Burnout and Life Satisfaction among Healthcare Workers Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Silesia, Poland)

Background

The phenomenon of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is a widespread problem with several negative consequences for the healthcare system. The many stressors of the pandemic have led to an increased development of anxiety and depressive disorders in many healthcare workers. In addition, some manifested symptoms of the so-called postpandemic stress syndrome and the emergence of occupational burnout syndrome, commonly referred to as "COVID-19 burnout." The aim of this study was to assess the burnout and life satisfaction of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in 2020-2022 among medical staff working in hospitals in Silesia, Poland. The instruments used to assess life satisfaction and burnout were the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which assesses three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DEP), and sense of reduced professional accomplishment (SRPA).

Results

The study group included 900 participants. There were 300 physicians (mean age 38 ± 7 years), 300 nurses (mean age 35 ± 6 years), and 300 paramedics (mean age 31 ± 5 years). Life satisfaction as measured by the SWLS was lowest among nurses and paramedics in 2021 and among doctors in 2022. Male respondents and those with fewer years of work had higher levels of life satisfaction. People with more years of work had higher scores in EE and DEP and lower scores in SRPA (p = 0.001). We found a negative correlation between life satisfaction and EE (p = 0.001), DEP (p = 0.001), and SRPA (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The results highlight the need for further research into the causes of burnout among medical professionals and the need for effective interventions to promote well-being and prevent burnout in this group.

Socioeconomic and Health Determinants of the Prevalence of COVID-19 in a Population of Children with Respiratory Diseases and Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Most epidemiological studies indicate that bronchial asthma is not a risk factor for COVID-19, but previous analyses have not additionally focused on the socioeconomic determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms.

AIMS

This research aimed to investigate the correlation between the socioeconomic status of families and the prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms in children, in addition to exploring their association with the prevalence of COVID-19. The study involved a cross-sectional epidemiological investigation conducted in 2022, encompassing 2454 students from elementary schools in Poland. The parents of the students completed a questionnaire modeled after the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators were determined based on parental education, self-reported economic status, and housing conditions. To assess the impact of social factors and health on the occurrence of COVID-19, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The findings revealed several COVID-19 risk factors, including higher maternal (OR 2.2; 95%CI: 1.3-3.0) and paternal education (OR 1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4), urban residence (OR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.3-2.1), the presence of mold in residences (OR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0-2.3), bronchitis (OR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.2-2.0), and chronic cough (OR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4). Further analysis, stratifying children based on their baseline health status (i.e., presence or absence of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough), indicated that higher parental education increased the risk of COVID-19 solely for children without pre-existing conditions. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was found to be notably associated with mold exposure in children who did not have bronchial asthma. Rigorous multivariate analyses substantiated the collective impact of factors such as residential environment, the existence of mold and moisture, and a history of bronchitis. This study's conclusions highlight a higher frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cases where bronchitis had been diagnosed previously and chronic cough was prevalent. Interestingly, the initially hypothesized higher prevalence of COVID-19 among children with bronchial asthma did not receive confirmation in our findings. This study highlights the importance of urban residence, exposure to mold or dampness, and higher parental education in the incidence of COVID-19. Higher parental education was a significant factor in increasing the risk of COVID-19 among children without bronchitis, chronic cough, and asthma.

Global Self-Esteem, Body Composition, and Physical Activity in Polish University Students

Global self-esteem is a psychological concept that refers to the overall assessment of oneself as a person of value. Body composition is measured by indices such as BMI, BF, and LBM, which have implications for health and self-esteem. Physical activity is associated with numerous health and self-esteem benefits. The purpose of this study focuses on assessing the relationship between global self-esteem, body composition, and physical activity among Polish students. The study was conducted on a group of 305 students between the ages of 19 and 26. The participants were divided into groups according to their level of physical activity. The SES scale by M. Rosenberg assessed the subjects' global self-esteem. The results showed a negative correlation between body weight and BMI and global self-esteem, that is, the higher the body weight, the lower the self-esteem. On the other hand, higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher global self-esteem. The study suggests that maintaining healthy physical activity and body composition can help improve global self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of physical activity for mental health and self-esteem. It is worth encouraging and promoting physical activity among students to support an individual's physical and emotional health. Ultimately, this study may have implications for health policy, education, and intervention for students to emphasize the importance of physical activity for self-esteem and overall health.

Risk factors for reoperation after surgical treatment for degenerative spinal disease in Poland: a nationwide retrospective study of 38,953 hospitalisations

INTRODUCTION

Degenerative spinal disease (DSD) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and a leading cause of sickness absence. It also contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of reoperation after surgical treatment of DSDs in Poland, and to identify risk factors for reoperation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of hospitalisations for DSD in 2018 that were reported to Poland's National Health Fund (NHF) was performed. Reoperations reported within 365 days of hospital discharge were identified. Demographic factors and multimorbidities were included in the analysis. A logistic regression model was then performed to assess risk factors for reoperations.

