The Prevalence of Tobacco, Heated Tobacco, and E-Cigarette Use in Poland: A 2022 Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

Evaluation of Morphology and Biochemical Parameters of Young Adults Using Heated Tobacco Products in Poland: A Case-Control Study

Background/Objectives: Little is currently known of the impact of heated tobacco on health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of heated tobacco use on selected health assessment parameters among people aged 18-30 to determine the effect on health status. Methods: A case-control study was conducted from April 2022 to February 2025. A total of 195 young, healthy adult residents of Lodz, Poland, took part. The participants were divided into three groups: IQOS (I-Quit-Ordinary-Smoking) smokers who had never smoked or who had quit smoking six months previously (n = 65); daily smokers who had smoked at least five cigarettes per day for at least one year and had not used any other smoking substitutes for at least one year (n = 65); and people who have never smoked or used tobacco products (n = 65). Blood samples from 37 IQOS users (57%), 28 traditional cigarette smokers (43%), and 45 non-smokers (69%) were submitted for laboratory analysis. The tested parameters were determined in the diagnostic laboratory of the Bonifratów Hospital in Lodz. Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the groups with regard to blood count (white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), lymphocytes, monocyte number (MONO), hemoglobin concentration (HGB)), biochemical biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), apolipoprotein B (apo B), glucose), or lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)). The cigarette smokers demonstrated significantly higher uric acid levels compared to the IQOS users and non-smokers: 5.22 vs. 4.77 vs. 4.40 mg/dL (p < 0.01). The IQOS users demonstrated significantly higher platelet count levels compared to cigarette smokers and non-smokers: 290.27 vs. 267.14 vs. 256.33 × 103/ μL (p < 0.05). Among the IQOS users (n = 37), the level of glucose (ρ = -0.47; p = 0.01), WBC (ρ = -0.36; p = 0.03), lymphocytes (ρ = -0.38; p = 0.02), and uric acid (ρ = -0.34; p = 0.04) was negatively correlated with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. The HDL level was positively correlated (ρ = 0.39; p = 0.02) with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. Conclusions: Further cohort studies assessing the health status of young users of heated nicotine products and prospective analyses are necessary.

Urogenital Cancer Epidemiology in Poland (1980-2020): A Narrative Review

Despite advances in prophylaxis, early diagnosis, and treatment, urogenital cancers represent a significant challenge to public health in Poland due to their relatively high prevalence and mortality rates. This narrative review aims to explore contemporary evidence on the epidemiology of urogenital cancers in Poland, such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and penile cancer, focusing on current and historical status and trends in the broader context of healthcare delivery. The literature consistently indicates that urogenital cancer continues to be a significant contributor to cancer incidence and mortality rates in Poland. Although the body of evidence is expanding, its quantity remains limited, primarily attributable to the scarcity of top-notch epidemiological investigations targeting particular forms of cancer, such as testicular and penile cancers, which are characterized by sporadic occurrences.

Is e-cigarette advertising associated with e-cigarette use among young people? New survey evidence from Poland

Objective

Young people are routinely exposed to e-cigarettes advertising. We examined the impact of e-cigarette advertising on e-cigarette use in a large representative sample of adolescents.

Methods

Data came from cross-sectional sample of the nationwide study on the health effects of tobacco products called PolNicoYouth, which included adolescents aged 15-18 years (N = 7,498). Data were collected through a detailed questionnaire recommended by international health organizations for monitoring tobacco use by adolescents. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyzes were conducted, adjusting for sex, age, type of school, place of residence, smoking of traditional cigarettes and parental smoking. Frequencies and proportions for descriptive statistics, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for logistic regression models were reported.

Results

Approximately, 56% of interviewees had noticed some form of e-cigarettes advertising. Exposure to e-cigarette advertising was significantly associated with ever use of e-cigarettes (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09-1.53). Exposure to e-cigarette advertising via club/pub/disco was significantly associated with current e-cigarette use (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.06-2.36). Adolescents who have ever used e-cigarettes were more likely than never users to report exposure to advertisements on club/pub/disco (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.08-2.30) and internet (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01-1.47).

Conclusion

Despite the applicable advertising restrictions, the majority of young people declared contact with e-cigarette advertising, which shows the urgent need for more global action. The internet and advertisements in clubs, pubs and discos seem to be the key places of exposure. These forms of exposure need to be urgently addressed given their clear link to e-cigarette use.

