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Baska A, Świder K, Zgliczyński WS, Kłoda K, Mastalerz-Migas A, Babicki M. Is Obesity a Cause for Shame? Weight Bias and Stigma among Physicians, Dietitians, and Other Healthcare Professionals in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:999. [PMID: 38613032 PMCID: PMC11013468 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Weight bias and weight stigma pose significant challenges in healthcare, particularly affecting obesity management practices and patient care quality. Our study evaluates their prevalence and impact among healthcare professionals in Poland. Using the Fat Phobia Scale and custom questions, we surveyed 686 professionals via Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI). Results reveal a moderate level of explicit weight bias (mean score: 3.60 ± 0.57), with significant variations across professional groups: physicians (3.70 ± 0.48), dietitians (3.51 ± 0.48), and others (3.44 ± 0.77). Common feelings towards individuals with obesity include willingness to help (57.0%) and compassion (37.8%), yet 29.9% perceive obesity as shameful. The results also vary depending on the respondent's sex or BMI. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate weight stigma and enhance understanding of obesity among healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Baska
- Department of Lifestyle Medicine, School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
- Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine, 00-382 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Stefan Zgliczyński
- Department of Lifestyle Medicine, School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
- Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine, 00-382 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Kłoda
- MEDFIT Karolina Kłoda, 70-240 Szczecin, Poland;
- Scientific Section of the Polish Society of Family Medicine, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.B.)
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Scientific Section of the Polish Society of Family Medicine, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Scientific Section of the Polish Society of Family Medicine, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.-M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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Merks P, Chełstowska B, Religioni U, Neumann-Podczaska A, Krasiński Z, Kobayashi A, Plagens-Rotman K, Drelich E, Fehir-Sola K, Fijałkowski Ł, Baj I, Vaillancourt R, Wieczorowska-Tobis K, Mastalerz-Migas A, Koziol M, Pinkas J, Szymański FM, Hering D. Enhancing Patient Adherence to Newly-Prescribed Medicine for Chronic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review and Cost-Effective Approach to Implementing the New Medicine Service in Community Pharmacies in Poland. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942923. [PMID: 38431771 PMCID: PMC10919058 DOI: 10.12659/msm.942923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
New Medicine Service (NMS) components are an important element to improve patient compliance with medical recommendations. NMS provides support to patients prescribed new medicines, helping them to manage long-term conditions. The purpose of this service is to provide patients with advice, guidelines, and educational materials regarding the use of new medicines to increase patient compliance and therapy safety. The NMS has already been introduced in many European countries. This review aims to identify the benefits and potential barriers to implementing the NMS in community pharmacies and to suggest solutions that would increase its effectiveness. Previous studies have primarily shown that the NMS improves patient compliance with therapy, accelerating the expected effects of the therapy. Pharmacist support during implementation of a new drug therapy substantially increases patient safety. As the experience of numerous countries shows, both pharmacists and patients express positive opinions on this service. Therefore, it seems that NMS should be an indispensable part of pharmaceutical patient care in any healthcare system. This article aims to review the implementation of the New Medicine Service (NMS) for community pharmacists in Poland and the provision of a cost-effective approach to improve patient adherence to newly-prescribed medicine for chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Merks
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Chełstowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Religioni
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Krasiński
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam Kobayashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Plagens-Rotman
- Center for Sexology and Pediatric, Adolescent Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Drelich
- The Polish Pharmacy Practice Research Network (PPPRN), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarina Fehir-Sola
- European Association of Employed Community Pharmacists (EPhEU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Łukasz Fijałkowski
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Regis Vaillancourt
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
- The Polish Pharmacy Practice Research Network (PPPRN), Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Mark Koziol
- Pharmacy Defence Association, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip M. Szymański
- Department of Civilization Diseases, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Hering
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Biesiada AM, Ciałkowska-Rysz A, Mastalerz-Migas A. Opioid Treatment in Primary Care: Knowledge and Practical Use of Opioid Therapy. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:217. [PMID: 38255104 PMCID: PMC10815125 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care physicians play a key role in initiating opioid therapy. However, knowledge gaps in opioid use and pain management are significant barriers to providing optimal care. This research study aims to investigate the educational needs of primary care physicians regarding opioid therapy and opioid use in pain management. METHODS A computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) protocol was used to collect data from primary care physicians. Drug selection criteria, knowledge of opioid substitutes and dosage, and practical use of opioid therapy were evaluated. RESULTS While 84% of participating physicians (724 respondents) reported initiating opioid treatment, only a minority demonstrated accurate opioid dosage calculations. Significant discrepancies between physicians' self-perceived knowledge and their clinical skills in opioid prescribing and pain management were observed. In total, 41% of physicians incorrectly indicated dose conversion rates for tramadol (the most frequently used drug according to 65% of responders). CONCLUSIONS Targeted educational programs are essential to bridge the knowledge gap and increase physicians' competence in pain management. The proper self-assessment of one's own skills may be the key to improvement. Further research should focus on developing specialized educational courses and decision-support tools for primary care physicians and examining the impact of interprofessional pain management teams on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Michał Biesiada
- Family Physician Office S&M Ltd., 31-123 Krakow, Poland
- Polish Society of Family Medicine, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
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Biesiada A, Ciałkowska-Rysz A, Mastalerz-Migas A. Palliative medicine specialist and general practitioner interactions: national survey. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024:spcare-2023-004670. [PMID: 38176893 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to investigate the collaboration between primary care and palliative care physicians, which is key to providing comprehensive care, and to identify potential difficulties and needs in referring patients to palliative care. METHODS The study was conducted as an online survey, available to primary care and palliative care physicians. The data collected during the survey were used to compare perceptions of different specialty physicians' perspectives on various aspects regarding palliative care. RESULTS The results of the study showed significant differences in the assessment of the palliative care services availability (73% of primary care physicians rate it poorly comparing to high rating of 60% by palliative care specialists), as well as disparities between the declarations regarding the criteria used to decide on referral to palliative care (achieving the best quality of life) and the actual referral of patients (primary care physicians are third on the list of specialists referring patients to palliative care). Despite the need for adequate cooperation between family physicians and palliative care physicians, some difficulties were identified, such as primary care physicians' lack of knowledge of the patient palliative care referral criteria, and financial as well as personnel and palliative care facilities' limitations, were identified. CONCLUSIONS The study confirms the need for better cooperation between primary care physicians and palliative care specialists in Poland. It suggests that educating primary care physicians about palliative care referral criteria can improve the patient referrals accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Biesiada
- Polish Society of Family Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland
- Specjalistyczny Gabinet Lekarza Rodzinnego Soft&Med, Kraków, Małopolska, Poland
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Lubomski J, Malchrzak W, Babicki M, Kłoda K, Suwała S, Mastalerz-Migas A. Teleconsultation as a Modern Form of Health Care Service in the Case of Poland: Assessment of Its Potential Use from the Perspective of Health Care Providers and Patients. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:234-241. [PMID: 37406293 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has facilitated access to health care services through telemedicine in Poland, where it has not been a common approach so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate telemedicine as a form of health care provision in the Polish health care system. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 2,318 patients and health care workers. Questions included telemedical services usage, attitude toward telemedical consultations, who should decide about the nature of the consultation, advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine, the possibility of teleconsultations remaining available after the pandemic, and the subjective perception of overuse of remote consultations by doctors. Results: In general, respondents approved of teleconsultations (3.62 on 1-5 scale) but specific clinical situations gained higher and lower scores-among the highest ranking were prescription renewal (4.68), interpretation of examination results (4.15), and treatment continuation/follow-up (3.81). Among least ranking were consulting children 2-6 years old (1.93) and children younger than 2 years old (1.55) as well as consulting acute symptoms (1.47). Health care workers rated their general attitude significantly higher than nonhealth care workers toward telemedicine consults (3.91 vs. 3.34, p < 0.001) and toward 12 out of 13 specific clinical situations and settings (p < 0.001). The only exception was "consulting acute symptoms," which received exactly the same rating within both groups (1.47, p = 0.99). Most respondents agreed that teleconsultations should remain an option for contacting a physician regardless of the epidemic situation. Each group declared that they should be the one to decide about the consultation form. Conclusions: Results of this study could help optimize and facilitate telemedical consultation usage after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lubomski
- Ma-na-ma Huisartsgeneeskunde, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wojciech Malchrzak
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Szymon Suwała
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Witaszek T, Babicki M, Brytek-Matera A, Mastalerz-Migas A, Kujawa K, Kłoda K. Maladaptive Eating Behaviours, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Depression Severity: A Comparative Study between Adult Women with Overweight, Obesity, and Normal Body Mass Index Range. Nutrients 2023; 16:80. [PMID: 38201910 PMCID: PMC10780963 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Causes of obesity are multifactorial and include genetic predisposition as well as behavioural, psychological, social, and hormonal influences. We aimed to compare adult women with normal weight, overweight, and obesity, with a focus on maladaptive eating behaviours, the presence of generalised anxiety disorder, and the severity of depression. Additionally, we explored the context of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy and the status of bariatric surgery. (2) Methods: The sample was composed of 1105 adult women. The following measures, through the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), were used in the present study: the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7), and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). (3) Results: All domains of the TFEQ-R18 had correlations with Body Mass Index (BMI). There was a weak negative association between BMI and Cognitive Restraint (r = -0.172, p < 0.001) and a weak positive relationship between BMI and Uncontrolled as well as Emotional Eating (r = 0.165, p < 0.001; r = 0.191, p < 0.001, respectively). Women who screened positive for anxiety scored lower in the Cognitive Restraint domain (10.11 ± 3.58, p = 0.042) and higher in the Uncontrolled Eating (12.69 ± 6.04, p < 0.001) and Emotional Eating (5.29 ± 2.75, p < 0.001) domains. Similarly, women screening positive for depression had lower scores in Cognitive Restraint (9.88 ± 3.61, p < 0.001) and higher scores in Uncontrolled Eating (12.64 ± 6.09, p < 0.001) and Emotional Eating (5.31 ± 2.71, p < 0.001). A significant association between liraglutide and semaglutide administration and Cognitive Restraint was observed. (4) Conclusions: Individualised treatment for obesity should consider the existing and confirmed association between maladaptive eating behaviours and generalised anxiety disorder, as well as the severity of depression influencing the BMI altogether. The use of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy needs further exploration because the evidence for the use of liraglutide and semaglutide in terms of positive associations with eating behaviours is encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Witaszek
- Hipokrates Przychodnia Lekarzy Rodzinnych i Specjalistów, ul. Powstańców WIelkopolskich 1a, 64-330 Opalenica, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Anna Brytek-Matera
- Eating Behavior Laboratory (EAT Lab), Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, ul. J. Dawida 1, 50-527 Wrocław, Poland;
| | | | - Krzysztof Kujawa
- Statistical Analysis Centre, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Karolina Kłoda