RESULTS

In 2018, 38,953 surgical hospitalszations for DSD were reported. A total of 3,942 hospitalised patients (10.12%) required reoperation within 365 days. Patients requiring reoperation were predominantly female (female-to-male ratio 1.34:1) and elderly (mean age of reoperated patients 56.66 years, mean age of other patients 53.24). The percentage reoperated upon correlated with multiple diseases (from 8.81% in the group of patients without comorbidities to 15.31% in the group of patients with three or more comorbidities). The risk of reoperation was most increased by comorbid depression, neurological diseases, obesity, and older age. The risk of reoperation was reduced by instrumented spinal surgery, surgery in a neurosurgical unit, and hospitalisations other than same-day surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Reoperations within a year after DSD surgical treatment are common. Identifying risk factors for reoperation, including those related to the presence of comorbidities and the phenomenon of multimorbidity, can be an important tool in reducing reoperation rates.

Pre- and Postnatal Determinants Shaping the Microbiome of the Newborn in the Opinion of Pregnant Women from Silesia (Poland)

Pre- and postnatal factors influence the formation of the newborn's microbiome as early as birth and the intrauterine period has a substantial impact on the composition of the baby's gastrointestinal microbiota and its subsequent development. This study intends to measure pregnant women's knowledge of the importance of microbiota for the health of the newborn. The sample was selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessment of women's knowledge was assessed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. This study population comprised 291 adult pregnant women with a mean age of 28.4 ± 4.7 years. A total of 34% (n = 99), 35% (n = 101), and 31.3% (n = 91) were at the 1-3 trimester, respectively. The results showed that 36.4% of the women were aware that the intrauterine period changes the makeup of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whereas 5.8% exhibited awareness of the composition of the child's normal gut microbiota. Most of the women surveyed-(72.1%)-know that colonization of the tract occurs as early as the birth period. Women with student status (those who will pursue higher education in the future) and those who had given birth to the most children exhibited higher levels of knowledge.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition, Sleep, Physical Activity, and Mood Disorders of Polish Children

The harmful consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children are its impact on eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and mood disorders. In the future, this may result in a higher prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's eating behavior and lifestyle. The study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire on dietary and lifestyle habits before and during the pandemic, and the reasons for changes due to the pandemic. The study involved 294 parents of children in grades 1-8 in elementary schools in two regions of Poland. The survey showed that during the pandemic, the percentage of children eating five regular meals daily, including fruits and vegetables, and engaging in daily physical activity decreased. However, the percentage of children spending more than 4 h a day in front of a screen increased (p < 0.05). The main reasons for changes in eating habits and physical activity were less eating out, lack of motivation, obstruction, and lack of access to sports facilities (p < 0.05). The pandemic had a significant impact on reduced levels of physical activity and increased time spent in front of a screen. In summary, among the reasons for changes in children's dietary and lifestyle habits, factors related to the pandemic itself, i.e., social restrictions, restrictions, closure of schools and other facilities, and fear of coronavirus infection, had the greatest impact.

Availability of Medical Services and Teleconsultation during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Opinion of Patients of Hematology Clinics-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study (Silesia, Poland)

A new virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in December 2019, triggering the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to the rapid spread and severity of cases worldwide. In Poland, the first case of COVID-19 was reported on 4 March 2020. The aim of the prevention efforts was primarily to stop the spread of the infection to prevent overburdening the health care system. Many illnesses were treated by telemedicine, primarily using teleconsultation. Telemedicine has reduced personal contact between doctors and patients and reduced the risk of exposure to disease for patients and medical personnel. The survey aimed to gather patients' opinions on the quality and availability of specialized medical services during the pandemic. Based on the data collected regarding patients' opinions on services provided via telephone systems, a picture was created of patients' opinions on teleconsultation, and attention was drawn to emerging problems. The study included a 200-person group of patients, realizing their appointments at a multispecialty outpatient clinic in Bytom, aged over 18 years, with various levels of education. The study was conducted among patients of Specialized Hospital No. 1 in Bytom. A proprietary survey questionnaire was developed for the study, which was conducted on paper and used face-to-face interaction with patients. Results: 17.5% of women and 17.5% of men rated the availability of services during the pandemic as good. In contrast, among those aged 60 and over, 14.5% of respondents rated the availability of services during the pandemic as poor. In contrast, among those in the labor force, as many as 20% of respondents rated the accessibility of services provided during the pandemic as being well. The same answer was marked by those on a pension (15%). Overwhelmingly, women in the age group of 60 and over showed a reluctance toward teleconsultation. Conclusions: Patients' attitudes toward the use of teleconsultation services during the COVID-19 pandemic varied, primarily due to attitudes toward the new situation, the age of the patient, or the need to adapt to specific solutions not always understood by the public. Telemedicine cannot completely replace inpatient services, especially among the elderly. It is necessary to refine remote visits to convince the public of this type of service. Remote visits should be refined and adapted to the needs of patients in such a way as to remove any barriers and problems arising from this type of service. This system should also be introduced as a target, providing an alternative method of inpatient services even after the pandemic ends.

