Hope for success as a mediator between Big Five personality traits and achievement goal orientation among high performance and recreational athletes

The main objective of this study was to determine whether hope for success mediates the relationship between personality and goal orientation in high performance and recreational athletes. The cross-sectional study included 289 high performance and recreational athletes of various sports (age: M = 20.34, SD = 1.86). To examine personality, we used the Big Five IPIP-BFM-20 questionnaire. To assess hope for success, we used the Hope for Success Questionnaire. The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) was employed to examine goal orientation. Hope for success significantly mediates the relationships between conscientiousness, extraversion, emotional stability, intellect, and task goal orientation in sport. Higher levels of these personality traits are related to athletes' higher hope for success, which, in turn, is positively related to their task orientation. Personality traits may underpin the hope for success that develops from childhood. This, in turn, appears to be an important component on which, combined with the positive interaction and support from coaches, a task goal orientation beneficial to sport can be shaped in athletes.

Validation and personality conditionings of the 3 × 2 achievement goal model in sport

Achievement goal models have been successfully applied in sport. In recent years, a framework that has emerged in this area is the 3 × 2 approach, being a natural evolution of years of research into the issue of achievement goals. Nevertheless, it is essential to further validate the abovementioned approach and explore its psychosocial context. Hence, the purpose of this study was to validate the latest 3 × 2 achievement goal model among high-performance and recreational athletes using the Polish version of the 3 × 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Sport (3 × 2 AGQ-S), and to determine the relationship between personality traits and achievement goals of athletes. The study included 413 athletes, with M = 20.62 and SD = 2.72. The 3 × 2 AGQ-S was used to assess achievement goals, the Big Five personality traits were assessed using the IPIP-BFM-20 questionnaire. The model of the Polish version of the 3 × 2 AGQ-S achieved a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.923, RMSEA = 0.086, SRMR = 0.061). Cronbach's alphas for the subscales were: 0.77-0.96. High-performance athletes obtained higher achievement goals in task and self subscales than recreational athletes. Personality traits explained no more than 3% of variance of achievement goals in sport. Research involving the Polish version of the 3 × 2 AGQ-S supports the validity of the 3 × 2 model in sport among high-performance and recreational athletes. Nevertheless, the small relationships between the personality traits and achievement goals prompt searching for other psychosocial determinants of goals in sport.

Lexical indicators of anxiety in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Anxiety is a dominant emotion in schizophrenia. It is most often diagnosed by questionnaire-based methods. In this study, it was decided to analyse the utterances of patients with schizophrenia for the occurrence of lexical indicators of anxiety, which are a good predictor of experienced anxiety and lie beyond the subject's control.

DESIGN

The indicators most frequently described in the literature and considered to be of the most significant diagnostic value were selected: first-person pronouns and verbs; causal expressions and conjunctions; affirmative and negative particles; and dogmatic expressions. It was assumed that more of these would appear in the utterances of people with schizophrenia than in the utterances of healthy subjects.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 130 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 130 healthy subjects. They were asked to describe five pictures.

RESULTS

In all verbal indicators of anxiety (except for negative particles) patients with positive schizophrenia attained the highest values, differing significantly from the results for the control groups.

CONCLUSION

This result is consistent with the subject literature, which emphasizes the high level of anxiety in schizophrenia, especially in its first phase, when the generative symptoms of the illness predominate.

Psychometric functioning, measurement invariance, and external associations of the Relationship Assessment Scale in a sample of Polish Adults

The current article reports data from three Polish samples to examine the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) with respect to its unidimensionality, invariance across countries, gender, formal and informal relationships, degree of precision (or information) across latent levels of relationship satisfaction, and the functioning of individual items. The analyses of the data from the reference sample (n = 733) confirmed a clear 1-factor structure of the RAS-PL and good internal consistency. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance for countries (Poland, Hungary, USA), gender (women and men) and relationship types (formal and informal relationships) were achieved. Item Response Theory Analysis (IRT) suggested that the RAS-PL assesses relationship satisfaction most reliably at low to average levels. Analyses of the data from validation samples (n = 203 and n = 209) confirmed the convergent and divergent validity by weak, medium, and large correlations of the RAS-PL with measures of other theoretically related constructs. Concurrent criterion validity was demonstrated by a strong positive correlation between the RAS-PL and the intent to continue the current relationship. This investigation provides considerable psychometric information about the items and scale of the RAS-PL.

