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Objectives: The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a refugee crisis. The terms of employment of Ukrainian Refugee background Medical Professionals (UKR-MPs) in the Polish healthcare system were liberalised. The aim of the study was to identify challenges in job seeking and the integration of Ukrainian war refugee healthcare workers into the Polish healthcare system.Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study based on content thematic analysis of Facebook content. We analyzed 1,700 posts published on two public Facebook groups intended for UKR-MPs.Results: The most common problems encountered by UKR-MPs were: 1) lack of easy-to-understand information about the list of documents necessary to apply for a work permit, 2) lack of feedback from those responsible for handling individual cases, and 3) long waiting time for the decision issued by the Ministry of Health.Conclusion: Despite the promptly implemented solutions enabling access to the job market by UKR-MPs, the refugees have encountered considerable administrative difficulties, as well as those arising from insufficient knowledge of the regulations on working as medical professionals in Poland under the EU law.

Abstract Background Decision-making skills are considered crucial life skills that condition proper social functioning within groups (i.e., support authentic leadership skills and increasing one’s chances of success and wellbeing in life). Nonetheless, the number of scientific papers addressing the role of life skills in developing authentic leadership skills in public health students is limited. The aim of the present study was to develop a theoretical model to determine the role of selected life skills in developing authentic leadership skills in public health students. Methods The study was conducted from January 16 through February 28, 2018. In total, 653 students undertaking in-service training in Master’s degree programs qualified for the study, and complete data sets were obtained from 329 students (response rate 50.38%). The data were collected by means of a paper questionnaire. Four research tools were used in the study: The Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire, The Moral Foundations Questionnaire, The General Self-Efficacy Scale, and The Youth Leadership Life Skills Development Scale. Results Two subgroups were identified among the public health students in the study: 1) the extra life skills training group (N = 113) and 2) the no extra life skills training group (N = 216). Both groups of study participants did not differ significantly in terms of age (M (SD): 25.0 (3.89) vs. 25.0 (3.66); t = 0.068, P = 0.946). On the other hand, clear differences were observed in the case of the respondents’ participation in voluntary service. The respondents from the extra life skills training group declared participation in voluntary activities less frequently than the respondents from the second identified group (48.7 vs. 31.9%). Conclusions A verified theoretical model showed that course aimed at strengthening authentic leadership competences should be modular, should focus on self-improvement and critical reflection, and should be spread over time to enable and encourage each participant to grow and flourish at their own pace.

Introduction and objective ‘Public speaking and the art of presentation’ was one of the courses available for the second- -year first-cycle students at the faculty of Public Health of the Medical University of Warsaw in the 2020–2021 academic year. As part of the course, the students were asked to deliver a presentation on ‘Why study Public Health in the COVID-19 pandemic?’. The aim of the study was to analyze the opinions of students of Public Health on studying Public Health in the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods The study involved 29 second-year first-cycle students of Public Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Medical University of Warsaw in the 2020–2021 academic year. Women were the vast majority (n=25), 3 students (2 women and 1 man) were foreigners. The mean age in the study group was 21.05 years (SD=0.954; min. 20 years; max. 22 years). Content analysis was performed to analyze the students’ opinions which constitutede the research material Results The transcript was 9,129 words long, with an average of 336 words (min. 253; max. 497) per student speech. The analysis allowed division of the content into 3 thematic areas and analytical categories: The educational process, organization and course of studies, Distance education and Certainty of finding employment and a stable job immediately after graduation. Conclusions The students appreciated the current programme of studies in the field of public health at the Medical University of Warsaw, and its practical translation into the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the students, the shift to distance education improved the student-perceived quality of public health education at the Medical University of Warsaw. In the opinion of the students, the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic improved the image of public health professionals in Poland.

(1) Workplace nutrition interventions have garnered attention as a pivotal component of employee well-being and organisational productivity. However, the effectiveness of various intervention types remains inconclusive. This review aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of cognitive, behavioural, and mixed nutrition interventions in the workplace, considering the nuances of intervention design, setting, and target demographics. (2) A comprehensive umbrella review was conducted, categorising the existing literature into person-oriented and environmental strategies. This review was prepared in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for umbrella reviews and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting standard. (3) The analysis revealed a lack of definitive evidence supporting the universal effectiveness of any single intervention type. Nonetheless, behavioural and mixed interventions demonstrated more favourable outcomes as compared to purely cognitive strategies. Factors such as intervention design, workplace setting, and target group characteristics were identified as significant determinants of the intervention success. (4) The review emphasises the imperative for additional investigations that utilise evidence-based approaches to formulate sound guidelines for efficacious nutrition interventions in occupational settings. This review functions as a foundational framework for guiding both scholarly research and the pragmatic execution of nutrition programs in the workplace.