Active and Happy? Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction among Young Educated Women

BACKGROUND

Physical activity belongs to the group of health-promoting behaviors. It also affects emotional well-being, which is linked to a higher quality of life. Individuals who participate in physical activity practice regardless of age reap several positive health benefits that affect both body and mind. The aim of this study was to assess the life satisfaction of young adults in the context of physical activity undertaken.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Study material was collected via anonymous questionnaire surveys among 328 young women (between the ages of 18 and 30 with secondary or higher education) in Poland. Satisfaction with life was assessed using The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical calculations were performed using the STATISTICA 13.3 program, Stat Soft Poland. Interdependence of unmeasured characteristics was assessed using the X2 test. Multivariate analysis for the direct effect of physical activity on life satisfaction (LS) and the influence of frequency of physical fitness on life satisfaction was performed based on regular OLS multiple regression.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents (74.7%) reported engaging in physical exercise. The mean level of life satisfaction was 4.5 ± 1.1 (on a scale of 1 to 7). Multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant relationship with life satisfaction in the physically active and inactive groups. It was observed that significantly higher levels of life satisfaction were found among respondents: married 5.1 ± 1.1, median = 5.2 (4.5-5.9) compared to single 4.4 ± 1.2, median = 4.6 (3.6-5.2) and in informal relationships 4.5 ± 1.0, median = 4.4 (3.8-5.2); p = 0.02; declaring rather good 4.5 ± 1.0, median = 4.6 (3.8-5.2) or very good health 4.8 ± 1.1, median = 5.0 (4.2-5.6) compared to rather poor 4.1 ± 1.0, median = 4.1 (3.4-4.8) and poor health 3.6 ± 1.4, median = 3.1 (2.6-4.4); p = 0.0006; rating their physical condition moderately 4.7 ± 1.1, median = 4.8 (4.0-5.6) or highly 4.9 ± 1.0, median = 5.0 (4.3-5.4) compared to rating their fitness low 4.2 ± 0.9, median = 4.2 (3.6-4.8); p < 0.0001. Multivariate analyses confirmed a significant effect of marital status and subjective assessment of physical condition on the average level of life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity does not differentiate the level of life satisfaction in the studied group of young women. Marital status and the subjective assessment of physical condition are factors that have a significant impact on the level of satisfaction with the life of young women. Given the beneficial effect of physical activity on the sense of satisfaction with life, which can lead to an increase in its quality, physical activity should be promoted, not only among children but also in the group of young adults.

The Assessment of Body Composition and Nutritional Awareness of Football Players According to Age

The optimal body composition for health is an individual trait and is determined by genetic factors, sex, age, somatotype, physical activity, and individual variability. The present study aims to assess how professional football players' body composition has changed over the training macrocycle in various age groups and to determine the correlation between nutritional awareness and body composition maintenance. Thirty-eight football players participated in the study, with 16 players classified in the younger age group (19-25) and 22 in the older age group (26-31). Using the direct segmented multi-frequency electrical impedance analysis technique, the athletes' body composition was assessed six times across a training macrocycle made up of preparatory, competitive, and transitional periods. The Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire was used to evaluate nutrition knowledge. The above correlations show that both younger and older athletes with higher awareness are better able to adjust their nutrition to meet the goals of the preparation period and can achieve greater gains in muscle mass and greater reductions in body fat. According to the study's results, athletes who are better conscious of their nutritional needs during competition experience less muscle loss and exhibit more consistent body weight and BMI levels. Football players' body composition suffers detrimental alterations throughout the transition period. Higher body mass, lean body mass content, and skeletal muscle mass are traits of older players. Higher nutritional knowledge reduces the negative modifications of body composition consisting of muscle mass reduction and fat gain. Nutritional knowledge influences the stability of body composition in both age groups during all the analyzed periods: Preparation, competition, and transition.

The Role of Social Media in Internalizing Body Knowledge-A Cross-Sectional Study among Women with Different Food Preferences

Virtual spaces, such as social media, give people a platform to exchange their opinions, experiences, and knowledge. Social media's ubiquitous usefulness has led to people relying, in whole or in part, on the information they learn online. As a result, a person's perception of his or her own body and their self-worth has started to be influenced by what other people think of them and by the information found on social media. Modern people's lifestyle, particularly their eating habits and exercise habits, exhibits a similar tendency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships occurring between factors related to the use and internalization of body image knowledge contained in social media and the factors shaping self-assessment and self-esteem in women following a vegetarian diet. An authority-validated questionnaire was used to determine the level of use and attitudes of respondents toward social media, e.g., SATAQ and BES. Associations about the potential negative impacts of the knowledge provided by social media on the development of body image and self-esteem were shown. It is interesting to observe that women who practice vegetarianism have less pressure on their appearance. This may be because vegetarianism is a lifestyle that is currently actively promoted online. Education is required on the connection between the use and internalization of social media knowledge and the development of healthy self-esteem and body evaluation.

