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The objective of this paper was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Poles and the availability of psychiatric and psychological support during the pandemic. A prospective, cross-sectional web-based survey design was adopted. It was carried out on a sample of 1080 Polish citizens above 18 years old. The majority of Poles (70%) experienced symptoms of mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep disturbance (63.79%), anxiety (48.79%), low mood for most of the day (44.63%), sadness, tearfulness (41.29%), and concentration disorders (35.93%) were the mental disorder symptoms reported most often by the survey subjects. To reduce the potential acute and long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, decision-makers of the Polish health system should implement stepped multilevel and multi-target psychological support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the self-care practices of individuals employed as social workers in Poland (N = 250). Whilst personal self-care practices occurred slightly more frequently than did professional self-care practices, overall results indicate that participants only engaged in moderate amounts of self-care. Findings revealed significant differences in self-care by education level and self-reported health status, respectively. Only health status significantly predicted overall self-care. This study indicates the need for more attention to self-care. After a brief review literature, this paper will explicate findings and discuss salient implications derived from this study. This paper concludes by identifying apposite areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper makes accessible to an English-speaking readership recent research published in Polish designed to provide and to test a Polish adaptation of the Francis Psychological Type Scales (FPTS) and the Francis Psychological Type and Emotional Temperament Scales (FPTETS). The process of development involved studies reported among 53 Catholic clerics, 87 Catholic clerics, 119 university students, 134 university students, 240 final grade secondary school students, 133 university students, and 75 university students. The four-factor structure of the FPTS was recovered by confirmatory factor analysis, with 10 items loading on each factor, and producing the following Cronbach alpha coefficients:.81 for Extraversion vs. Introversion,.66 for Sensing vs. Intuition,.77 for Thinking vs. Feeling, and.80 for Judging vs. Perceiving. For the additional ten-item scale of Emotional Temperament (Volatile vs. Calm), α =.75. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study with a placebo was conducted. Healthy university students were given a placebo and were told to make one pill every day for a week. Participants were informed that the medicine improved mood. The extent to which they conformed to this instruction was treated as an index of compliance. Our results show that for women, but not for men, positive mood and cognitive structuring or negative mood and lack of cognitive structuring significantly predicted participants' compliance. A new model of medication adherence, based on the role of the patient's mood and cognitive structuring processes in decision making is presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of factors causing driver fatigue as described in the literature. Next, a traffic crash database for 2003-2007 is used to identify the causes, circumstances and consequences of accidents caused by driver fatigue on Poland's national roads. The results of the study were used to build a model showing the relationship between the concentration of road accidents and casualties, and the time of day. Finally, the level of relative accident risk at night-time versus daytime is defined. A map shows the risk of death and severe injury on the network of Poland's national roads. The paper suggests to road authorities steps to reduce fatigue-related road accidents in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The European Disability Strategy (2010–2020) seeks to significantly raise the proportion of people with disabilities working in the open labour market. The ERGO WORK project is a collaboration of academic and industrial partners in six European countries, focused on understanding and tackling barriers to workplace inclusion for workers with disabilities. Methods:This study sought to explore the perceptions and needs of stakeholders in terms of workplace adaptation to the needs of employees with disabilities. An exploratory online survey was completed by 480 participants across six countries. Results:The analysis suggests that workplaces could be further improved to meet the needs of employees with considerable scope for training within companies to raise awareness about employees’ needs, employers’ obligations and workplace adaptation. Conclusions:This snapshot suggests there is still a gap between intent and reality in workplace inclusion and further strategies are needed to improve the opportunities for employees with disabilities. The paper argues that ergonomics may have a key role to play in tackling these challenges and adapting the workplace environment and job design to suit the needs of individual employees.Implications for rehabilitationThis study suggests there is considerable scope for workplace adaptation and improvements to meet the needs of employees with disabilities.Employers need and want further specialist practitioner guidance to facilitate workplace inclusion and support adaptation to individual needs.Organisations would benefit from training to raise awareness about potential solutions and approaches that would support more widespread employment of people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: The aim of this paper was to examine if among alcohol dependent subjects hope is positively related to mental health. Additional aim was to verify if length of abstinence and involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous are important factors for mental health and hope. Method: The sample consisted of 115 dependent subjects participating in Alcoholics Anonymous from Wielkopolska. The following tools were used: Herth Hope Scale (HHS), tree scales being indicators of mental health: level of stress, evaluation of life up to now and subjective mental health as well as two one item scales regarding length of abstinence and length of being in Alcoholics Anonymous. Results: Noticed positive correlation between hope and evaluation of life up to now as well as negative correlation between hope and level of stress. Length of abstinence and length of being in Alcoholics Anonymous negatively related to level of stress. Length of abstinence correlated positively with subjective evaluation of mental health. Conclusion: Hope is an relevant factor for mental health of Alcoholics Anonymous. Higher level of hope is positively related to evaluation of live. Additionally hope the same as length of abstinence and length of being in Alcoholics Anonymous were buffer the stress level. Participating in Alcoholics Anonymous is related to better evaluation of mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives. The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland in spring 2020 forced psychologists to fight the psychological