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Objective: Numerous studies have highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying indications of emotional strain. This study compares the psychological functioning of healthcare workers at the onset of the pandemic and two years later, offering a comprehensive assessment of their emotional and mental health status in the evolving context of COVID-19. Methods: This longitudinal analysis examined the relationship between stress, emotional processing, and their positive/negative impacts on medical personnel working in Polish hospitals and outpatient clinics in 2020 (n = 285) and 2022 (n = 252). The study employed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Mini-COPE, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), STAI, and PANAS to assess psychological responses and coping mechanisms. Results: Findings revealed a significant increase in denial, substance use, self-blame, negative mood, and impaired psychological and somatic functioning, alongside heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conversely, a marked decrease in planning, positive reinterpretation, acceptance, religious coping, and seeking social support (both emotional and instrumental) was observed over the two-year period. Conclusion: The prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the psychological resilience of healthcare professionals, eroding critical emotional resources necessary for maintaining interpersonal relationships and mental well-being. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the mental health of medical staff in the ongoing crisis.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder whose symptoms are mostly observed in childhood, however, their intensity may also persist into adulthood. What is more, research shows that the very nature of this disorder’s symptoms is such that adults experience numerous secondary consequences of the disorder. The purpose of the described pilot studies was to determine the connection between hyperactivity disorder and criminal behaviour as well as between hyperactivity disorder and mental functioning understood as the experience of trauma, maladaptive emotional schemas and mental health. Two groups of convicts participated in the research: first offenders and recidivists in prison aged from 21 to 65. Each group consists of 20 people (40 in total). Participants in the study were recruited from semi-open prisons in Poland (Detention Centre in Poznań, Iława Prison). The control group consisted of men without a criminal record aged from 21 to 65 – 20 men in total. The DIVA 5.0 questionnaire was used in order to recognise the intensity of ADHD symptoms. Other questionnaires used in the study were the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale IV (FACES-IV), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30). The results of pilot studies demonstrate that ADHD materially correlates with the experience of early childhood trauma. ADHD intensity also correlates with the evaluation of family functioning – these people evaluated relationships in their families of origin more negatively than the control group. Finally, ADHD intensity correlates with the disclosure of maladaptive emotional schemas. Research results did not demonstrate a connection between the intensity of ADHD symptoms and the tendency to get into conflicts with the law.The conducted research is innovative in nature as it attempts to provide a multifactorial approach to relationship between ADHD and criminal behavior.

Objectives Many facts indicate the important role of psychosomatic symptoms that occur due to traumatic events. This study is an analysis of the coexistence of psychosomatic symptoms and traumatic events. Though not every person taking part in these events develops a fully symptomatic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosomatic symptoms with a strong psychological component are observed in many. This study focuses on a comparison of the intensity of somatization, anxiety, depression, and distress of medical university students, who encountered a traumatic event and those who have not experienced trauma. Material and Methods The data was collected from 594 students of different academic majors at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland. The participants were asked if they had experienced situations that caused psychological trauma as well as about the intensity of their psychosomatic symptoms. The data was collected with 2 questionnaires: Post-traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire . Results The study reveals that 78% of students experienced a traumatic event, in 15% moderate and severe symptoms of PTSD are observed, 45% presents average and high stress levels, 23% experiences symptoms of depression, whereas 30% has anxiety and 26% somatic symptoms. Conclusions Studies show that experiencing traumatic events in life is linked to the higher intensity of an/the entire range of psychosomatic symptoms. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):606–17

Structured follow-up visits should be accessible for children at risk for developmental delay. Follow-up visits should include a serial neuromotor assessment in the first two years of life (e.g., 3–6, 12, 24 months corrected age), which are repeated during the transition to school. The diagnosis of neuromotor development may be prognostic for important skills later in life. The early diagnosis of a child’s general movements can be helpful in planning appropriately for proper treatment and intervention. These diagnostic assessments should be conducted by qualified healthcare professionals. The evaluation of neuromotor developmental health is specified in the national guidelines and funded by either a national government or public or private healthcare insurance and based on standardized assessment scales. The aim of this study is to show what elements of follow-up visits are recommended. Objectives: The group of patients for whom the structured follow-up systems are intended were children born very preterm (

Background: Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are chronic skin diseases found all over the world that cause a lot of suffering to patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to answer the following questions: whether people suffering from psoriasis and AD have greater problems with recognizing emotions, the effectiveness of attention and memory processes, and whether they use different strategies of coping with stress than healthy people. Methods: This study involved 90 patients, including 30 patients with psoriasis, 30 patients with AD and 30 healthy patients, aged 21 to 63 years, including 54 women and 36 men. This study used a battery of the CANTAB Cognitive Tests, Mini-COPE Questionnaire Inventory, Toronto Alexithymia Scale TAS Questionnaire, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and Eczema Area and Severity Index. Results: People with psoriasis and AD had higher total scores on the alexithymia scale and had greater difficulty in identifying and verbalizing emotions. People with psoriasis and AD are less likely to choose the correct stimulus and achieve a shorter length of the sequence that should be remembered. Psoriasis patients with more severe symptoms are less likely to use the strategy of a sense of humor in stressful situations. AD patients with more severe symptoms are less likely to use strategies of operative thinking, denial and self-blame, and the strategy of seeking instrumental support is used more often. Conclusions: Patients with psoriasis and AD require a holistic approach; in addition to dermatological treatment, psychological support, psychotherapeutic support and possible psychiatric treatment are recommended.

