Background: Dynamics of health care has changed over time along with development of the countries themselves. The aim of the study is to compare macroeconomic and health expenditure indicators of interest, such as total health expenditure (THE) as percentage of global domestic product, global domestic product per capita in US$, and private households' out-of-pocket payments of Balkan and Eastern European countries on health, as well as to assess their progress over the observed period. Methods: This research report represents a descriptive data analysis of indicators extracted from the European Health for All database. The data were analyzed using a linear trend and regression analysis to estimate the timeline changes. Results: Greece and Slovenia have the largest median values of global domestic product per capita throughout the whole period, and the largest increment trend was in Lithuania. Median value in out-of-pocket payment of THE was the highest in Albania and Ukraine, while the largest decrease in trend was noticed in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Greece had the largest median value of THE as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the observed period, while regression trend analysis showed that Serbia had the largest increase. Most of the countries showed a significant correlation between observed indicators. Conclusion: Trends in the economy must be constantly monitored due to the fact that the population is aging and non-communicable diseases are multiplying, which requires innovations in medical treatment and pharmaceutical development.

IntroductionThe problems of oral health of people diagnosed with depression are not adequately recognized, either in developed or developing countries. Social stigma, lack of self-interest, or even inadequate approaches of dental doctors towards the unique situation of this group of people this lead to excessive oral health problems.MethodsThe bibliographic database PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Whiley online library were searched using the following text and MeSH as separate key terms and in combination: depression and oral health/dental caries/periodontal disease/tooth loss/utilization of oral health services/and barriers. The content of documents was analysed using qualitative methodology.ResultsTwenty-six original studies were included in the review. Level/severity of depression, medication and medical comorbidity are the most important medical barriers influencing the oral health of people diagnosed with depression. Dental fear and anxiety are mostly combined with low oral hygiene and bad oral health. Socioeconomic status, dental insurance, bad habits and education also have important roles in the oral health status of people diagnosed with depression.ConclusionIncluding individuals with depression and oral health problems in national health programs, creating specific prevention programs, or subsidizing the cost of treatment are some of the recommendations suggested as solutions.

Background: Impact of large recessions on GDP growth is well documented and their effect on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is definitive. Health care expenditure is growing everywhere in the world. The most important factors such as GDP, income per capita, health system factors, urbanization, aging, and socio-demographic factors are well determined and described. Objective: The main aim of this literature review is the summation of all factors affecting the GDP and healthcare expenditure. The second aim is presenting the bigger picture of the multifactorial connection between all impacts on healthcare expenditure. The last aim is proposing possible strategies for the development of sustainable health systems. Conclusion: Tracking the economic trend changes is necessary. Government investments in health must be as large as countries can afford due to the population aging, non-communicable disease and treatment, and pharmacological innovations. The cost-effectiveness estimates and Hierarchical task analyses are among some plausible solutions for making informed resource allocation decisions.

The aim of the study is to assess the health literacy of women who are using health services within the Gynecology Obstetric Clinic “Narodni Front” in Belgrade. Testing of health literacy was conducted as a cross-sectional study in the period October- November 2012. As instruments of research the following questionnaires are used: Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults and General information questionnaire of respondents who referred to the demographic, social and economic characteristics of respondents, self-assessment of health, use of health services, health knowledge and behavior in the area of reproductive health. Inadequate health literacy level is registered in every ten respondents. Th e education level of the respondents proved to be a signifi cant predictor of health literacy. Demographic and socio- economic characteristics of the patients (age, occupation, marital status) as well as self-evaluation of the health status were not signifi cantly related to the health literacy. Health literacy respondents did not signifi cantly dependent on risk behaviors related to reproductive health. Th e level of health literacy is consistent with the knowledge of subjects in the fi eld of protection of reproductive health. Health literacy as the ability to function within the health care system is equally certain by individual characteristics and skills, characteristics of the health and education systems as well as a wide range of social and cultural factors. Health literacy is more systematic than individual problem, so it requires a broader social action.

Introduction: Health literacy of women can significantly affect different aspects of reproductive health. The aim of this study was the assessment of relationship of health literacy, socio-demographic characteristics and reproductive health behaviors of women in Serbia.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study on a random sample of women aged 18 and over from the territories of three Serbian regions, stratified according to age groups, region and type of settlement. A standardized version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) was used in assessing health literacy of women.Results: Based on the calculated index of health literacy, 9.6% of respondents had inadequate health literacy. Inadequate levels of health literacy were more common in women living in rural areas (OR = 1.111) and the poorer classes (OR = 5.122). Employed women (OP = 1.249), with good health (OR = 1.512) with a degree (OR = 1.535) had bigger odds to have adequate health literacy. Multivariate regression analysis showed the following significant predictors: commitment to the chosen gynecologist (OR = 1.530), contraceptive use (OR = 1.020), knowledge of the damages that could be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) (OR = 1.578), awareness of vaccine availability against HPV infection (OR = 1.217) and following the health-related topics (OR = 2.350).Conclusion: Limited levels of health literacy were significantly higher among middle-aged women, among those living in rural areas, among women who rated their health as poor or very poor, and who exhibited more negative patterns of reproductive health behavior, indicating the need for implementation of prevention programs and strategies with the aim of increasing the level of health literacy.