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Background: A child’s cancer is a highly stressful experience for the entire family. Childhood cancer disrupts family functioning and is one of the most stressful and challenging events parents face, often beyond their control. Parents play a crucial role in providing emotional support to children throughout their illness, and their ability to cope can help reduce the child’s negative emotions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among parents of children with cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines and included parents of children undergoing cancer treatment. Convenience sampling was used. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were utilized to assess the parents. Results: This study included 270 participants (73% women, 27% men) with children at an average age of 8.75 ± 4.82 years. Diagnoses included leukemia (53%), lymphoma (29%), and other cancers. On the Beck Depression Inventory, 33% of parents were mildly depressed, 12% moderately depressed, and 32% severely depressed, with an average score of 20.63 ± 12.39 points. The HADS-M scale indicated anxiety at 48.43 ± 20.78%, depression at 45.01 ± 22.8%, and aggression at 54.72 ± 28.71%. Conclusions: Most parents of children with cancer have symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are influenced by the duration of the child’s illness. A strong correlation was observed between the level of anxiety and the tendency for depression.

Background: The pandemic has proven to be a particular challenge for healthcare workers, not only in the professional but also individual sense. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced their well-being and caused psychological distress. Undoubtedly, direct contact with sick patients, the fight against the pandemic, and observing the epidemiological situation influenced the attitudes of this group towards COVID-19 and vaccinations. The aim of the study was to analyse the level of anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess attitudes towards vaccinations against COVID-19. Methods: The cross-sectional study followed the recommendations of STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). A convenience purposive sampling method was used and the study was led among nurses and doctors employed in healthcare facilities. The study used a survey and the Trait Anxiety Scale SL-C. Results: The study included 385 participants, with an average age of 48.41 ± 6.76 years. The nurses constituted 55% of the study group and the doctors 45%. A total of 70% of healthcare workers had over 10 years of work experience. Over half of the subjects (57%) became infected with COVID-19. A total of 85% of respondents have received vaccination. A total of 71% of respondents believe vaccinations are harmless. Frequently, the participants assessed their level of anxiety as moderate. Conclusions: Almost all surveyed doctors chose to be vaccinated, while the percentage of vaccinated nurses was significantly lower. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the employment position has a significant influence on the decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In self-assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare professionals experienced a moderate level of anxiety. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccination reduced the level of anxiety.

Introduction Every year there is an increase in the number of cases and deaths due to the majority of cancers. Currently, these diseases constitute the second cause of death in Poland and the USA. The number of cases of malignant neoplasms in Poland has more than doubled over the last three decades. According to the National Cancer Registry, in Poland about 95.5 people per thousand die every year from malignant neoplasms. Current epidemiological data on cancer is worrying because the World Health Organization predicts a significant increase in the incidence of cancer in the general population. This problem, which is significant on the global scale, demands the search for more effective prevention methods so that more and more attention is paid to both primary and secondary prevention. Prevention and early detection of cancer have become a priority for the national health policy of many European countries. Numerous studies around the world prove that reducing the risk of cancer is most effective through adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, combined with regular screening. Objective The aim of the study was to review knowledge on cancer prevention, including the latest research results. Conclusions Due to the systematic increase in the incidence of cancer, a strong emphasis should be placed on prevention. Preventive actions bring benefits not only to the individual, but are an important aspect of health policy. The importance of primary prevention in relation to healthy people has been demonstrated, including secondary prevention aimed at controlling risk factors in relation to persons exposed to them. The combination of these activities becomes an important element in maintaining the health of the individual, as well as society.

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Chapter of the Association of Polish Surgeons (Polish acronym: SCMiB TCHP) is a Polish specialist scientific society representing bariatric surgeons as well as specialists from other disciplines and professions cooperating with them during the provision of services in the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery, as well as the entire care process before and after surgery. The following standards constitute the minimum requirements set by the SCMiB TCHP for good practice of the basic process of bariatric care throughout its entire period, which ensure satisfactory safety and effectiveness of the obesity treatment and its metabolic complications.