A 2024 nationwide cross-sectional survey to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use in Poland

OBJECTIVES

Monitoring tobacco use is one of the most important tobacco control interventions recommended by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use in a nationwide sample of adults in Poland, as well as to identify factors associated with smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This nationwide crosssectional survey was carried out in February 2-4, 2024 using the computer-assisted web interviewing method. The study questionnaire included 17 closed questions on smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use. A sample of 1080 adults was selected using a non-probability quota sampling method.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 1080 adults, age M±SD 48.4±15.5 years, 53% females. Past 30-day smoking was declared by 30.4% of adults in Poland, including 24.5% of daily smokers. Ever e-cigarette use was declared by 33% of respondents, and 20.6% had ever tried heated tobacco. Past 30-day e-cigarette use was declared by 15.2% of adults, wherein 5.9% were daily e-cigarette users. Past 30-day heated tobacco use was declared by 10.9% of respondents, wherein 4.9% were daily heated tobacco users. One-tenth of adults were dual users (cigarette and e-cigarette or heated tobacco), and 6.5% were past 30-day triple users. Age 40-59 years, having less than higher education, and bad economic status were significantly associated with daily smoking (p < 0.05). Age 18-39 years, having less than higher education, and active occupational status (employment/ self-employment) were associated with daily e-cigarette use (p < 0.05). Age 18-39 years and active occupational status were associated with daily heated tobacco use (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides comprehensive epidemiological data on the current prevalence of smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use. The introduction of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products evoked changes in social behaviors related to nicotine use. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):271-86.

Assessing the Consequences of Smoking Tobacco Products with Consideration of the Forced Oscillation Technique

BACKGROUND The effects of cigarette smoking on the health of active smokers and passive smokers have long been known, in contrast to the effects of alternative forms of nicotine intake that are gaining popularity. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of smoking traditional cigarettes and alternative forms of nicotine intake on the functional state of the respiratory system of smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Study participants (n=60) were divided into 3 groups: non-smokers (control group), cigarette smokers, and nicotine alternative users. Respiratory function testing (spirometry), forced oscillation technique, and measurement of respiratory muscle strength (PImax, PEmax) were performed. All of the above respiratory function tests were performed in accordance with European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society recommendations. RESULTS Smokers and those using alternative forms of nicotine intake had significantly higher values, including resistance at 5 Hz% and 11 Hz%, among others. CONCLUSIONS Smokers and users of alternative forms of nicotine are characterized by reduced flow through the small bronchioles, as evidenced by a reduction in maximal expiratory flow at 25% of vital capacity. Smokers and users of alternative forms of nicotine have higher resistance values at the height of small and medium bronchioles. Assessment method of technical forced oscillation parameters is simple to perform to detect early airway changes and is an important element in the early diagnosis of changes in smokers. The correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between age of smoking initiation/use of alternative forms of nicotine and changes in mid bronchial resistance.

A Scoping Review of Behavioural Studies on Heated Tobacco Products

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are electronic devices that heat tobacco sticks to temperatures much lower than those which cause pyrolysis and combustion in cigarettes. While this electrical heating causes the formation of an inhalable aerosol which contains nicotine, the aerosol from HTPs contains significantly fewer and lower levels of the harmful and potentially harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. As a result, HTP use potentially conveys reduced risks to health compared to cigarette smoking. While this relative reduction in individual health risk is becoming clearer, what is less certain is the impact of HTPs on overall population‑level health, taking into account both the potential positive impact on adult smokers who completely switch to using HTPs and any unintended impacts such as use by tobacco non‑users and particularly by youth. The aim of this scoping review was to collate and evaluate the published scientific evidence to date, with a cut‑off of 1 January 2024, investigating the impact of HTPs on population‑level health. This evaluation suggests that HTP use is almost exclusively observed among those with a history of cigarette smoking, and there is a growing body of evidence for the ability of HTPs to provide support for adult smokers to transition away from cigarette smoking, in the absence of any significant "gateway" into tobacco use initiation. Many studies have reported a significant degree of dual use of cigarettes and HTPs, and efforts to assess the reasons for such patterns of use, whether these provide overall exposure reductions, and whether dual use acts as a bridge towards a complete transition away from cigarette smoking, requires further investigation. In addition, correction of the widespread and increasing misperceptions of HTPs among adult smokers is recommended to promote HTP uptake as a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking in this population.