Introduction: Eradication of HCV in the global population remains one of the greatest challenges faced by the WHO. An insufficient level of knowledge and the lack of a national screening test strategy are obstacles to HCV eradication. Aim: This work aimed to summarize surveys assessing risk factors and awareness of the respondents regarding the prevention and course of HCV infection. The summary also includes the most important European and global attempts at eliminating HCV. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the Mazowieckie district in Poland using anonymous surveys and conducted on people who willingly reported for a test. Results: In the study cohort of n = 7397 adults, there were 5412 women (73.16%). The analysis of the quota sample (n = 1303) reflected the actual proportions in the population of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship. Conclusions: Insufficient knowledge about HCV decreases the probability of higher detection of infections, fast diagnostics, and treatment. According to the WHO model, assuming a 90% detection rate and treatment of 80% of infected by 2030, and taking into account 120–150 thousand infected persons in Poland, the number of detections of HCV should be increased 4–5 times and all diagnosed persons should be offered antiviral treatment.

INTRODUCTION: : Summer internships constitute an essential component of the curriculum and have the greatest impact on preparing students for entering the labour market. Mandatory practical training for Warsaw Medical University students is usually held during summer internships. The study aimed to analyse the impact of the evaluation of summer internships on student self-assessment of and opinion on educational outcomes obtained by the second-cycle degree students of Public Health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 87 graduates (15 men and 72 women) from the second-cycle degree programme in Public Health at the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Warsaw Medical University. The study enrolled second-cycle degree students who graduated in the academic year 2015-16. A questionnaire return rate was 97% (85/87). Mean age of the study population amounted to 25.85 years (min. 23; max. 51; SD 4.550). A voluntary questionnaire study was conducted between July and September 2016. The study used an anonymous questionnaire developed by the authors at the Department of Education and Research in Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Warsaw Medical University, based on the the list of educational outcomes adopted by the resolution of Warsaw Medical University Senate. The default significance level was established at 0.05. RESULTS: Most students participating in the study reported that their internships were valuable for them and had a positive impact on the level of achievement of educational outcomes included in the curriculum for the second-cycle degree programme in Public Health. Internships had significantly influenced the opinion of students participating in the study on the achievement of educational outcomes related to this area (rS = 0.24, p = 0.027). It was shown that a better assessment of internship went hand in hand with better self-assessment of student's knowledge. CONCLUSIONS:Despite an overall positive assessment of summer internships, they did not have a significant impact on the level of achievement of educational outcomes and student self-assessment. Therefore, there is a need for further assessment of the quality of summer internships, varification of internship placements and development of an internship database for students.

Introduction and objective Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is associated with risks to the health and life of the woman and/or the foetus. Moreover, it is usually unanticipated, which requires on-site care to be provided to the woman. Such care is handled by emergency medical services (EMS) teams until specialist obstetric care can be provided. The purpose of study was to analyze the characteristics of EMS team responses to calls regarding pregnant women with vaginal bleeding, considering the location of call: urban vs. rural area. Material and methods The study was based on a retrospective analysis of 5,487 EMS team interventions due to vaginal bleeding in pregnant women in Poland. The data analyzed included the period January 2018-December 2019, obtained from the National Monitoring Centre of Emergency Medical Services. Results The teams were more commonly dispatched to pregnant women in rural areas, who were more likely to be older and in the course of a second (27.52% vs. 26.88%) or subsequent pregnancy (34.00% vs. 27.49%), to have had one (28.22% vs. 26.75%) or more previous births (28.87% vs. 22.87%), and to have antepartum bleeding (23.91% vs. 20.36%) than those from urban areas. The mean time between receipt of the call and patient hand-over at the hospital by the EMS team was longer in rural areas (50.00 vs. 37.23 minutes). Conclusions EMS teams responding to calls from rural areas regarding pregnant women with vaginal bleeding were most commonly dispatched in the summer, and the mean time between the receipt of the call and patient hand-over at the hospital was longer than in the calls from urban areas. Compared to patients calling from urban areas, those from rural areas were also more likely to be pregnant for the second or subsequent time, to have antepartum bleeding, and to have given birth before.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an instrument of great utility in making clinical decisions in nursing care, improving the quality of nursing care and patients’ health outcomes. There is no European framework for EBP competency, and no guidelines for EBP teaching. The general concept of the project ‘Providing a Teaching and Learning Open and Innovative Toolkit for Evidence-based Practice to Nursing European Curriculum: (EBP e-Toolkit)’ is to fill this gap in Nursing education across Europe and to foster and harmonize the teaching and learning of EBP in the European nursing curricula and to produce the acquisition of EBP competence earlier in professional life. The project is organized along four major outputs, and a dissemination and sustainability plan has been set up. A mixed method research constitutes the main methodological approach applied in the project. This methodology requires the active participation of all research groups, partners, steering committee, nursing students, and educators, in the project. The use of the EBP e-Toolkit will increase nurses’ and nursing students’ level of EBP competence by formulating specific guidelines to be implemented in EBP teaching.