Background Colorectal cancer defined as cancer of the colon or rectum, is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and the second in women, and, according to the World Health Organization database GLOBOCAN, it accounts for nearly 1.4 million new cases annually worldwide. The occurrence of colorectal cancer is associated with nonmodifiable risk factors, including age and hereditary factors, as well as with modifiable environmental and lifestyle factors. Methods The study included 800 patients, 400 diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 400 within the control group, who gave their written informed consent to participate in the study. Patients with cancer other than colorectal cancer were randomly selected for control group I, and patients with no cancer diagnosis were selected for control group II. The method used was a case-control study – an observational and analytical study with a control group, conducted among patients of the Clinical Oncology Centre and the Provincial Hospital in the years 2019–2020. The study comparing the exposure was carried out in a group of people who developed the endpoint, that is colorectal cancer, with the exposure in a well-matched group of controls who did not reach the endpoint. Assessment of activity and BMI was used according to WHO recommendations, as well as the expert system. The data were tested for the distribution and the homogeneity of variance was validated before applying the parameter tests. Comparison of quantitative variables between groups was performed using ANOVA. Results The mean age of the patients was 64.53 ± 8.86 years, of the control group I – 59.64 ± 9.33 and the control group II – 57.5 (7.83). There was a strong positive association between the incidence of ulcerative colitis and the risk of colorectal cancer ( P < .01). Among obese subjects, the risk of developing colorectal cancer was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06–1.53) compared with nonobese subjects. A strong positive relationship was found between low physical activity converted to metabolic equivalent of MET effort per week and the risk of colorectal cancer ( P < .001). The relative risk for current smokers was 2.17 (95% CI 1.79–2.66). There was an association between higher fat consumption and higher red meat consumption and the risk of developing colorectal cancer ( P < .01). Conclusions Obesity, low physical activity, active and passive smoking and high salt and red meat consumption have been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. These findings provide further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The cancerous process is result of disturbed cell function. This is due to the accumulation of many genetic and epigenetic changes within the cell, expressed in the accumulation of chromosomal or molecular aberrations, which leads to genetic instability. It is difficult to assess the validity of individual aetiological factors, but it can be concluded that interaction of various risk factors has the largest contribution to the cancer development. Environmental, exogenous and endogenous factors as well as individual factors, including genetic predisposition contribute to the development of cancer. Epidemiological research on the development of malignant tumors has focused over the years on the determinants of environmental and genetic factors of cancer incidence and mortality rate. According to current state of knowledge, 80–90% of malignant tumors are caused by external environmental factors (carcinogens). Epidemiological studies have proved that the main factors responsible for the development of malignant neoplasia among humans are environmental factors arising from human behaviour. It has been confirmed that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diet, and reproductive behaviour are important for the development of malignant neoplasia in the human population. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020 we may expect about 10 million deaths, including 7–8 million in the developing countries, while this number in the developed countries will not change and will be 2–3 million. The aim this study was systematization of knowledge concerning the risk factors of malignant tumours and supplementing them with the latest research results.

Introduction: The phenomenon of occupational stress can very often be found during the education process among nursing students. A very large number of hours of practical training, contact with the real treatment environment, constitute the same threats as in the case of people already in the profession. Stress, which can have a chronic dimension, poses a risk of dissatisfaction with the decision made and medical mistakes made by students. Satisfaction with the decision made about the profession is a multidimensional factor, including psychosocial values related to work. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the level of stress among nursing students during the practical education process and to analyze the level of satisfaction with the professional choice made. Material and method: The study covered 200 people who are nursing students graduating from the three-year education period. The selection of respondents was random. The study group consisted of 100% women aged 23-45, living in urban areas (48%) and rural (52%). Research method: The research method used in the work was a diagnostic survey. The research tool used is a self-help questionnaire. Results: The nursing education by the respondents was caused by the need to help others (46%), was a matter of chance (25%), a continuation of family traditions (3%), and the possibility of constant contact with people (8%). Over half of the respondents (56%) are satisfied with the decision made. The respondents feel needed during work with the patient (65%), mentally exhausted (43%), physically exhausted (34%), tired (20%), valued (20%), satisfied with life (18%), burned out (10%) %), frustrated (8%). Only 7% of respondents can talk about their feelings, the remaining respondents are afraid of the teacher's poor opinion (87%) and the therapeutic team (90%). 40% of respondents would definitely go to work abroad. Conclusions: The most common causes of occupational stress are the responsibility for human life and the death of the patient. The respondents rarely seek support among teachers of the profession.

