was estimated from very few clusters and was therefore statistically unstable, thus exploratory. After adjustment, teaching involvement, specialist training in General Practice/Family Medicine, urban practice, an above-average share of psychiatrically vulnerable patients, and lower daily patient-contact volume were associated with higher (more patient-centered) scores, whereas higher perceived work-related stress, older age, and the least experience were associated with lower scores. Broadly similar patterns emerged for the Caring and Sharing sub-scales, with some dimensional differences. Conclusions: In this pan-European study, individual, professional, and practice-level factors were associated with GPs’ attitudes toward PCC, and a substantial share of the variation was attributable to differences between countries. Given the cross-sectional design and that PPOS measures attitudes rather than delivered care, results should be interpreted as associations at the attitudinal level. Identifying these factors may support strategies to foster person-centered attitudes across diverse European primary care settings. Trial registration: Not applicable.

Background and Objectives: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) represent a specific and vulnerable population requiring improvements in public health and social policies to ensure equal opportunities, longer life expectancy, and better quality of life. Accurate epidemiological and demographic indicators are essential for planning and evaluating interventions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of DS in Croatia from 2014 to 2024, analyzing demographic characteristics and regional distribution. A comparative analysis with international data and a review of national policies related to persons with disabilities and DS are also included. Materials and Methods: Data on the prevalence of DS were collected from the National Registry of Persons with Disabilities, where reporting individuals with DS is mandatory for the realization of legal rights. This ensures high data quality and representativeness. Prevalence per 1000 live births was calculated based on data from the national birth database and the registry. Results: The overall prevalence of DS in Croatia increased from 3.7 to 5.3 per 10,000 population during the observed period, while prevalence among live-born infants ranged from 1.1 to 1.5 per 1000. Males were slightly more represented (52.5%). The most common comorbidities included congenital heart defects. The mean age of individuals with DS was 28 years, with 12 individuals recorded as being older than 65 years and one individual aged 85. Conclusions: The DS prevalence in Croatia is comparable to data from European Union countries. The observed increase in prevalence and in the total number of individuals with disabilities highlights the need for continuous development and adaptation of national policies. As a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Croatia is actively working to improve its legislative framework and support systems to ensure equal rights and enhance quality of life for individuals with DS.