The neuropsychological functioning of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is of key importance to the effectiveness of the therapy, which, in its complexity, requires a great deal of knowledge, attention, and commitment. Intellectual limitations make it difficult to achieve the optimal metabolic balance, and a lack of this alignment can contribute to the further deterioration of cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to provide a narrative review of the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of diabetes on brain structure and functions during childhood and also to present possible actions to optimize intellectual development in children with T1D. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature using selected keywords. The results were summarized using a narrative synthesis. Disturbances in glucose metabolism during childhood may have a lasting negative effect on the development of the brain and related cognitive functions. To optimize intellectual development in children with diabetes, it is essential to prevent disorders of the central nervous system by maintaining peri-normal glycemic levels. Based on the performed literature review, it seems necessary to take additional actions, including repeated neuropsychological evaluation with early detection of any cognitive dysfunctions, followed by the development of individual management strategies and the training of appropriate skills, together with complex, multidirectional environmental support.

(1) Background: Identification of typical behavioral manifestations in patients with DEAD-Box Helicase 3 X-linked gene (DDX3X) variants plays a crucial role in accurately diagnosing and managing the syndrome. The objective of this paper was to carry out a review of medical and public databases and assess the behavioral features of the DDX3X syndrome (DDX3X), with a particular focus on psycho-pathological symptoms. (2) Methods: An extensive computerized search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Medline Complete, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Specific keywords and Medical Subject Headings were used to ensure the inclusion of relevant studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied to assess the methodological quality of the manuscripts. (3) Results: Only nine papers out of the 272 assessed met the inclusion criteria. These articles revealed various psycho-pathological manifestations in patients with the DDX3X syndrome. Intellectual disability (ID) or developmental disability (DD), speech delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), self-injurious behaviors (SIBs), sensory symptoms and sleep disturbance were demonstrated to be the most common psycho-pathological behavior manifestations. (4) Conclusions: Patients with the DDX3X syndrome manifest a wide spectrum of psycho-pathological symptoms. A comprehensive investigation of these symptoms in patients is essential for early diagnosis and effective therapy.

Intellectual functioning studies carried out amongst children indicate that chronic diseases like type 1 diabetes and growth hormone deficiency (GHD), may, but do not necessarily, result in intellectual loss. Cognitive functions may decline as a child becomes older, as a disease persists over time and/or due to non-compliance with treatment recommendations or high stress levels. This study aimed to assess the cognitive functioning of children and youths with T1D and GHD-related short stature compared to healthy children. Methods: The study was carried out on 88 children with type 1 diabetes, 38 children suffering from short stature caused by (GHD), as well as a control group comprising 40 healthy children. Weschler’s tests were applied to measure intellectual and cognitive functions. Results: The results suggest that for children suffering from type 1 diabetes and short stature, their chronic childhood diseases per se do not impair cognitive development. It was observed that the higher the age of chronically ill children and the longer the disease persists, the lower their scores in individual cognitive subtests. For healthy children, age is correlated with the acquisition of particular skills and higher scores in specific subtests. Conclusions: On the basis of qualitative analysis of the cognitive functions subject to the study and close clinical observation of chronically ill children, we have been able to conclude that chronic diseases may alter cognitive functioning.

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders can be a challenge for both clinicians and patients. It is unclear what factors are associated with prolonged conservative care and patient dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes. Material and research method: A literature review was carried out in terms of methods of physiotherapeutic treatment following disorders of temporomandibular joints in pediatric patients. This work is for reference only. The PubMed and Google Schoolar databases were analyzed. The keywords used in the search were: "physiotherapy, temporomandibular joints and children", "manual therapy, temporomandibular joints and children". The authors focused on reports published in Polish and English from the last 10 years. Results: There is a need to combine standard therapy with physiotherapy in order to accelerate the treatment process. Conclusions: Physiotherapy is highly effective and non-invasive in the treatment of stomatognathic system disorders. A physiotherapist provides a number of therapeutic treatments that improve disorders in the temporomandibular joints.

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease of unknown origin and with an unpredictable course, with both cutaneous and internal organ manifestations. Despite the enormous progress in rheumatology and clinical immunology, the background of this disease is largely unknown, and no specific therapy exists. The therapeutic approach aims to treat and preserve the function of internal organs, and this approach is commonly referred to as organ-based treatment. However, in modern times, data from other branches of medicine may offer insight into how to treat disease-related complications, making it possible to find new drugs to treat this disease. In this review, we present therapeutic options aiming to stop the progression of fibrotic processes, restore the aberrant immune response, stop improper signalling from proinflammatory cytokines, and halt the production of disease-related autoantibodies.