Introduction The aim of the study was to analyze breast cancer (BC) mortality trends among women at the age of 45 years old and older (45+) in the 28 European Union (EU) countries, as well as in 3 non-EU countries – Norway, Switzerland and the Russian Federation (control group) within the period 1959–2017. Material and methods Mortality and population data were sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO) database, and age-standardized mortality rates were calculated using the standard world population. Changes in mortality trends were analyzed using Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. Results The majority of analyzed countries showed a meaningful decrease in BC mortality among women aged 45+. However, the results of our study suggest that there are 4 EU countries – Croatia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia – where increasing BC mortality trends started to be visible in the analyzed age group. Currently, the observed increase is still not significant, but the obtained data suggest the possibility of further continuation of the observed trend in the future. Moreover, in Bulgaria we also noted continuation of the increase in BC mortality (statistically significant). Conclusions Due to the availability of better treatment options, as well as presence of effective tools for detecting BC at the early stages of progression, BC mortality is falling in most analyzed European countries. To maintain this situation and to stop BC mortality increase in the analyzed age group in Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, immediate actions for improvement of BC management in the European health care systems should be considered.

BackgroundDespite the existence of an effective vaccine, measles still threatens the health and lives of many Europeans. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, measles vaccine uptake declined; as a result, after the pandemic, European countries will have to increase vaccination rates to restore the extent of vaccination coverage among the population. Because information obtained from social media are one of the main causes of vaccine hesitancy, knowledge of the nature of information pertaining to measles that is shared on social media may help create educational campaigns. ObjectiveIn this study, we aim to define the characteristics of European news about measles shared on social media platforms (ie, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest) from 2017 to 2019. MethodsWe downloaded and translated (into English) 10,305 articles on measles published in European Union countries. Using latent Dirichlet allocation, we identified main topics and estimated the sentiments expressed in these articles. Furthermore, we used linear regression to determine factors related to the number of times a given article was shared on social media. ResultsWe found that, in most European social media posts, measles is only discussed in the context of local European events. Articles containing educational information and describing world outbreaks appeared less frequently. The most common emotions identified from the study’s news data set were fear and trust. Yet, it was found that readers were more likely to share information on educational topics and the situation in Germany, Ukraine, Italy, and Samoa. A high amount of anger, joy, and sadness expressed within the text was also associated with a higher number of shares. ConclusionsWe identified which features of news articles were related to increased social media shares. We found that social media users prefer sharing educational news to sharing informational news. Appropriate emotional content can also increase the willingness of social media users to share an article. Effective media content that promotes measles vaccinations should contain educational or scientific information, as well as specific emotions (such as anger, joy, or sadness). Articles with this type of content may offer the best chance of disseminating vital messages to a broad social media audience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media content analysis allowed for tracking attitudes toward newly introduced vaccines. However, current evidence is limited to single social media platforms. Our objective was to compare arguments used by anti-vaxxers in the context of COVID-19 vaccines across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. We obtained the data set of 53,671 comments regarding COVID-19 vaccination published between August 2021 and February 2022. After that, we established categories of anti-vaccine content, manually classified comments, and compared the frequency of occurrence of the categories between social media platforms. We found that anti-vaxxers on social media use 14 categories of arguments against COVID-19 vaccines. The frequency of these categories varies across different social media platforms. The anti-vaxxers’ activity on Facebook and Twitter is similar, focusing mainly on distrust of government and allegations regarding vaccination safety and effectiveness. Anti-vaxxers on TikTok mainly focus on personal freedom, while Instagram users encouraging vaccination often face criticism suggesting that vaccination is a private matter that should not be shared. Due to the differences in vaccine sentiment among users of different social media platforms, future research and educational campaigns should consider these distinctions, focusing more on the platforms popular among adolescents (i.e., Instagram and TikTok).