- MEDFIT Karolina Kłoda, ul. Narutowicza 13E/11, 70-240 Szczecin, Poland;
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Kłoda K, Mierzecki A, Mastalerz-Migas A, Babicki M. Beneficial effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to the uptake of influenza virus, pneumococcal, and herpes zoster adult vaccination - a narrative literature review. Ann Agric Environ Med 2023; 30:587-594. [PMID: 38153058 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/176747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Analysis of factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination coverage in various countries raised the question whether the recent pandemic affected the vaccination rates of other pathogens in adults. Therefore, the aim of this review article was to analyse the literature to find potentially beneficial effects of the introduction of the large-scale vaccinations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with regard to the influenza virus, pneumococcal and herpes zoster adult vaccinations, in order to identify factors and strategies to increase the uptake of these vaccines. REVIEW METHODS The review of the literature was based on scientific articles indexed in the PubMed Database published between 2022-2023, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data search was performed from 24-30 July 2023. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE It was found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a beneficial effect on the acceptance and coverage of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the vulnerable elderly populations, and among healthcare workers in the case of influenza. Furthermore, the COVID-19 outbreak affected the designs of vaccine clinical trials, resulting in a lower frequency of age-related exclusion criteria, broadening the group of vaccine recipients. SUMMARY Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination increased willingness to accept other vaccines. The attitude to vaccination is a personal decision-making process based on previous experience and interpersonal interactions, greatly affected by information and recommendation from medical professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic vaccination implementation opened new opportunities to develop prevention efforts and build vaccination strategies in middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kłoda
- MEDFIT Karolina Kłoda, Polish Society of Family Medicine, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Artur Mierzecki
- Department of Family Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Polish Society of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Polish Society of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Babicki M, Kołat D, Kapusta J, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Jankowski P, Mastalerz-Migas A, Banach M, Mordaka R, Chudzik M. Prevalence and assessment of risk factors among Polish adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a 12-month follow-up study. Pol Arch Intern Med 2023; 133:16512. [PMID: 37338234 DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have indicated that COVID-19 symptoms may persist for up to 12 months after recovery; however, data on this phenomenon are still limited. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the most common symptoms, and the risk factors for development of post-COVID syndrome in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients during a 12-month follow-up after recovery from COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS This longitudinal study was based on medical data collected at follow-up visits at 3 and 12 months post-COVID-19. Sociodemographic data, chronic conditions, and the most common clinical symptoms were assessed. A total of 643 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. RESULTS A majority of the study group were women (63.1%), and the median age of the entire group was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] 43-63). After 12 months, a median of 65.7% (IQR, 62.1%-69.6%) of the patients declared the presence of at least 1 clinical symptom of post-COVID syndrome. The most common complaints were asthenia (median, 45.7% [IQR, 41.9%-49.6%]) and neurocognitive symptoms (median, 40% [IQR, 36%-40.1%]). In a multivariable analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.49; P = 0.01) and severe COVID-19 course (OR, 3.05; P <0.001) were associated with persistence of clinical symptoms for up to 12 months after recovery. CONCLUSIONS After 12 months, persistent symptoms were declared by 65.7% of the patients. The most common symptoms 3 and 12 months after the infection were worse tolerance to exercise, fatigue, palpitations, and memory or concentration problems. Women are at a higher risk of experiencing persistent symptoms, and COVID-19 severity was a predictor of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
- Boruta Medical Center, Zgierz, Poland
| | - Joanna Kapusta
- Department of Internal Diseases, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
- Boruta Medical Center, Zgierz, Poland
| | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Michał Chudzik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Medical Center, Saint Family Hospital, Łódź, Poland
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Malchrzak W, Babicki M, Pokorna-Kałwak D, Mastalerz-Migas A. The Influence of Introducing Free Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae on the Uptake of Recommended Vaccination in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1838. [PMID: 38140242 PMCID: PMC10747999 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2017, pneumococcal vaccination has evolved from a recommended chargeable vaccination to a mandatory, and therefore free, vaccination for all children. While a 10-valent vaccine is commonly used, parents have the option to use a 13-valent vaccine for a fee. This study aimed to investigate whether and how the introduction of free pneumococcal vaccination affected the uptake of recommended vaccination and to assess the association of chargeable pneumococcal vaccination with recommended vaccination. Data from 1595 vaccination record cards kept by six primary care clinics in urban and rural areas of Poland were collected and analyzed for children born between 2015 and 2018. Belonging to the clinic and the year of birth were the only inclusion criteria. Following the introduction of free universal pneumococcal vaccination, more children were vaccinated with the recommended vaccination (61.2% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.026). The most significant change was in vaccination against rotavirus (48.5% vs. 54.4%, p = 0.018) and against meningococcal B bacteria (4.8% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001). Children who received chargeable pneumococcal vaccination were also significantly more likely to be vaccinated with recommended vaccines (54.6% vs. 75.9%, p < 0.001). In particular, this was the case for multivalent vaccinations-against rotavirus, chickenpox, and meningococcal C bacteria. Reducing the impact of the economic factor, for example, by introducing free vaccinations, should have a positive impact on the uptake of other recommended vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Malchrzak
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (M.B.); (D.P.-K.); (A.M.-M.)
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Kupczyk M, Barg W, Bochenek G, Brożek G, D¹browiecki P, Brzostek D, D¹browski A, Dobek R, Gawlik R, Kucharczyk A, Kupryś-Lipińska I, Mastalerz-Migas A, Kowalski† ML. Predictors of excessive short-acting β 2-agonist use and asthma exacerbations: a retrospective analysis of a Polish prescription database. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2023; 40:790-797. [PMID: 38282873 PMCID: PMC10809829 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2023.133454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite being linked to unfavourable outcomes, short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) are still overused by a substantial proportion of patients with asthma. Aim To analyse the prevalence and predictors of SABA overuse and exacerbations in patients with asthma in a nationwide database of prescription purchase records. Material and methods The prevalence of excessive SABA use (≥ 12 canisters) and overuse (≥ 3 canisters) was analysed among patients aged 18-64 years who purchased asthma medications in 2018. Predictors of excessive SABA use and SABA overuse were examined by quasi-Poisson regression. Negative binomial regression was used to study the association of excessive SABA use or overuse to the risk of asthma exacerbation defined as a prescription for oral corticosteroids. Results Of 91,763 patients with asthma, 42,189 (46%) were SABA users (mean age, 47 years; 58% female). Among them, 34% purchased ≥ 3 SABA canisters, and 6% purchased ≥ 12 canisters. The risk (risk ratio, 95% CI) of excessive SABA use was lower in patients with concomitant prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids (0.41, 0.34-0.48) or inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonists (0.52, 0.47-0.56), women (0.63, 0.58-0.68), and those in secondary care (0.60, 0.44-0.66); older age was associated with a higher risk of excessive SABA use (1.06, 1.03-1.10). Excessive SABA use was the strongest predictor of asthma exacerbations among all patients (3.24, 2.84-3.70) and in those with ≥ 1 exacerbation (1.60, 1.50-1.71). Conclusions Excessive SABA use is highly prevalent in asthma management, is associated with lack of prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids, and substantially increases the exacerbation risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Kupczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Barg
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical College of Rzeszów University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Bochenek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University School of Medicine, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Brożek
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Piotr D¹browiecki
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej D¹browski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology and Allergology, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Dobek
- Department of Lung Diseases, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Gawlik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kucharczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Kupryś-Lipińska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Marek L. Kowalski†
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Chair of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Healthy Ageing Research Center, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Banach M, Surma S, Kapłon-Cieślicka A, Mitkowski P, Dzida G, Tomasik T, Mastalerz-Migas A. Position paper of the Polish Expert Group on the use of pitavastatin in the treatment of lipid disorders in Poland endorsed by the Polish Lipid Association. Arch Med Sci 2023; 20:28-42. [PMID: 38414478 PMCID: PMC10895972 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/175879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid disorders, primarily hypercholesterolemia, are the most common cardiovascular (CV) risk factor in Poland (this applies even 3/4 of people). The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) serum level is the basic lipid parameter that should be measured to determine CV risk and determines the aim and target of lipid-lowering treatment (LLT). Lipid-lowering treatment improves cardiovascular prognosis and prolongs life in both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Despite the availability of effective lipid-lowering drugs and solid data on their beneficial effects, the level of LDL-C control is highly insufficient. This is related, among other things, to physician inertia and patients' fear of side effects. The development of lipidology has made drugs available with a good safety profile and enabling personalisation of therapy. Pitavastatin, the third most potent lipid-lowering statin, is characterised by a lower risk of muscle complications and new cases of diabetes due to its being metabolised differently. Thus, pitavastatin is a very good therapeutic option in patients at high risk of diabetes or with existing diabetes, and in patients at cardiovascular risk. This expert opinion paper attempts at recommendation on the place and possibility of using pitavastatin in the treatment of lipid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Lodz, Poland
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora in Zielona Gora, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Stanisław Surma
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Przemysław Mitkowski
- 1 Department of Cardiology, Karol Marcinkowski Poznan Medical University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dzida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Tomasik
- Department of Family Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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12
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Malchrzak W, Babicki M, Mastalerz-Migas A. Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae in Children Born between 2015 and 2018 in Poland-How Has the Introduction of Free Compulsory Pneumococcal Vaccination Affected Its Uptake? Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1654. [PMID: 38005986 PMCID: PMC10675499 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Starting from 2017, pneumococcal vaccination was added to the Polish vaccination calendar as mandatory for all children born after 2016. The 10-valent conjugate vaccine was selected as mandatory and therefore free of charge. This paper aims to examine the impact of introducing mandatory vaccination on vaccine uptake. For this purpose, an analysis was conducted for 1595 vaccination record sheets from outpatient clinics in Wrocław and surrounding villages for children born 2015-2018. After the introduction of compulsory vaccination, the percentage of children fully vaccinated against pneumococcus increased (60.4% vs. 84.8%, p < 0.001). A significant decrease in the number of children who did not receive any dose of the vaccine was observed (27.8% to 3.3%, p < 0.001). The introduction of compulsory vaccination did not affect the completion of the pneumococcal schedule (11.8% vs. 11.9%). Compulsory PCV10 vaccination resulted in the less frequent choice of the 13-valent vaccine (72.3% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001). More children in rural outpatient clinics were vaccinated against pneumococcus compared to urban outpatient clinics (84.8% vs. 70.8%, p < 0.001). The introduction of free pneumococcal vaccination increased the proportion of children vaccinated, although it did not affect the rate of discontinuation of the initiated schedule. In Poland, the increased popularity of the 10-valent vaccine at the expense of the 13-valent one translated into a change in the proportion of pneumococcal serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Malchrzak
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (M.B.); (A.M.-M.)