Objectives In addition to physical damage, COVID-19 also has a serious impact on the mental health of society. For many people, this involves the necessity of adapting to new conditions, uncertainty about the future and a tremendous mental burden. It was investigated whether there were any differences between the 2 measures (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) in the levels of perceived stress, anxiety, life satisfaction and experienced emotions. Material and Methods The study, conducted in Poland and the Netherlands, involved 168 people. The metric, the Positive and Negative Experience Scale , the Perceived Stress Scale , the and the Satisfaction With Life Scale were used. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: non-immigrants living in Poland (N = 50), Dutch citizens (N = 56), and Polish immigrants living in the Netherlands (N = 62). Results The level of stress and negative emotions was higher in the groups of Poles living in Poland and Poles living in the Netherlands than in the group of Dutch citizens. Therefore, access to psychological care should be improved during the pandemic, especially for immigrants, due to the increased risk of developing stress-induced mental disorders. Conclusions In the groups of Poles, there was an increase in perceived stress and trait anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group of Dutch citizens experienced a reduction in the anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the group of Polish immigrants, there was an increase in life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):177–88

Background: It is reported that 40% of preterm infants have problems with eating. Neonatal feeding disorders may be one of the factors increasing neonatal mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the muscles involved in suckling and swallowing in premature newborns using surface electromyography (sEMG). We would like to objectively describe the tension of muscles engaged in feeding in order to properly plan the therapy. Another aim was to compare sEMG measurements to gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical blood pH to show which parameters put children at risk of feeding problems. Methods: Sixteen preterm neonates with gestational age less than 32 weeks, birth weight less than 1500 g, and oral feeding difficulties were analyzed for muscle response and electrical activity of nerves using sEMG (surface electromyography). Results: We found a negative correlation indicating that preterm infants with a younger gestational age had higher suprahyoid muscle tension, and a positive correlation was found between pH value and suprahyoid muscles. The lower the pH value, the lower the tension in the suprahyoid muscles. Conclusions: sEMG may be a helpful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the masticatory system of premature infants. Due to the abnormal tone of the muscles responsible for swallowing, it is advisable to rehabilitate as early as possible.

Background The aim of this study was to determine the impact of umbilical cord arterial pH, gestational age, and birth weight on neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm neonates. Methods We examined 112 neonates. Inclusion criteria were: Saturations greater than 88%, and heart rates between 100–205 beats per minute. Measurements We assessed several neurodevelopmental factors as part of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), 4th edition, such as asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), motor maturity, response to sensory stimuli, habituation, and state regulation. Initial assessment parameters such as APGAR score and umbilical cord arterial pH were used to assess neonates. Results We found a strong correlation between the presence of the sucking reflex and umbilical cord arterial pH (r = 0.32; p = 0.018981). Umbilical cord arterial pH was also correlated with the presence of asymmetric tonic neck reflex (r = 0.27; p = 0.047124), cost of attention (r = 0.31; p = 0.025381) and general motor maturity (r = 0.34; p = 0.011741). Conclusions We found that the sucking reflex may be affected in infants with low umbilical cord arterial pH values. Practitioners and parents can use the NBAS to help determine neurodevelopmental factors and outcomes in preterm infants, possibly leading to safer and more effective feeding practices and interventions.

Aim. The purpose of the conducted study was to explore the role of cognitive processes, such as habitual worry, with regard to depressive mood in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), as well as the significance of illness acceptance in the form of personal asset and mediator in relation between worry and depression. Material and Methods. The study involved 229 participants diagnosed with T1DM, who completed a set of self-description questionnaires. Assessment methods included The Anxious Thoughts Inventory (AnTI), The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results. The results demonstrate that worry is positively correlated with depression. What is more, the relationship between habitual worry and depression was mediated through illness acceptance. Conclusions. The impact of habitual worry on mental health in T1DM cannot be ignored. Moreover, the observed dependence suggests that depressive mood present in individuals with T1DM may persist, since overly worried patients do not accept their own illness. Strengthening patients’ acceptance of their condition and bringing up the topic of worry in the course of diabetes education, can be a powerful tool in depression prevention. Nevertheless, further research is necessary.

The diagnosis of neurobehavioral problems in very preterm neonates helps with planning and applying proper and direct therapeutic interventions. (1) Background: The aim of this study was to determine the direct impact of neurobehavior on the sucking reflex and eating abilities of neonates. (2) Methods: We assessed 18 preterm neonates twice hospitalized at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital through the use of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). (3) Results: We found that that a neonate’s sucking ability positively correlated with the activity level item from the motor system cluster of the NBAS. (4) Conclusions: Neurobehavior should be closely assessed in very preterm neonates. Firstly, because assessments can detect fundamental problems and help a practitioner plan for early intervention. Secondly, the education of parents regarding the neurobehavior of their child can help in the facilitation of feeding skills and the planning of early rehabilitation.