consequences, which were triggered by drastic life changes among the entire population. This group of professionals had an incredibly difficult role to play in society; the level of their overload in studies was even compared to doctors treating COVID-19. This article aims to analyze the situation of both personal and professional psychologists in the first wave of the pandemic. Methods. During the study, 341 psychologists were surveyed using the snowball method (hybrid access). Data were collected between 12 March and 3 May 2020. The study is part of a large project from all waves of the pandemic. Results. In total, 82.7% of psychologists experienced moderate to high-intensity stress, and 61.29% switched to a remote or hybrid mode of working with patients. Subjectively depressed mood occurred in 16.13%, reduced drive in 27.57% and dyssomnia in 18.77%. A total of 61.58% had concerns about their professional and/or financial future after the pandemic. Conclusion. The challenges during, as well as after, the pandemic period require taking care of individual mental well-being for psychologists. This is a necessary condition for undertaking a committed job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the Polish country-level final report of the European Union Amphora study: contextual determinants and alcohol polices. The authors present the results of a time series analysis model designed to explore and explain the influence of selected alcoholic beverage control policy measures and unplanned sociodemographical determinants on changes in alcoholic beverage consumption from 1960 to the 2000s in Poland. Complex historical and social changes are described, which occurred during the 50 years covered by the study. The study findings confirmed that sociodemographical determinants have an important influence on alcoholic beverage consumption. Study limitations are noted and future research is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to evaluate changes in muscle force-velocity parameters (F-v) in elderly women subjected to physical exercise. The examinations encompassed 20 women, aged 62–71, who were students at the University of the Third Age in Wrocław. The evaluation of flexors and extensors of the knee joint, as well as flexors and extensors of the spine within the lumbar part, was performed under isokinetic conditions. The assessment was conducted three times: first, a preliminary evaluation; second, after four months of rehabilitation, which included march training and systemic exercises; third, was performed after another 12 months, during which the patients were subjected to various forms of individually selected physical activity. The examinations of muscles affecting the knee joint revealed that the results achieved in the second measurement, performed with load of 60°/s, revealed higher values than in the first examination and were similar or higher in the third examination. With a load of 180°/s, values achieved in the second measurement were higher than results from the first measurement and were mostly lower than registered in the measurement. The highest values of parameters F-v for flexors and extensors of the lumbar part of the spine were registered in third examination. The results were about 20% higher than achieved within measurements 1 and 2. The increase and maintenance of muscular fitness in elderly women is possible only if a load applied exceeds threshold values and is applied for a long time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Occupational dysphonia is mainly of hyperfunctional origin, expressed by complaints experienced in the vocal tract. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the applicability of the Polish Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) scale in the diagnostics of occupational dysphonia. Patients with occupational dysphonia ( n = 218) and controls ( n = 140) were subjected to the VTD scale, VHI evaluation, and maximum phonation time (MPT) measurement. The patients also underwent videostroboscopy. The comparison of the frequency and severity of VTD symptoms showed that the results of the study group were significantly higher ( P = 0.000). The VTD scale is characterized by high values of Cronbach's alpha. This study results indicatethat the VTD scale can be a valuable tool, useful in the diagnostics of occupational dysphonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and aim: This paper aims to outline the relationships between kinesiotherapy methods used in rehabilitation and the recovery of the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), improvement of functional condition, regression of pareses and improvement of conscious state following surgical treatment of traumatic subdural haematomas. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 84 patients treated surgically for traumatic subdural haematomas, divided into two groups. The key differentiating factor was the kinesiotherapy method used in rehabilitation. Patients were assessed using the International Scale of Muscle Weakness (ISMW), Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale, while their conscious state was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Results: A significant improvement of the assessed features was observed in all patients. However, patients treated with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and elements of the Bobath concept regained lost function significantly faster than patients treated with traditional kinesiotherapy. No significant differences were observed in the course of improvement of conscious state between the two groups. Conclusions: Treatment using functional elements may significantly accelerate the return of the ability to perform ADLs, improvement in functional condition and regression of pareses in comparison with traditional kinesiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to examine beliefs about hypnosis in a Polish sample, with a focus on possible misconceptions. The research included groups with different backgrounds regarding hypnosis: 1st- and 5th-year psychology students, psychotherapists using hypnosis, people interested in paranormal phenomena, and people from the general population. The results demonstrated mild misconceptions about hypnosis and significant differences in beliefs about hypnosis between the aforementioned groups. Additionally, within a Polish sample, psychotherapists using hypnosis and 5th-year students' views were most similar in their current scientific knowledge about hypnosis, while the groups targeting individuals unexposed to hypnosis and followers of paranormal beliefs showed significantly more misconceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health Care Chaplains, whose primary role is to provide spiritual care to patients, their families, and medical staff, are sometimes asked for help in making difficult decisions and resolving conflicts. Their help is justified especially when religious beliefs and values constitute the root of the problem. The study aims to analyze the phenomenon of asking hospital and hospice chaplains in Poland to take on the role of mediators in conflicts concerning methods of patients' medical care. A survey was conducted among 108 Catholic chaplains, i.e. at least 10% of all chaplains currently working in Polish hospitals and hospices. The survey was conducted using the electronic questionnaire through an intermediary with no follow-up and so self-selecting. The findings obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Of all the respondents, 31% admitted having received requests to mediate in a conflict over patient care. Such requests were not conditional upon the type of medical facility, its location, or the chaplain's years of experience. 