Introduction and objective Working at night and in shifts, as well as an unhealthy lifestyle, may increase the risk of breast cancer in nurses who therefore should frequently perform breast self-examination (BSE). The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of BSE among Polish nurses, its accuracy, sources of knowledge and skills, self-assessment of own competences and preparation to educate women about BSE. Material and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of female nurses (N=1,242). An anonymous, self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. To properly assess the BSE a four-item scale was made of the type single best answer multiple choice question. Each item referred to one agreed principle of performing BSE. Results Regularly BSE was performed by 56.1% nurses, 67.3% pre-menopause nurses 2–3 days after cessation of menstruation and 30.4% post-menopause women on a chosen day of the month. About 98% examined visually and by palpation; 58.9% did so in two positions. In the accuracy scale of BSE, the average number of points was 2.8 out of 4. All (4 points) or almost all (3 points) recommendations of accurate BSE were met by 61.4% of the nurses. Self-assessment of knowledge and BSE practical skills were considered as good or very good by 93.5% and 88.8% nurses, respectively. The self-evaluation of nurses’ knowledge and BSE skills was significantly correlated with the result on the accuracy scale or this BSE. Conclusions Many deficiencies concerning frequency, times and BSE techniques were revealed among Polish nurses. There is a discrepancy between the high self-assessment of competences and the accurate practice of BSE. Nurses’ preparation in Poland in BSE is insufficient and requires improvement.

Introduction Mortality due to various causes, despite continuous efforts to improve the quality of medical services, is a serious problem for modern healthcare systems. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the cause of over 15 million deaths annually, and are therefore known as the world’s number one killer. Objective The aim of this study is to characterise the missions and the most common reasons for dispatching Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) crews, with special emphasis on the differences between urban and rural areas. Material and methods The study was conducted using a retrospective analysis of HEMS missions, including flights to accidents and diseases carried out by HEMS crews in Poland from January 2014 – December 2018. The final analysis included 35,213 cases of HEMS missions. Results The study group consisted mainly of male patients (66.40%), aged 50–64 (22.06%), mean age of the entire analysed group – 47.71 (SD: 25.96). The main reason for HEMS missions were strokes (21.63%). Analysis of patients’ clinical status revealed that the clinical status of patients treated in rural areas was more severe, which was indicated by the Glasgow Coma Scale – GCS (12.03 vs 12.35) and the Revised Trauma Scale – RTS (10.14 vs 10.60) scores. When assessed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) score, body injuries and fatal diseases were observed more often in patients in rural areas (NACA 7 6.12% vs 3.46%) (p

Introduction Occupational burnout is a multifaceted phenomenon and a problem often encountered among medical personnel. An example of such a group are workers of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The aim of the present study was to make an attempt to assess the level of job burnout among professionally active employees of the EMS and to compare the different occupational groups (paramedics, nurses of the system, doctors of the system) according to four analyzed factors. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was performed using an on-line questionnaire. Four factors impacting the level of burnout were analyzed: 1) attitude to work; 2) workload; 3) contact with the patient; 4) attitude to stress). The minimum possible result on the scale is 36 points and the maximum – 252. Data were analysed by means of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the Spearman correlation, the Ramsey RESET test, the Chow test, VIF statistics. Results The average score for occupational burnout was 131.0 points (SD ± 31.47). The tool’s reliability measured by means of Cronbach’s alpha was 0.910). Both nurses and doctors obtained higher results throughout the scale (β stand. 0.147 and 0.215). Significant differences were shown between the group working only in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) teams and the other services (land EMS, emergency rooms, etc.) at the level of p < 0.000. Conclusions EMS employees encounter varying degrees of threat by occupational burnout. Doctors working in the system are shown to have the highest level of burnout, while paramedics the lowest. Among all the jobs analyzed, the lowest level of occupational burnout has been demonstrated by employees of HEMS.