Emigration is an experience irrevocably associated with stress caused by leaving one’s family home, changing one’s social environment as well as living conditions, etc. The main aim of this study was to establish if and what correlations there are between different styles of coping with stress, social support and psychological consequences resulting from the emigration of a group of 96 Polish emigrants living in the Netherlands. The participants were clients of the Pomoc Nederland (the name reflects the company’s objective to help the Poles living in the Netherlands) company, aged from 31 to 50 years and they had lived abroad for 1 to 20 years. The research tools applied in the study included the Social Support Questionnaire and the Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress Mini-COPE. The psychological consequences of emigration-related stress were evaluated using: the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The findings showed that in the group of subjects, certain personal resources were significantly correlated with constructive strategies of coping with stress while living abroad. It was revealed that among the evaluated emigrants only emotional support was significantly correlated with certain psychological consequences resulting from emigration-related stress.

Background. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in the DDX3X gene account for 1–3% of females with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The clinical presentation is variable, including a wide range of neurological and behavioral deficits and structural defects of the brain. Approximately 52% of affected females remain nonverbal after five years of age. Case presentation: We report a 7 year old nonverbal female with a likely novel de novo pathogenic heterozygous variant in the DDX3X gene affecting the non-canonical splice-site in the intron 1 (NM_001356:c.45+12G>A). The patient presents with features typical for the DDX3X phenotype, such as: movement disorders, behavioral problems, a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and some other features uncommon for DDX3X such as: muscle hypertonia and spinal asymmetry evaluated through the scoliometer. Conclusions. Due to its rare occurrence, the clinical picture of DDX3X syndrome is yet to be fully determined. So far, behavioral disorders, including those from ASD, and neurological abnormalities seem to be the dominant features of this disorder.

Background: The neonatal behavioral assessment scale (NBAS) was primarily developed to aid in the assessment of full-term neonates. The aim of this study was to detect if the NBAS was also valuable in the assessment of preterm neonates. Materials and Methods: We assessed 112 infants at a neonatal unit using the NBAS, 4th edition. The inclusion criteria included an oxygen saturation level between 88–95% and a heartrate of 100–205 beats per minute. Infant neurobehavior was assessed using the NBAS. Results: For full-term and preterm neonates, we observed that the NBAS enabled us to assess both groups of infants and gave relevant information pertaining to them. We found a significant correlation between the average week of gestation and response to touch, sensory input, peak of excitement, cost of attention, hand-to-mouth, and quality of alertness. Conclusions: The NBAS is a valuable scale for evaluating the neurobehavior of preterm neonates. The week of gestation at birth affects certain aspects of neurobehavior, such as response to sensory input, putting hand to mouth, peak of excitement, and cost of attention. The NBAS as an individually structured assessment may help in planning for early rehabilitation and intervention for this vulnerable population.

Introduction Parents as day-to-day caregivers looking after their children’s health and upbringing are crucial in the process of hearing loss prevention among the young. The aim of the study was to assess the parents’ knowledge and awareness of hazards bringing about hearing loss, possibilities to prevent this, as well as their reaction in the case of problems of their children with hearing. Material and Methods The research group comprised respondents (402 persons), medical or paramedical professionals. None of the surveyed was a doctor. 56% of the surveyed were inhabitants of large cities, 24% of small towns, and 20% of village, mostly located in the area of Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) (97%). To perform the research a survey was devised. GSES scale was applied as an accessory tool. Results The subjects surveyed posses a great deal of knowledge concerning basic conditions that could adversely affect the hearing of children. Village inhabitants are half as afraid of hearing loss hazards as the inhabitants of large cities. More than 40% of the respondents claimed they do nothing to counteract their children’s overexposure to noise. In 48.5% of cases, GPs had not drawn parents’ attention to possible complications resulting from upper respiratory tract infections in children. Parents know where they should go to in case their children develop hearing problems or sudden hearing loss. Conclusions Knowledge and awareness of factors that may trigger hearing loss is not synonymous with avoidance of the problem. Main components of hearing loss prevention among children and youths should be administrative actions, extensive education, and proper childcare at home.

Introduction. There is an increasing tendency to adopt biopsychosocial approach to teaching how to care for patients. Participation in Balint’s groups is used to train students in communication and building relations with patients. Aim. To identify positive and negative aspects of participation in Balint’s groups, which are a part of compulsory training for students. Material and Methods. 70 medical students, who took part in the study, filled in a questionnaire specifically developed for students participating in Balint’s group. The questionnaire consisted of three open questions. The answers were collected and then analyzed by way of qualitative analysis of text and factorial analysis Results. The results suggest that Balint’s method can be difficult for medical students because they have not practiced building therapeutic relations with patients. Nevertheless, most students benefit from training in terms of personal development, awareness of mechanisms influencing patients — doctor communication and satisfaction with participation in classes. Conclusion. Balint’s Workshops is a useful method of teaching which influences medical student’s self — reflection because they become aware of the necessity of personality development.