Awareness of Genitourinary Cancers Risk Factors-A 2024 Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

Objective

This study aimed to assess the awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors among adults in Poland and to identify factors associated with public awareness of risk factors for genitourinary cancers.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 1 and 4 March 2024 in a nationwide sample of 2,165 adults in Poland. Quota sampling was used. Data were collected using computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method.

Results

Regardless of the type of cancer (kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer), a family history of cancer was the most recognized risk factor indicated by over half of respondents. Over one-third were aware that chemical exposure increases the risk for bladder cancer (39.4%) or prostate cancer (34.2%). Smoking was recognized as a risk factor for kidney cancer by 40.6% of respondents. Female gender, having higher education, being occupationally active and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with a higher level of awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors.

Conclusion

This study revealed gaps in public awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors among adults in Poland, especially lifestyle-related and workplace-related risk factors.

Comparison of smoking traditional, heat not burn and electronic cigarettes on salivary cytokine, chemokine and growth factor profile in healthy young adults-pilot study

Objective: Smoking is the cause of numerous oral pathologies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of smoking traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heat-not-burn products on the content of salivary cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in healthy young adults. Design: Three groups of twenty-five smokers each as well as a control group matched in terms of age, gender, and oral status were enrolled in the study. In unstimulated saliva collected from study groups and participants from the control group, the concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were assessed by Bio-Plex® Multiplex System. Results: We demonstrated that smoking traditional cigarettes is responsible for increasing the level of IFN-γ compared to non-smokers and new smoking devices users in unstimulated saliva in the initial period of addiction. Furthermore, e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products appear to have a similar mechanism of affecting the immune response system of unstimulated saliva, leading to inhibition of the local inflammatory response in the oral cavity. Conclusion: Smoking traditional cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products is responsible for changes of the local immune response in saliva. Further research is necessary to fill the gap in knowledge on the effect of new smoking devices on the oral cavity immune system.

Digital smoke signals: Event-driven online search trends in Heated Tobacco Products in Poland

INTRODUCTION

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have emerged as a prominent category in the tobacco market, particularly within European countries such as Poland. The introduction of HTPs has been met with increasing public interest, reflected in online search behavior. However, the public health implications of this new form of tobacco consumption remain a concern due to the lack of comprehensive research on its long-term effects. This study aimed to track the trends in online searches related to HTPs in Poland between 2016 and 2022, and to assess the impact of significant events on these trends in order to provide insights into public awareness of HTPs.

METHODS

Utilizing Google Trends, a free source tool, this study analyzed relative search volume (RSV) for HTP-related keywords in Poland. Key events were identified and mapped against the fluctuations in RSV to understand their impact on search behavior. The analysis was confined to specific HTP-related keywords, excluding broader tobacco-related terms.

RESULTS

A notable increase in HTP-related search queries was observed, particularly around the time of product launches and legislative changes. The largest increases occurred during the introduction of HTPs to the Polish market and during major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates a market interest in HTPs among Polish internet users, with search trends influenced by product launches and policy changes. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring online behaviors to inform public health efforts, despite limitations such as the lack of demographic data. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of how these online trends correlate with actual consumer behavior and product sales.

Comparative evaluation of ten blood biomarkers of inflammation in regular heated tobacco users and non-smoking healthy males-a pilot study

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are novel tobacco products that are alternatives to cigarettes. The study aimed to investigate the effect of HTPs on blood biomarkers of inflammation as well as to provide a comparative evaluation between daily heated tobacco users and healthy men who do not use nicotine products. This case-control study was carried out among 92 healthy males in Poland (Lodz-Province) aged 20-56 years: 44 daily heated tobacco users (daily use in the past 90 days) and 48 controls who do not use nicotine products. The history of use of the nicotine-containing products was self-reported and verified using a saliva cotinine test. A 20 ml blood sample was collected and the levels of ten blood biomarkers were analyzed. Among all heated tobacco users (n = 44), only the levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were significantly higher when compared to controls: 6.86 vs. 3.95 (p = 0.01). Among exclusive heated tobacco users (n = 33), the levels of IL-8 were also significantly higher when compared to controls: 7.76 vs. 3.95 (p = 0.01). IL-8 level was positively correlated (r = 0.37; p = 0.01) with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks. Out of 10 different biomarkers of inflammation, only IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in heated tobacco use compared to controls.

