The Serbian healthcare system today is made up of a well-developed system of primary, secondary, and tertiary care centers[1]. Most primary care centers provide services such as general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, preventative care, and laboratory services in an outpatient setting, but larger clinics may also offer specialty services and public health surveillance. Smaller primary health stations offer services further out into communities in addition to the larger care centers [2]. Cardiovascular disease was one of the most prevalent causes of death in Serbia in 2000 along with malignant diseases and injuries, both accidental and self inflicted [3]. Mental health has become of increasing public concern in the aftermath of the recent wars in Serbia. Both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression have remained prevalent even several years after the end of the bombings in Serbia [4].
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In the past few decades, changes in the Serbian government have transformed the healthcare system that had been set up when Serbia was a Republic of Yugoslavia. During those years, healthcare was free to all people, there were no fixed prices, and services were often abused. Today, reforms have mandated a basic level of health services for all people, but at varying levels or co-payment. Services not covered may be supplemented by private insurance. This has caused many low and middle class citizens to pay for healthcare that they previously received for free [5]. Current concerns in the field of Serbian healthcare, as reported by the medical staff providing care, are poor funding for primary care, inadequate equipment and supplies, inadequate salaries, and inadequate continuing medical education [6]. Overall, the recent healthcare reforms have tried to change the emphasis from curative to preventative care [7].
The culture of healthcare in Serbia may be considered passive [8]. Self care is mainly practiced when a patient is already ill versus as a preventative measure. Care is usually sought from healthcare professionals such as doctors or nurses, but some folk medications are used such as teas, vinegar, herbs, and vitamins. Changes in activity levels such as more rest or increased exercise are sometimes used as curative measures for illness, and perceived causes of illness may be improper diet or fate [9]. Hjelm, Bard, Nyberg, and Apleqvist (2005) state that most former Yugoslavians feel health is not the absence of disease, but rather it is “wealth and the most important thing in life…to have enough strength” (p. 51).
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