Introduction: The nurse according to the Supreme Chamber of Nurses and Midwives is a person able to recognize the health condition of an individual or group and can create a care plan and realize it. The nurse should be primarily autonomous in making decisions about nursing care and organizing nursing care. Each competent nurse can make a proper assessment of a given situation, makes decisions efficiently and is able to quickly select the right methods of conduct. The awareness that science is always the foundation of practice is extremely important. This is how the profession of a nurse was shaped over the years. These scientific achievements greatly influence the increase of the professional nurse's prestige. Objective: The aim of the work is to gain knowledge about the perception of nursing, as a scientific discipline and nurses, by students of the nursing field. Material and methods: The study covered 100 people who are students of nursing, finishing the three-year education period. The selection of respondents was random. The study group consisted of 100% women aged 20-35, living in urban areas (51%) and rural (49%). The research method used in the work is a diagnostic survey. The research tool used is a self-help questionnaire. Results: Nursing understood 16% of respondents as a profession, 3% considered them as a scientific discipline, 1% as a learning system. The vast majority of respondents (92%) stated that nursing is both theoretical and practical science. The nurses' forms of activity, which contribute to the development of nursing, 73% of them reported upgrading professional qualifications, 7% writing scientific papers, 2% participation in scientific research, 1% participation in the preparation of apprentices to the profession and 1% activity in organizations unions. The most important features that should be possessed by a good nurse include: diligence and accuracy of performed procedures (25%), possessing rich knowledge in the field of medical sciences (55%), care (40%), cordiality and kindness (39%), patience and forbearance (38%), communicativeness (38%) and a humane attitude towards the patient (19%). Conclusions: Nursing students perceive nursing as a scientific discipline, occupation, education system and subsystem in the care system. According to the respondents, nursing has a chance to become a separate field of science in the future, if it continues its scientific development. According to the respondents, the nurse should be: friendly, responsible for the work to be done, and have extensive knowledge in the field of medical sciences.

Introduction: Pain remedying is a fundamental patient law. Modern medicine is acknowledging the mechanism and the warp of pain, commanding more efficient therapeutic means allowing to control the pain. Multidirectional pain therapy uses variable techniques and medicines which enables to maximize the analgesic effect during the reduction of side effects of each method. Objective: Evaluation of applying standards of analgesic treatment in hospital practice. Material and methods: There were 100 people with severe pain who underwent surgical and orthopedic treatment, as well as, the ones with chronic pain, staying in neurological ward who took part in the examination. Choice of examined patients was random and embraced hospitals patients in the Podkarpackie voivodeship with “Szpital bez Bólu” (eng.: Hospital without pain) certificate. Examined group comprised of : 57% of women and 44% of men, living in rural (56%) and urban (44%) area. Research methods used in the examinations, were diagnostic opinion poll, records analysis and pain measurements. Results: 42 % of patients can feel the pain intermittently, 37% is not able to estimate how often do pain ailments occur, however, 21% of people suffer from chronic pain ailments. Patients have estimated their pain as follows: severe (26%), difficult to determine (20%), shooting (16%), burning (15%), radiating (10%), dull (8%), stinging (3%) and the one which appears when touched (2%). Having estimated the pain intensity, 53% of respondents claimed that they feel medium pain intensity and 33% claimed to have felt great pain. Nurses in the post-op (54%) and anesthesiologist (26%) are the one, to inform patient about possibilities and eventual methods of post-operative pain management. Conclusions: Pain limits physical functioning of patient. Five-stage scales included in the examination, were VAS and VRS which are sufficient in prophylaxis and pain alleviation but not entirely readable and understandable for all patients. Education of patient influences on the awareness and abilities of evaluating the pain.