Social Inequalities: Do They Matter in Asthma, Bronchitis, and Respiratory Symptoms in Children?

Background: Social inequalities (e.g., poverty and low level of education) generate inequalities in health. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the relationships between indicators of social inequalities and the frequency of respiratory symptoms, asthma, and bronchitis in children. Material and Methods: In 2019, an epidemiological cross-sectional study on 3237 students from elementary schools in Silesia Voivodships (South Poland) was conducted. The students' parents completed a questionnaire based on the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Social inequalities in the children's families were determined according to parents' education and professional status (working vs. unemployed), self-assessment of economic status, and housing conditions. To determine the influence of social factors on the occurrence of asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated. Results: Children living in apartments with traces of mold had a higher risk of developing asthma (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.17-1.96; p = 0.002) or bronchitis (OR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.13-1.72; p = 0.002), wheezing attacks at nights (OR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.01-1.93), wheezy in the last 12 months (OR = 1.6; 95%CI:1.24-2.08; p < 0.001), and chronic cough (OR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.49-2.46; p < 0.001). Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was associated with higher risk of cough (OR = 1.5 95%CI: 1.22-1.96; p < 0.001) and dyspnea in the last 12 months (OR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.04-2.00; p = 0.02). Low socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with increased risk of chronic cough (OR = 1.5; 95%CI: 1.09-2.03; p = 0.009) and increased risk of wheezy in the last 12 months (OR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.06-1.97; p = 0.008). Asthma and bronchitis were not dependent on parents' education or professional status. Conclusions: Social inequalities have significant impacts on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, bronchitis, and asthma in children. Interventions aimed at preventing bronchitis and childhood asthma should also focus on social health determinants.

Global Self-Esteem, Physical Activity, and Body Composition Changes Following a 12-Week Dietary and Physical Activity Intervention in Older Women

Older adults show lower physical activity. These changes altogether promote the development of overweight, obesity, and other chronic diseases. These factors substantially influence the quality of life and self-esteem of older adults. This phenomenon is especially visible after the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 12-week reductive diet and a 12-week physical activity plan for older adults on the global self-esteem of lifestyle in 60-70-year-old women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our participants were 600 women with increased body mass (BMI > 25 kg/m²) aged 60-70 years. After the initial evaluation, the participants were randomly divided into three groups: CG-control group (n =200); DI-dietary group (n =200) that committed to a 12-week reductive diet; PA-physical activity group (n =200) that committed to a 12-week physical activity plan. The global self-esteem score (using the SES Rosenberg scale) and the anthropometric measurements were collected before and after the 12-week study. In the statistical analysis of data, the significance level was assumed to be 0.05.

RESULTS

The global self-esteem score for all groups before the study started was 30-31 points, which corresponded to average self-esteem. After a 12-week dietary or physical activity intervention, the score in the DI group was 33, which corresponded with high self-esteem. In the CG group, the self-esteem score remained unchanged (30 points). The average body mass loss was 0.5 kg/m² for CG, 1.92 kg/m² for DI, and 1.10 kg/m² for the PA group. The average waist-hip ratio (WHR) change for CG, DI, and PA was 1 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm, respectively. A decrease in body mass and body composition indicators (BMI and WHR) corresponded to participants' global self-esteem increase (p <0.05); the greater the decrease noted for BMI and WHR, the greater the global self-esteem score that was achieved. In the CG group, a negative correlation between global self-esteem and BMI value (p <0.05) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-week reductive diet and a 12-week regular physical activity plan lowered participants' body mass. Adipose tissue content was reflected by decreased BMI and WHR indicators of participants from the DI and PA groups and was accompanied by higher global self-esteem scores.

Polish Adaptation of the Modified Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Fatigue (TSK-F) and the Revision of the Tampa Scale in Terms of Pain for Cancer Patients

The aim of this study was to create a Polish adaptation of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia considering fatigue, and to verify the usefulness of the scale in the context of pain in cancer patients. The study was conducted at the Breast Cancer Unit, operating at the Greater Poland Cancer Centre, and at the Poznan Centre for Specialist Medical Services in Poznan. After considering the exclusion criteria, 100 people qualified for the interviews for the final study: 50 breast cancer patients and 50 healthy respondents (without cancer). Statistical analysis of the CFA score showed that the chi-square test was not significant (χ² = 10.243, p = 0.332), indicating an acceptable fit of items across scales. The reliability of the internal consistency of the scales was tested by examining the Cronbach's alpha scores for each question/statement. The mean values for this indicator were 0.74 for the pain-related scale and 0.84 for the fatigue-related scale. Construct validity was confirmed for the scales; AVE for the pain-related scale was 0.64 and for the fatigue-related scale was 0.68. The results suggest the validity of examining kinesiophobia in the context of pain- and fatigue-related mobility anxiety among breast cancer patients in Poland, and that the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia can be adapted for different dimensions of the condition. Both versions of the scale demonstrated adequately prepared parametric constructs, and all correlations showed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05). The use of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in oncology patient studies in Poland may ultimately improve rehabilitation programs and enable the development of strategies to assist patients in supporting treatment to reduce movement anxiety.