30% of chaplains receive requests to mediate between patients and doctors. Solving disputes between family members and members of the medical teams are less frequent (25 and 19%, respectively). The majority of the respondents (73%) accept the role of the mediator, although 46% reserve the right to refuse in certain situations. Asking health care chaplains to become mediators in conflicts over patients' medical care confirms the need to include mediation skills in the course of their education and gaining professional experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need arose for replacing conventional forms of education with remote classes. Therefore, it was decided to test the effectiveness of a social skills workshop conducted using active online methods for second-year physiotherapy students. The experimental factor was the contents of workshop classes taught online. The platforms Teams, Zoom and the Messenger were used to carry out the experiment. The workshops used active learning methods: simulation of work situation, drama, peer feedback and interaction-based communication. The results obtained from 78 participants (pre-test and post-test, including 45 women) were analysed. The age of the participants ranged from 20 to 22 years, with a mean of 20.7 years. A self-reported social skills questionnaire consisting of 30 statements was used. Participation in the course resulted in a significant increase in the index of general social competences of the students (F1.76=38.66; p <.0001; η2=.337; observed power (for α =.05) 1 − β > 0.99. There was no interaction between course participation and the gender of the participants (p =.0849). Online workshops using active teaching methods, which are an essential element of future physiotherapists' preparation for clinical work, can stimulate the development of their social skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to mental state worsening. Mental health disorders in pregnancy are known to have adverse outcomes both for mothers and their children. It is the first study in Poland to investigate the impact of the pandemic on stress level and general mental state in pregnant women. Three hundred sixteen pregnant women completed an online survey containing four instruments. The main research questions were investigated with Bayesian regression analyses. We found that 37% of pregnant women presented with some mental state disorders and almost 46% with elevated emotional tension. Seventeen % had elevated stress level, 11% elevated intrapsychic stress level and 13% elevated outward stress level. Both 'being scared of lack of social support...' and 'being scared of infection...' have an impact on stress level, however the first factor is a more substantial stressor. Multiple pregnant women during the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented with mental state disorders and elevated stress levels. As mental state disorders contribute to adverse neonatal outcomes and maternal mortality, it is imperative to focus on pregnant women's psychological and psychiatric conditions during the pandemic. It seems crucial to use screening tests to make early psychiatric diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaining and responding to consumer interest in offered products is critical in e-commerce communication. When exposed to product-attribute information, e-commerce consumers may be interested in the meaning or importance of the presented attributes. Two online experiments with Polish young adults demonstrate that consumer interest in those types of information is related to product self-relevance (i.e., whether consumers consider buying a product for themselves vs. they are merely evaluating the product). Namely, in the high (vs. low) self-relevance condition, consumers are less interested in importance-type information (i.e., they seek it less from consultants and retrieve it less from their knowledge while sharing their opinions online). Moreover, in the high (vs. low) self-relevance condition, consumers retrieve more meaning-type information while sharing opinions online. Additionally, consumers sharing online opinions retrieve more importance-type information when processing more analytically. The above findings extend the existing literature by linking product self-relevance and information processing with e-commerce consumer interest in product information. The results may be helpful for e-commerce marketers and managers who aim to gain and respond to consumer interest in specific types of product information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Exposure to particulate matter is an important risk factor for mental health disturbances and overall mortality. However, the knowledge on relationship between long-term particulate matter level and suicide rate is limited and requires in-depth study. Population and air pollution data were obtained from the Polish Central Statistics Office and Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection for the period 2014–2015. Aspatial multivariate and one factor regression analysis were performed and followed by spatial global regression analysis for district reference units in geographic information system (GIS). At the district level of aggregation, data showed spatial stationarity. The best-fitting spatial global model was based on number of disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances, number of people treated in psychiatric hospitals, population density, unemployment rate and per capita income. Global spatial model with PM2.5 level parameter was an improvement over the one without it (adj. R2 = 0.87 compared to adj. R2 = 0.83). There is a positive relationship between particular matter concentrations and suicides in Poland. Application of Geographic Information Science analytical functions in medicine can be viewed as a new efficient methodological approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sweep rowers, the lower extremities muscle strength translates into the driving force of the boat. Therefore, isokinetic assessment of muscle torque is used by coaches as an indicator of the level of athletes' preparation for competitions. A total of 22 elite sweep rowers performed an isokinetic test of knee joint flexors and extensors, and a test on an asymmetric ergometer with the electromyography measures. Significantly higher quadriceps peak torque was shown during the beginning than the end of the preparatory period (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant knee peak torque difference between the lower extremities (p = 0.398). In the case of the electromyography test of quadriceps, hamstrings and lumbar erector spinae, analysis demonstrated significant bioelectrical activity differences between the sides (p < 0.05). Lower values of quadriceps peak torque at the end of the preparatory period may result from a decrease in the number of power training units during the entire preparatory period. A