[Polish version of the questionnaire for measuring post-traumatic stress disorders PTSD-8 in studies of four groups of medical professions]

BACKGROUND

There are several techniques to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms that correspond to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classification of mental disorders. This study aimed at testing the reliability and construct validity of the Polish version of the PTSD-8. The results obtained in four professional groups of healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, paramedics, other occupations) were compared.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The PTSD-8 questionnaire includes questions on stress reactions manifested by intrusion (4 items), avoidance (2 items), or hypervigilance (2 items). Respondents were asked about their reactions to the traumatic work-related experiences occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide survey conducted in 2022 included 2303 employees, among whom 746 had such an experience and completed the PTSD-8 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results, it was shown that a single-factor model is acceptable, but under the condition of modification by correlation of random errors at selected observable variables. The reliability of this scale is very good (McDonald's Ω = 0.890), and the goodness-of-fit of the overall CFA model is confirmed by: CMIN/DF = 3.969, NFI = 0.982, RFI = 0.964, IFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.983, RMSEA = 0.063. The model estimated for female nurses has the best psychometric properties. In the study group of 2303 respondents, 16.76% met the criteria for PTSD, accounting for 52.74% of those who were traumatized by a work-related event. The PTSD-8 index is M±SD 20.01±5.55 pts (range: 8-32 pts). The PTSD-8 index is significantly higher in women than in men, and higher in nurses compared to other professions. However, the differences between professional groups are significant only for women, and the largest when comparing female physicians and nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

The analyses confirmed the rationale of further implementation of the PTSD-8 questionnaire in Poland, both as a tool for identifying PTSD and for studying the severity of the syndrome, its determinants and health effects. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(1):45-56.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Healthcare Communication: A Patient-Centric Evaluation of Treatment and Diagnostic Procedures in Poland

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated swift and often abrupt changes in healthcare practices, significantly influencing treatment and diagnostic procedures. This study aimed to gauge patient perceptions regarding these changes and their overall impact on the treatment and diagnosis process (ITDP). MATERIAL AND METHODS In March 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among 1860 Polish residents (mean age: 48.82±16.57 years), who had accessed medical services within the preceding 24 months. We employed a binary logistic regression model to pinpoint independent factors contributing to a wholly negative perception of the pandemic's influence on the ITDP. RESULTS Around 64.3% of respondents perceived the ITDP during the pandemic negatively, with 20.8% reporting mixed impacts. Of 22 factors considered, 16 were significantly associated with ITDP perceptions in univariate analyses, and 8 qualified for the final multivariate model. The most potent predictors of negative ITDP perceptions included impeded communication with medical personnel due to the emphasis on COVID-19 (OR=2.82; 95% CI: 2.04-3.90) and worsening family financial circumstances during the pandemic (OR=2.03; 95% CI: 1.26-3.27). Other significant predictors comprised viewing remote services as a hindrance to medical communication, higher education, and use of self-funded private healthcare. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that negative perceptions of the ITDP during the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with the remote delivery of medical services and communication challenges. These insights underscore the need to improve these domains for better healthcare delivery amid ongoing or future health crises.

Pandemic-Related Stress and Other Emotional Difficulties in a Sample of Men and Women Living in Romantic Relationships during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examined the extent to which relationship quality affects variability in perceived stress and other emotional difficulties associated with the pandemic. The study was conducted 2-17 March 2022 using a self-administered online survey. The sample size consisted of 1405 individuals who were in a romantic relationship. The scales used in the study included the PSS-4, ECR-RS, SLS-12 and the standardized Pandemic-ED scale (RMSEA = 0.032). Increased stress levels (U = -5.741), pandemic-related emotional difficulties (U = -8.720), worse romantic relationship quality (U = -2.564) and more frequent anxiety-related attachment (U = -3.371) were characteristic of women. A hierarchical regression model for stress showed that age (b = -0.143), financial situation (b = 0.024), the ECR-RS scores (b = 0.219) and pandemic-related emotional difficulties (b = 0.358) proved to be statistically significant predictors of stress. The hierarchical regression model for pandemic-related emotional difficulties indicated five predictors: gender (b = 0.166), education (b = 0.071), financial situation (b = 0.203), scores on the ECR-RS scale (b = 0.048) and stress (b = 0.367). The SEM model used has satisfactory fit indices (RMSEA = 0.051), romantic relationship quality scores and attachment styles interact with the variability of perceived pandemic-related stress and burdens. The determined model offers conclusions relevant to clinicians working with individuals and couples during periods of intense stress.