Body Composition and Its Perception among Professional Female Volleyball Players and Fitness Athletes (Silesia, Poland)

Female athletes experience both sociocultural and sport-specific pressures of an ideal body and appearance and are vulnerable to dissatisfaction with their bodies. Among sport-specific pressures, the type of sport is a predictor of body image dissatisfaction. The study included 150 females: 50 volleyball players, 50 bodybuilding and fitness athletes, and 50 female students, who were the control group. Body composition and perception and evaluation of one's own body were assessed. BMI was similar in the study group of female athletes and the control group, but the bodybuilding and fitness athletes had the lowest body fat, while the control group had the highest. Perception of one's own body in the aspect of the evaluation of specific body parts was highest among bodybuilding and fitness athletes, while in the aspect of body condition, the best results were obtained by volleyball players. Most female volleyball players were dissatisfied with their current body weight, as were women in the control group, in contrast to female bodybuilding and fitness athletes, who were most often satisfied with their current body weight.

The Level of COVID-19 Anxiety among Oncology Patients in Poland

Cancer patients tend to have a high psychological burden. Half of cancer patients suffer from severe affective disorders and anxiety disorders, while one-third struggle with mild forms of these. The COVID-19 pandemic is damaging the mental health of the population due to social restrictions. A growing number of studies note the role of COVID-19 anxiety in the health and quality of life of cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to estimate the level of COVID-19 anxiety among oncology patients and to test the utility of the FCV-19S scale in a population study of cancer patients. The study included 600 respondents (300 oncology patients and 300 control subjects not undergoing oncological treatment). The FCV-19S scale and the GAD-7 scale were used in the study. The results were interpreted according to the following verbal scale: 76-100%, high anxiety; 56-75%, moderate anxiety; 26-55%, low COVID-19 anxiety; <25%, no COVID-19 anxiety. In the analysis of the GAD-7 questionnaire results, the mean score obtained was 8.21 (min. 0; max. 21; SD 5.32). For 81% of respondents in the group of oncology patients, the total score indicated the presence of anxiety symptoms with varying degrees of severity; in the control group, this proportion was 55% of respondents. The FCV-19S scale score as a percentage was 57.4% for oncology patients, indicating a moderate level of fear of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and 30.3% for the control group, indicating a low level of fear of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One-fifth of oncology patients were afraid of losing their lives due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus; in the control group, this proportion was 13% of respondents. Oncology patients were characterized by a higher prevalence of sleep disturbance than control group respondents, which was associated with greater anxiety. The study, therefore, shows that oncology patients have moderate levels of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and non-oncology patients show lower levels of anxiety.

Respiratory Symptoms, Allergies, and Environmental Exposures in Children with and without Asthma

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data concerning the level of asthma morbidity indicate that in Poland, asthma is diagnosed in 5-10% of the pediatric population. Aim The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and allergies in a group of children with and without asthma and to evaluate the association between exposure to environmental factors and the prevalence of bronchial asthma in a pediatric population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 995 children attending primary schools in the province of Silesia in 2018-2019. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire developed based on the form used in The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Children's health status, the prevalence of bronchial asthma, and the performance of allergic skin tests were assessed based on parents' indications in a questionnaire. Environmental exposures such as mold and dampness in apartments or ETS were similarly assessed. Analyses were performed using Statistica 13.0; p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 88 subjects (8.8%) suffered from bronchial asthma. Parents of children with asthma, compared to parents of children without the disease, were more likely to rate their children's health as rather good (43.2% vs. 38.0%) or average (21.6% vs. 3.1%). All analyzed respiratory symptoms, as well as allergies, were statistically more frequent in children with bronchial asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

The parent's subjective assessment of the child's health varied significantly according to the asthma diagnosis. Asthma is also associated with other diseases: allergic reactions to pollen, house dust, hay fever, and AD (atopic dermatitis) were statistically significantly more frequent among children diagnosed with bronchial asthma.

Nutrition and mental health: A review of current knowledge about the impact of diet on mental health

Applied psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapy do not always bring the expected results in the treatment of mental disorders. As a result, other interventions are receiving increasing attention. In recent years, there has been a surge in research on the effects of nutrition on mental status, which may be an important aspect of the prevention of many mental disorders and, at the same time, may lead to a reduction in the proportion of people with mental disorders. This review aims to answer whether and to what extent lifestyle and related nutrition affect mental health and whether there is scientific evidence supporting a link between diet and mental health. A review of the scientific evidence was conducted based on the available literature by typing in phrases related to nutrition and mental health using the methodological tool of the PubMed database. The literature search yielded 3,473 records, from which 356 sources directly related to the topic of the study were selected, and then those with the highest scientific value were selected according to bibliometric impact factors. In the context of current changes, urbanization, globalization, including the food industry, and changes in people’s lifestyles and eating habits, the correlations between these phenomena and their impact on mental state become important. Knowledge of these correlations creates potential opportunities to implement new effective dietary, pharmacological, therapeutic, and above all preventive interventions. The highest therapeutic potential is seen in the rational diet, physical activity, use of psychobiotics, and consumption of antioxidants. Research also shows that there are nutritional interventions that have psychoprotective potential.