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13
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Świder K, Baska A, Babicki M, Mastalerz-Migas A, Kłoda K. Weight stigma and fat phobia in Poland - attitudes towards people living with obesity and the level of knowledge about obesity among the social media internet respondents and medical professionals. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1287783. [PMID: 37876616 PMCID: PMC10593449 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1287783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obesity often subjects individuals to stigmatization, impacting self-esteem, contributing to depression, social isolation, and even exacerbating weight gain. Our research aimed to evaluate weight stigma, fat phobia, their expressions, and obesity-related knowledge among social media internet respondents and medical practitioners in Poland. Methods Conducted through Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), our study employed the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS) and tailored questions, analyzing 1705 questionnaires. Results The respondents averaged a score of 3.60 ± 0.62 on the FPS. Interestingly, men exhibited higher stigma levels than women. Variables like BMI, residency, and interactions with people having obesity did not significantly impact stigma levels. Approximately 74.0% of respondents found individuals with obesity less attractive than those with normal weight, while 32.2% identified obesity as a cause of shame. Only 69.1% were aware of the BMI-based obesity diagnosis criterion. Conclusion Given limited knowledge of Poland's weight stigma landscape, our research yields crucial insights for shaping social campaigns and enhancing educational initiatives in obesity management for healthcare professionals. Further studies will be instrumental in addressing patient and practitioner needs effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicja Baska
- Department of Lifestyle Medicine, School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Head of the Scientific Section of the Polish Society of Family Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Karolina Kłoda
- Head of the Scientific Section of the Polish Society of Family Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland
- MEDFIT Karolina Kłoda, Szczecin, Poland
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14
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Biesiada A, Mastalerz-Migas A, Babicki M. Response to provide key health services to Ukrainian refugees: The overview and implementation studies. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116221. [PMID: 37689012 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of war in Ukraine has contributed to the largest migration crisis in this part of Europe since the Second World War. In a short period of time, several million refugees of different ages and with different health needs have arrived in Poland. This study aims to assess the health problems of Ukrainian refugees, evaluate the barriers faced by primary care physicians (PCPs), and analyse and evaluate the system solutions available (including the use of modern information technology) to address them. METHODOLOGY For this purpose, an original questionnaire distributed to PCPs in Poland was created and a literature review of implemented system solutions was conducted. The survey was conducted between the 3rd-10th April 2022-45 days after the outbreak of the war. The survey was repeated between 20th January and February 15, 2023. RESULTS The survey was completed by 402 physicians who provided health care to refugees at that time. There were 252 respondents in the first stage of the study while 150 PCPs took part in the repeat survey. The findings of the survey revealed that the most common health problems among refugees were infections, regardless of age. The biggest barrier to providing care to refugees was the lack of available medical records and language difficulties. During the first months of the refugee influx in Poland, many - both systemic and grassroot - solutions were implemented to improve the quality of health care for refugees. CONCLUSIONS According to PCPs, the language barrier and the lack of previous medical records are key constraints when providing medical care to refugees. The health needs of refugees and the difficulties in providing care for them require constant monitoring and implementation of appropriate systemic solutions that can reduce the limitations in the daily work of medical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Biesiada
- Ad Vitam Przychodnia Zdrowia Sp. z o.o. Sp. k, Poland; Polish Society of Family Medicine, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Polish Society of Family Medicine, Poland; Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Polish Society of Family Medicine, Poland; Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141, Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Borszewska-Kornacka MK, Mastalerz-Migas A, Nitsch-Osuch A, Jackowska T, Paradowska-Stankiewicz I, Kuchar E, Mazela J, Helwich E, Czech M, Lauterbach R, Pinkas J, Wielgoś M, Wysocki J. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Polish Pediatric Patients from an Expert Perspective. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1482. [PMID: 37766158 PMCID: PMC10536508 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen causing respiratory tract infections in infants, affecting over 90% of children within the first two years of life. It may cause lower respiratory tract infections, which constitute a significant healthcare burden both in the primary and secondary care settings. Meanwhile, the data regarding RSV disease in Poland is scarce, and published data significantly differs from the numbers reported for other countries with longstanding surveillance and reporting systems. A literature review and an expert panel were conducted to (1) understand the healthcare burden of RSV infections in Poland; (2) collect data on infection seasonality, patient pathway, and management patterns; and (3) evaluate RSV infection surveillance in Poland. According to the literature, RSV is the major agent responsible for non-influenza respiratory diseases in Poland. The reported rates of hospitalization for RSV infections are 267.5/100,000 for children under 5 years of age and 1132.1/100,000 for those under 1 year of age. Comparisons with data from other countries suggest that these values may be underestimated, possibly due to insufficient access to microbiological testing and a low awareness of RSV. Infections occur mainly between December and April, however, this pattern has changed following the implementation of preventive measures for coronavirus disease 2019 in the past few years. According to available reports, bronchodilators, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and X-ray imaging have been frequently used. The surveillance system in Poland has limitations, but these may be overcome due to recent changes in healthcare law as well as the availability and reimbursement of diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health—National Institute of Hygiene—National Research Institute, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jan Mazela
- Department of Neonatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Ewa Helwich
- Institute of Mother and Child, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Czech
- Polish Pharmacoeconomic Society, Institute of Mother and Child, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ryszard Lauterbach
- Polish Neonatal Society, Clinical Department, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | | | - Jacek Wysocki
- Department of Health Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland;
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16
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Koweszko T, de Barbaro B, Izydorczyk B, Mastalerz-Migas A, Samochowiec J, Szulc A, Kowalska A, Wachowska K, Gałecki P. The position statement of the Working Group on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders in adults. Psychiatr Pol 2023; 57:705-727. [PMID: 38170646 DOI: 10.12740/pp/166172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental distress that occurs after participation in traumatic event such as the experience of natural disaster, car accident, terrorist attack or armed conflict, being a victim of sexual assault, tortured, physically abused, traumatized or being in any other life-threatening situation. The trauma victim does not always have to be in the position of the o directly threatened with physical harm. The disorder may be developed also as a result of an acute reaction to stress caused by participation in situation in which another person suffer so unimaginable that the further normal life of witness becomes impossible. Patients are often convinced that they lose previous ability to exist irretrievably. Globally PTSD is an increasingly recognized disorder. It can be predicted that in Europe, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the migration crisis, the frequency of severe disorders related to traumatic stress will systematically increase. In recent years, there has been a significant progress in knowledge and the development of methods for counteracting PTSD. The empirically confirmed forms of treatment include psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic interactions. The presented recommendations were developed by a team of experts in the field of psychiatry, clinical psychology, psychotherapy and primary care in order to proposed guidelines for therapeutic procedures in medical and psychological practice. The position statement of the working group have been developed in line with evidence-based practice as a part of three-stage procedure including: literature review, the issue discussion and development of the unified expert position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tytus Koweszko
- Klinika Psychiatryczna, Wydział Nauki o Zdrowiu, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
| | | | | | | | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Klinika Psychiatrii Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie
| | - Agata Szulc
- Klinika Psychiatryczna, Wydział Nauki o Zdrowiu, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
| | | | | | - Piotr Gałecki
- Klinika Psychiatrii Dorosłych, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
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17
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Koweszko T, de Barbaro B, Izydorczyk B, Mastalerz-Migas A, Samochowiec J, Szulc A, Kowalska A, Wachowska K, Gałecki P. The position statement of the Working Group on the diagnosis of the post-traumatic stress disorders in adults. Psychiatr Pol 2023; 57:681-704. [PMID: 38170645 DOI: 10.12740/pp/158042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Experiencing a situation of extreme danger can lead to serious stress disorders (such as PTSD) that can affect both the victims and the professional helpers. Military operations in Ukraine in the first half of 2022 started an ongoing migration crisis, resulting in the displacement of approximately 3.5 million people to Poland. It is indicated that post-traumatic stress disorders may affect up to one third of adult refugees. Exposure to traumatic stress related to assault, limitation of basic resources, fear, insecurity, death, and a sense of injustice affected the entire population of the country. As a result, refugees, healthcare professionals, uniformed services, volunteers, and NGO workers constitute a group at risk of developing stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The presented recommendations were developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts in the field of psychiatry, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and family medicine to present systematic guidelines for diagnostic procedures in medical and psychological practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tytus Koweszko
- Klinika Psychiatryczna, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
| | | | | | | | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Klinika Psychiatrii Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie
| | - Agata Szulc
- Klinika Psychiatryczna, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
| | | | | | - Piotr Gałecki
- Klinika Psychiatrii Dorosłych, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
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18
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Seremak-Mrozikiewicz A, Nitsch-Osuch A, Czajkowski K, Drews K, Huras H, Kalinka J, Kuchar E, Leszczynska-Gorzelak B, Mastalerz-Migas A, Swiatkowska-Freund M, Wielgos M, Wolski H, Wysocki J, Zimmer M, Sieroszewski P. Guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, the Polish Society for Vaccinology, and the Polish Society for Family Medicine on vaccinating women with reproductive plans and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Ginekol Pol 2023:VM/OJS/J/95834. [PMID: 37599569 DOI: 10.5603/gpl.95834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The following Guidelines present the most up-to-date treatment and management recommendations, which may be modified and altered after detailed analysis of a specific clinical situation, which in turn might lead to future modifications and updates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Warsaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Czajkowski
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Drews
- Department of Perinatology and Women's Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Hubert Huras
- Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | | | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Decisions Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Hubert Wolski
- Department of Perinatology and Women's Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Observation and Infectious Diseases Department of the Specialist Mother and Child Healthcare Group in Poznan, Poland
- Chair and Department of Health Prophylaxis, Medical University of Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Zimmer
- 2nd Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
| | - Piotr Sieroszewski
- 1st Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
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Nessler J, Krawczyk K, Leszek P, Rubiś P, Rozentryt P, Gackowski A, Pawlak A, Straburzyńska-Migaj E, Jankowska EA, Brzęk A, Piotrowicz E, Mastalerz-Migas A, Windak A, Tomasik T, Uchmanowicz I, Lelonek M. Expert opinion of the Heart Failure Association of the Polish Society of Cardiology, the College of Family Physicians in Poland, and the Polish Society of Family Medicine on the peri discharge management of patients with heart failure. Kardiol Pol 2023; 81:824-844. [PMID: 37489831 DOI: 10.33963/kp.a2023.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of heart failure (HF), the rate of hospitalisation for exacerbations of the disease remains high. One of the underlying reasons is that recommended guidelines for the management of HF are still too rarely followed in daily practice. Disease exacerbation requiring inpatient treatment is always afactor that worsens the prognosis, and thus signals disease progression. This is also akey moment when therapy should be modified for HF exacerbation, or initiated in the case of newly diagnosed disease. Inpatient treatment and the peri‑discharge period is the time when the aetiology and mechanism of HF decompensation should be established. Therapy should be individualised based on aetiology, HF phenotype, and comorbidities; it should take into account the possibilities of modern treatment. According to the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), patients with HF should receive multidisciplinary management. Cooperation between the various members of the multidisciplinary team taking care of patients with HF improves the efficiency and quality of treatment. This document expands and details the information on the peri‑discharge management of HF contained in the 2021 ESC guidelines and the 2022 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC)/Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadwiga Nessler