Occupational Burnout in Healthcare Workers, Stress and Other Symptoms of Work Overload during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

This study explored the level and selected determinants of burnout among five groups of healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, paramedics, other medical and nonmedical staff) working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2022, with the use of a self-administered mostly online survey. The BAT-12 scale was used to measure burnout, and the PSS-4 scale was used to measure stress. The sample was limited to 2196 individuals who worked with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of multivariate logistic regression models with three to nine predictors was estimated. The prevalence of burnout ranged from 27.7% in other nonmedical staff to 36.5% in nurses. Adjusting for age and gender, both physicians (p = 0.011) and nurses (p < 0.001) were at higher risk of burnout. In the final model, elevated stress most likely increased the risk of burnout (OR = 3.88; 95%CI <3.13-3.81>; p < 0,001). Other significant predictors of burnout included traumatic work-related experience (OR =1.91, p < 0.001), mobbing (OR = 1.83, p < 0.001) and higher workload than before the pandemic (OR = 1.41, p = 0.002). Only 7% of the respondents decided to use various forms of psychological support during the pandemic. The presented research can contribute to the effective planning and implementation of measures in the face of crisis when the workload continues to increase.

The Measurement of Love: Psychometric Properties and Preliminary Findings of the Short Love Scale (SLS-12) in a Polish Sample

There has been a perceived need for the development of instruments to assess relationship quality and love. The aim of this study was to describe the psychometric properties of the Short Love Scale (SLS-12) and to compare different measurement models. Data were collected using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) in Poland in early 2022 (18-60 years old; n = 941) among individuals living in formal or informal monogamous relationships. Both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor (CFA) analyses were performed on two different subsamples obtained through random splitting of the full datafile. There were 12 items considered, which form three dimensions in accordance with the theoretical basis. CFA analysis confirmed good psychometric properties of the three-factor SLS-12 model based on EFA solution: χ²(47) = 146.802 (p ˂ 0.001); χ²/df = 3.123; CFI = 0.981, TLI = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.067 (90% CI 0.055-0.080), GFI = 0.952, AGFI = 0.921. SLS-12 subindices varied according to gender and relationship status. Based on ROC curve method, it may be assumed that scores on the SLS-12 ranging from 12 to 44 indicate a poor relationship, scores ranging from 45 to 52 a moderately good relationship, and scores of 53 to 60 a very good relationship. Improving and increasing the range of measures of love available to researchers remains an important task in supporting the progress of this area of research. Further research should be conducted among people of all ages living in both formal and informal relationships using the Short Love Scale-12 outlined in this paper.

Factors Associated with Uptake of Effective and Ineffective Contraceptives among Polish Women during the First Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened the healthcare system and influenced individuals' health-related choices. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and to identify the correlates of the use of more and less effective contraceptive methods among Poles in the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cross-sectional online study was conducted among the representative sample of 642 female respondents aged 18-49. Three groups of contraception choices (only effective methods-42.2%, mixed effective and ineffective methods-26.8%, none-31.0%) were distinguished and 11 potential determinants were considered. One in ten women declared having difficulty in accessing contraception during the first months of the pandemic. A multinomial logistic regression model explained 48.7% of the variation in contraceptive method choice. Both effective and ineffective methods were more often declared by young women, and less often in case of lower education, planning children or subjective no need for contraception. In addition, factors that reduced the chance of effective contraception were poor financial situation, already having children and a relatively higher degree of religiosity. The study confirmed that a significant share of Polish women do not opt for effective methods of contraception. Their choices had strong demographic, social and cultural determinants.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Assessment of Sexual Life-Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys among Polish Adults in 2017, 2020 and 2021