Perception of the Body Image in Women after Childbirth and the Specific Determinants of Their Eating Behavior: Cross-Sectional Study (Silesia, Poland)

Background: Episodes of loss of control over eating during pregnancy affect up to 36% of women during this period. Many women experience natural concerns about weight gain and body-shape changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and food cravings and fluctuations in eating patterns during these periods are physiological phenomena. However, pregnancy and the postpartum period may be an additional determinant of eating disorders. Women who perceive their own bodies as significantly deviating from the presented ideal are more likely to experience anxiety/anxiety related to it and also tend to exhibit abnormal eating behaviors. The perception of one’s body figure also plays an important role in maintaining psychological balance Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of body image by postpartum women. The essence of the study was to see if there were psychomarkers associated with lack of control over eating, food restriction, and emotionally motivated eating in the study population. Material and methods: The study was conducted during the fall and winter of 2021. A total of 288 women participated in the study. The age of the subjects ranged from 21 to 45 years. Results: It was found that 198 women (68.8%) were dissatisfied with their current body weight and figure. Respondents with higher post-pregnancy body mass index showed dissatisfaction with their body shape (49.8%; H = 13.042; p = 0.001). Both body satisfaction and BMI level were significant components of the occurrence of pathological phenomena associated with the TFEQ-13 subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Excessive focus on food restriction as well as lack of control over eating had some association with negative self-perception of body image, mainly in the form of body weight dissatisfaction. Eating behaviors showed an association with BMI level and weight satisfaction after pregnancy.

Prevalence of Emotional Eating in Groups of Students with Varied Diets and Physical Activity in Poland

Background: Emotional eating (EE) is not a separate eating disorder, but rather a type of behavior within a group of various eating behaviors that are influenced by habits, stress, emotions, and individual attitudes toward eating. The relationship between eating and emotions can be considered on two parallel levels: psychological and physiological. In the case of the psychological response, stress generates a variety of bodily responses relating to coping with stress. Objective: Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the prevalence of emotional eating in groups of students in health-related and non-health-related fields in terms of their differential health behaviors—diet and physical activity levels. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey study included 300 individuals representing two groups of students distinguished by their fields of study—one group was in health-related fields (HRF) and the other was in non-health-related fields (NRF). The study used standardized questionnaires: the PSS-10 and TFEQ-13. Results: The gender of the subjects was as follows: women, 60.0% (174 subjects) (HRF: 47.1%, n= 82; NRF: 52.9%, n = 92); men, 40.0% (116 subjects) (HRF: 53.4%, n = 62; NRF: 46.6%, n = 54). The age of the subjects was 26 years (±2 years). Based on the results of the TFEQ-13, among 120 subjects (41.4%) there were behaviors consistent with limiting food intake (HRF: 72.4%; NRF: 11.0%), while 64 subjects (20.7%) were characterized by a lack of control over food intake (HRF: 13.8%, 20 subjects; NRF: 27.4%, 20 subjects). Emotional eating was characteristic of 106 students (37.9%), with the NRF group dominating (61.6%, n = 90). It was observed that a high PSS-10 score is mainly characteristic of individuals who exhibit EE. Conclusions: The results obtained in the study indicate that lifestyle can have a real impact on the development of emotional eating problems. Individuals who are characterized by elevated BMI values, unhealthy diets, low rates of physical activity, who underestimate meal size in terms of weight and calories, and have high-stress feelings are more likely to develop emotional eating. These results also indicate that further research in this area should be undertaken to indicate whether the relationships shown can be generalized.

Prevalence of Orthorexia in Groups of Students with Varied Diets and Physical Activity (Silesia, Poland)

(1) Background: The literature emphasizes the role of many factors influencing the onset of eating disorders (EDs) and their mutual influence on each other. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of orthorexic behaviors in groups of health-related and non-health-related students in terms of their differential health behaviors—diet and physical activity levels. (2) The study included 300 individuals representing two equal groups of fields of study, which for the study were called the health-related field (HRF) and the non-health-related field (NRF). (3) Results: Based on the results of the dietary assessment, it was found that the best dietary model was characterized by the HRF group; in this group, 97.2% of students were characterized by a very good and good dietary mode. The NRF group, on the other hand, was dominated by a sufficient dietary mode for 64.4% of all cases in this group (94 people), while the dietary model marked as “good” was less popular, at 24.6% of this group (36 people). (4) Conclusions: Based on the cited self-research and information from the literature, it can be concluded that the problem of orthorexia is still a new issue at the level of social sciences, medical sciences, and health sciences. The psychometric tools used in this study allowed us to demonstrate the prevalence of the aforementioned eating disorders in the sample groups of students.