- Department of Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Krawczyk
- Department of Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Pola
| | - Przemysław Leszek
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantation Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Paweł Rubiś
- Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Rozentryt
- 3rd Chair and Clinical Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gackowski
- Department of Coronary Artery Disease and Heart Failure, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pawlak
- Department Invasive Cardiology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Ewa Straburzyńska-Migaj
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- University Hospital of Lord's Transfiguration, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa A Jankowska
- Institute of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
- Institute of Heart Diseases, University Hospital in Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Brzęk
- Department of Physiotherapy, Chair of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ewa Piotrowicz
- Telecardiology Centre, National Institute of Cardiology, Warszawa, Poland
| | | | - Adam Windak
- Chair of Family Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Tomasik
- Chair of Family Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Izabella Uchmanowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Chair of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
- Heart Institute, University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lelonek
- Department of Non Invasive Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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20
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Gorczyca-Głowacka I, Mastalerz-Migas A, Lelonek M. Real-life implementation of guidelines for heart failure management. Kardiol Pol 2023; 81:919-921. [PMID: 37401578 DOI: 10.33963/kp.a2023.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Małgorzata Lelonek
- Department of Noninvasive Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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21
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Wichniak A, Bieńkowski P, Dąbrowski R, Mastalerz-Migas A, Rymaszewska J. Treatment of insomnia in older adults. Recommendations of the Polish Sleep Research Society, Polish Society of Family Medicine and the Polish Psychiatric Association. Psychiatr Pol 2023; 57:495-516. [PMID: 37381588 DOI: 10.12740/pp/onlinefirst/161597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia is one of the most common health problems in developed countries. Its prevalence increases with age, with up to one in two people over the age of 65 experiencing symptoms of insomnia. The older people are also the patients who mostly commonly are among chronic sleep medication users. The aim of this article is to present the current recommendations for the management of insomnia in people over 65 years of age. The recommendations were prepared as a position of an expert panel, which included people from a number of clinical disciplines: family medicine, cardiology, psychiatry, sleep medicine and clinical psychopharmacology. The first step in treating sleep disorders is to establish proper diagnosis and, if possible, to initiate causal treatment. Moreover, cognitive and behavioural therapy for insomnia should also be used as the primary form of treatment, which can be supplemented, if not sufficiently effective, with pharmacological treatment. The main group of drugs used for treating insomnia are nonbenzodiazepine sedative hypnotics (zolpidem, zopiclone, eszopiclone, zaleplon). However, these drugs do not fully meet the needs of people over 65 years of age, primarily with regard to treatment safety. Therefore other classes of medicines, which are used for treatment of mental disorders, are prescribed off-label in this group of patients. Melatonin in a prolonged-release form is also indicated for this age group due to the high safety of the therapy. The management of insomnia in people over 65 years of age is a challenging task, given the need to seek compromise between treatment efficacy and safety. The treatment plan also has to take into account comorbidities as well as drugs used to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wichniak
- III Klinika Psychiatryczna i Ośrodek Medycyny Snu, Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie
| | | | - Rafał Dąbrowski
- Klinika Choroby Wieńcowej i Rehabilitacji Kardiologicznej, Narodowy Instytut Kardiologii w Warszawie
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22
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Babicki M, Kowalski K, Mastalerz-Migas A. The outbreak of the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war: mental health of poles and their attitude to refugees. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1155904. [PMID: 37427291 PMCID: PMC10326542 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1155904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war on 24 February 2022 has sparked a migration crisis in Europe. As a result, Poland has emerged as the country with the highest number of refugees. Due to differing social and political sentiments, this has been a significant challenge for the hitherto mono-ethnic Polish society. Methods Computer-assisted web interviews (CAWIs) were conducted with 505 Poles, mainly women with higher education from large urban centers, involved in helping refugees. Their attitudes toward refugees were assessed using an original questionnaire, while their mental health was also evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Results The vast majority of respondents reported favorable attitudes toward refugees from Ukraine. In addition, 79.2% believed refugees should be given free access to medical care, and 85% supported free access to education for migrants. Nearly 60% of respondents were not worried about their financial status due to the crisis; moreover, 40% believed that immigrants could boost the Polish economy. And 64% believed it would enrich Poland culturally. However, the majority of respondents feared infectious diseases and believed migrants should be vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule applicable in the country. Fear of war correlated positively with fear of refugees. On the GHQ-28, almost half of the respondents scored above clinical significance. Higher scores were typical for women and those fearing war and refugees. Conclusion Polish society has shown a tolerant attitude in the face of the migration crisis. The vast majority of respondents showed positive attitudes toward refugees from Ukraine. The ongoing war in Ukraine has a negative impact on the mental health of Poles, which correlates with their attitude toward refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Babicki M, Kapusta J, Pieniawska-Śmiech K, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kołat D, Mastalerz-Migas A, Jankowski P, Chudzik M. Do COVID-19 Vaccinations Affect the Most Common Post-COVID Symptoms? Initial Data from the STOP-COVID Register-12-Month Follow-Up. Viruses 2023; 15:1370. [PMID: 37376668 DOI: 10.3390/v15061370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Around the world, various vaccines have been developed to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and consequently the COVID-19 disease. However, many patients continue to report persistent symptoms after the acute phase. Since gathering scientific information on long COVID and post-COVID syndrome has become an urgent issue, we decided to investigate them in relation to the vaccination status of patients from the STOP-COVID registry. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from the medical visit after contraction of COVID-19 and follow-up visits in the 3rd and 12th month after the disease. In total, 801 patients were included in the analysis. The most frequent complaints after 12 months included deterioration of exercise tolerance (37.5%), fatigue (36.3%), and memory/concentration difficulties (36.3%). In total, 119 patients declared that they had been diagnosed with at least one new chronic disease since the end of isolation, and 10.6% required hospitalization. The analysis of individual symptoms revealed that headache (p = 0.001), arthralgia (p = 0.032), and dysregulation of hypertension (p = 0.030) were more common in unvaccinated patients. Considering headache and muscle pain, people vaccinated after the disease manifested these symptoms less frequently. Subsequent research is needed to consider vaccines as a preventive factor for post-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kapusta
- Department of Internal Diseases, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Pieniawska-Śmiech
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
- Boruta Medical Center, 95-100 Zgierz, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
- Boruta Medical Center, 95-100 Zgierz, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Chudzik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
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Pabjańczyk I, Owczuk R, Kutaj-Wąsikowska H, Fronczek J, Węgrzyn K, Jasińska M, Jarocki P, Mudyna W, Mastalerz-Migas A, Pilecki Z, Czubak J, Marczyński WJ, Nowak S, Czuczwar M, Szczeklik W. Standards of perioperative management in total knee and hip arthroplasty procedures. A survey-based study. Part I: Preoperative management. Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther 2023; 55:262-271. [PMID: 38084570 PMCID: PMC10691462 DOI: 10.5114/ait.2023.132832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent years have seen an increasing number of elective total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures. Since a wide variety of methods and procedures are used in perioperative management, a survey-based study was carried out to identify the patterns of practice in Polish hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS With the help of the LimeSurvey application, questionnaires for anaesthesio-logists and orthopaedists were prepared to gain insight into the preparation of patients for TKA and THA procedures and perioperative care. Questionnaires included both single and multiple-choice questions concerning among other things type of laboratory tests, additional examinations and consultations performed on a routine basis before elective TKA and THA procedures. RESULTS A total of 162 medical centres took part in the study. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 93 (57%) orthopaedics teams and 112 (69%) anaesthesiology teams. A mean (standard deviation, SD) of 7.2 (3.5) laboratory tests are routinely ordered before surgery. For example, 47% of orthopaedists and 20% of anaesthesiologists order urinalysis, while 53% of orthopaedists and 26% of anaesthesiologists order a CRP test. Seventy-nine per cent of orthopaedists refer patients for at least one specialist consultation before the procedure. Dental consultation is requested by 40%, gynaecological consultation by 27%. Patient preoperative education is provided by 85% of orthopaedists and preoperative rehabilitation is prescribed by 46% of them. A total of 56% surveyed anaesthesiologists perform pre-anaesthetic evaluation upon patients' hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS The study found that the number of examinations and specialist consultations conducted in Polish hospitals exceeded the scope of recommendations of scientific societies. Furthermore, the authors identified a need to standardise perioperative management in the form of Polish guidelines or recommendations, with the intention to improve patient safety and optimize health care expenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Pabjańczyk
- Department of Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology, 5 Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Cracow, Poland
- Centre for Intensive Care and Perioperative Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Radosław Owczuk
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Jakub Fronczek
- Centre for Intensive Care and Perioperative Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Węgrzyn
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital in Cracow, Poland
| | - Monika Jasińska
- Department of Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology, 5 Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Cracow, Poland
| | - Paweł Jarocki
- Department of Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Mudyna
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Ludwik Rydygier Specialist Hospital in Cracow, Poland
| | | | | | - Jarosław Czubak
- Department of Orthopaedics, Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Adam Gruca Public Research and Teaching Hospital in Otwock, Poland
| | | | - Sebastian Nowak
- Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Clinic, 5 Military Hospital with Polyclinic (Independent Public Health Care Institution) in Cracow, Poland
| | - Mirosław Czuczwar
- 2 Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szczeklik
- Department of Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology, 5 Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Cracow, Poland
- Centre for Intensive Care and Perioperative Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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25
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Dobrowolski P, Prejbisz A, Kuryłowicz A, Baska A, Burchardt P, Chlebus K, Dzida G, Jankowski P, Jaroszewicz J, Jaworski P, Kamiński K, Kapłon-Cieślicka A, Klocek M, Kukla M, Mamcarz A, Mastalerz-Migas A, Narkiewicz K, Ostrowska L, Śliż D, Tarnowski W, Wolf J, Wyleżoł M, Zdrojewski T, Banach M, Januszewicz A, Bogdański P. Metabolic syndrome — a new definition and management guidelines. Arterial Hypertension 2022. [DOI: 10.5603/ah.a2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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26
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Babicki M, Kowalski K, Bogudzińska B, Mastalerz-Migas A. Alterations in mental health and quality of life among healthcare workers in times of COVID-19: Four-stage cross-sectional study during first four pandemic waves in Poland. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1027734. [PMID: 36506428 PMCID: PMC9729733 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1027734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had many unexpected effects that have affected the mental health of healthcare workers. In response to the crisis, healthcare workers appear to be the most vulnerable to the psychological effects of the pandemic. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and healthcare workers' quality of life during the different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods The questionnaire was distributed in four stages corresponding to the different waves of the pandemic in Poland. The last stage of the study covered the period from November 1, 2021 to November 31, 2021 which coincided with the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Poland. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Generalized Anxiety Disorderd-7 (GAD-7), and Manchester Brief Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA) scales were used. Results A total of 1,243 respondents participated. A gradual increase in moderate and severe anxiety was observed as the pandemic continued, comparing waves I and IV of the pandemic. No statistically significant differences were observed in comparing the mean values of the BDI-II, GAD-7, and MANSA scales across waves. A decrease in fear due to the disease and neighbor's quarantine was found. Women, single people and those with a psychiatric history are more likely to be affected by the destructive impact of the pandemic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affecting the mental health and quality of life of healthcare workers, but trend is not uniform. It is necessary to continue monitoring the mental health of medical workers, who are the most important link in the fight against the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalski
- Division of Consultation Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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27
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Jazienicka-Kiełb A, Babicki M, Krajewska M, Oko A, Kłoda K, Mastalerz-Migas A. Assessment of primary care physicians' knowledge of chronic kidney disease in Poland. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1032240. [PMID: 36339213 PMCID: PMC9631929 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1032240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10-15% of the adult population worldwide and is a major societal problem. A latent course of the disease and little alarming, gradually increasing symptoms usually do not cause concern in patients and diagnostic vigilance in physicians. CKD is most often diagnosed in its end-stage when treatment options are extremely limited. This study aims to assess the knowledge of CKD among primary care physicians (PCPs) in Poland. A CAWI survey was conducted based on an authors' own questionnaire that consisted of two parts. The first part concerned patients' socioeconomic data while the second part consisted of nine single- and multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge of the criterion for diagnosis, risk factors, diagnostic evaluation, and course of CKD. A total of 610 physicians took part in the survey, including 502 (82.3%) who fully completed the questionnaire. Women accounted for 83.1% of the study group. The mean age of the study group was 37.4 ± 10.1 years. Specialists or resident physicians in family medicine accounted for 79.9% of respondents and 93.8% of physicians are those who mainly work in primary care settings. In the knowledge test, the mean score obtained by physicians was 6.5 ± 1.3 out of possible 9, with only 2.4% of respondents answering all questions correctly. According to the survey, 78.4% of respondents correctly indicated the criterion for the diagnosis of CKD, while only 68.9% identified a test for increased urinary albumin loss as the one of the greatest diagnostic values in the early stages of CKD. More than half, 63.1%, of physicians selected the correct set of answers in the multiple-choice question regarding CKD risk factors. Despite a fairly high level of knowledge among family medicine physicians regarding the causes, risk factors and course of CKD, there is a need for further education and an increase in the factual information held by this professional group, especially that the vast majority of PCPs declare a desire to expand their knowledge and believe that this will help them in their daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland,*Correspondence: Mateusz Babicki
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Oko
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Nowakowski A, Jach R, Szenborn L, Bidzinski M, Jackowska T, Kotarski J, Mastalerz-Migas A, Nitsch-Osuch A, Pinkas J, Sawicki W, Sieroszewski P, Stukan M, Wysocki J. Recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, Polish Paediatric Society, Polish Society of Family Medicine, Polish Society of Vaccinology, Polish Society of Oncological Gynaecology and Polish Society of Colposcopy and Pathophysiology of the Uterine Cervix on prophylactic vaccinations against infections with human papillomaviruses in Poland. Ginekol Pol 2022:VM/OJS/J/90090. [PMID: 36134760 DOI: 10.5603/gp.a2022.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several hundred million people are infected with genital genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) annually in the world. The infections transmitted mainly through sexual routes are usually asymptomatic, but can lead to the development of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile cancers, some head and neck cancers and genital warts (condylomas). The fraction HPV-related cancers range from nearly 100% in the case of cervical cancer to several/over a dozen percent in the case of other cancers and diseases. There are no effective drugs against HPV, but prophylactic HPV vaccines are available free of charge in immunization programmes in many countries around the world. In Poland, HPV vaccinations have so far been executed out on the pocket or in free-of-charge, local-governmental prevention programs, but the vaccination coverage of the target population does not exceed 10%. From November 2021, one of the vaccines is available with a 50% reimbursement, work is underway to reimburse the next ones, and the National Oncology Strategy assumes the implementation of the HPV immunization programmes and vaccination of 60% of the teen population by 2028. Three prophylactic HPV vaccines are registered. All of them are safe and their effectiveness in the prevention of diseases caused by vaccine genotypes reaches almost 100%, provided that full post-vaccination immunity is obtained before the contact with the virus. Girls aged 11-13 are the priority target cohort for HPV vaccination in Poland. The implementation of routine, free-of-charge HPV immunization in the Preventive Immunization Program (PIP) for all adolescents should be pursued. Persons over the age of 13 may also benefit from HPV vaccination and should be vaccinated according to product specifications. In addition to free access under the PIP, the key element for the success of the implementation of HPV vaccinations in Poland will be the education of medical personnel and parents of adolescents to be vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Nowakowski
- Cervical Cancer Prevention Clinic, Central Coordinating Centre for Cervical Cancer Screening Program, Department of Cancer Prevention, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland, Poland.
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward, District Specialist Hospital, Siedlce, Poland.
| | - Robert Jach
- Department of Endocrine Gynaecology, Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Leszek Szenborn
- Clinical Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Bidzinski
- Department of Oncological Gynaecology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities, Radom, Poland
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Paediatrics, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz Sawicki
- Chair and Department of Obstetrics, Women's Diseases and Oncological Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Sieroszewski
- 1st Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, Poland, Poland
| | - Maciej Stukan
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Pomeranian Hospitals, Gdynia, Poland
- Division of Oncological Propaedeutics, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Observation and Infectious Diseases Department of the Specialist Mother and Child Healthcare Group in Poznan, Poland, Poland
- Chair and Department of Health Prophylaxis, Medical University of Poznan, Poland
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29
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Babicki M, Bogudzińska B, Kowalski K, Mastalerz-Migas A. Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life among Online Responders in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study Covering Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19169934. [PMID: 36011561 PMCID: PMC9408464 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the population. This study aims to assess the prevalence of subjective depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as assess the quality of life in different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an online survey. Methods: The study was conducted based on an original and anonymous questionnaire, consisting of a section assessing sociodemographic status and psychometric tools: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). A total of 6739 people participated in the survey, with the largest number from the first wave of the pandemic (2467-36.6%), followed by 1627 (24.1%) for the second wave, 1696 (25.2%) for wave three and 949 (14.1%) for wave four. The mean age of the study group was 28.19 ± 9.94. Results: There was an initial, gradual increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms over the three waves. There were no significant differences in the quality-of-life scores, except for the second and third waves (-0.0846; p = 0.013. It was found that women, residents of big cities and people with psychiatric history showed higher BDI and GAD-7 scores. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic on mental health was not homogeneous, with the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic having more of an impact compared to the fourth wave. Female respondents' sex, history of mental disease and reduced earning capacity exacerbated psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bogna Bogudzińska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Consultation Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
- Chairman of the COVID-19 section of the Polish Society of Family Medicine
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
- President of the Polish Society of Family Medicine
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31
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Eder P, Kowalski P, Mastalerz-Migas A, Skrzydlo-Radomanska B, Cichy W, Proga K. Self-Medication with Drotaverine among Patients with Common Abdominal Symptoms and Treatment Efficacy from the Perspectives of Patients and General Practitioners-An Observational, Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study Using Real-World Data. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113156. [PMID: 35683543 PMCID: PMC9181793 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Poland, drotaverine is the most frequently purchased antispasmodic, yet there is a paucity of real-world data on its use. We evaluated the profiles of patients who used drotaverine, and we investigated prescription patterns among general practitioners (GPs). In this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, we asked patients who purchased drotaverine about their reasons for using it, its perceived efficacy, satisfaction with treatment, and physician consultation. We also asked GPs about the status of drotaverine in their practice. Among 650 recruited patients, 74% used drotaverine for pain, 67% for cramps, and 19% for abdominal discomfort. Approximately 83% of patients purchased drotaverine without a physician’s advice. Patients who used it after a physician’s advice were more frequently female, older, and less educated. For all symptoms, mean severity scores decreased by ~5 points (0–10 scale) after the first dose. Ninety-eight percent of patients were satisfied with drotaverine. Among 210 GPs, the percentages prescribing drotaverine were: 42% for irritable bowel syndrome, 89% for cholelithiasis, 60% as supportive therapy for urinary infections, 89% for nephrolithiasis, and 75% for menstruation pain. The GPs perceived drotaverine as more useful, effective, and tolerable than other drugs for abdominal pain or cramps. Drotaverine significantly reduced the severity of all symptoms for which it was taken, and it was perceived as effective and tolerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Eder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Medicine, Heliodor Swiecicki University Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61-869-13-43
| | - Piotr Kowalski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Al. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Wroclaw, Ul. Syrokomli 1, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Barbara Skrzydlo-Radomanska
- Department and Clinic of Gastroenterology with the Endoscopy Laboratory of the Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Raclawickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Cichy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Calisia University-Kalisz, Ul. Nowy Swiat 4, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Proga
- PEX PharmaSequence Sp. z o.o., Ul. Klobucka 23, 02-699 Warszawa, Poland;
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Chudzik M, Babicki M, Kapusta J, Kołat D, Kałuzińska Ż, Mastalerz-Migas A, Jankowski P. Do the Successive Waves of SARS-CoV-2, Vaccination Status and Place of Infection Influence the Clinical Picture and COVID-19 Severity among Patients with Persistent Clinical Symptoms? The Retrospective Study of Patients from the STOP-COVID Registry of the PoLoCOV-Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050706. [PMID: 35629132 PMCID: PMC9145629 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The severity of ailments caused by SARS-CoV-2 varies and the clinical picture has already evolved during the pandemic, complicating diagnostics. In Poland, no study has been performed to assess the clinical picture of patients across the successive pandemic waves. The aim of the study was to present the characteristics of patients who present to medical center because of persistent symptoms after COVID-19, and to study differences between hospitalized/non-hospitalized, vaccinated/non-vaccinated individuals and between different waves in Poland. This is a retrospective study evaluating the clinical presentation of COVID-19 patients from the STOP-COVID registry of the PoLoCOV-Study. This registry includes patients who present to the medical center because of persistent clinical symptoms after the isolation. The patients' data were obtained from individuals who suffered from COVID-19 between September 2020 and December 2021.The patients were divided into groups according to the infection rate increase pattern (II/III/IV pandemic wave), status of vaccination and place of isolation. Regardless of the pandemic wave, the patients' most commonly reported weaknesses were a cough and a headache. The arterial hypertension and hyperlipidemia were the most frequent concomitant chronic conditions. Hospitalized patients more often reported weakness or a cough while home-isolated patients were more likely to have rhinitis or a headache. Patients who completed the vaccination course showed a shorter duration of clinical symptoms and a lower mean number of symptoms. Additionally, vaccinated individuals reported less taste and/or olfactory dysfunction than unvaccinated individuals. To conclude, the persistence of the pandemic has resulted in significant changes observed in the clinical picture. Successive waves caused deterioration in the subjective assessment of the disease severity. A cough seemed to occur more frequently in the later pandemic waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Chudzik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (P.J.)