Nurse-led lifestyle counseling in Polish primary care: the effect of current health status and perceived barriers

Introduction

Our study included counseling on diet and physical activity, smoking, e-cigarette use, and alcohol consumption. The aim was to examine the correlates of counseling provided by primary care nurses with the health status/health behaviors of nurses and the barriers in the advice provided.

Materials and methods

In 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 331 nurses employed in the primary care sector in Lodz. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: characteristics of the patient population receiving treatment and provided with healthy lifestyle counseling by nurses, barriers to the process of assessing, controlling, and guiding patients, and health status/health behaviors of nurses.

Results

Eighty percent of the nurses in our study provided advice on diet and physical activity to primary care patients. Over 70% of the survey participants performed minimal anti-smoking interventions forsmokers, 67.7% for alcohol drinkers, and 56.8% for e-cigarette users. The correlates of counseling in the field of diet and physical activity turned out to be the knowledge and skills, which enabled nurses to provide advice (OR = 2.57, p < 0.01). The correlates of the conducted minimal anti-smoking interventions in smoking patients were: subjective assessment of overweight and obesity in nurses, knowledge and skills in conducting counseling (OR = 1.92, p < 0.05), and measuring body weight, height and BMI (OR = 2.18, p < 0.01). Among the three most common barriers identified by the nurses in the process of assessing, monitoring, and guiding patients were the opinion that patients are not interested in improving their diet, physical activity, and weight loss (60.7%), lack of time (51.4%), as well as the belief that patients find it too difficult to change their current habits (54.1%).

Conclusion

The results of our survey indicate that nurses' participation in healthy lifestyle counseling in adult patients is unsatisfactory. Interventions in primary care should be designed considering the specific obstacles nurses may face in leading healthy lifestyles. Further training of nursing staff is required to increase their knowledge on healthy lifestyles.

Heated tobacco products and cigarette marketing in nightclubs in Gdansk, Poland: A mixed-methods analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although advertising and promotion of tobacco products in Poland are prohibited, tobacco companies exploit legal loopholes and insufficient enforcement of the laws to conduct their marketing. To reach young adults, advertisements are placed in entertainment and social venues. This aspect of tobacco product marketing in Poland remains under-researched. The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of advertising and promotion of tobacco products in nightclubs in Gdansk, a large city in northern Poland.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center observational study of nightclubs in Gdansk, between July and October 2022. Two independent observers visited 30 nightclubs and collected information using pre-prepared research form. The occurrences of tobacco branded bar accessories, logo signs, package displays and other forms of advertising and promotion were recorded. Where possible, photographs of visible marketing displays were taken.

RESULTS

Advertising of tobacco products was present in 2/3 of the nightclubs observed. The most commonly advertised product category were heated tobacco products. Tobacco brand representatives promoted and offered consumers free tobacco product samples. Multi-level marketing activities were observed, including tobacco branded bar accessories, prominent sale points and tobacco brand logo signs.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of nightclubs observed in Gdansk advertise and promote tobacco products. The ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is being violated in nightclubs, where the most commonly advertised products are heated tobacco products. The authorities should take steps to extend the bans to cover private promotion and enforce the law to protect high-risk individuals from smoking initiation and relapse.

Epidemiological Characteristics of 101,471 Patients Hospitalized with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Poland in 2019: Multimorbidity, Duration of Hospitalization, In-Hospital Mortality

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. There is a limited amount of nationwide data on COPD patients in Poland. This study aimed to characterize patients hospitalized with COPD in Poland in 2019 as well as to identify factors associated with the risk of in-hospital death and prolonged hospitalization among patients with COPD. This study is a retrospective database analysis. Data on patients hospitalized with COPD in Poland were obtained from the Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Dataset. Data on all adults aged ≥40 years with a diagnosis of COPD from a physician (J44 code) were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed separately for patients hospitalized due to COPD (primary diagnosis) and patients with COPD as a comorbidity (secondary diagnosis). Completed medical records were available for 101,471 patients hospitalized with COPD (36.9% were females). Of those, 32% were hospitalized due to COPD. The mean age was 71.4 ± 9.7 years. The mean duration of hospitalization was 9.4 ± 11.4 days (median 7 days). Most of the COPD patients (89.3%) had at least one comorbidity. The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.8%. Older age, presence of cardiovascular diseases, and diseases of the genitourinary system (p < 0.05) were the most important factors associated with the risk of in-hospital death among patients hospitalized due to COPD.