Pre-Pandemic Dietary Assessment of Elderly Persons Residing in Nursing Homes—Silesia (Poland)

Background. Residents of nursing homes (NHs) are one of the most vulnerable social groups to SARS-CoV-2 infection. It seems obvious that all preventive methods, including nutrition, should be a priority for these homes. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the menus of elderly people residing in nursing homes and to compare them with the recommendations and especially with the scientific literature that proves the protective effect of nutrition on the course of COVID-19 disease. Material and methods. The material investigated in the research were decade menus selected at several nursing homes between 2017 and 2020. The total number of 4640 daily menus from 58 NHs located in Silesia (Poland) were analyzed in the research. Data analysis included mathematical tools of Kruskal–Wallis and U Mann–Whitney tests for multiple comparisons in scarcely observed samples (p = 0.05). Results. It has been noted that the energy value provided with food scored 1780.22 kcal, which denoted 102.72% of the daily standard for females and 98.23% for males. The investigated menus differed in terms of energy and nutrition value. The mean content of proteins totaled 47.95 g/day, which covered 93.83% of the daily requirements for this nutrient. When it came to fat content, a level of 109.12 g/day was observed; this covered 160.47% of the daily requirement for females and 143.58% for males. Absorbable carbohydrates constituted 116.60% of the daily standard, i.e., 151.59 g/day. It was stated that values for vitamin D reached 7.01 (±0.63) µg per day, which can be interpreted as 41.00% of the recommended intake for females and 42.00% for males. It was also noted that the values for vitamins A and E were respectively two and fifteen times lower than the recommendations. Conclusions. The evaluated menus must not be an aid in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The content of energy from food, fats, and carbohydrates substantially exceeded recommended standards, whereas the content of proteins, vitamins A, E, D, zinc and calcium did not meet requirements regarding nutrition standards for the analyzed group.

Selected Behaviors and Addiction Risk Among Users of Urban Multimedia Games

Introduction

The rapid development of technology has led to the transfer of entertainment to the virtual world. Many games and multimedia applications use the so-called augmented reality. With the development of a new technological branch, a new health problem has emerged, which is infoholic addiction, attracting people with the specific functionality that is cyberspace and the virtual world.

Objective

The study aimed to assess health behaviors and the risk of addiction among users of urban multimedia games. Research methodology. The study was conducted among players 1,134 of urban multimedia games—Pokemon GO, in the period March–June 2021. A 990 correctly completed questionnaires were included in the final analyses. The author’s questionnaire was used in the study, which included two standardized measurement scales in the Polish abbreviated version: a questionnaire of emotions and sensations associated with electronic entertainment and a questionnaire on addiction to electronic forms of entertainment. Statistica 13.0 program was used for statistical processing of the data. The probability level was p < 0.05.

Results

The profile of the gamer was identified as male, aged 18–30 years, with secondary education (more rarely higher), not in a relationship, living in a city of more than 100 thousand inhabitants—60.1% of gamers met these criteria. Respondents played urban multimedia games daily (84.7%). About 26.3% of respondents played this type of game 2–3 h a day. In terms of physical fitness, 64.3% of respondents felt that physical fitness had improved as a result of playing multimedia urban games. In terms of mental condition, most of the respondents said that nothing had changed (55.3%). It was observed that 72.3% of respondents had some risk of addiction to urban multimedia games.

Conclusion

Users of urban multimedia games were usually adult men living in big cities. It was also shown that the defined profile of the player was characterized by a higher risk of addiction to electronic forms of entertainment. It was observed that the respondents most often played urban multimedia games every day in a maximum of two-hour sessions. Based on the tools used, it can be concluded that the study group was characterized by a certain risk of addiction to urban multimedia games.

Neophobia—A Natural Developmental Stage or Feeding Difficulties for Children?

Food neophobia is the tendency to reject or be reluctant to try new and unfamiliar foods. Due to the period of its occurrence, which falls in the years of early childhood, it can significantly affect the child’s food choices, shape taste preferences, and significantly influence the quality of the child’s diet. The neophobic attitude has an important evolutionary significance because it protects the individual from ingesting potentially dangerous substances. On the other hand, it fosters avoidance behaviors that can also relate to the beneficial aspects of obtaining and consuming food. Currently, the strong emphasis placed on food safety means that neophobia may be less adaptive; nevertheless, a conservative attitude toward new foods still prevails. There is a strong association between food neophobia and the diversity of a person’s diet and previous exposure to different foods. This review describes behaviors associated with food neophobia and analyzes other feeding and eating difficulties in children that should be differentiated from food neophobia. Management approaches affecting the reduction in food neophobia in children through various dietary and psychological interventions are also proposed.