Introduction and objective The nursing profession entails many negative factors and high risk of chronic diseases, including overweight and obesity. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and health enhancing behaviours in Polish female nurses, and associations between overweight and 4 groups of such behaviours, age and shift work. Material and methods The analysis covered data obtained through cross-sectional survey carried out in a group of 994 nurses with an average age of 43. The analysis covered answers about 29 health-enhancing behaviours divided into 4 categories (subscales): 1) nutrition, 2) physical activity, 3) sleep, rest and behaviours related to mental health, 4) preventive behaviours. They were analysed through the validated Positive Health Behaviours Scale for adults. The analysis also covered answers about avoiding drinking large amounts of alcohol in one go, not smoking, avoiding passive smoking, not abusing unprescribed drugs. Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 44%. Of 29 health behaviours concerned with nutrition, physical activity, sleep, rest, and mental health, preventive behaviours, 3 were exhibited always or almost always by over a half of the nurses. Health behaviours were more common in nurses whose BMI was normal than in nurses with BMI ≥ 25.0. Age and low physical activity levels were related to overweight and obesity in nurses. Conclusions The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and many deficits in health behaviours. Obesity and health behaviour deficits pose risks to the health of nurses, limit their involvement in prevention and treatment of patient obesity and impact as health educators. It is essential to engage in actions for health promotion among nurses.

This paper presents a realistic evaluation of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Polish schizophrenic patients who have sought treatment through the Polish National Health Fund in the years 2010-2017. Data from the National Health Fund database was used and T2DM and schizophrenia groups were defined according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes. Demographic data were collected from the web page of Statistics Poland (GUS). The annual prevalence of T2DM and schizophrenia was estimated, and the age groups were categorised into eight sets. The incidence of schizophrenia in T2DM patients in the years 2010-2017 was measured, including relative risk and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The incidence of T2DM has been assessed in various subtypes of schizophrenia. In the eight years of follow-up study, 1,481,642 patients with schizophrenia were included, of which 185,205 were also diagnosed with T2DM. This accounted for 12.50% of all patients with schizophrenia. The trend of comorbid schizophrenia (F20) and T2DM (E11) in the general population of patients with schizophrenia, who sought treatment through the National Health Fund, was relatively stable in the years 2010-2017. The relative risk of T2DM in those with schizophrenia was 8.33 (95% CI 8.23-8.43) in 2017. Taking actions to enable the detection of diabetes in patients with concomitant schizophrenia is well-grounded, although these actions should be gender-dependent. There is also a need to take adequate actions to improve the efficiency of diabetological care among patients with schizophrenia.

IntroductionChronic hepatitis C (HCV), considered by the World Health Organization as one of the greatest epidemiological health hazards, often with asymptomatic clinical course and one which, due to scanty knowledge, remains a crucial risk factor of serious chronic HCV infection complications. The purpose of this study is to validate the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the validated Brief Hepatitis C Knowledge Scale (BHCKS_PL), developed by Balfour in 2009.MethodsThe study, conducted from May to July 2018, included 246 persons (68,69% females), divided into four subgroups: patients (n = 86), nursing students (n = 74), medical students (n = 28), healthcare workers (nurses and doctors; n = 58). The 19-items questionnaire contained questions designed to assess general knowledge regarding hepatitis C and the transmission risk factors.ResultsAn evaluation by means of multiple comparisons in pairs showed that there were significant differences in the knowledge level between the group of patients and the group of nursing students (Mdn: 14.0 vs 11.0, z = 7.713, PConclusionsThe completed validation suggests good BHCKS_P psychometric characteristics with the internal consistency convergent and known-groups validity. The questionnaire can be used in educational practice. The obtained results of the measurement provide information about the studied person based on the total score.

The purpose of this study was to present the characteristics of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team responses to calls regarding suspected labour in out-of-hospital settings in Poland. We performed a retrospective analysis of EMS team interventions in cases of suspected onset of labour outside a hospital setting. The analysis included 12,816 EMS team responses to calls regarding women in suspected labour in the period between January 2018 and December 2019. The mean age of the patients studied was 28.24 years (SD = 6.47). The majority of patients were at term (76.36%) and in their second pregnancy (29.96%). EMS teams were most often dispatched in the summer (25.95%) and in urban areas (63.26%). Most EMS teams were basic (68.99%) and interventions most often took place between 19:00 and 06:59 (63.14%). Significant differences were observed between preterm and term pregnant women attended by EMS teams in terms of variables such as the age of the patient, number of previous labours, history of miscarriage, presence of vaginal bleeding, time of year, location of call, type and composition of EMS team dispatched, urgency code and time of call, duration of intervention, selected emergency medical procedures performed and test results.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the mental health of people around the world, and it increased the level of fear of infection and anxiety about the consequences of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We examined the relationship between the level of anxiety among nursing students and their knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, we explored the correlations among the level of anxiety, knowledge about vaccination, and the willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19. A total of 790 undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. The results demonstrated that the level of anxiety among the surveyed nursing students was low; 40% of the study participants did not report any anxiety at all, 30% reported mild anxiety, 20% reported moderate anxiety, and 9% reported severe anxiety. At the time of the study, 77.2% of the participants were already vaccinated against COVID-19. Student knowledge about vaccination against COVID-19 was high and anxiety levels were low, with no direct correlation between the knowledge of vaccination and the severity of anxiety.

