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Background: Numerous connections between physical activity (PA) and health clearly indicate that nowadays conscious and purposeful PA is essential. Aim of the study: To determine PA levels reported by University nursing students and to indicate the dominant activity areas. Material and methods: A diagnostic survey which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ) was used to examine 419 students of nursing. Results: The reported total PA of the students under investigation was 3443.9 MET-min/week. Walking activities were the dominant area of PA (mean = 1557.6 MET-min/week), whereas vigorous activities were the least common. Compared to women, men accumulated higher values of MET-min/week in the area of total PA and its components, with the exception of vigorous activities. Significant differences in PA were only shown when place of residence was factored in. Conclusions: The IPAQ showed that one in four participants demonstrated high levels of PA. More than one-third of the respondents did not meet the criteria for moderate or high activity levels, thus exhibiting low levels of PA. The participants from urban areas were more active than those from rural areas. Out of the three areas of PA (vigorous, moderate and walking), walking was the most dominate activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the development of genetic research in oncology, it has become possible to track and identify early and preclinical forms of hereditary oncological diseases, which allows timely and effective preventive and therapeutic measures in relation to relatives at risk. Aim of the study: Assessment of genetically determined neoplasms in the region and the development of organizational forms and methods for early diagnosis. Material and methods: 10,727 residents of the Belarus-Poland border region were examined. Clinical and medical history data of 2,054 patients with tumors of the breast (1406), ovaries (239), and colon (409) were analyzed. As a result of the questionnaire, three main observation groups were formed: "high risk of hereditary cancer", "hereditary cancer suspected", and "no risk of hereditary cancer". Results: Register and hospital screenings were the most informative types of screening. Of the 149 HBC patients who underwent molecular genetic testing, BRCA1 gene mutations were found in 5.37%, 5382insC in all cases. Seven mutations were detected in 77 individuals with a diagnosis of HOC and in 6 cases 5382insC and in 2 - 4145delA. Signs of hereditary ovarian cancer and suspicion of it were found in 1.12%, including people who were found to have a high risk of hereditary ovarian cancer. By their effectiveness, register and hospital screenings significantly exceeded the population, p<0.01. 1.67% of women suffering from this disease met the high clinical risk criteria for hereditary ovarian cancer. A high clinical risk of hereditary tumor genesis was established in 0.73% of cases among patients with a diagnosis of colon cancer. Conclusions: The results of assessing the clinical risk of hereditary cancer according to population screening indicates that approximately 1.2% of the population has an increased clinical risk of developing hereditary breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Population aging is one of the most important social policy and public health challenges for the state. Increased proportions of older people is accompanied with increased negative attitudes manifested toward them, as represented by ageism, the discrimination against the elderly, contributing to their exclusion from public life. Aim of the study: To study the prevalence and characteristics of ageism manifestations in healthcare institutions in the city of Grodno (Belarus) and to consider measures to minimize it. Material and methods: 250 random urban respondents from Grodno age 60 or more not undergoing treated in healthcare institutions were anonymously questioned. Data analysis was performed using different statistical methods. Results: The majority of respondents rated geriatric, social and medical care in the country as functioning at a high level. The share of elderly people who felt age discrimination was 70 (28.0%) and was independent from the gender and age of the respondents. Clinical departments were mentioned by 24 (34.3%) of respondents as places where manifestations of ageism were seen, particularly in emergency rooms - 14 (20.0%) and family doctor offices-17 (24.3%). In 35 (50%) of cases, the family doctor explained the symptoms of the disease by the onset of old age, which can be regarded as a manifestation of ageism. Conclusions: Training in the field of geriatrics is very important for medical professionals. Failure to take measures to ensure a holistic (integrated) approach in the treatment and care of elderly must be considered discriminatory. Particular measures should be taken to develop all types of care for the elderly, increasing the level of patient satisfaction with medical services and reducing the frequency of gerontological ageism manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A common international research area is being created as a result of linked activities of research centres. Aim of the study: To implement an interdisciplinary approach based on the example of a pilot study of lifestyle and identify connections between physical activity levels (PA), health-related behaviours, and the locus of health control among students. Material and methods: The research was carried out using 294 students of human sciences (235 females and 59 males) aged 18-24. A diagnostic survey method was chosen using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Health-Related Behaviour Inventory (HB I) and Health Locus of Control Scale (MHL C). Results: Total PA was assessed at 3829.3 MET-min/week. The dominant types of activities were walking (1245 MET-min/week) and moderate PA (1254 MET-min/week). Higher values in intensive and moderate efforts were reported among the male students, while women reported higher values in walking. The general severity index HB I is 72-93 points. There were no significant gender-related differences regarding the general indicator (except for the increased frequency of low health-related behaviours among females). Respondents mostly presented with internal locus of control with influence of others being reported less frequently, and accident locus of control least frequently. The analysis revealed a correlation between the internal placement of MHL C and PA among men (r=0.226, p<0.01) and individual HBI indices among women. Conclusions: Most young people present a sufficient level of PA, desirable HBI, and, to a large extent, the internal locus of MHLC. The participants had a greater sense of responsibility for their own health. Females, when deciding on a lifestyle, are more easily influenced by other people. It is necessary to conduct interdisciplinary group work for comparative research in order to create educational and preventive programs addressing identified lifestyle abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies hold a significant position in the research conducted by young scientists. One of the key aims of establishing the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases is studying the incidence of features of states and events connected with health in specified populations. This in turn is closely connected with the assessment of factors affecting health, which is the basis of information used by health care providers and other institutions. Apart from planning and conducting studies, a young scientist has to describe and publish their results. Only a full publication in a peer-reviewed journal represents the highest scientific value. this paper presents epidemiology as a science and methodology by using definitions, classifications and main goals. the short depiction presents epidemiology as a tool for