Validation of Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) among Polish athletes and the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation in sport

This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2, as well as to determine the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation among high-performance and recreational athletes. A total of 519 athletes aged M = 22.83 (SD = 4.92) participated in the study, including 266 males and 253 females. 242 athletes trained professionally and 277 recreationally. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) was used to assess anxiety levels, while the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) and the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) enabled to assess athletes’ goal orientation. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the model to the data for the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (CFI = 0.945, RMSEA = 0.072). The models obtained during analysis of high-performance and recreational athletes, women and men, also presented a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI 0.932–0.946). The configural, metric, scalar and strict measurement invariances were demonstrated for high-performance and recreational athletes as well as among women and men. High internal consistency coefficients (alpha 0.81–0.91) and a high test–retest reliability indexes were reported (ICC 0.74–0.87). Women presented higher level of competitive anxiety than men. A positive relationship between competitive anxiety and athletes’ ego orientation was also presented. This relationship concerned particularly women practicing sport recreationally.

Can a Scientist Be a Young, Attractive Woman? The Stereotype of a Scientist and the Lexical Choices of Women and Men

The question of the conformance of a researcher's features to the stereotype of a scientist is rarely addressed in the context of scientific research. We decided to examine its significance in two experiments involving women and men in which the persons conducting the experiment had features respectively conforming and not conforming to the stereotype of a scientist. Both experiments were carried out on an interactive model and the dependent variables were length of utterance and lexical choices. We chose to use linguistic material because, as classical research shows, it is particularly susceptible to the influence of social context and features of the interlocutor. To operationalise the dependent variable, we used Ertel's Speech Style Quotients. The results of both experiments were found to be significant for context comparisons but non-significant for gender, which confirms the importance of features of the interlocutor in determining utterance length and lexical choices.

Development and Psychometric Properties of the Caregiver Burden Scale in Polish Caregivers of Stroke Patients

Purpose

Most stroke patients require long-term care of their family members. Excessive care burden entails several negative consequences; therefore, the severity of the burden should be periodically assessed. For this purpose, valid multidimensional measures are needed. Our study, which is a part of a larger research project, aims to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS) in relation to construct validity and internal consistency in caregivers of the patients after stroke.

Patients and Methods

The sample of this cross-sectional observational study consisted of 366 informal caregivers to consecutive first-ever stroke survivors. The five-factor Polish CBS and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered during the home visits at three to six months after patients’ hospitalisation. Exploratory (EFA), confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses and a net analysis were performed to investigate the internal structure and a factorial construct validity of the CBS. Correlation analyses between the CBS and the HADS were carried out to examine convergent validity. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total correlation were applied to assess internal consistency.

Results

Three out of five factors identified by EFA were similar to the original indices of the CBS, while the remaining two deviated from the original structure of the CBS. The CFA five-factor model represented an acceptable fit (confirmatory fit index, CFI = 0.96, root mean square error, RMSEA = 0.04) but only after a modification. All subscale scores of the CBS were positively correlated with the HADS, supporting the convergent validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the overall scale (0.92) and all subscales (0.72–0.87) except one (0.69) and item-total correlation results indicated good internal consistency.

Conclusion

The Polish version of the CBS showed acceptable internal consistency and good convergent validity. Factorial validity and structural integrity were partially supported. The interrelationships between the CBS subdomains, their partial mutual contamination, and the scale’s non-orthogonal structure should be considered when interpreting the results of further studies using this version of the scale.

Correlation between Handgrip Strength and Depression in Older Adults-A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Background: Depression remains an important health problem among older adults and it may be correlated with the deterioration of physical fitness, whose chief indicator is hand grip strength (HGS). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between depression and HGS among older populations using the available literature. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were as follows: written in English and published after 2009, subject age: ≥60 years, HGS measured using a hand dynamometer, assessment of the depressive symptoms using a validated tool. The following articles were excluded: studies conducted among institutionalized subjects and/or populations with a specific disease. Results: The total combined effect of 33 results presented in 16 studies included in the meta-analysis, converted to the correlation coefficient, was OEr = −0.148 (SE = 0.030, 95%CI: −0.206–−0.091), indicating a weak, negative correlation between HGS and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The review of the literature and the meta-analysis demonstrated a relationship between low muscle strength and intensified depressive symptoms in older populations. Bearing in mind that depression is often unrecognized or underdiagnosed among older patients, lowered muscle strength should be an important sign for physicians and an incentive to screen them for depression.

Psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale - Revised

PURPOSE

The main aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale.

METHODS

A total of 663 patients with multiple sclerosis were included in this study. The Polish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale, The General Self-Efficacy Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, and Expanded Disability Status Scale were used. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients were calculated to assess the Polish version of the scale's reliability. The reliability of the scale's test items was assessed using an information function with the multidimensional graded response model. Confirmatory factor and principal component analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω were obtained (α = 0.896, ω = 0.909). Correlations between the scores of the Polish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (r = 0.34; p < 0.001) and the neurological assessment of patients by a physician (r = -0.23; p < 0.001) were significant. The original factor structure of the scale was not confirmed (Chi2(242) = 1480; p < .001; CFI = 0.829; TLI = .805; RMSEA = 0.088, 90% CI = [0.084-0.092]; SRMR = 0.079).

CONCLUSIONS

Using only the total score of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale is recommended for Polish patients. The scale's factor structure requires further study.Implications for rehabilitationThe Polish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale was reliable and valid when used in adult multiple sclerosis patients.At present, we recommend using only the total score of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale. Further research is needed to distinguish the detailed subscales of the Polish version of the tool.The Polish version of the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management-Revised Scale can be used in clinical practice and for research purposes to assess the general level of self-management in Polish-speaking multiple sclerosis patients in Poland.

Becoming Aware of One's Own Biases in Emerging Adulthood-A Longitudinal Study. Metacognitive Approach

The current longitudinal developmental study was designed to determine whether awareness of one’s own biases (the metacognitive self, MCS) emerges and develops during the developmental period known as emerging adulthood. To this end, we followed almost 400 undergraduate university students (18–23 years) over the first three years of their studies, capturing data at five time points. We observed a growth in MCS that we explain in terms of the cognitive and motivational processes characteristic of emerging adulthood. We also observed group differences in MCS development. Students who performed better on the MCS scale at the very beginning of the study tended to show a greater increase in the MCS than those who scored poorly. Emerging adulthood appears to be a very important period with respect to individual differences in becoming aware of one’s own biases

PRAXIS AND LANGUAGE ORGANIZATION IN LEFT-HANDERS

The performance of learned manual gestures (praxis) and the production of speech are thought to depend on related neural processes. If this relationship is not invoked by an unknown, third variable then shifts in their laterality, including dissociations of these two functions, would be unlikely unless the sharing of some neural resources with other functions is advantageous. This could be the case in lefthanders, in whom actions requiring manual precision are controlled by their right hemispheres, and whose representations could attract the control of skilled gesture. Functional neuroimaging (fMRI) was used to study praxis and language functions. Their lateralization indices were measured in 56 consecutively tested lefthanders (28 females), with the mean age of 23.3±4.9 years (range 18.4 – 47 years), and an Edinburgh Handedness Inventory quotient between –100 and –55.6 (with the mean of –83.8±14.2). We show that atypical, bilateral organization or right-lateralization of praxis is more common than atypical organization/lateralization of language, observed, respectively, in 23 (41%) vs. 15 (26.8%) of cases. Specifically, we found: (a) seven cases (12.5%) of clear, and an additional three cases (5.4%) of less pronounced dissociations of atypically represented praxis from typically represented language; (b) 13 cases (23.2%) with atypically organized praxis also associated with atypically organized language, and (c) only two cases (3.6%) of rather strongly atypical lateralization of language, yet with quite typical lateralization of praxis. These outcomes are consistent with an idea that, in some lefthanders, the guidance of skilled manual actions can profit from tighter links with the right hemisphere, whose motor specialization is linked in this particular population to manual precision, but in general to attentional resources, visuo-spatial processing and even bimanual coordination. Because of the presumed links of praxis with productive language, such transfers are often, and unsurprisingly accompanied by the reorganization of the latter. Yet, the very rare cases of reversed language functions, without any pronounced shifts in representations of praxis, indicate that such a pattern of segregation – or inverse dissociation – of these two functions could be maladaptive.