The study aims to investigate whether assessment of sexual life remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two surveys were conducted among Polish adults aged 18–70 years in June 2020 (n = 2042; perspective of last 2–3 months) and in June 2021 (n = 2418; last 12 months). Data from 2017 (n = 1980) were used as a reference point. Four questions allowed for defining five sexual life assessment profiles (k-means cluster analysis). Their characteristics were presented using 12 variables and 16 factors that contributed to difficulties in sexual life. The 2020 survey showed a temporary increase in the importance of sexual life and the frequency of sexual intercourse. However, the percentage of respondents representing the most favorable profile decreased significantly over the consecutive survey periods (47.1%, 34.2%, and 32.3%, respectively). Pandemic-induced fatigue and stress as well as the permanent presence of others at home were reported as two main factors negatively affecting the frequency of sexual intercourse during the pandemic. Respondents who assessed their sexual life as poor were more likely to consider illness, depression, and low self-esteem as factors negatively impacting their sexual life in 2021 than a year earlier. The results confirmed that as the pandemic drew on, the assessment of sexual life changed compared to the time around the first lockdown.

Changes in the body mass of adult residents of rural and urban areas in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic vs. their mental, physical and sexual health

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

A change in the body mass may be one of the health consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and may affect the health condition measured in many dimensions. The paper aims at assessment of the level and determinants of the body mass changes and stress level in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the interrelation of these two factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data were collected in June 2020, as a cross-sectional on-line survey. The representative sample of 2,535 Poles aged 18-65 was analysed. The main outcome is the Cohen's stress index PSS-4. Among thirteen independent variables, five were related to the change observed during the pandemic (including the body mass change and satisfaction with sexual life).

RESULTS

Increase of the body mass within the period of the pandemic was declared by 33.9% of the respondents, including 36.1% in urban and 30.9% in rural areas (p=0.026). The average increase of body mass was 5.11 kg. The increase of body mass was related to the existing overweight and obesity, occurrence of chronic diseases, episodes of physical and mental crisis, and decrease of interest in sexual activity. The average index of stress in the initial months of the pandemic was 6.38±2.94. Multivariate regression analysis showed eight independent predictors of stress in the whole group, seven in towns and five in rural areas. The significance of the relationship with the body mass increase was proved only among residents of rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic were reflected, to a different extent, among residents of urban and rural areas. Body mass change and sexual health indicators remained significant predictors of stress level, even after analyses were corrected for other covariates.

Psychosocial determinants of sexual norms and their impact on sexual debut in Polish adolescents

OBJECTIVES

In an attempt to describe composite scales relating to sexual norms, we present their structure, psychosocial determinants, and the association with adolescent sexual initiation.

METHODS

A representative sample of Polish students was surveyed in 2015 (n = 1024, mean age 17.8 ± 0.31). Three scales of sexual norms were identified using principal component analysis. Logistic regression and path models were applied.

RESULTS

The scales concerning stereotype gender norms, as well as restrictive and permissive sexual norms, were developed. Restrictive norms lead to later sexual initiation and were more frequent in combination with love for the first partner. The variability of all the indices was significantly correlated with the peer environment. A number of direct and indirect paths were found among the above indices, family relationships (support, communication), and socio-emotional strengths, such as the meaning of life, coherence, and self-esteem.

CONCLUSIONS

The norms of sexual morality should be included in the analysis of the determinants of adolescent sexual behaviours along with an investigation of complex causal models. The results may contribute to improvement in sexual health promotion.

Prevalence and correlates of young people's sexual aggression perpetration and victimisation in 10 European countries: a multi-level analysis

Data are presented on young people's sexual victimisation and perpetration from 10 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain) using a shared measurement tool (N = 3480 participants, aged between 18 and 27 years). Between 19.7 and 52.2% of female and between 10.1 and 55.8% of male respondents reported having experienced at least one incident of sexual victimisation since the age of consent. In two countries, victimisation rates were significantly higher for men than for women. Between 5.5 and 48.7% of male and 2.6 and 14.8% of female participants reported having engaged in a least one act of sexual aggression perpetration, with higher rates for men than for women in all countries. Victimisation rates correlated negatively with sexual assertiveness and positively with alcohol use in sexual encounters. Perpetration rates correlated positively with attitudes condoning physical dating violence and with alcohol use in men, and negatively with sexual assertiveness in women. At the country level, lower gender equality in economic power and in the work domain was related to higher male perpetration rates. Lower gender equality in political power and higher sexual assertiveness in women relative to men were linked to higher male victimisation rates.