assessing the health of a society and describes the main good practices for publishing the results of epidemiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research centers, operating in a very dynamic, changing and complex environment in the first decade of the 21st century, face a number of major challenges. Universities set up virtual research teams (VRTs), whose cooperation proves extremely effective, despite geographical distances, borders, differences resulting from time zones, cultural and organizational dissimilarities. They work out common models which are then put into practical action in those academic institutions. For five years now VRTs formed by employees of the colleges of higher education based in Suwalki and Grodno have been working successfully. Aim of the study: Assessment of joint activities developed by VRTs, based on an analysis of medical and social aspects of pro-health attitudes declared by students of Prof. Edward F. Szczepanik State Vocational College in Suwalki (SVC) and Yanka Kupala State University in Grodno (YKU). Material and methods: The studies in Grodno and Suwalki were carried out by a VRT coordinated by SVC in Suwalki, within the framework of the "Pro-health program for the years 2013-2016". We used the online questionnaire system LimeSurvey (social, organizational and statistical tool for implementation of health promotion and health education). Results: Upon the analysis of 4,878 original electronic surveys, which were conducted in 2013-2015, Suwalki-Grodno-based VRTs obtained extensive knowledge of pro-health attitudes of students of both academic centers. As a result, there were created databases of, among others: a) studies on the impact of health-targeting behaviors, b) studies on the prevalence of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) among students, c) studies on knowledge about diseases related to addictions, and d) studies on the model of physical activity among students. Conclusions: 1. Unconventional forms of work, including also the sphere of science, materialize along with socio-technological developments and the appearance of new, innovative communication media. 2. Activities of VRTs to a significant extent contribute to an international research cooperation. 3. Verification of the health policy implemented by both academic centers poses a challenge to actions undertaken by Grodno and Suwalki VRTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Every dysfunction, ailment or prolonged pain affecting lower parts of the spine leads to the decline of the quality of life. Thus, any therapeutic procedure, including the massage, which results in the reduction of the pain and the increase of medical fitness has a substantial impact on its improvement. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life after the application of a proprietary therapeutic massage program in the disabled with the pain in the lower back. Material and methods: The research was carried out in 30 people (17 men and 13 women) aged 25-66 being on the staff of 'Agema Service' -- a sheltered workshop. They were certified as moderately or severely disabled. The assessment of the quality of their life was performed upon the survey using qualitative indicators before and after the application of the rehabilitation program in aspects such as a) well-being and subjective pain sensation; b) self-service and daily functioning in home environment; c) functioning at work and performing professional activities; d) social life. Results: The survey confirmed that respondents feel the improved quality of their life in all the aspects examined in the survey. After the treatment, 43.3% of people stated that they felt good and 26.8% felt very well. Only 4 patients felt badly. The majority of the respondents noticed the improvement in their daily activities at home and work. One quarter of them had no pain during prolonged sitting hours at work. The pain slightly disturbed 16 persons (53.3%), while 6 of them confirmed it appeared sometimes or often (20%). 22 patients (73.3%) reported a significant improvement in the quality of their sleep. Unfortunately, only a small group of the respondents increased their social activity. Only 7 patients (23.4%) noted that their social life improved considerably, which meant that the pain did not influence their physical activity and social gatherings were more welcome. Conclusions: The program of the therapeutic massage treatments is a valuable and effective psychophysical technique. It helps in a relatively short period of time achieve a relief of symptoms of the spinal pain which most often affect people's mood, especially in the disabled living in a sheltered workshop. It confirmed the importance of medical rehabilitation of persons with disabilities to reduce their pain and the impact it has on vocational and social rehabilitation. Despite the reduction of pain in the lower back, unfortunately, it does not motivate much to increase physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Widespread, medical and social consequences, impact on quality of life and the significant cost of allergic diseases justify a number of measures for the prevention of diseases. What is clear is that official statistics may not match the true prevalence of allergic diseases in general, especially asthma. Aim of the study: Estimate the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, the main symptoms of allergic and respiratory among urban and rural children aged 6 - 7 years and 13-14 years in the Grodno region carried out in accordance with internationally recognized research methodology. Material and methods: The survey questionnaire (based on a survey ISAAC) 2187 was attended by parents of children 6 - 7 years and 13-14 years of Grodno and region (1091 children from the city, and in 1096 from the village). 955 children aged 6 - 7 years, 1232 at the age of 13-14 years. Knowing this with asthma may be suspected in patients, who feel shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing, tightness in the chest or cough and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis), analyzed the incidence of these symptoms and diseases among children. Results: Demonstrated a low incidence of asthma among children in the age group of standardized. Parents of 30 children (1.37% respondents) confirms the existence of disease in children under physician diagnose disease. Prevalence of asthma among urban children was 1.74% (19 people) and rural - 1.0% (11 children). With a deeper analysis of responses established with 60 children (2.74%) had in t he last 12 months wheezing in the chest and coughing. The incidence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is about 4% and 10%. These diseases often found only among children with asthma. Conclusions: Since the identification of asthma in children based on the diagnosis by the doctor is not high, can't be excluded that this reflects a failure to recognize the disease. Noted marked differences in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, manifesting linking asthma and asthma with allergic diseases. It seems necessary to continuously monitor these phenomena through the continuation of epidemiological studies as a basis for the development of information and implementation of prevention programs and epidemiological evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention at regional and international. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We would also like to draw the attention of young scholars, including medical university students, that Medical Science Pulse is open to publish their first writing attempts. o ur journal belongs to the small group of Polish academic journals which include a section entitled "Papers from early stage researchers". Www.medicalsciencepulse.com Ladies and Gentlemen, Faculty, Graduates and Students of Universities, Readers and Enthusiasts of Medical Science Pulse!. [Extracted from the article]