similar muscle strength between both lower extremities seems to be the correct result in the context of injury prevention. In turn, significant bioelectrical activity differences between the sides possibly are associated with the asymmetric movement pattern in sweep rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of self-care among social work practitioners notwithstanding, research literature is in the nascent stages of examining this area inquiry. This exploratory study examined the frequency of self-care practices among social work practitioners in Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, and Slovakia. Utilising data collected as part of Wave I of the Global Self-Care Initiative, a large-scale exploratory study designed to examine self-care practices among diverse practitioner groups, researchers sought to investigate differences in practitioners, by country. Analyses revealed significant cross-country differences. Both hierarchical regression and regression tree analyses showed country to have significantly explanatory effect. Practitioners from Finland reported engaging in self-care significantly more frequently than did practitioners in the other countries. Implications derived from contextual practice environments and areas for apposite research inquiry are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the contemporary economy, e-commerce is experiencing dynamic growth. One of the factors that determines its development is that of online trust in terms of the relations between the online seller and the consumer. The adoption of the assumption that online trust has an impact on the purchasing behavior of e-consumers had an influence on the formulation of the aim of the research, which was to identify the relations between cultural factors and consumer online trust, as well as the impact of consumer online trust on the purchasing intentions of young consumers. The empirical results illustrate that the trust attributes significantly affect the purchasing intentions of young consumers. In particular, trust in websites and positive experiences in relations with an online shop in the past have a direct positive influence on the intentions to conduct transactions on the internet. The research findings indicate their potential use in marketing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warning signals generated by sirens of authorized emergency vehicles should be audible and recognizable to all road users. Currently, there is no legislation in Poland defining sound pressure levels (SPLs) of audible warning signals generated by sirens of authorized emergency vehicles. Measured A-weighted SPLs of those signals range between 104 and 108 dB. While for road users, an audible warning signal is a source of important information and its A-weighted SPL is acceptable, it may be a source of annoying noise to an emergency vehicle crew. That is why, it is necessary to find a method of improving the acoustic comfort of the crew and, at the same time, maintaining the informational function of audible warning signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sociosexuality explains whether people hold an (un)restricted orientation toward casual sex, and its effects on well-being are inconclusive. This study investigates how specifically the facets of sociosexuality relate to three components of well-being in men and women. Methods: Self-report measures of sociosexuality and well-being were assessed in 556 Polish adults. Results: Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed differences in sociosexual attitudes and desire across gender. Structural equation models showed significant results only for men—emotional and psychological well-being were positively predicted by sociosexual behavior and negatively predicted by desire. Conclusions: Sociosexuality predicted well-being differently across gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinnitus affects both adults and children. Children rarely complain spontaneously of tinnitus, and their parents are not aware of the condition. The prevalence of tinnitus in children differs considerably between studies, and large studies are needed to reliably estimate how many children experience tinnitus symptoms. The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence of tinnitus in a large sample of schoolchildren. This study was population-based, epidemiological research, conducted in the general, paediatric population of school-age children in Warsaw, Poland. Pure-tone audiometric testing was done, and hearing thresholds were determined from 0.5 to 8 kHz. Both the children and parents answered questions about the presence of tinnitus in the child. Results from 43,064 children aged 11 to 13 years old, as well as their parents, were collected. The study showed that tinnitus affected 3.1% of the children, but it was significantly more frequent (9%) in children with hearing loss. We found that 1.4% of the parents were aware of the presence of tinnitus in their children. Children should be routinely asked whether they experience tinnitus and if so, they should be included in the thorough assessment and management of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of older adults in society is becoming a major social focus. The article discusses demographic changes in Polish society in the context of the role played by the educational institution known as the University of the Third Age. Although implementing the idea of lifelong learning, such institutions constitute an important space allowing participants to experience life more fully by improving its quality. The information in this article can be used by other countries to organize education for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Meeting Centres Support Programme (MCSP) offers a combined approach to providing practical, emotional and social support to people living with mild to moderately severe dementia and their family carers in the community. A mixed methods explanatory design was used. The evaluation took place within the framework of the international Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) – MEETINGDEM study in nine Meeting Centres in Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. Eighty-seven people with dementia and 81 family carers completed a user evaluation survey after three months and 83 people with dementia and 84 carers after 6 months of participation in MCSP. Thirty-two people with dementia and 30 carers took part in focus groups after nine months. The percentage of people with dementia who were very satisfied with the programme increased significantly over time (p = 0.05). The majority of carers reported that they felt less burdened after three months of participation in MCSP (48.1% much less; 35.4% a little less). After six months, this percentage increased significantly to 91% (p = 0.04, 57.7% much less; 33.3% little less). Focus group analysis showed that people with dementia and carers in all countries/centres improved their ability to maintain emotional balance. The MCSP is highly appreciated by people with dementia and carers in all countries and it confirms the results of previous research into MCSP in the Netherlands. Our findings indicate that MCSP is a model that can help its users to increase their capacity to deal with the challenges caused by dementia and can promote