Abstract Introduction Medical students are in a very demanding environment and are affected by high degree of stress. High levels of anxiety can affect a student's academic performance and also increase the risk of other health‐related problems. This study aims to evaluate, thanks to the intensity of stress manifestations (4DSQ) together with the sense of coherence (SOC), the prevalence of TMD and oral parafunctions in students enrolled in the University of Medical Sciences. Moreover, it aims to evaluate the relationship between the psychosocial manifestations of stress and sense of coherence in relation to gender. Materials and Methods A total of 324 students of Poznań University of Medical Sciences participated in this study. Students were assessed using a three‐part questionnaire: one was to assess symptoms of TMD, the second part was 4DSQ, and the third was a SOC Questionnaire. Results About one‐third of the students in this study presented symptoms of TMD and perceived more intensively symptoms of distress, anxiety, somatization, and depression. They presented a higher level of somatic symptoms and a lower level of Sense of Coherence than students without TMD symptoms. Conclusion There is a strong negative relationship between the sense of coherence and the level of perceived distress, anxiety, somatization, and depression. Female students attending Medical School showed a higher level of somatization of stress but with a higher capacity to overcome challenges as compared to men.

Introduction Caregivers of demented relatives devote their time and attention in order to help the beloved members of the family. Those who are informal caregivers require support in order to avoid being overburdened. Many such caregivers may suffer from chronic health problems, for instance, depression. Objective The aim was to assess the factors of depression in caregivers, and to discover the determinants of depression among informal family caregivers of demented individuals. Material and Methods Forty-one caregivers in the research group were administered a questionnaire which included the caregivers’ demographics. Caregiver’s level of depression was measured by the scale of the Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression. The relationship between depression and demographic features was analyzed. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 8.1 (StatSoft). Analysis of the results was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used. Results Referring to The Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression, the average score in the study group was 18 ± 7.49. There was no statistically significant relationship between the level of depression and such factors as caregiver’s age, time of care of demented relative, and type of kinship and pain. Conclusions Although there was no relationship between the level of depression and demographic features, the problem with quality of life, worries and grief which may appear, seemed to be sufficient reason for organizing the prevention of depression for all informal caregivers of persons with dementia.

Zulassung. Die Kinder- und Jugendgynäkologie befasst sich mit angeborenen und entwicklungsbedingten gynäkologischen Störungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Eine der wichtigsten-spezifischen Fragen der Gynäkologie des Entwicklungsalters sind die psychologische-etische Probleme, sehr oft Probleme, die mit einer vorzeitigen sexuellen Initiation zusammenhängen. Zwischen mehreren gynekologischen somatischen Problemen der jugend Patientinen sind auch psychologische-etische Probleme und Probleme, die mit einer vorzeitigen sexuellen Initiation zusammenhängen. Zielsatzung. Präsentation der Bedeutung der psychologischen-etischen und sexuologischen Probleme in der Gynäkologie der Pubertät. Methode. Analyse der Literatur der Problematik der Pubertätsgynäkologie in Bezug auf Sexuologie und Psychologie. Schlussfolgerung. Die kurze Überprüfung der gewählten sexuologischen Themen in Bezug auf die Kinder- und Jugendgynäkologie weist auf die Bedeutung der sexuologischen Ausbildung, der Gesundheitspromotion, inklusiv sexuelles Wohlstandes hin.

The increasing longevity of today’s societies has created a considerable need for the revitalization of facial skin undergoing the ageing processes. It is important to undertake preventive measures and start therapy when the first signs of ageing appear. This makes it possible to achieve a satisfactory effect while using minimally invasive procedures. Among them, treatments based on autologous preparations occupy a significant place, such as those using stem cells and concentrated growth factors (CGF), which have recently been introduced on the Polish market. Such a procedure was used on the patient described in this paper. In a series of instrumental studies, after three administrations of CGF-Harmony, improved values for the measurements reflecting skin elasticity were obtained, which was confirmed by instrumental examination of the skin using a Cutometer Dual MPA 580. Instrumental analysis of the mechanical parameters of facial skin makes it possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment in the field of facial aesthetic medicine.

Background: Personality determinants are an important predicator of road behaviors in drivers. The main objective of the study was to determine the relationship between personality determinants (neuroticism, extraversion, level of anxiety – features) and distinguishable risky behaviors of drivers of medical transport vehicles. Material and Methods: The study covered 106 male drivers from the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, working in health care, having a license to drive emergency vehicles. To achieve the research objectives a questionnaire was developed and applied. It concerned risky road behaviors among drivers of medical transport. The personality suitability was determined using the questionnaire methods on self-assessment: Polish versions of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire – Revised (EPQ-R) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. Results: It was shown that drivers with introverted characteristics declare driving vehicles of reduced technical efficiency more often than extroverts. The level of the anxiety as a trait A-characteristic affects the display of distracting behaviors, making decisions about driving a vehicle that is inefficient, driving in a bad psychophysical condition, as well as maintaining too small distance from the preceding vehicle. The higher the intensity of anxiety characteristics, the higher the intensity of given behaviors. Conclusions: Based on the study results, it can be assumed that there is a relationship between determinants of personality and the display of risky behaviors of drivers of medical transport vehicles. Thus it can be concluded that the level of extraversion and anxiety as a trait are the differentiating characteristics of respondents. Med Pr 2014;65(4):485–496