Introduction: Neoplastic diseases have been classified as civilization diseases and are a big problem for modern medicine. According to the data from the International Agency for Research of Cancer, about 10 million people suffer from cancer and a number of deaths due to this disease has exceeded 6 million; until 2020 those numbers may double. In Poland, cancer survivors of five years concern 22% of men and 35% of women suffering from tumours, while in northern and western Europe there is a cure rate of 40% for men and 50% for women. The main reason for the adverse situation in Poland is a low percentage of early diagnosis of cancer. On the one hand this results from insufficient preparation of both family doctors and physicians of other specialties, but on the other, from insufficient dissemination of early diagnosis methods. Objective: The objective of the study is to analyze the health condition and to assess the risk of a neoplastic disease among residents of villages. Material and methods: The research involved 1000 residents of villages in Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The age of the researched ranges from 18 to 30 years, with mean age 26.96±0.84 (range [18;30], median 25.95%CI [18,9;29,01]). The researched group is represented in 43,8% by women in 56,2% by men. In order to obtain the research material, a standardized questionnaire has been applied including interview and physical examination, enabling assessment of symptoms reported during the interview and analysis of symptoms indicating a disease, including cancer. Results: According to the data analysis, during last few months the respondents have suffered from such ailments as cough (8.22% W, 7.12% M), dyspnea (3.2% W, 1.78% M), abdominal pain (13.7% W, 4.27% M), pain (5.48% W, 2.14% M) and weakness (14.61% W, 4.98% M). During observations, one female respondent was diagnosed with symptoms of melanoma (0.46%), which has been confirmed in later dermatological test. Conclusions: No changes in oral cavity suggesting neoplastic disease have been noticed. Every sixth respondent has enlarged lymph nodes, most frequently submandibular or neck’s lymph nodes, and in the majority of cases it’s accompanied by pain.

Introduction: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is defined in literature similarly as a sudden and unexpected death of an infant occurring during sleep and, at the same time, causes of which cannot be explained based on anamnesis, circumstances of death or comprehensive post-mortem examinations. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is considered to be the most frequent cause of death among infants in the developed countries. Incidence of SIDS in the whole world ranges from about 0.1 to 6.0/1,000 live births. As much as 90% concerns deaths in the first year of life of a child, whereas 70% stands for deaths for which the cause remains unknown. In SIDS, about 90% of cases concern children under 1 year old and, in particular, at the age of between 2 and 4 months. The aim: The aim of the study was to present the most significant aspects of SIDS as well as description and analysis of risk factors for occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome based on statistical data. Materials and methods: For the purpose of the study, the secondary data analysis and desk research technique have been applied. The analysis is based on statistical data from the time period 2009-2014 released by the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Results: In 2009-2014, the highest number of deaths of infants and new-borns was reported in 2009 with the number being as high as 2,327. In the following years, the number of deaths of new-borns and infants systematically decreased. In 2010 it was 2,057 and in 2011 – 1,836, in 2012 – 1,791, in 2013 – 1,684, and in 2014 – 1,583. The highest number of deaths of boys was reported in 2009 – 1,298, while the number of deaths of girls in that year, although it was the highest in the analysed period, was lower – 1,029. Conclusions: cases of death were more frequent among boys rather than girls. The highest number of deaths was reported among infants under the age of one month and the number decreased with an increasing infants’ age. More cases of death were reported in the city area rather than in a village.

Introduction: Pain is one of the most burdensome symptoms of cancer disease. Assessing cancer pain, according to world tradition, relates to pain induced in cancer process or arised as a result of therapy. While having a cancer, pain is felt by 50% of diseased and felt even by 75% when advanced stadium of cancer. Cancer pain was considered as main somatic determinant of life quality, contributing to lowering of physical, professional and social activity, due to long and continous period. Objective: Aim of the examination is assessment of quality of life, during pain therapy caused by cancer disease. Material and methods: 100 of patient, took part in the examination with diagnosed cancer disease, 64% of women and 36% of men, aged 28-79 years old and average age was 52 years, residing urban (73%) and rural (27%) area. Testing methods used in the examination, were: diagnostic questionnaire , documentation analysis and pain measurement. Tools used in the research, were: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), QLQ-C30 questionnaire as well as self survey questionnaire. Results: In sensory dimension, 32% of respondents specified their pain as severe, 26% as intense, 20% as mild, however 17% described their pain as moderate. In emotional dimension, 19% of interviewees, described their pain as exhaustive and tiring. When assessing pain intensity with VAS scale, it was indicated that, majority of respondents (55%) had felt moderate pain, 23% mild pain, 3% intense pain, 2% agonizing pain, though, 17% of respondents had not felt pain. For 43% of respondents, pain influence their life quality in average degree, for 26% of interviewees, pain influence their quality of life to a great extent, however 31% claim that pain affect their quality of life to a small degree. Because of disease, financial difficulties occured among 77% of respondents, as well as, social and family contacts reduction, occured amid 57% of interviewees. Conclusions: Life quality of people with cancer is getting worse as cancer pain occurs. Pain therapy, has positive impact on life quality of those suffering with cancer. Occurence of cancer pain, has significant impact on life in social sphere, as well as, functioning and playing social role.