Effectiveness of a Smoking Cessation Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has caused major obstacles for effective smoking cessation programs by significantly limiting access to healthcare. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of a self-developed smoking cessation program during the pandemic. The program was based on remote lectures, educational interventions, and hybrid services provided by an outpatient clinic. We assessed 337 participants enrolled to the program between January 2019 and February 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, and smoking status at baseline and after at least 1-year follow-up were collected from medical records and a standardized self-developed questionnaire. Participants were classified into two groups according to their current smoking status. The smoking cessation rate at 1 year was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31-42%). Major predictors of smoking cessation were the place of residence, ability to refrain from smoking during severe illness, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The proportion of participants with high levels of nicotine dependence at baseline was 40.8% (95% CI: 34.5-47.5%) vs. 29.1% (95% CI: 23.4-35.5%) after the program. In the group that did not quit smoking, there were more participants who smoked within 5 min after waking up than before the program (40.4% [95% CI: 34.0-47.1%] vs. 25.4% [95% CI: 19.9-31.6%]). Effective smoking cessation interventions can be performed using remote counseling and education.

Smoke-free homes in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic - a nationwide cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious health problems. Banning smoking in public venues decreases exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the implementation of smoke-free rules in a private setting (including homes) is largely voluntary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to identify factors associated with the voluntary implementation of smoking bans at home.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1090 individuals aged ≥18 years in Poland. Data were collected using a computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique. The research tool was an original questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study.

RESULTS

Nationally, 60.6% of individuals had total ban on smoking in home (100% smoke-free home rules), 34.0% had implemented a partial smokefree home rule and 5.4% had not implemented any smoke-free home rules. Over three-quarters of non-smokers (76.8%) and only one-fifth of smokers (20.7%) had adopted a full smoke-free home rule. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22-2.22, p < 0.01), non-smokers (OR = 13.78, 95% CI: 9.80-19.38, p < 0.001), respondents who had higher education (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.14, p < 0.01) as well as those who lived alone (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.52-3.90, p < 0.001) had higher odds of having a 100% smoke-free home rule.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of smoke-free home rules in Poland. Less than two-thirds of the Polish population has adopted a total smoke-free home rule, with significant gaps between smokers and nonsmokers. Information on current voluntary smoke-free rules will be useful for further implementation of the smoke-free law in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):84-95.

Prevalence of Smoking Various Tobacco Types in the Kazakhstani Adult Population in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tobacco use was the second-leading risk factor for death, accounting for 15.4% of total deaths in 2019. In 2019, 20.4% (2.7 million) of the adult population in Kazakhstan, 36.5% of men, and 6.0% of women smoked tobacco. A cross-sectional study of a random sample (n = 1201) was conducted between October and December 2021 in accordance with the STEPwise approach. The tobacco-use questions were focused on current and previous smoking status, initiation and duration of smoking, amount of tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and information related to quitting smoking. From 20.8% of smokers, 93.8% of men and 80.2% of women use tobacco products daily, χ2 = 10.983, p-score < 0.001. The earliest initiation of smoking was 6 years old. The prevalence of smoking tobacco products in Kazakhstan is 20.8%, which means that every fifth adult smokes. In addition, the proportion of smokers among men was 38.5%, and among women, it was 10.1%. A total of 93.8% of men and 80.2% of women smoked daily. The role of healthcare professionals in smoking prevention is very low, and only 16.9% of respondents have been advised to quit smoking in the last 12 months. New interventions for tobacco smoking prevention are urgently needed in Kazakhstan.

Actual and Potential Role of Primary Care Physicians in Cancer Prevention

Although the role of primary care in cancer prevention has been proven, its assumptions are still insufficiently implemented and the actual rates of cancer prevention advice delivery remain low. Our study aimed to identify the actual and potential role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the cancer prevention area. Design of the study is a cross-sectional one, based on a survey of 450 PCPs who took part in a nationwide educational project in Poland. Only 30% of PCPs provide cancer prevention advice routinely in their practice, whereas 70% do that only sometimes. PCPs' actual role in cancer prevention is highly unexploited. They inquire routinely about the patient's smoking history (71.1%), breast cancer screening program (43.7%), cervical cancer screening (41.1%), patient's alcohol consumption (34%), patient's physical activity levels (32.3%), body mass index (29.6%), the patient's eating habits (28%) and patient's potential for sun/UV-Ray exposure (5.7%). The potential role of PCPs in cancer prevention is still underestimated and underutilized. Action should be taken to raise awareness and understanding that PCPs can provide cancer prevention advice. Since lack of time is the main obstacle to providing cancer prevention advice routinely, systemic means must be undertaken to enable PCPs to utilize their unquestionable role in cancer prevention.