emotional balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical professionals tend to stigmatise people with mental issues. The study aimed to examine the attitude of medical students towards doctors with mental disorders. An anonymous online survey was created. Eleven psychiatric conditions were included and graded on a 0–4 scale to assess perceived security of working as a Medical Doctor (MD) with them. Based on the gradation the numeric variable called discriminative attitude was calculated. Five hundred answers were collected. The majority of the participants understood the need of consultancy by psychiatrist while suffering from mental disorders (70%). Students answered more harshly when assessing each of the eleven disorders separately, than for the general questions. There is a significant need for special anti-stigmatisation classes during university education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risky behaviors, both online and offline, draw the attention of people who are engaged in education, namely parents, teachers, law enforcement representatives. This text joins the efforts to explain the relations between the Problematic Internet Use and offline risky behaviors. The main objective of the research was to present the co-occurrence of risk behaviors connected with taking psychoactive substances and dysfunctional use of the internet among adolescents. The research was conducted in Poland (N = 667 students of secondary and upper-secondary level schools aged 12–19) during September–October 2015. The following tools were applied: the risk behaviors in virtual space 2.0 scale; the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale; the diagnostic survey—youth and psychoactive substances. Risk behaviors and attitudes in students during taking psychoactive substances were compared with their behaviors evidencing dysfunctional use of the internet. The analysis of correlations between risk behaviors in the real and virtual space indicates strong co-occurrence of some aspects of using psychoactive substances and online activities that result in negative consequences. However, for most of the categories of experiences with psychoactive substances it is observable that individuals who do not engage in risk behaviors in reality are less prone to use the internet in a dysfunctional manner. As both worlds infiltrate, these explanations turn out to be of particular value for the redefinition of prevention of risky behaviors among the adolescents. Correlations between the offline and online space enforce the development of new prevention programs which would cover both spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the activity of male Polish Premier League soccer players during elite-level matches, depending on playing position, activity intensity range, and match period. The study sample comprised 1178 players. Amisco Pro® was used to track the match activity players. Statistical analysis of the total distance covered by players revealed that the greatest distance was covered by central midfielders (11894 ± 765 m) and external midfielders (11751 ± 686 m). In terms of velocity, the greatest distance was covered by players in the V1 range (0 ≤ V1 < 11 km · h−1, standing, walking), (7028 ± 294 m). The difference between the match periods was statistically non-significant, amounting to only 0.5%. As such they could prove useful for present and future comparisons between positions and represent the scientific basis for developing position-specific conditioning/training regimes for both clubs and individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the knowledge and use of technology-based interventions (TBIs) by health personnel working in the addiction field across Europe. Methods: An online questionnaire was designed using SurveyMonkey® in order to determine the level of knowledge, use and perceived efficacy of TBIs in substance use disorders (SUDs), among health professionals across six EU Member States: Germany, Italy, UK, France, Poland and the Netherlands. The survey was sent to a convenience sample of 1200 addiction experts. Results: Surveyed participants (311, response rate 26%), had a mean professional addiction experience of 17 years; 23% stated to have good knowledge of TBIs, while 12% use them in their clinical practice. Forty-six percent consider TBIs useful in the treatment of addiction, and 44% foresee a significant increase of them in the future. TBIs were considered important for people facing barriers to accessing treatment (63%) and for providing support outside the formal care settings (60%). Lack of technical support (48%), poor infrastructure and equipment (42%), and lack of digital literacy among health workers (38%) were identified as the main obstacles in the diffusion of TBIs. Conclusions: Knowledge and utilisation of TBIs among health workers in drug addiction field is low. Nevertheless, TBIs are perceived as a possible means of facilitation in providing access to treatment, and as therapeutic tools which will become more important in the future. The need to improve training policies, awareness and attitudes towards TBIs among EU health professionals, working in the field of addiction is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of both theoretical and empirical literature suggests that career counselling should begin in childhood and that it should be an ongoing process based on a narrative approach. The basis of this paradigm is an insightful reflection over one's life history, which requires tapping into the capacities of autobiographical memory. At the same time, childhood and adolescence are periods when readiness for insightful analysis of one's past are at their lowest. Literature reviews illustrate that comics are an effective way of inciting reflection and stimulating early development memories. Accordingly, this research aimed at examining the usefulness of comics in stimulating insights into life among young adolescents. The sample comprised 242 students, that is 114 boys and 128 girls aged 13–15. We found that comics help create an environment that is conducive to recalling memories among young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important component of tobacco smoke, but also environmental toxicity. This study analyzed possible correlation between exhaled CO level and oral health indicators in two geographically distributed populations during health-promoting public events organized for local communities in cities with high and low environmental pollution in Poland (907 patients). Self-reported, instructor-led, oral health questionnaire was developed to monitor current and previous mucosal lesion incidence. Exhaled CO correlated with subjects smoking status and environmental CO exposure: highest in smoking inhabitants of Krakow (12 ppm), with lower levels in smokers from Kozienice (6.5 ppm) and non-smokers from Krakow (6 ppm), and lowest for Kozienice non-smokers (2 ppm) (p < 0.001). After propensity score matching and adjustment for smoking status, demography and comorbidities odds ratio for mucosal lesion incidence was 1.46 (1.31–1.63), p < 0.001) per 1 ppm increase of exhaled CO level. This result might implicate a possible role of environmental pollution factors in oral health pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity (PA) is an important element of healthy