Assessment of selected nutrient intake by Polish preschool children compared to dietary recommendations: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

In recent years a steady increase in the number of obese people has been observed worldwide. This problem is also increasingly applicable to children and adolescents. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies carried out in Poland over ten years (2005-2015) which analysed the diet of preschool children and assessed how significantly it affects the prevention of diet-dependent disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two of the researchers independently performed a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Polish Medical Bibliography to find studies published between 2005 and 2015. The variance of the means of differences between selected factors in relation to dietary guidelines and standards for preschool children was estimated by summing the individual variances of means. The means of differences between selected factors across the studies were pooled using random-effects model meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis included a total of 2095 children. Mean protein content in the diet of children studied is 111% higher than indicated in dietary recommendations for this age group; mean consumption of carbohydrates in the study group is 24% higher than recommended. In moderately high calorie diets, analysis showed that the recommended norm is exceeded by 47%, CE 0.77, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrient intake is not compliant with recommendations for this age group and could not only inhibit physical development, but also increase the risk of diet-dependent diseases.

The accuracy of lung auscultation in the practice of physicians and medical students

BACKGROUND

Auscultation is one of the first examinations that a patient is subjected to in a GP's office, especially in relation to diseases of the respiratory system. However it is a highly subjective process and depends on the physician's ability to interpret the sounds as determined by his/her psychoacoustical characteristics. Here, we present a cross-sectional assessment of the skills of physicians of different specializations and medical students in the classification of respiratory sounds in children.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

185 participants representing different medical specializations took part in the experiment. The experiment comprised 24 respiratory system auscultation sounds. The participants were tasked with listening to, and matching the sounds with provided descriptions of specific sound classes. The results revealed difficulties in both the recognition and description of respiratory sounds. The pulmonologist group was found to perform significantly better than other groups in terms of number of correct answers. We also found that performance significantly improved when similar sound classes were grouped together into wider, more general classes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that ambiguous identification and interpretation of sounds in auscultation is a generic issue which should not be neglected as it can potentially lead to inaccurate diagnosis and mistreatment. Our results lend further support to the already widespread acknowledgment of the need to standardize the nomenclature of auscultation sounds (according to European Respiratory Society, International Lung Sounds Association and American Thoracic Society). In particular, our findings point towards important educational challenges in both theory (nomenclature) and practice (training).

Level of personality integration in psychopathy

OBJECTIVES

Aim of this research was to determine whether differences in clinical picture of psychopathy (on the basis of which subtypes of psychopathy are identified) reflect differences in pathology of personality organization (integration) according to O. Kernberg.

METHODS

The research was conducted on 417 subjects, of whom 88.5% were criminals, 11.5% - non-criminals. Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R), developed by S.O. Lilienfeld, was used to assess level of psychopathy while personality organization level was assessed by Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI) developed by F. Leichsenring. K-means cluster analysis was supported by AUC.

RESULTS

Cluster analysis allowed for differentiation of two groups: cluster 1 - fearlessly dominating psychopaths and cluster 2 - egocentrically-impulsive psychopaths. Egocentrically-impulsive psychopaths are significantly more frequently characterized by borderline personality organization than psychopaths from cluster 1. In addition to symptoms of psychopathy they show evidence of deeper identity disorders, apply primitive defense mechanisms more frequently, experience fear of fusion and severe problems in reality testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in picture of psychopathy reflect different pathology of personality organization. Results confirm the thesis of distinctive nature of coldheartedness and its invariant presence in picture of psychopathy regardless of configuration of other traits in both subtypes.

The influence of alendronate therapy on the quality of life in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density

Introduction and objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of treatment on the quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women characterized by the reduced BMD.Material and methods: Postmenopausal women (n=102), mean age (65.09±5.6 years) were included in this study. The participants were divided into two groups, depending on the treatment or lack of treatment. For assessment of their QoL, QUALEFFO-41 scale and WHOQOL-100 scale were used.Results: Mean values of the QUALEFFO-41 scale of women who used alendronate were significantly lower than those found in subjects not treated with this drug in the following areas: pain (p=0.03), ADL (p=0.03), jobs around the house (p=0.01), mobility (p=0.01), health perception (p=0.03), emotional function (p= 0.007) and total QoL  (p=0.005). The mean values of the WHOQOL-100 scale almost did not differ significantly between both groups of studied patients. An exception was the level of independence, with mean values of women not receiving bisphosphonates being significantly higher than those of patients using bisphosphonates therapy (p=0.04).Conclusions. Quality of life assessment of women with osteoporosis and osteopenia using a specific scale and general scale can be a valuable clue in the planning of treatment, nursing care and psychological care.