Prevalence and correlates of young people's sexual aggression perpetration and victimisation in 10 European countries: a multi-level analysis

Data are presented on young people's sexual victimisation and perpetration from 10 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain) using a shared measurement tool (N = 3480 participants, aged between 18 and 27 years). Between 19.7 and 52.2% of female and between 10.1 and 55.8% of male respondents reported having experienced at least one incident of sexual victimisation since the age of consent. In two countries, victimisation rates were significantly higher for men than for women. Between 5.5 and 48.7% of male and 2.6 and 14.8% of female participants reported having engaged in a least one act of sexual aggression perpetration, with higher rates for men than for women in all countries. Victimisation rates correlated negatively with sexual assertiveness and positively with alcohol use in sexual encounters. Perpetration rates correlated positively with attitudes condoning physical dating violence and with alcohol use in men, and negatively with sexual assertiveness in women. At the country level, lower gender equality in economic power and in the work domain was related to higher male perpetration rates. Lower gender equality in political power and higher sexual assertiveness in women relative to men were linked to higher male victimisation rates.

Sexual activity of Polish adults

AIM

The purpose of this research was to explore the subject of sexual activity in the Polish population, with special focus on age and gender differences, and sexual infidelity. Sexual activity is one of the basic factors in initiating and maintaining relationships. On the one hand, sexual activity enables us to meet natural needs and maintain an intimate relationship with another human being; on the other, it may allow us to overcome loneliness and social isolation by providing the opportunity to express feelings of closeness and unity.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The research was conducted on a representative group of 3,200 Poles aged between 15-49, with the support of a well-known Polish research company - TNS OBOP. Face-to-face and Pencil and Paper (PAPI) interviews were carried out.

RESULTS

The results focus on two main issues: the age and motives of sexual initiation among teenagers (with a significant percentage starting their sexual activity at the age of 15), and the quality of the sexual lives of adults (average number of sexual partners, sexual infidelity and sexual satisfaction).

CONCLUSION

There is dependence between the type of relationship and the performance or non-performance of sexual activity, as well as the quality of the relationship. Among both adolescents and adults, remaining in a stable relationship (partnership or marriage) promotes loyalty. The performance of sexual goals turns out to be an important mechanism regulating the interpersonal aspects of a relationship, influencing their perception and evaluation.

[Sexual initiation and use of condoms and other methods of contraception among 15-year-old adolescents in Poland and other countries]

OBJECTIVE

PRESENTATION

(1) Frequency of sexual initiation and use of condoms and other methods of contraception among 15-year old adolescents in Poland and other countries in 2001/2002; (2) Trends of change in these sexual behaviours in Poland between 1990-2002.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Representative samples of adolescents in Poland (mean age 15.7 years) in 1990 (N=1548), 1994 (N=1540), 1998 (N=1638) and 2002 (N=2152) and in other 28 countries (mean age 15.2 - 16.1 years) in 2001/2002, were used. The surveys were carried out in the frame of Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children; a WHO Collaborative Cross-National Study (HBSC), according to an international research protocol. An international standard questionnaire (anonymous) was chosen as an instrument for data collection. It contained four questions concerning sexual behaviour.

RESULTS

In Poland, 2002, 20.9% of boys and 9.2% of girls reported sexual intercourse with mean ages respectively 14.1 and 14.7 years. The frequency of sexual initiation was higher (in boys) and the mean age was lower among adolescents living in towns by comparison to those living in cities. More matured adolescents had earlier sexual initiations. 27% of sexually active adolescents reported that either they or their partners had used any methods of contraception during their last sexual encounter. This risk sexual behaviour was more frequent in than cities (respectively: in boys 30.2% and 23.9%; in girls 42.9% and 19.7%). The most common method used was a condom. Between 1990-1998, the percentage of adolescents having sex and using some methods of contraception during their encounter last sexual were observed. Between 1998-2002, frequency of sexual initiation decreased, whereas percentage of non-users increased. In comparison to other countries increased Poland's percentage of adolescents with early sexual initiation in 2001/2002 was low, but the percentage of non-users of contraceptives was the highest.

CONCLUSIONS

At risk sexual behaviours are relatively common among 15-year-old adolescents, and more frequent among adolescents living in cities. In comparison to other countries, Polish adolescents the risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases is higher. Future monitoring of sexual behaviours is necessary for prevention (including school sexual education) of at risk behaviours.