introduction. There are difficulties in objective evaluation of activity of the muscles in the lower extremities of patients after successful treatment of sciatica and pseudosciatica, when no clear clinical symptoms are detected. However, the existence of some muscle dysfunction can be hypothesised and its detection was the aim of the study. objective. Recordings from chosen lower extremity muscles during standing were performed as supplementary differential diagnosis in evaluation of these patients. EMG in standing positions constitutes a new methodological approach not described in detail. methods. Twenty patients (11 after sciatica and 9 after sciatica-like episodes) were enrolled into the study. On the day of examination, clinical and electroneurographical (ENG; M and F waves tests) studies showed no pathology. The percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) defined muscle activity during standing. Mean amplitude and number of changes in muscle activity (fluctuations) were measured in surface electromyography recordings (sEMG) during normal standing and tandem positions. results and conclusions. Activity of proximal lower extremity muscles expressed as percentage of MVC was bilaterally increased in patients after sciatica in normal standing position, compared with results from the group of healthy volunteers (N=9). Patients after sciatica were also characterized with a significant increase of mean sEMG amplitude, recorded especially in distal muscles on the affected side during tandem position. This pathological change was related to decrease in ‘fluctuations’ frequency in patients after sciatica (P

Aim. There is a limited amount of data on depression in elderly people and even less is known about the relationship between nutritional status and nutritional habits, and mood disorders in this group. The foregoing paper investigates this relationship and evaluates the family status of seniors with depression. Material and methods. The research was conducted on a group of 85 seniors in the ages of 60–91 years. The depression symptoms, nutritional knowledge and nutritional status were investigated and their relationship in elderly women. Results. Depression was present in 27% of women. Seniors with depression had a significantly lower BMI and a larger number of them had better nutritional knowledge than the rest of women. Women with the lowest BMI were statistically younger, had better nutritional knowledge and higher level of depression than women with normal BMI. There is a relationship between depression and family status of seniors. A significantly larger number of single women suffered from depression (50%) in comparison with women in relationships (25%) and single widows (23%). Conclusions. Research showed that there is a relationship between symptoms of depression in elderly women with nutrition and family status. Extending research in order to evaluate nutrition disorders in seniors, which influence their mood disorders seems justified.

Sleeping and emotion disorders, especially insomnia and sleep continuity disorders, are most severely felt anddetermine women’s everyday life. The research was aimed at assessing the dependence of the occurrence of sleepingand emotion disorders in women of perimenopausal age and the use of hormonal replacement therapy. 86 women participated in the study. The patients were between 23 and 70 years of age (M = 51,07; SD = 12,75).They were recruited from gynaecological wards in the Wielkopolska region. They underwent surgical interventionsby endoscopy and per vagina method also. In the study standardized test methods of determined reliability and internalaccuracy were used: Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Athens InsomniaScale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Multidimensional Self-EsteemInventory. The results show there was the negative correlation between satisfaction with life and the level of state anxiety(r-Person = –0,40; p < 0,01), depression (r-Person = –0,37; p < 0,01) and insomnia (r-Person = –0,39; p < 0,01). Youngwomen in the premenstrual period present ed higher levels of emotion control [F(2,55) = 4,193; p < 0,05], the acceptanceof disease [F(2,55) = 18,106; p < 0,01], and reported insomnia symptoms less frequently [F(2,55) = 13,830; p < 0,01].

Lęk stanowi jedną z konsekwencji chorób przewlekłych, w tymreumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów (RZS). Wysoki poziom lękuobniża jakość życia pacjentów, prowadzi do zachowań antyzdrowotnychoraz może wpływać na gorszy przebieg choroby. Związekneurotyzmu z lękiem został dotąd dobrze udokumentowany. Neurotyzmstanowi cechę temperamentu, a więc w niewielkim stopniumożna ją modyfikować. Redukcja kosztów psychicznych ponoszonychprzez osoby o wysokim poziomie neurotyzmu wymagapoznania czynników, które mogłyby ograniczać wpływ neurotyzmuna poziom lęku (czynniki moderujące relację neurotyzm–lęk).Celem badania było określenie zmiennych moderujących relacjępomiędzy neurotyzmem a lękiem.W badaniach wzięło udział 100 osób chorujących na RZS (78 ko -biet i 22 mężczyzn). Zostali oni przebadani za pomocą kwestionariuszymierzących: poziom lęku, style radzenia sobie ze stresemoraz wymiary osobowości. Obliczono współczynniki korelacjir Pearsona pomiędzy mierzonymi zmiennymi oraz wykonano analizęmoderacji związku pomiędzy neurotyzmem a lękiem jakostanem za pośrednictwem stylów radzenia sobie ze stresem.Testowanie interakcji przeprowadzono metodą najmniejszych kwadratówi regresji logistycznej.Ustalono, że istnieje wprost proporcjonalny związek pomiędzyneurotyzmem a lękiem rozumianym jako stan (r = 0,63; p < 0,01)(tab. I). Zaobserwowano, że związek ten nie zachodzi w przypadkuosób o wysokim neurotyzmie posługujących się unikowym stylem radzenia sobie ze stresem (R2 = 0,19; F = 7,00; p < 0,001) (ryc. 1)oraz u osób poszukujących kontaktów towarzyskich (R2 = 0,22;F = 8,70; p < 0,001) (ryc. 2, tab. II).Wyniki wskazują, że silny neurotyzm zwiększa prawdopodobieństworeagowania podwyższonym poziomem lęku w obliczu pojawiającychsię objawów oraz zagrożeń będących konsekwencjąchoroby. Zaobserwowane zależności potwierdzają hipotezę, żetemperament jest czynnikiem ryzyka w rozwoju zaburzeń zachowania.Ponadto sugerują one potrzebę kształtowania u osób neurotycznych,chorych na RZS, sposobów radzenia sobie z chorobąopartych na dystansowaniu się od niej lub aktywizowaniu ich kontaktówspołecznych.