Introduction: Epidemiological data indicate growth of cancer appearance in young people and young adults population. According to Central Statistical Office of Poland, among teenagers between 15 and 19 years old, the number of malignant tumors reached 396 in 2008, and was “two times higher than among children aged 10-14”. Cancer diseases were the cause of death of approximately 7% of people aged 0-19 in last decade and the mortality rate has been decreasing for the past 30 years. Though, in Poland the mortality rate is still higher than in other European countries. Action aim: The goal is to evaluate the risk of cancer occurrence in population of young people. Material and method: Research has been carried out among 100 random people, aged 16-20, residing Jarosław county. The examined group had comprised of 44% of women and 56% of men. In order to obtain the research material, a standardized questionnaire has been applied including interview, enabling assessment and analysis of occurrence of cancer risk factors. Results: Brain tumor (3%), cancer of pancreas (3%), lung cancer (3%), melanoma (3%), breast cancer (2%) were most frequent types of cancer in examined women families. As for examined men families, the most frequent types of cancer were brain cancer (3%) and lung cancer (2%). When it comes to smokers, 13% of men and 9% of women confess to smoking everyday. Moreover, 2% of men and 1% of women admit drinking every single day. Additionally, 21% of men and 11% of women have contact with plant health products. Only 9% of women had admitted going to solarium in general: more than twice a week 2% of women; once a year only 7%. Conclusions: Risk of cancer occurrence, concerns both sexes. Place of residence do not influence cancer factors. Youth, to a large extent, are the most vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. All interviewees lead healthy lifestyle. The examined youth do not do periodic health examinations.

Introduction: Risk of neoplastic diseases in the whole world’s population has been increasing regularly. Thanks to the GLOBACAN data base operating under the auspices of the International Union Against Cancer it has been reported that up to 2002 10,900,000 of new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 6,700 deaths were reported. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020 we may expect about 10 million deaths, including 7-8 millions in the developing countries, while this number in the developed countries will not change and will be 2-3 million. The world’s most frequently occurring tumour is lung cancer. It accounts for 12.4% of all tumours diagnosed. According to the epidemiological research, the basic factors responsible for cancer development among people are those environmental factors that result from humans’ behaviour. Objective: The objective is to analyze the occurrence of risk factors of a neoplastic disease among patients with a diagnosed oncological disease. Material and methods: The research involved 500 patients of the oncology department. Women accounted for more than a half of all patients, namely 58%, while men 42%. In order to obtain the research material, a standardized questionnaire has been applied, including interview and physical examination, enabling assessment and analysis of occurrence of cancer risk factors. Results: The most frequently diagnosed tumour among women is breast cancer (20%), while among men the most frequently occurring is prostate cancer (10%). 20% of women and 10% of men lived near high-voltage line. 11% of women were active smokers while 6% passive smokers. When it comes to men, 18% were active smokers, while 5% passive smokers. Conclusions: The most frequent cancer among women is breast cancer, while among men prostate cancer. Smoking does not have a significant influence on cancer development in women, however, it has a significant influence on cancer development in men. Overweight and obesity have a significant influence on cancer development in women, while they have insignificant influence on cancer development in men.