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna Kapusta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 70-445 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Damian Kołat
- Boruta Medical Center, 95-100 Zgierz, Poland; (D.K.); (Ż.K.)
| | | | | | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (P.J.)
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Jędrzejek MJ, Mastalerz-Migas A. Seasonal influenza vaccination of healthcare workers: a narrative review. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2022; 35:127-139. [PMID: 34897290 PMCID: PMC10464734 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus which often occurs in outbreaks and epidemics worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends annual vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) against influenza, because most of them are involved in the direct care of patients with a high risk of influenza-related complications. Given the significance of the disease burden, a targeted literature review was conducted to assess issues related to influenza vaccination among HCWs. The primary aim of this review was to assess the incidence of influenza among medical personnel and healthcare-associated influenza, and to outline the benefits of influenza vaccination for patients and HCWs themselves. Vaccination of HCWs seems to be an important strategy for reducing the transmission of influenza from healthcare personnel to their patients and, therefore, for reducing patient morbidity and mortality, increasing patient safety, and reducing work absenteeism among HCWs. The benefits of influenza vaccination for their patients and for HCWs themselves are addressed in literature, but the evidence is mixed and often of low-quality. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):127-39.
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Babicki M, Piotrowski P, Mastalerz-Migas A. Assessment of Insomnia Symptoms, Quality of Life, Daytime Sleepiness, and Psychoactive Substance Use among Polish Students: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey for Years 2016–2021 before and during COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082106. [PMID: 35456199 PMCID: PMC9026410 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disorders are a serious health problem worldwide, and insomnia is their most common manifestation. An increasing number of people have insomnia every year, young adults, especially. Due to the importance that sleep has in almost every aspect of our lives, the need to monitor disturbances in circadian rhythms has arisen. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders among Polish students, including their quality of life (QOL) and drug use patterns. The study also investigated associations between sleep, QoL, and drug use. The study was conducted in 2016–2021 based on the self-made sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as standardized psychometric tools: Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Manchester Short Assessment of quality of life (MANSA). A total of 14,844 students participated in the study. The majority were women (80.7%), of which 3425 (23.1%) were medical students, with the most numerous representing medical and dental faculties, 1884 (57.2%). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 52.1% of the surveys were collected; 54.1% of respondents had insomnia as indicated by the AIS scores, and 26.1% displayed sleepiness during the day. Female students, the first-year college students, more often suffered from sleep disorders. Drug use was widespread among Polish students, correlating with sleep assessment results and QoL. In conclusion, sleep disorders are a significant clinical problem among Polish students. Female and junior students’ years are more prone to sleep deprivation. Insufficient sleep can be associated with a lower QoL score and psychoactive substance use. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep are not conclusive, because there was decreasing quality for longer sleep durations. In order to analyze these associations, there is a need for further in-depth study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Section of Epidemiology and Social Psychiatry, Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
- Division of Consultation Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-784-16-52
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (A.M.-M.)
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Czerwińska E, Nittner-Marszalska M, Zaryczański J, Gąszczyk G, Mastalerz-Migas A, Szenborn L. Influenza and Other Prophylactic Vaccination Coverage in Polish Adult Patients Undergoing Allergen Immunotherapy-A Survey Study among Patients and Physicians. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040576. [PMID: 35455327 PMCID: PMC9027432 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against infectious diseases may raise safety concerns in patients undergoing allergen immunotherapy (AIT). The objective of our study was to investigate influenza vaccine and other selected prophylactic vaccines coverage in patients treated with AIT and the attitude of physicians towards vaccinations in this group of patients. We conducted a questionnaire-based study among patients undergoing AIT and physicians. The patients’ survey evaluated influenza and other prophylactic vaccines coverage. The physicians’ survey assessed their experience and opinions on prophylactic vaccinations during AIT. In total, 176 patients (aged 18−79 years) and 120 doctors filled the questionnaires. Patients were assigned to two groups—inhaled allergens group (n = 101) and insect venoms group (n = 68). The number of patients who received any dose (36% and 45%, p = 0.26), as well as two or more doses (17% and 22%, p = 0.43) of influenza vaccine was comparable between two groups. However, in both groups there was a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in influenza vaccine uptake after the beginning of AIT. Patients from the inhaled allergens group declared a higher tetanus vaccine rate (41% vs. 19%, p = 0.004). The groups did not differ in the pneumococcal and tick-borne encephalitis vaccination coverage. A majority of doctors believe that prophylactic vaccinations in patients undergoing AIT are safe and effective (96% and 94%, respectively); however, as many as 87% of them identify with the need to create clear recommendations regarding vaccinating patients undergoing AIT. Prophylactic vaccine coverage is not satisfactory among Polish adult patients undergoing AIT. Polish doctors are convinced of the validity of prophylactic vaccinations during AIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Czerwińska
- Clinical Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marita Nittner-Marszalska
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Janusz Zaryczański
- Department of Pediatrics, University Clinical Hospital in Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Gąszczyk
- Department of Allergology, Medical Centre in Karpacz, 58-540 Karpacz, Poland;
| | | | - Leszek Szenborn
- Clinical Department of Paediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Hartleb M, Mastalerz-Migas A, Kowalski P, Okopień B, Popovic B, Proga K, Cywińska-Durczak B. Healthcare practitioners' diagnostic and treatment practice patterns of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Poland: a cross-sectional survey. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 34:426-434. [PMID: 34560694 PMCID: PMC8876434 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) awareness is low. NAFLD diagnosis and management by gastroenterologists (GEs) and general practitioners (GPs) in Poland were evaluated. METHODS RESTORE was an observational, noninterventional, retrospective cross-sectional survey performed among GEs and GPs with at least 3 years' experience. Computer-assisted web interviews were completed. GEs provided information from patient records. RESULTS Mean experience was 14.2 (95 GEs) and 22.6 (115 GPs) years. Mean patient numbers with liver disorders consulted per month were 36 (13%; GEs) and 51 (6%; GPs); ~50% were patients with NAFLD. All GEs/GPs used ultrasound; most evaluated transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transferase. More GEs used other imaging techniques and a larger spectrum of laboratory tests than GPs. Physician-identified NAFLD key symptoms were similar for GEs/GPs. GEs noticed less obvious symptoms (abdominal discomfort, drowsiness, fatigability, lack of energy) vs. GPs (abdominal pain/discomfort, dyspepsia). Common comorbidities in NAFLD were similar in GE/GP responses. NAFLD interventions by GEs/GPs (% patients) were diet/lifestyle/pharmacological interventions (54%/59%), diet/lifestyle changes alone (41%/31%) or pharmacological interventions alone (5%/10%). The top three criteria for supportive pharmacological selection were efficacy, tolerability and quality of life improvement for GEs/GPs. The five supportive treatments most commonly prescribed by GEs/GPs were essential phospholipids, ursodeoxycholic acid, timonacic, silybinin/silymarin and ornithine + choline. Information from patient records (n = 380) confirmed GEs responses. CONCLUSIONS NAFLD is not a silent disease as physicians and patients reported many, albeit nonspecific, symptoms. This cross-sectional survey provides important insights into clinical management of NAFLD by GEs and GPs in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Hartleb
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice
| | | | - Piotr Kowalski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk
| | - Bogusław Okopień
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Branko Popovic
- Consumer Health Care Medical Affairs, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Flisiak R, Horban A, Jaroszewicz J, Kozielewicz D, Mastalerz-Migas A, Owczuk R, Parczewski M, Pawłowska M, Piekarska A, Simon K, Tomasiewicz K, Zarębska-Michaluk D. Management of SARS-CoV-2 infection: recommendations of the Polish Association of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists as of February 23, 2022. Pol Arch Intern Med 2022; 132. [PMID: 35352546 DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The first Polish recommendations regarding the management of patients with COVID-19 were published by the Polish Society of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists (PTEiLChZ) on March 31, 2020, and the last annex was dated November 12, 2021. The ongoing state of pandemic, the emergence of new variants of the virus, and the availability of new drugs necessitate their updating. Changes introduced in the current version of recommendations for the management of COVID-19 comprised the possibility of using remedesivir in an outpatient setting, previously reserved for inpatient treatment, as well as other antiviral drugs-molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir / ritonavir. We revised the possibility of using monoclonal antibodies due to the resistance of the currently dominant Omicron variant. Anakinra, an antagonist of interleukin 1 receptors, has been added as a treatment option in advanced stages of the disease, and the recommended daily dose of glucocorticosteroids used in the most severe forms of COVID-19 has been increased. Information on vaccination and pre-exposure prophylaxis in specific populations has also been updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Horban
- Department of Infectious Diseases for Adults, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Owczuk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Acquired Immunodeficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Simon
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tomasiewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Jędrzejek MJ, Mastalerz-Migas A, Janicka P. Incidence of Influenza Virus Infection among Wroclaw's Healthcare Workers in Pre-COVID-19 2019-2020 Influenza Season Using Novel Flu SensDx Device. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19063159. [PMID: 35328847 PMCID: PMC8954534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more exposed to influenza infection, and the influenza vaccination is recommended each year, to reduce the risk of influenza infection and prevent influenza transmission. This study is a cross-sectional study and the objectives were to determine the rate of influenza virus infection among HCWs in the 2019−2020 influenza season. Methods: Between January and March 2020, a survey was carried out in 2 hospitals and 15 primary health-care settings (PHCS) in Wroclaw (Poland). The novel point-of-care testing Flu SensDx device was used, which detects the M1 protein of the influenza virus using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy from biological material (throat/nasal swabs). Results: A total of 150 samples were collected. The majority of participating HCWs by profession were 83 physicians (55.3%) and half (51.3%) of the participating HCWs worked in PHCS. Influenza vaccination coverage was 61.3% in 2019−2020 and 46.0% in the 2018−2019 season for all participants. Of the participating HCWs, 44.0% were positive tested by the Flu SensDx device. There were no statistically significant differences among the positive tested HCWs, their influenza immunization history, and the presence of symptoms of influenza-like illness (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although the results of the present study suggest that influenza vaccination does not reduce the frequency of influenza virus detection by Flu SensDx testing in the HCWs participants, larger studies are needed to estimate the incidence of influenza virus infection among HCWs to understand the underlying mechanism and fine-tune policies aimed at reducing nosocomial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Jacek Jędrzejek