Public knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus, its risk factors, complications, and prevention methods among adults in Poland-A 2022 nationwide cross-sectional survey

Introduction

Regular monitoring of public awareness of diabetes is necessary to provide effective educational and preventive strategies. This study aimed to assess (1) public knowledge and awareness of diabetes among adults in Poland, as well as (2) to identify sociodemographic factors associated with public awareness of diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 24 and 27 June 2022, on a non-probability random quota sample of 1,051 adults in Poland. The questionnaire included ten questions related to the awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and complications of diabetes.

Results

Among the respondents, 10.5% had diabetes and 43.8% declared that they have a history of diabetes in their family. Only 17.3% of respondents declared a good level of knowledge of diabetes. Out of 10 symptoms of diabetes analyzed in this study, high blood sugar (80.7%) and chronic fatigue (74.6%) were the most recognized. Out of 8 diabetes risk factors analyzed in this study, overweight/obesity (80.4%) and unhealthy diet (74.1%) were the most recognized diabetes risk factors, while only 22.7% of respondents indicated tobacco use. The diabetic foot was the most recognized diabetes complication (79.8%), but approximately half of the respondents indicated vision problems (56.9%), kidney damage (52.1%), or cardiovascular diseases (50.2%) as diabetes complications. Female gender, having higher education and having a family member with diabetes were the most im-portent factors associated (p < 0.05) with a higher level of awareness of diabetes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated insufficient public awareness of diabetes among adults in Poland. Gender and educational level were the most important factors significantly associated with the awareness of the selected aspects of diabetes, while self-reported financial situation and place of residence had none or marginal influence. The presented data manifest the importance of adopting a comprehensive education strategy regarding diabetes in Poland.

Use of the Internet for Health Purposes-A National Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey among Adults in Poland

The Internet is one of the most popular information sources. This study aimed to assess the public attitudes towards the use of the Internet for health purposes as well as to identify factors associated with the use of the Internet for health purposes among adults in Poland. A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out between 9 and 12 September 2022 on a nationwide random-quota sample of 1092 adults in Poland. The study questionnaire included 10 questions on Internet use for health purposes. The most common reason for the use of the Internet for health purposes was searching for information on drugs and their effects (69.9%). Almost two-thirds of participants used the Internet for searching for health information (64.9%), for doctors/medical services (63.4%), or for medical facilities (65.3%). Over half of the participants used the Internet for checking online reviews of doctors (55.2%) and 43.5% of the participants ordered drugs or dietary supplements online. Out of 9 different socioeconomic factors analyzed in this study, having higher education, being female, as well as living in cities from 100,000 to 499,999 residents were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with the use of the Internet for health purposes. This study confirmed a high level of adoption of medical Internet in Poland.

Public support for car smoking bans in Poland: a 2022 national cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported secondhand smoke exposure in cars among adults in Poland and to characterise public attitudes towards the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey was carried out between 4 March 2022 and 7 March 2022 on a national sample of 1090 adult Polish residents. The questionnaire included 12 closed questions on smoking behaviours, secondhand smoke exposure as well as attitudes towards different smoke-free laws.

PARTICIPANTS

Data were obtained from 1090 individuals, aged 18-84 years, 52.6% were females.

RESULTS

Almost every fifth respondent (17.7%) declared secondhand smoke exposure in cars in the past 30 days (31.8% of smokers and 12.0% of non-smokers; p<0.001). Lack of the implementation of smoke-free home rules (aOR 2.92, 95% CI 1.99 to 4.29; p<0.001), age 18-29 years (aOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.67; p=0.01), current smoking (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.90; p<0.001) as well as bad financial situation (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.48; p=0.04) were significantly associated with the higher risk of secondhand smoke exposure in cars. Out of all respondents, 84.2% supported the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children. Out of 12 different sociodemographic factors, only the female gender (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.74) and being non-smokers (aOR 1.70. 95% CI 1.20 to 2.41; p=0.003) were significantly associated with the higher odds of supporting the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed high public support for the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children. Social support for smoke-free environments in Poland should be used by public health specialists and policy-makers to strengthen the national tobacco control act.