Objective: Solar radiation is the most frequent environmental factor influencing the skin, where responsibility for harmful properties are of the ultraviolet radiation. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation significantly increases the risk of occurrence pigmented or non-pigmented skin cancers – melanoma or squamous-cell cancer. Cancerous effect is observed through artificial tanning. International agency for Research on Cancer in 2009 classified the radiation emitted by solar lams as carcinogen factor for skin cancer, equally with other carcinogens, such as arsenic compounds, coal tar and soot The aim of the work is to analyze risk behavior of the youth using natural radiation and tanning beds with diagnosed nevi. Material and methods: The research was carried among 500 people residing on the territory of Podkarpackie Voivodship. The age of test subject ranged between 18 to 25 years, the test group consisted of 93% women and 7% men. To acquire the research material for the work, physical examination was conducted to assess the occurrence of skin lesions, dermatoscopy to assess nevi and skin changes, standardized questionnaire form including questions to spontaneous and supported answers. Results: Physical examination proved the occurrence of nevi with 68% of test subjects, where after dermatoscopy 25% of changes indicated worrying cancerous features and further dermatological examinations were recommended (page 1-7). All subjects (100%) with pigment changes have sunbathed or used tanning bed at least once in a lifetime, and over a half (68%) were sunburned through UV radiation. Conclusions: Majority of interviewees believe that natural tanning was the cause of more frequent sunburns than solarium tanning. Majority of the youth is systematically using solarium tanning without the consent of the public. People who tan naturally and concurrently appropriately select and apply sunscreen to their skin tone, are less sunburned.

Rowing is a sport discipline, which requires extreme physical strength and endurance and appropriate aerobic and anaerobic capacity as well. However, when the workout intensity and load is very high, exercise is associated with temporary changes in cellular metabolism and the immune system. The study included one male rower aged 28 years - the highly-skilled and experienced athlete. We determined basic cardiorespiratory fitness measures, complete blood count, and 24 clinical chemistry parameters including relevant biochemical and haematological parameters and matrix metaloproteinases activities. Maximal exercise on the rowing ergometer induced 2-fold increase in absolute counts of all leukocytes subsets. There was observed an increase in C-reactive protein concentrations as well. MMP-9 activity increased 1,3-fold compared to the baseline value. Exhaustive exercise caused significant changes in creatinine and urea serum levels, but the most prominent changes were found in total and direct bilirubin concentrations. Maximal exercise induced also a decrease in the iron and magnesium levels. No changes in ALT, GGT and ALP activity were observed, while increase in CK, AST and LDH activity in post-exercise time and the decrease during the recovery was found. Therefore acute specialized movement on the rowing ergometer is not the cause of muscular damage, but rather indicate efficient adaptation to the physical exercise. Moreover, it seems that maximal exercise induces an inflammatory response characterized by greater count of all subpopulations of leukocytes, elevated levels of CRP and MMP-9 serum activity.

The present analysis of the hole extension effect on the transpiration flow efficiency is a part of the research [1] which aims at defining a physical transpiration model of the flow through perforated plates. Perforated walls find a wide use as a method of flow control and effusive cooling. Some data on the L/D (hole length to diameter ratio) effect on the flow structure and mass flow rate may be found in the literature [2, 3], but all those works concern holes of a diameter at least one order of magnitude larger than those used in the simulations presented in this paper. Due to the size of the analyzed holes and their cylindrical shape, the only method of analysing the flow through such holes is the numerical method. In the conducted simulations, the holes were D = 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.125 mm in diameter and the perforation values were equal to 4%, 5%, 8% and 10%. The L/D ratio was changed between 0.25 and 8. The data bank of the flow through the cylindrical holes was produced. The hole extension has a significant influence on the obtained mass flow rate and, consequently, on the transpiration flow efficiency. In addition, entrance effects appear to be important.

Contemporary armed conflicts are increasingly based on new technologies. These technologies enable to conduct hostilities from a distance, often eliminate the human factor from the battlefield. Nowadays, cyberspace created by the Internet allows to frame the idea of armed conflict outside the traditional recognition of the fight between belligerent armed forces. This article addresses issues of the direct participation of hostilities in cyberspace. In the first part it discusses technological development and its impact on the activation of the civil factor during armed conflicts. In the second part by analysing the current practice of cyber conflicts it refers to the concept of direct participation in hostilities and its constituent elements as a threshold of harm, direct causation, belligerent nexus at the cybernetic level. The third and final part examines the possibility of the loss of protection, in particular, it addresses the issues related to its temporal nature and the question of means and methods of attacking civilians involved in cyber warfare.