Sleeping and emotion disorders, especially insomnia and sleep continuity disorders, are most severely feltand determine women’s everyday life. The research was aimed at assessing the dependence of the occurrence ofsleeping and emotion disorders in women of perimenopausal age and the use of hormonal replacement therapy.Women of similar age not using hormonal replacement therapy constituted the reference group. 90 patients fromgynaecological wards in the Wielkopolska region and hospital outpatient clinics participated in the research. Thepatients were between 15 and 80 years of age (M = 49.81; SD = 11.69). In the study standardized test methodsof determined reliability and internal accuracy were used: Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), EpworthSleepiness Scale, Athens Insomnia Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory. The results show lower intensity of insomnia in womenusing HRT than in women not using HRT. No statistically significant differences were observed between the twogroups as far as two other insomnia indicators were concerned. Self-esteem was treated as a complex variablecomposed of eleven dimensions. Statistically significant differences were noted in respect of one dimensiononly, i.e. competences. Women using HRT notice that they have much more competences than women notusing HRT.

Symptoms accompanying the changes occurring in a female organism in the climacteric period constitutemore frequently a major health-related problem and via its influence on the quality of life, they also becomesocial-related problems concerning many millions of women worldwide.The aim of the study was to estimate the conditioning of sleeping disorders in women using and not usinghormonal replacement therapy (HRT).90 patients between 15 and 80 years of age participated in the study (M = 49.81; SD = 11.69). Psychologicaltests and sleeping disorders tests that were used: Courtauld Emotional Control, Beck Depression Inventory, Satisfaction With Life Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory STAI, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Epworth SleepinessScale, Athens Insomnia Scale. The analysis of the results included first of all measuring of r-Pearson’s correlationbetween sleeping disorders such as difficulties in falling asleep, maintaining sleep or awakening too early andgroups of variables such as the level of psychic life (satisfaction with life as a positive indicator and depressionas an indicator of disorders), control of emotions (anger, depression and anxiety as well as general control indicator)and self-esteem (general self-esteem, competences, being loved, popularity, leadership features, self-control,moral self-acceptance, physical attractiveness, vitality, integration of identity, defensive self-enhancement).

W koncepcjach chorób psychosomatycznych czynniki psychologiczneodgrywają istotną rolę zarówno w powstawaniu, jaki w znoszeniu choroby oraz powstawaniu niepełnosprawności.Charakter choroby oraz sposób jej leczenia wpływają niekorzystniena stan emocjonalny pacjentów, którzy często są przygnębieni,apatyczni, zniechęceni, nie radzą sobie ze stresem związanymz lękiem o przyszłość. W reumatoidalnym zapaleniu stawów (RZS)wśród czynników bezpośrednio związanych z chorobą, które mająistotny wpływ na rozwój zaburzeń emocjonalnych oraz rozwój niepełnosprawności,wskazuje się: ból, aktywność choroby, uszkodzeniestawów i tkanek okołostawowych, zmiany pozastawowei powikłania układowe. Dodatkowo podaje się czynniki niezależneod choroby, w tym czynniki demograficzne i psychospołeczne,takie jak: wiek, płeć, uwarunkowania genetyczne, stan socjalnoekonomiczny,poziom wykształcenia, choroby współistniejącei środowisko. W artykule przedstawiono formy i techniki psychologicznepracy z pacjentem, której celem jest obniżenie poziomubólu i jego dekatastrofizacja, przestrzeganie zaleceń lekarskich,najdłuższe utrzymywanie sprawności fizycznej, podejmowaniecodziennych aktywności życiowych i przeciwdziałanie powstawaniuzaburzeń sfery emocjonalnej, w tym depresji.