Correspondence and cluster analysis of free-drawn clocks in a group of children and adolescents with neurological and psychiatric diseases

The present work addresses the identification and qualitative assessment of errors that appear in a free-drawn clock-drawing test representing the time 8:20 in a sample of 455 children and adolescents with neurological diseases and their controls. The authors sought to verify whether the occurrence of particular errors in the clock drawings significantly differentiates the clinical groups. For statistical evaluation of the results, we applied correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. The results of the study showed that three types of errors played an important role in the differentiation of the groups: spatial neglect, mirror reflection, and phonological depletion.

Condition of informal caregivers in long-term care of people with dementi

INTRODUCTION

Caregivers of demented relatives devote their time and attention in order to help the beloved members of the family. Those who are informal caregivers require support in order to avoid being overburdened. Many such caregivers may suffer from chronic health problems, for instance, depression.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess the factors of depression in caregivers, and to discover the determinants of depression among informal family caregivers of demented individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Forty-one caregivers in the research group were administered a questionnaire which included the caregivers' demographics. Caregiver's level of depression was measured by the scale of the Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression. The relationship between depression and demographic features was analyzed. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 8.1 (StatSoft). Analysis of the results was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used.

RESULTS

Referring to The Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression, the average score in the study group was 18 ± 7.49. There was no statistically significant relationship between the level of depression and such factors as caregiver's age, time of care of demented relative, and type of kinship and pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was no relationship between the level of depression and demographic features, the problem with quality of life, worries and grief which may appear, seemed to be sufficient reason for organizing the prevention of depression for all informal caregivers of persons with dementia.

Economic aspects of hypertension treatment in Poland

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the costs associated with mild hypertension (HTN) in Poland and to compare the costs of 3-year ambulatory care for those diagnosed with mild HTN (group A) and those diagnosed with mild HTN and comorbidities (group B).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The researchers undertook a retrospective study of a group of 120 patients treated for 3 years (2006-2008) (60%, n = 72 women and 40%, n = 48 men), taking into account the broadest possible social perspective. Medical and non-medical direct costs as well as indirect costs were calculated.

RESULTS

The total costs of the 3-year pharmacotherapy in group A equalled 49,985.65 EUR, or 833.09 EUR per patient, whereas in group B the costs were twice as high: 105,691.55 EUR in total or 1,761.53 EUR per patient. Indirect costs for group A patients totalled 3,468.80 EUR (578.13 EUR per patient) and 4,579.20 EUR for group B patients (572.40 EUR per patient). Total direct costs (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs for group B patients were much higher, amounting to 130,228.14 EUR and 2,666.55 EUR per patient, which was double the costs in group A, where costs were 74,184.96 EUR and 1,756.73 EUR per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The costs of HTN treatment in Poland are very high and are growing, like in other countries. Potential solutions include developing better patientdoctor communication to improve compliance, and increasing the chances of more effective and less expensive therapy by prescribing cheaper generic drugs, limiting polypharmacy and improving availability of novel therapeutic methods.

Multifactorial analysis of risk factors for reduced bone mineral density among postmenopausal women

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to determine the risk factors for reduced bone mineral density (BMD) among postmenopausal women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and fifty-three postmenopausal women were included to the study. The study group consisted of 85 women with osteoporosis (mean age: 59.9 years) and 168 with osteopenia (mean age: 57.8 years). Patients were assigned to groups according to their BMD measured in the lumbar spine, hip and femoral neck by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Bone formation was assessed by measuring serum osteocalcin and bone resorption by measuring serum C-terminal type I α-collagen chain telopeptide.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis for lumbar spine showed association of age (p = 0.001), parental history of fracture (p = 0.05), use of hormone replacement therapy (p = 0.034), bisphosphonates therapy (p < 0.001), calcium and vitamin D supplements therapy (p = 0.001), oestradiol level (p = 0.007) and body mass index (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis for femoral neck and hip total showed association of age (p = 0.001), parental history of fracture (p = 0.049), use of bisphosphonates (p < 0.03)) use of calcium and vitamin D supplements (p = 0.039), oestradiol level (p = 0.047). All the variables together explain 40.4% of variance in BMD for the lumbar spine and 25.6% of variance in BMD for femoral neck and hip total.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated correlations between the variables and BMD, which are known and widely described in the literature. Osteoporosis and osteopenia in Polish subjects appear to be associated with several known risk factors that are well described in the literature.