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, W. Syrokomli 1, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Paulina Janicka
- Department of Pathology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Jędrzejek MJ, Mastalerz-Migas A. Influenza Vaccination Coverage, Motivators for, and Barriers to Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Wroclaw, Poland. IJERPH 2022; 19:ijerph19031586. [PMID: 35162609 PMCID: PMC8835710 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Background: Influenza vaccination, as a key element of control activities intended to prevent nosocomial influenza transmission, is recommended each year for all healthcare workers (HCWs). The objectives were to determine the rate of influenza vaccination and to identify reasons for receiving or declining the influenza vaccine among HCWs in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 influenza seasons. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional observational study carried out between January and March 2020, in 2 hospitals and 15 primary health-care settings (PHCS) in Wroclaw (Poland). Results: A total of 165 questionnaires were completed. The majority of participating HCWs were female—137 (83.0%), and, by profession, the majority were physicians 92 (55.8%). Influenza vaccination coverage was 61.2% in 2019/20, and 47.9% in the 2018/19 season for all participants. Participants who were male, physicians and personnel from PHCS were more frequently vaccinated in both seasons. According to the statistical analysis, physicians were more likely to receive vaccinations than nurses (p < 0.01), as were HCWs who had been vaccinated in the previous season (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The identified barriers were mainly caused by misconceptions (fear of vaccine adverse effects and perception of not being at risk/no need to get vaccinated) and an organizational barriers (lack of time). These findings may prove useful for designing immunization campaigns to tailor strategies to reach specific groups.
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Babicki M, Mastalerz-Migas A. Attitudes of Poles towards the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose: An Online Survey in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10010068. [PMID: 35062729 PMCID: PMC8778409 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 vaccination has now become the most effective way to combat the pandemic, but there is a gradual decline in the protection that it offers over time. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EMA now recommend the use of the so-called booster dose, especially in at-risk groups. The purpose of the study was to assess the attitudes of Poles towards the recommendation to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and to evaluate the main reasons for refusing or delaying the decision. Material and methods: The study was based on a proprietary questionnaire distributed via the Internet. There were 1598 respondents, 54 of which did not consent to participate in the survey and/or did not complete the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. As a result, 1528 surveys were included in the final analysis. The vast majority of the respondents, namely 1275 (83.4%), were female, and 772 (50.5%) were residents of cities with a population of over 250,000. Results: Out of all respondents, 38 (2.5%) had already received the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose and 1031 (67.4%) would like to receive it as soon as possible. Forty-five (2.9%) respondents reported that they were completely unwilling to take the booster dose. The occurrence of adverse events after primary vaccination were reported by 79.9% of the survey participants. The most common reasons why the respondents refused to be vaccinated are lack of confidence in the effectiveness of the booster dose and the occurrence of adverse events in them or their loved ones. Age, gender, residence, or relationship status were not shown to affect attitudes towards the expansion of the basic vaccination schedule. Conclusions: One in three respondents plans to delay or refrain from taking the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. The main reason for refusal to be vaccinated is the belief that the previous vaccination provides sufficient protection.
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Dobrowolski P, Prejbisz A, Kuryłowicz A, Baska A, Burchardt P, Chlebus K, Dzida G, Jankowski P, Jaroszewicz J, Jaworski P, Kamiński K, Kapłon-Cieślicka A, Klocek M, Kukla M, Mamcarz A, Mastalerz-Migas A, Narkiewicz K, Ostrowska L, Śliż D, Tarnowski W, Wolf J, Wyleżoł M, Zdrojewski T, Banach M, Januszewicz A, Bogdański P. Metabolic syndrome - a new definition and management guidelines: A joint position paper by the Polish Society of Hypertension, Polish Society for the Treatment of Obesity, Polish Lipid Association, Polish Association for Study of Liver, Polish Society of Family Medicine, Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine, Division of Prevention and Epidemiology Polish Cardiac Society, "Club 30" Polish Cardiac Society, and Division of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Society of Polish Surgeons. Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:1133-1156. [PMID: 36160355 PMCID: PMC9479724 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/152921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Dobrowolski
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksander Prejbisz
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alina Kuryłowicz
- Department of Internal Diseases and Gerontocardiology, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Baska
- Department of Lifestyle Medicine, School of Public Health, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Burchardt
- Department of Hypertension, Angiology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Chlebus
- 1 Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dzida
- Chair and Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Diseases and Gerontocardiology, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Paweł Jaworski
- Department of General, Cancer and Bariatric Surgery, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Kamiński
- Department of Population Medicine and Prevention of Civilisation Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Marek Klocek
- 1 Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Kukla
- Department of Internal Diseases and Gerontology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur Mamcarz
- 3 Department of Internal Diseases and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Narkiewicz
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lucyna Ostrowska
- Department of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Daniel Śliż
- 3 Department of Internal Diseases and Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiesław Tarnowski
- Department of General, Cancer and Bariatric Surgery, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Wolf
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mariusz Wyleżoł
- Department of General, Cancer and Bariatric Surgery, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
- 2 Chair and Department of General, Vascular and Cancer Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zdrojewski
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Education, Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Adult Congenital Defects, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Januszewicz
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Bogdański
- Department of Treatment of Obesity, Metabolic Disorders and Clinical Dietetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Babicki M, Kowalski K, Bogudzińska B, Mastalerz-Migas A. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Well-Being. A Nationwide Online Survey Covering Three Pandemic Waves in Poland. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:804123. [PMID: 34975595 PMCID: PMC8718800 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.804123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on human life. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and the assessment of the quality of life in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an online nationwide survey. The study was based on a voluntary, anonymous, and authors' own questionnaire. The first section assesses sociodemographic status. Then, standardized psychometric tools were used such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), and the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). The study was conducted in three stages corresponding to the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The survey involved 5,790 respondents; 2,457, 1,626, and 1,707 for the first, second, and third pandemic wave, respectively. It was found that anxiety and depressive symptoms increased as the pandemic progressed. There was no significant effect on the subjective quality-of-life assessment. Moreover, there was a gradual decrease in anxiety about being infected with COVID-19 as well as reduced adherence to the Minister of Health's recommendations. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, depressive and anxiety symptoms increased among Poles. Women, singles, and people with prior psychiatric treatment are more likely to develop the aforementioned symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bogna Bogudzińska
- Students' Scientific Group at the Faculty of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Flisiak R, Horban A, Jaroszewicz J, Kozielewicz D, Mastalerz-Migas A, Owczuk R, Parczewski M, Pawłowska M, Piekarska A, Simon K, Tomasiewicz K, Zarębska-Michaluk D. Diagnosis and therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection: recommendations of the Polish Association of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists as of November 12, 2021. Annex no. 1 to the Recommendations of April 26, 2021. Pol Arch Intern Med 2021; 131. [PMID: 34845894 DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Horban
- Department of Infectious Diseases for Adults, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Owczuk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Acquired Immunodeficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Simon
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tomasiewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Babicki M, Pokorna-Kałwak D, Doniec Z, Mastalerz-Migas A. Attitudes of Parents with Regard to Vaccination of Children against COVID-19 in Poland. A Nationwide Online Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101192. [PMID: 34696300 PMCID: PMC8539339 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Within a few months, the scientific world achieved a great success, developing effective and safe vaccines against COVID-19. Many countries with full access to vaccines have introduced recommendations for the vaccination of not only people who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19, i.e., the elderly and chronically ill, but all members of society, including children aged 12 and above as the currently registered preparations can be used above the said age. However, the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children arouses strong emotions, with their sense being frequently questioned. The aim of the paper was to assess the attitudes of Polish parents with regard to vaccinations against COVID-19 administered to their children. The study was conducted with the use of the authors' original questionnaire, which was distributed online. The questionnaire was completed 4732 times, and 4432 surveys were qualified for the final analysis. The vast majority of the respondents were women (77.6%), people aged 36-44 (40.3%), with higher education (86.2%) and people living in the city with more than 250,000 inhabitants (48%). The mean age of the study group was 37.5 ± 6.61 years. Out of the studied group, 28.2% of parents are healthcare professionals. The study was conducted prior to the EMA's decision that permitted the use of BNT162b2 in children. Results: The vast majority of the respondents were mothers, who showed significantly more favorable attitudes toward the vaccinations than fathers. Forty-four percent of parents want to vaccinate their children as soon as possible, while every fourth parent does not want to vaccinate their child at all. Main concerns about the vaccines include concerns that the preparation has not been adequately tested and that it is ineffective, as well as the lack of information concerning potential complications in the future. The main sources of information on childhood vaccinations are the media, including the Internet and television. Vaccination of the pediatric population against COVID-19 raises many emotions and doubts in parents and it is also debated by experts. The decision to vaccinate should rest on child's parents. Both the individual benefits of protection against COVID-19 and the population benefits of pandemic control must be considered. There is a need for ongoing monitoring of the safety of administering COVID-19 vaccinations in children, as well as for evaluating their effectiveness and benefits in reducing individual risk of severe course of COVID-19 and complications after this disease, and for evaluating the population benefits of vaccines in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine Wroclaw Medical University, Syrokomli 1, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.P.-K.); (A.M.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-325-51-26
| | - Dagmara Pokorna-Kałwak
- Department of Family Medicine Wroclaw Medical University, Syrokomli 1, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.P.-K.); (A.M.-M.)