Impact of obesity on risk of cancer

Epidemiological data consistently show sustained upward trend in the incidence of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimated that in 2018 more than 18 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and in about 9.6 million cases cancer could be the cause of death. At the same time, an increasing percentage of overweight and obesity is observed in both adults and children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016 over 1.9 billion (39% of the population) of adults were overweight, of which over 650 million (13%) were obese. Obesity is closely related to the risk of cancer development. Excessive body weight is considered as a second risk factor for the development of specific cancers after smoking. According to IARC data, high BMI index may be the cause of up to half a million cancer cases per year. In addition, overweight and obesity contribute to increased mortality due to malignancies - it is estimated that they are the cause of death in 20% of women and in 14% of men. Data from the American Cancer Society indicate increased mortality due to pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma in connection with the occurrence of excessive body weight. The study tried to confirm the influence of obesity on the risk of cancer. To achieve this, risk factors such as excessive adipose tissue, chronic inflammation, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia, sex steroids, and microbiome were taken into account. In addition, the study presents a simple method of estimating the risk quotient of chances of developing malignant tumors in people with excessive body mass and methods of cancer disease prevention. According to the current state of knowledge, the modification of factors significantly affecting the risk of falling ill may contribute to reducing the risk of cancer. In view of the above, the importance of the problem of overweight and obesity in society and their impact on the occurrence of some types of cancer should be emphasized. Thus, the understanding of excessive body weight as a serious health and social problem sets one of the priorities in the area of public health.

The importance of antiangiogenic effect in multiple myeloma treatment

Angiogenesis plays a significant role in oncogenesis, and thus it has become an attractive target for cancer treatment. It is the formation of new blood vessels that occurs physiologically as well as under pathological conditions, and may influence cancer proliferation and survival. The current therapeutic approach in oncology includes conventional chemotherapy in combination with biologically-based treatment in various perspectives, targeting not only the malignant cells, but also its microenvironment. Target treatment might be less toxic than conventional chemotherapy. In multiple myeloma, there is a close connection between bone marrow stroma, myeloma cell growth and their ability to survive. It has been reported in many clinical observations that the more advanced the multiple myeloma, the more increased the angiogenesis, and this might correlate with the treatment response. There are several angiogenesis inhibitors already registered or in clinical trials in cancer treatment. Despite the continuous research on the development of prognostic factors and introduction of new agents in the treatment, multiple myeloma still remains an incurable and debilitating disease. Some antiangiogenic agents have already been introduced in multiple myeloma treatment, but there is still a need to search for new antiangiogenic drugs and the exploitation of angiogenesis in a clinical approach.

Evaluation on inflammatory states of peripheral veins connected with cannulation /

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral veins cannulation is one of the most frequently executed medical procedures. Primary blood infections which might be the result of peripheral veins cannulation are serious issue that medical care centers all over the world must consider. Medical personnel can choose the area of cannulation thanks to the availability of peripheral veins. Duration of cannulation longer than 72 – 96 hours can cause peripheral veins inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assay of observation sheets of peripheral cannulation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 14926 patients, who were hospitalized in 2016 in the Municipal Hospital in Zabrze. Observations of each cannulation were recorded in observation sheets for peripheral veins cannulation. Patients age median and duration of cannulation median were calculated basing on 782 observation sheets with registered inflammation of the area of cannulation.

RESULTS

Right forearm was area where the most (19%) of vein inflammation occurred. First level of veins inflammation according to criteria of veins inflammation intensity evaluation was the most frequent (90,7%). Duration of venous cannulation median indicated that most of the catheters were removed on the second day. When veins inflammation was diagnosed, the most frequent action was to remove the catheter. During 12 hours 697 observations of cannulation were proceeded. 548 observations of intravenous cannulation were proceeded once for 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Right forearm was area where the most of cannulations occurred. Frequent observation of the area of peripheral venous cannulation allows quick inflammation symptoms detection.

Evaluation of the results of treatment of morbid obesity by the endoscopic intragastric balloon implantation method

INTRODUCTION

Overweight and obesity are ranked in the fifth place among the risk factors responsible for the greatest number of deaths in the world.

AIM

To assess the effects of treatment of patients with morbid obesity using endoscopic intragastric balloon (IGB) implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and seventy-two patients with obesity were treated using endoscopic intragastric balloon implantation. Upon analysis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study covered a group of 63 patients with morbid obesity. The patients were implanted with the LexBal balloon. Reduction of excess body mass, changes to BMI values and ailments and complications divided into mild and severe were assessed.

RESULTS

Before intragastric balloon treatment, the average body mass index (BMI) value was 58.3 ±10.5 kg/m2, whereas after 6 months of treatment it decreased to 49.5 ±8.7 kg/m2. The patients with postoperative BMI equal to or greater than 50.0 kg/m2 reported nausea (69.7%), vomiting (51.5%), flatulence (45.5%), upper abdominal pain (36.4%) and general discomfort (424%) more frequently. Dehydration (9.1%) was also more frequent in this group, whereas frequency of occurrence of such ailments and complications as heartburn (23.3%) and oesophageal candidiasis (10.0%) was higher in the patients with postoperative BMI below 50.0 kg/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic intragastric balloon implantation is an effective and safe method of excess body mass reduction in patients with morbid obesity before a planned bariatric surgical procedure. Pre-operative excess body mass and BMI value and post-operative excess weight loss in patients with morbid obesity have no impact on frequency of occurrence of ailments and complications in IGB treatment.