Quality of life in postmenopausal women with reduced bone mineral density: psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of QUALEFFO-41

INTRODUCTION

Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis concerns the physical, emotional, social and pain quality of life domains. The aim of the research was to describe the psychometric properties of the Polish version of QUALEFFO-41 in 253 Polish postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis and in 132 postmenopausal women with normal BMD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The internal reliability of QUALEFFO-41 was studied using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The reproducibility of the QUALEFFO-41 scales was assessed using Pearson's correlation. The capacity of questions to discriminate between women with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and normal subjects was assessed by conditional logistic regression to derive an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The discriminative power, which measures the ability of the questionnaire to discriminate between patients, was assessed by clinical validity. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the ability of QUALEFFO-41.

RESULTS

Cronbach's α coefficient reflecting the reliability and repeatability of the instrument for all domains was satisfactory. Results of scores for domains of QUALEFFO-41 and the score for total QUALEFFO-41 demonstrate a significant difference (p < 0.001) among all groups; only in the case of the pain domain was there a significant difference at the level of p < 0.01 between normal subjects and osteoporotic patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated a good discriminating capacity of individual domains and total QUALEFFO-41 score.

CONCLUSIONS

The Polish version of QUALEFFO-41 can be used among patients with reduced BMD compared to normal subjects, independently of vertebral fractures, as it is coherent and discriminates well between women with reduced BMD and normal subjects.

[Life competencies and smoking among teachers]

Smoking cigarettes is one of the most common factor disturbing health and a part of negative life style. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequencies of smoking cigarettes and their conditions among teachers of all types of schools--primary as well as secondary. 94 persons participated in the study. 20.2% of them were smoking and almost 80% were not smoking. 27% persons smoked in the past. Psychologicale test standarised and normalised and author's questionnaire of own concept used in the study.

RESULTS

74% smoking women did it after breakfast, 53% at working place. 52.6% women stated that stress is a main reason of smoking and 36.8% used cigarettes after an eating. Almost 63% smoke during brakes at work and in social circumstances. Nie przerywajac pracy pali 10.5% of respondents smoked during work activities and 42% during resting time. According to opinion of examined group, the joy, relax are the effects of smoking. There were no significant differences and correlations between fear as a state and character and smoking. However the frequency of smoking in the group was lower in comparison to medium values in population of central part of Europe in a group of women.

[Chosen determinants of smoking among persons with rheumatoid arthritis]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic connective tissue disease with characteristic symmetric joints infibulations leading to disability. Due to progressive character of the disease, with periods of worsening and remission, the treatment should be complex and focused on the inhibition of the progress of the changes. The aim of the study was opinion of effect of smoking for functionality in person with rheumatoid arthritis. Material consists of 23 persons with RA. HAQ Disability Score were used. Additionally the questionnaire for estimation of health attitudes was used. Results of investigations prove lack of connections between smoking and correct functionality in persons with rheumatoid arthritis.

[The impact of smoking cigarettes on insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness symptoms among teachers]

One of the most important problems in sleep medicine is Sleep Related Breathing Disorder and Insomnia. The excessive daytime sleepiness is basic symptom of those disorders. In this study we analyze some parameters of insomnia severity and excessive daytime sleepiness among smoking and nonsmoking teachers. In this study we used the own questionnaire about smoking, and Athens Insomnia Scale; Insomnia Severity Index; Epworth Sleepiness Scale; Fatigue Severity Scale. The 94 teachers was included to the study, 99% was female. We don't observe any differences between smoking and no-smoking group in any parameters. In the next step we categorize results and there no significant differences between frequency in both groups. There no significant differences between in both groups even we include persons who smoking in the past. Additional studies are needed to describe the connection between smoking cigarettes and sleep problem in different aged group.

[Internal locus of control of health and smoking cigarettes in young adults]

Disturbances connected with nicotine lead to abuse on physical and psychological level, they are the reason of harm in individual and global perspective as well. They may be a reason of behavioural disturbances additionally. The aim of the study was to estimate the locus of health control in young adults-- students of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Forty-six students aged 20-39 yrs. of age smoking and non-smoking participated in the study. MHLC Scale and questionnaire of own idea used in the study. Hypothesis verified with the statistical analysis test T, correlation analysis with help of SPSS program. The significance level p = 0.05 was stated as significant. The results show that most of students have internal locus of health control. The conclusion stated independently from the factor of smoking cigarettes. Respondents with smoking habits underline the influence of chance on health as well. The results confirm the data from the research studies in population of the students. The hypothesis on the lower level of internal control in people with smoking habits did not confirm in the study. However MHLC estimates as good tool for the estimation of the internal factors determining activities for health.