| | - Zbigniew Doniec
- Department of Pediatric Pneumonology and Allergology Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Regional Branch, 34-700 Rabka Zdrój, Poland;
- Medical Institute, Podhale State College of Applied Sciences, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas
- Department of Family Medicine Wroclaw Medical University, Syrokomli 1, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.P.-K.); (A.M.-M.)
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Emeryk AW, Sosnowski T, Kupczyk M, Śliwiński P, Zajdel-Całkowska J, Zielonka TM, Mastalerz-Migas A. Impact of inhalers used in the treatment of respiratory diseases on global warming. Adv Respir Med 2021; 89:427-438. [PMID: 34494246 DOI: 10.5603/arm.a2021.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The term "carbon footprint" describes the emission of greenhouse gases into the environment as a result of human activities. The healthcare sector is responsible for 5-8% of the value of global greenhouse gas emissions, of which medical aerosols account for only 0.03% of the total emissions. The reduction of greenhouse gases, including those used for the production and use of medicinal products and medical devices, is part of the responsibilities that Poland and the respective countries should undertake in order to implement the assumptions of international law. At the level of medical law, this obligation correlates with the need to exercise due diligence in the process of providing health services, including the selection of low-emission medical products and devices (inhalers) and providing patients with information on how to handle used products and devices, with particular emphasis on those that imply greenhouse gas emissions. Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI) containing the hydrofluoroalkane 134a demonstrate the largest carbon footprint, followed by a metered dose liquid inhaler and dry powder inhalers (DPI). The carbon footprint of DPI with a given drug is 13-32 times lower than it is in the case of the corresponding pMDI. Replacement of pMDI by DPI is one of the effective methods to reduce the carbon footprint of inhalers, and the replacement should be based on current medical knowledge. A recycling system for all types of inhalers must be urgently implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Władysław Emeryk
- Department of Paediatric Pulmonology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Sosnowski
- Chair of Integrated Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Kupczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Norbert Barlicki Memorial Teaching Hospital No. 1 of the Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paweł Śliwiński
- 2nd Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Zajdel-Całkowska
- Faculty of Law and Administration, Lazarski University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Chair of Humanities, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Tadeusz M Zielonka
- Chair and Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Malchrzak W, Mastalerz-Migas A, Sroka Z, Spiegel M. One Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. What Do We Know and What Is Yet to Come? - The Summarising Review. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:1603975. [PMID: 34588946 PMCID: PMC8475762 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.1603975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this review is to summarize the most relevant scientific discoveries regarding SARS- CoV-2 virus infection, with the special emphasis put on its pathophysiology and way of treatment. Methods: In November 2020, the research articles have been collected and examined manually to pick the most relevant. In case of fresh topics, e.g. vaccines, we have performed searching using adequate keywords. Preliminary analysis was conducted on 200 manuscripts. Results: Among them 59 papers were out-of-scope, and thus were rejected from the further elaboration. Another 25 papers were rebuffed because they presented topics, that have been extensively described in the already included papers. Basing on the 29 papers we have estimated ratio of observed SARS-CoV-2 infection clinical manifestations and comorbidities among hospitalized patients. 12 papers let us evaluate frequencies of deviations within laboratory markers concentrations, as well as weighted average of the laboratory tests results. Conclusion: Due to the significant infectivity of the virus and its harmfulness towards organism further studies are required to find accurate way of the disease treatment and suspending its spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Malchrzak
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Sroka
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Spiegel
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess anxiety among Poles between the 35th and the 42nd day after the introduction of the state of epidemiological threat, and to compare the obtained results with global reports and the pre-pandemic state. METHODS The study was conducted on 2,457 respondents from Poland. The research methods comprised an original survey questionnaire, distributed via the Internet from 17 to 24 April 2020, assessing the sociodemographic state, and standardized psychometric tools: the Beck Depression Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life. RESULTS The results of 71% of the respondents indicated the presence of anxiety symptoms with various degrees of severity. In 45% of the respondents, the total score was ≥10 points, indicating signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Female respondents scored significantly higher than men. Place of residence, marital status and the type of performed work had no statistically significant impact on the level of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental condition of Poles, resulting in increased anxiety, fear and concerns regarding the future. 71% of the respondents showed different degrees of anxiety severity, and 44% of them scored at least 10 points in the GAD-7 scale, which indicates the presence of signs of Generalized Anxiety. There is a great need to provide Poles with mental support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu, Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej
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Babicki M, Szewczykowska I, Mastalerz-Migas A. The Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers during the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Nationwide Study in Poland. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:6101. [PMID: 34198833 PMCID: PMC8200963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current epidemiological situation has quickly led to several changes in the daily functioning of people around the world, especially among medical personnel, who in this difficult period were burdened with new professional duties, which significantly affects their mental health. MATERIALS This study aims to assess the mental health of health professionals at a critical point in their workload, to compare the results with those the general population, and to explore the potential determinants affecting it. The CAWI survey includes a sociodemographic section, work experience and a standardised psychometric tool (GHQ-28). Data were collected during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland (3-29 November 2020), which had the highest mortality rates and SARS-CoV-2 morbidity rates, as well as during the period of a significant increase in deaths, compared to the corresponding pre-pandemic period. RESULTS A total of 2150 surveys were eligible for analysis. Among them, 848 (39.4%) were active health professionals. In the analysis of the scores of the GHQ-28 scale and its sub-scales, evaluating anxiety/insomnia and somatic symptoms, medical workers scored significantly higher scores than non-medical professions (p < 0.001). Frontline medical workers (p < 0.001) and those who were forcibly seconded to work with COVID-19-infected patients (p = 0.011) achieved significantly higher GHQ-28 scores. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental deterioration among health professionals, especially among those directly working with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and those who were forcibly seconded to work with such patients. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic, appropriate psychological care for medical personnel needs to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Ilona Szewczykowska
- Intensive Care Unit, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Babicki M, Mastalerz-Migas A. Attitudes toward Vaccination against COVID-19 in Poland. A Longitudinal Study Performed before and Two Months after the Commencement of the Population Vaccination Programme in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:503. [PMID: 34068054 PMCID: PMC8152483 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that more than a year has passed since the WHO declared the pandemic, there is still no effectivetreatment of COVID-19. According to current knowledge, the only method to stop the virus from spreading is prophylactic vaccination of the population. However, to achieve herd immunity, 60-72% of the population needs to be vaccinated, which is a significant challenge for current healthcare systems. As it has already been proven, having an effective vaccine is not the same as using it. Public acceptance is essential here. The study aimed to assess the changes in the attitudes of online respondents toward vaccination against COVID-19 over time. In the research, a questionnaire designed by the author of the study was used and it was distributed via the Internet in two stages. The questionnaire included a section assessing a sociodemographic status as well as the questions, designed by the author, evaluating the willingness of the respondents to get vaccinated and their main concerns associated with it. The first stage covered the period before the commencement of the population vaccination programme in Poland, i.e., 14-27 December 2020. Then, the survey was redistributed 2 months after the vaccination programme was started, i.e., 1-19 March 2021. Participation in the study was fully anonymous, voluntary and there was a possibility to opt out at any stage of the research. A total of 2048 respondents were surveyed and 26 persons refused to be involved in the research. A total number of 2022 responses were analysed. Stage I of the research involved 22.9% of the respondents (463 persons). The questions were answered by 1559 persons (72.9%) after the survey was redistributed. Among the participants of stage II of the study, 422 (27.1%) persons have already been vaccinated against COVID-19. A comparison of the responses that were collected from both stages of the study showed a slight increase in the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 over time. It turned out that women, residents of large cities, people with a higher level of education and healthcare workers showed a more favourable attitude toward vaccination. According to the results of the survey, chronic diseases do not have a significant impact on the attitude toward vaccinations (p = 0.155). As the social vaccination promotion campaign continued, a slight increase in the willingness to get vaccinated was observed. According to the survey, women, residents of large cities and those with higher education demonstrated more favourable attitudes toward getting vaccinated against COVID-19. It should be stressed that despite the passage of time and the increasing experience with the new types of vaccines against COVID-19, the percentage of people who are afraid of the complications after the vaccination has not decreased significantly and the concern related to the ineffectiveness of vaccination has dramatically increased. This demonstrates the limited effectiveness of the current information system regarding passing the knowledge on of the safety and efficiency of vaccination and it indicates a necessity to modernise it as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
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Flisiak R, Horban A, Jaroszewicz J, Kozielewicz D, Mastalerz-Migas A, Owczuk R, Parczewski M, Pawłowska M, Piekarska A, Simon K, Tomasiewicz K, Zarębska-Michaluk D. Management of SARS-CoV-2 infection: recommendations of the Polish Association of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists as of April 26, 2021. Pol Arch Intern Med 2021; 131:487-496. [PMID: 33908727 DOI: 10.20452/pamw.15979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Horban
- Department of Infectious Diseases for Adults, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland,Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Radosław Owczuk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Acquired Immunodeficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Piekarska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Simon
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Tomasiewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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