Introduction. The number of people with dementia increases. Patients are dependent of informal care provided by their family members, especially spouses, children and friends. As the disease progresses caregiving becomes more complex, stressful and demanding. The needs of informal caregivers are related to the lack of professional support in care, including information about the disease, advise of management of its symptoms and social and financial support. It is therefore important to create an information tool which will assist caregivers in their daily work with people with dementia. Aim. The aim of the study was the technical evaluation of the information platform for caregivers of patients with dementia. Material and methods. The study involved 18 caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The level of GDS scale comprised those between 4 and 7. Platform testing had been carried out from 15 February to 15 March 2015. Evaluation of the platform was made using a technical questionnaire depending on the result of the GDS and the Zarit scale. Results and conclusions. Platform was rated positively by caregivers (average score 4 out of 5) with the exception of a few areas which received an average rating of 3. These areas include: usefulness of the guidance provided for the application (26% of respondents assessed it negatively), ease to find the relevant information (25% negative assessments), application responsiveness (24% negative assessments) and the quality of the media files (23% negative assessments). Respondents assessed the platform positively, although some technical issues need improvement.

The project will enable the use of the Tomatis therapy for children with central auditory processing disorders and the introduction of a proprietary curriculum preparing children to learn English in primary school – based on the method that streamlines the auditory analysis, on the proprietary language integration CDs used in the Tomatis method and on individual educational and therapeutic lessons with the teacher. The curriculum will be developed in the course of research under the guidance of prof. UM dr hab. Ewa Mojs from the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The leader of the consortium implementing the project is the Foundation for Local Activity. The innovation has a high potential for implementation. Applicants to begin with estimate ultimately the ability to implement the program in the first year in 350 schools with the right equipment.

Introduction. Foot arch condition plays an important role in correct setting of lower limbs joints, proper muscles tone and well-being [1]. More and more frequently foot arch deviations affect population of school age children [2, 3]. It is based on anatomic knowledge that abnormal foot arch is strongly connected with the disturbed muscle tone of lower limb. The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the relation between the foot arch condition and muscular balance of the lower limbs. Material and methods. Children were assessed using the Clarke’s angle and indicatory muscles length tests including: quadratus lumborum muscle, hamstring muscle, thigh adductors, piriformis muscle. Results. Abnormal foot arch was showed by 70% of subject children. The greatest number of muscles length abnormality was observed in quadratus lumborum muscles. There was a statistically significant correlation between right hamstring muscle contraction and abnormal foot arch (p = 0.011). Conclusions. Foot arch alternations increasingly more often appear in the greater number of school–age children. The assessment and therapy of abnormal foot arch should include the examination of muscular balance of the lower limbs.

“UnderstAID” is a platform that helps informal caregivers to understand and aid their demented relatives. It is an international project initiated by Denmark, Poland and Spain. The aim of the project is to design, and implement the multimedia platform “understAID” to support informal caregivers of dementia patients. The project was launched in April 2013 and is expected to end 36 months later. The project is divided into five tasks concerning the final aim. The aim of task 1 is the management of the project, as well as the exploitation and dissemination of gathered information. Task 2 is meant to define the contents and solutions of the CarePlatform based on the knowledge gained from real-case studies. Demented elderlies from each country (n = 40) suffering from different degrees of dementia were evaluated by formal caregivers and dementia professionals. The aim of task 3 is the development of the social learning interface. Task 4 focuses on the CarePlatform development and system integration. Finally, task 5 assumes testing and validation of the platform. The platform is devised to be available in two versions, namely the light one for mobile appliance and the premium version. Also different activities leading to the popularization of the platform are planned.

Aim. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most severe chronic diseases. In many cases it leads to disability and results in a decreased quality of life and increased levels of anxiety and depression. The problem that needs to be addressed is the following: which mental processes lead to increased levels of depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Methods. 210 patients with rheumatoid arthritis hospitalized in rheumatology wards took part in the research. They filled in illness perception questionnaires (IPQ-R) and questionnaires for testing strategies of handling stress (Mini-COPE) and the level of depression (CES-D). Results. The observed correlation coefficients indicate that several elements of the perception of one’s disease moderately contribute to a high level of depression. Moreover, frequent use of dysfunctional coping strategies contributed to high levels of depression. Dysfunctional coping was moderately linked to depression. Conclusion. The conducted analyses confirmed the links between the beliefs about the disease and levels of depression and showed that the use of dysfunctional coping strategies mediates the relationship between the following elements of the representation of the disease: illness coherence, emotional representation, psychological attribution, risk factors, and the level of depression.

[u]International UnderstAID project shows[/u] the role of physiotherapist in patients with dementia as divided into two branches: helping to resolve the physical problems and solving the problems related to dementia. The role of physiotherapist in dementia treatment may be divided into two branches: helping to resolve the physical problems and solving the problems related to dementia. The physical problems consider such aspects as musculoskeletal disorders, mobility dysfunction and pain. Referring to musculoskeletal problems, the interventions of physical therapists should included whole-body progressive resistance exercise training, strengthening, “range-of-motion” and stretching exercises and transfer training. Mobility disorders are associated with physical symptoms such as: rigidity, balance problem, shuffling gait. Decreased mobility can be based on unrelieved pain. These are some crucial scales which are designed to detected the pain. For instance, The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, massage or exercises can be provide to reduce the pain in patients with dementia. Physiotherapy in dementia treatment influences not only physical functions but also the maintenance or progression of cognitive abilities of demented elderly subjects