lifestyle, plays a major part in primary and secondary prevention of environmental illness. We examined the level of PA over a period of 7 days using Silva ex3 Connect pedometers in women after breast cancer treatment (BCT). Participants were selected from rural areas with restricted access to recreational and rehabilitative services. Women post BCT exhibited a low level of PA, though not deviating significantly from that of healthy women of the same age. There is a need to increase the level of PA among both: women after BCT and healthy women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess skin temperature after short-term kinesiology tape application. Seventy-four healthy volunteers with no history of lower back pain participated in the study. Kinesiology tape was applied in the experimental group, and Matopat Classic adhesive tape was applied in the placebo group. Study participants wore the tape for four consecutive days and were then thermographically analyzed for changes in skin temperature. Examination of skin surface temperature distribution revealed a significantly lower temperature (mean decrease, 1.3°C P = .001 area1, 1.5°C P = .001 area2, 1.6 P = .008 area3) immediately after kinesiology tape the removal. One hour after removal of the tape, a statistically significant increase in temperature was observed over all three areas (mean increase, 0.9°C P = .025 area1, 1.0°C P = .0008 area2, 1.0 P = .011 area3). In group 2, there were no statistically significant temperature changes. Based on the findings, we determined that kinesiology taping may affect skin temperature at the site of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research focuses on the analysis of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations variability at 11 stations in selected urbanized areas of Poland (Tricity, Poznań, Łódź, Kraków). Methods comprised: the analysis of basic statistical characteristics in yearly/monthly/daily/hourly scale and threshold exceedance frequencies. Also, correlations between PM10 and meteorological variables were investigated. GEV distribution analysis allowed the estimation of the return levels of monthly maxima of PM10 and PM2.5. Results show that in Tricity there are fewer than 5 % of days with PM10 and PM2.5 threshold exceedance. In Kraków, the standards are only met during summer and the frequency of daily PM limit exceedance in winter was around 65–90 %. GEV analysis indicates that 10y return level of PM10 monthly maximum daily average do not usually exceed 250 μg/m3 at most of the stations (Kraków agglomeration is an exception here). In winter, the meteorological conditions unfavourable to the pollutant's dispersion comprise: high-pressure systems, stable equilibrium in the atmosphere and limited turbulence occur quite often together with low wind speed and reduced height of the planetary boundary layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel assessment tool Cross-Linguistic Lexical Tasks (LITMUS-CLT) aims for comparable cross-linguistic assessment of multilingual children’s lexical skills by basing each language version on two language-specific variables: age of acquisition (AoA) and complexity index (CI), a novel measure related to phonology, morphology, exposure and etymology. This article investigates the validity of this methodology, asking whether the underlying properties are robust predictors of children’s performance. The Polish and Norwegian CLTs were used to assess 32 bilingual Polish–Norwegian, 34 monolingual Norwegian and 36 monolingual Polish children. The effects of AoA and CI were contrasted with frequency in child directed speech (CDS) and imageability, two known predictors of lexical development. AoA was a reliable predictor of performance within all parts of CLT, in contrast to CI. Apart from AoA, only exposure and CDS frequency had a significant effect within both monolinguals and bilinguals. These results indicate that CLT assesses lexical skills in a cross-linguistically comparable manner, but suggest a revision of the CI measure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To examine the effects of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in individuals after stroke on self-efficacy, symptoms of depression and anxiety.Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Clinic of Adult Neurology of Medical University of Gdańsk and M. Copernicus Pomeranian Traumatology Centre in Gdańsk.Subjects: A total of 62 patients, aged 54.0 ± 9.6 years. Interventions: They were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: SFBT participating in 10 therapy sessions and control – not participating in any psychotherapy. Main measures: Symptoms of depression and anxiety according to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (scale originally designed for cancer patients) and Self-efficacy Scale were examined at baseline of the study and later in the same time intervals in both groups. Results: The intensity of depression and anxiety complaints drops in the SFBT group (from 5.0 to 2.0 and 8.0 to 4.0 respectively; bothp< .001 Friedman’s ANOVA (analysis of variance)) whilst in the control group remains unchanged. In addition to the gradual reduction of destructive attitudes (from 34.5 to 17.0), the increase in the number of constructive attitudes (from 42.0 to 50.5) and increased self-efficacy (from 79.0 to 96.0) was observed after therapy but not in the control group. Conclusions: The authors suggest SFBT as a simple, beneficial and inexpensive method to manage patients after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to determine whether the contact sports change the perception of pain as assessed by the cold pressor test (CPT), and if the test induces the same reaction of the cardiovascular system in contact athletes and non-athletes. The study involved 321 healthy men; 140 contact athletes and 181 students of the University of Szczecin (control). Pain threshold and pain tolerance were evaluated using CPT. Cardiovascular measurements were made during CPT. The contact athletes showed a much higher tolerance to pain than the control group (median time 120 vs. 94 s, respectively,p = 0.0002). The thresholds of pain in both groups did not differ significantly between the groups. Systolic blood pressure measured before and during the test in all three measurements was statistically significantly higher in athletes compared with the control group. Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure did not differ significantly between the studied groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: At least two groups of parotid malignancies exist, including one whose parameters of dynamic MRI closely resemble those of pleomorphic adenomas. Also tumors with long time to peak enhancement after administration of a contrast agent (Tpeak) and low washout rate (WR) should be considered malignant, especially single masses with concomitant lymphadenopathy located within the deep parotid lobe. Objective: To verify if malignant tumors of the parotid are homogeneous in terms of parameters of preoperative dynamic MRI: Tpeak and WR. Methods: The retrospective analysis included 221 surgical patients with parotid tumors. Aside from fine needle biopsy, pre-operative examination included dynamic and diffusion-weighted MRI. Final diagnosis was based on histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. Results: Twenty-four of 221 (10.8%) malignant lesions were identified. Using k-means clustering based on Tpeak and WR values, two distinct clusters of parotid malignancies were identified. The cut-off value for Tpeak optimally differentiating between the clusters was 140 s; the cut-off value for WR could not be identified. The two clusters did not differ in terms of dynamic and diffusion-weighted MRI parameters, patient age, sex and prevalence of lymphadenopathy. Significant inter-cluster differences were found in the prevalence of deep parotid lobe involvement and presence of a single mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The implementation of new health services is a complex process. This study investigated the first phase of the adaptive implementation of the Dutch Meeting Centres Support Programme (MCSP) for people with dementia and their carers in three European countries (Italy, Poland, the UK) within the JPND-MEETINGDEM project. Anticipated and experienced factors influencing the implementation, and the efficacy of the implementation process, were investigated. Findings were compared with previous research in the Netherlands. Method: A qualitative multiple case study design was applied. Checklist on anticipated facilitators and barriers to the implementation and semi-structured interview were completed by stakeholders, respectively at the end and at the beginning of the preparation phase. Results: Overall, few differences between countries were founded. Facilitators for all countries were: added value of MCSP matching needs of the target group, evidence of effectiveness of MCSP, enthusiasm of stakeholders. General barriers were: competition with existing care and welfare organizations and scarce funding. Some countries experienced improved collaborations, others had difficulties finding a socially integrated location for MCSP. The step-by-step implementation method proved efficacious. Conclusion: These insights into factors influencing the implementation of MCSP in three European countries and the efficacy of the step-by-step preparation may aid further implementation of MCSP in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine whether persons with neuropsychiatric disorders experience a common set of psychosocial difficulties using qualitative data from focus groups and individual interviews.Method: The study was performed in five European countries (Finland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Spain) using the focus groups and individual interviews with persons with nine neuropsychiatric disorders (dementia, depression, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, stroke and substance dependence). Digitally recorded sessions were analysed using a step-by-step qualitative and quantitative methodology resulting in the compilation of a common set of psychosocial difficulties using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework.Results: Sixty-seven persons participated in the study. Most persons with neuropsychiatric disorders experience difficulties in emotional functions, sleeping, carrying out daily routine, working and interpersonal relationships in common. Sixteen out of 33 psychosocial difficulties made up the common set. This set includes mental functions, pain and issues addressing activities and participation and provides first evidence for the hypothesis of horizontal epidemiology of psychosocial difficulties in neuropsychiatric disorders.Conclusions: This study provides information about psychosocial difficulties that should be covered in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with neuropsychiatric disorders regardless of clinical diagnoses.Implications for RehabilitationEmotional problems, work and sleep problems should be addressed in all the treatments of neuropsychiatric disorders regardless of their specific diagnosis, etiology and severity.Personality issues should be targeted in the treatment for neurological disorders, whereas communication skill training may also be useful for mental disorders.The effects of medication and social environment on patient’s daily life should be considered in all the neuropsychiatric conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Rehabilitation slows the progress of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and prevents progression of disability. This study aimed to compare the impact of two rehabilitation programmes on pain, disease activity, locomotor function, global health and work ability forecast in RA patients.Materials and methods: Sixty-four employed women aged 24–65 years participated in the study. All patients underwent individual and instrumental kinesiotherapy. Thirty-two patients underwent cryogenic chamber therapy and local cryotherapy as well as non-weight-bearing, instrumental and individual kinesiotherapy. The remaining 32 patients received traditional rehabilitation in the form of electromagnetic and instrumental therapy, individual and pool-based non-weight-bearing kinesiotherapy. Rehabilitation lasted 3 weeks. Patients were examined three times: prior to rehabilitation, after 3 weeks of therapy and 3 months after completion of rehabilitation. The following study instruments were used: to assess disease activity: DAS-28; functional impairment: HAQ-DI; pain severity: VAS; patients’ overall well-being: a scale from 0 to 100 (Global Health Index); and patients’ own prognosis of fitness for work: the 6th question from Work Ability Index (WAI). Statistical analysis of data was performed using the STATISTICA 8.0 package. Mixed-design two-way analysis of variance was used for hypothesis testing.Results: All patients improved after rehabilitation. The group of patients those who underwent cryotherapy had improved DAS-28, HAQ-DI, VAS and global health scores immediately following the 3-week rehabilitation programme (p < 0.001,p = 0.001,p = 0.007 andp < 0.001, respectively), as well as at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001,p < 0.001,p = 0.009 andp < 0.001, respectively). Rehabilitation using cryotherapy resulted in greater improvement in disease activity DAS-28 [F(2,105) = 5.700;p = 0.007; η2 = 0.084] and HAQ-DI locomotor function scores [F(2,109) = 6.771;p = 0.003; η2 = 0.098] compared to traditional rehabilitation. The impact of both forms of rehabilitation on patients’ own prognosis of work ability in the next 2 years was not significant. Results of patients who underwent traditional approach showed decreased disease activity following the initial 3-week period; however, this improvement did not sustain to the end of follow-up, 3 months later.Conclusions: Complex rehabilitation in RA has a positive effect on patients’ clinical condition. The rehabilitation programme that includes cryotherapy overtops traditional rehabilitation, particularly as regards improvement in locomotor function, disease activity and sustaining willingness to continue working and exerts long-lasting effect.Implications for RehabilitationRehabilitation using cryotherapy is more effective in improving locomotor function, decreasing disease activity and sustaining willingness to continue working compared to traditional rehabilitation.Rehabilitation using cryotherapy significantly reduces the intensity of pain experienced by patients with RA, and this positive effect is maintained at 3 months post-rehabilitation.Complex rehabilitation, particularly treatment using cryotherapy, improves patients’ subjective assessment of their overall well-being and perception of their disease.Complex rehabilitation in rheumatoid arthritis has a positive effect on patients’ clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:This longitudinal experimental study compared effects of self-efficacy, planning and education-based conditions, encouraging adolescents to eat fruit and vegetable in place of energy-dense foods. Design:Data were collected among 506 adolescents (13–18 years old) who were randomly assigned to control (n = 181), planning (n = 153) or self-efficacy (n = 172) conditions. Measurements were taken at baseline (T1), at a 2-month follow-up (T2), and at a 14-month follow-up (T3). Interventions/control group procedures were delivered at T1 and T2. Outcome measures:Self-reports of fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) and energy-dense foods intake were collected at three times. Cognitive mediators (self-efficacy and planning) were assessed at T1 and T2. Body weight and height were objectively measured at T1 and T3. Results and conclusions:Similar significant increases of FVI were found for planning and self-efficacy interventions (T3). The planning intervention did not influence energy-dense food intake (T3), but the self-efficacy intervention tended to result in stabilising intake (compared to an increase found in the control group). There were no effects on body weight. Similar patterns were found for the total sample and for a subsample of adolescents with overweight/obesity. The effects of interventions on FVI were mediated by respective cognitions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Social and employment activation of individuals at risk of social exclusion gains in significance if it results in their more active attitudes. An increasing number of systemic projects currently implemented by social assistance centres (SACs) in Poland provide a great number of people with an opportunity to take steps to improve their circumstances. The research objective was to assess the results of the project called ‘Use Your Opportunity’, implemented by the SAC in Andrychów, in order to draw conclusions concerning the forms of assistance offered as a part of social and employment activation scheme. The research encompassed 79 individuals before and after their participation in the project in 2010 and 2011. It has been found that the participation in the project and contact with the specialists definitely contributed to the SAC clients' greater knowledge about the way in which they function in the society, their abilities and limitations and also their life skills and employment opportunities. There is no doubt that systemic projects implemented by the SACs in Poland significantly increase the opportunity for their clients to receive support that is not only limited to financial help, which has been common practice so far, but also grants access to the otherwise inaccessible training and specialist counselling services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the average HIV infection duration and the level of quantitatively rated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and social support dimensions in a sample of 562 Polish HIV+ adults. Possible moderating effects of social support on the relationship between the average HIV infection duration and the level of PTSD symptoms were also analysed. The results of this study suggest that the average HIV infection duration may intensify PTSD symptoms and deteriorate the perceived availability of social support in HIV+ individuals. However, a positive relationship between HIV infection duration and the level of trauma symptoms was observed only in the group of HIV+ individuals with low perceived available social support, but not in the group of HIV-infected individuals with high perceived available social support. This research provided some new insight into the psychological and social aspects of living with HIV. In particular, our results suggest that although HIV infection duration may intensify trauma symptoms and deteriorate social support, perceived available social support may act as a buffer against HIV-related trauma symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Mental health is important in the development of pregnancy and a fetus. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine demographic, socio-economic, and personality-based correlates of mental health of well-educated Polish primiparas living in the capital city. Method: The study included 164 women aged 22-38 in the second and third trimesters of a first, uncomplicated pregnancy. General Health Questionnaire-28, NEO-Five Factor Inventory, Life Oriented Test-Revised, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Body Satisfaction Scale, and Fear of Childbirth Scale were used. Results: Professional work during pregnancy was a positive predictor of anxiety and insomnia, and good financial situation was negatively correlated with somatic symptoms and anxiety and insomnia. The trait anxiety was a positive predictor of anxiety and insomnia, neuroticism has played such a role in depression. Conclusions: The mental health of pregnant women may depend on socio-economic factors and personality traits. Monitoring these factors would enable one to assess the degree of risk for the deterioration of the mental health during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geographic variation in the prevalence of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate may be due to exogenous environmental factors or genetic variation. In this study, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Polish urban and rural environments in order to identify geographic areas with high prevalence (defect clusters). Methods: We use all cases of congenital malformations reported to the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations in the years 1998–2008 from the total population of 2,362,502 births. Results: We detect a strong signal of increased prevalence of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a single region of Poland, the Dolnośląskie voivodeship. Furthermore, we demonstrate a statistically significant prevalence differences between the urban and rural areas within this region. Through our comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis, we precisely define the cluster of the highest risk that comprises the eastern part of this voivodeship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research has found positive links between happiness and various aspects of religiousness, yet it remains unclear how religion contributes to happiness and other well-being outcomes. One possible route is through purpose in life. Among a sample of 208 Christian Polish university students we investigated the mediating role of purpose in life between religion and subjective well-being. Intrinsic religiosity, as expected, was related to higher levels of purpose in life, happiness and life satisfaction, and positively predicted happiness and life satisfaction through purpose in life. The findings support the notion that eudaimonia and eudaimonic constructs like purpose in life may be the links between religion and well-being outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]