COVID-19 vaccination raises numerous concerns among the public, and also among medical personnel including nurses. As nurses play a crucial role in the process of vaccination, it is important to recognize the attitudes of students of nursing, nurses in spe, toward COVID-19 vaccination, as well as to define the factors influencing students’ pro-vaccine choices. The study was conducted between March and April 2021 at all medical universities in Poland educating nurses in spe. The study included 793 first-degree students from 12 universities. The results revealed that the vast majority of students of nursing (77.2%) were vaccinated against COVID-19, as 61.2% received an mRNA vaccine and 16% a viral vector vaccine. Every other person in the non-vaccinated group declared their intention to get a vaccination. A trend was observed whereby people co-living with persons from the risk group, who are at risk of a severe form of COVID-19, showed greater willingness to get a vaccine. The study results identified the role of universities in increasing the vaccination rate among students, both in terms of education about vaccinations and in shaping pro-vaccine attitudes among students, as well as organizing vaccinations on university campuses to facilitate the process.

Social media allow anti-vaxxers to quickly spread misinformation and false statements. This situation may lead to an increase in vaccine hesitancy. We wanted to characterize what arguments against COVID-19 vaccines run on Facebook in Poland. We analyzed Facebook comments related to the five events of the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines—announcements of the efficacy of the Pfizer-BioNTech (09.11.2020), Moderna (16.11.2020), and AstraZeneca (23.11.2020) vaccines, registration of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by the European Medicines Agency (21.12.2020), and the first vaccination in Poland (27.12.2020). We collected the comments from fanpages of the biggest Polish media and then established their main anti-vaccine themes. We found that the negative arguments about COVID-19 vaccines can be divided into 12 categories. Seven of them are universal and also apply to other vaccines but five are new and COVID-19’ specific. The frequency of arguments from a given category varied over time. We also noticed that, while the comments were mostly negative, the reactions were positive. Created codebook of anti-vaccine COVID-19 arguments can be used to monitor the attitude of society towards COVID-19 vaccines. Real-time monitoring of social media is important because the popularity of certain arguments on Facebook changes rapidly over time.

Abstract Background Evaluation of the predictive validity of selected sociodemographic factors and admission criteria for Master’s studies in Public Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw (MUW). Methods For the evaluation purposes recruitment data and learning results of students enrolled between 2008 and 2012 were used (N = 605, average age 22.9 ± 3.01). The predictive analysis was performed using the multiple linear regression method. In the proposed regression model 12 predictors were selected, including: sex, age, professional degree (BA), the Bachelor’s studies grade point average (GPA), total score of the preliminary examination broken down into five thematic areas. Depending on the tested model, one of two dependent variables was used: first-year GPA or cumulative GPA in the Master program. Results The regression model based on the result variable of Master’s GPA program was better matched to data in comparison to the model based on the first year GPA (adjusted R2 0.413 versus 0.476 respectively). The Bachelor’s studies GPA and each of the five subtests comprising the test entrance exam were significant predictors of success achieved by a student both after the first year and at the end of the course of studies. Conclusions Criteria of admissions with total score of MCQs exam and Bachelor’s studies GPA can be successfully used for selection of the candidates for Master’s degree studies in Public Health. The high predictive validity of the recruitment system confirms the validity of the adopted admission policy at MUW.

The objective of the study was the realistic evaluation of the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) among Polish men who sought treatment through the National Health Fund (NFZ) in the years 2010–2017. According to ICD-10, four types of ED were analyzed: anorexia nervosa—AN (F50.0), atypical anorexia nervosa (F50.1), bulimia nervosa—BN (F50.2), and atypical bulimia nervosa (F50.3). The NFZ database was used. The ED groups were defined according to ICD-10 codes. Demographic data were collected from the web page of Statistics Poland (GUS). The annual prevalence of EDs was estimated, and the age groups were categorized into nine groups. For the incidence of EDs in male patients in the years 2010–2017, relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. The frequency trend of AN in males remains relatively stable. AN occurred mainly in young men (between 11 and 30 years). It was noted that AN affected approximately 100 men in each year of observation, while atypical anorexia nervosa affected about 40 men. In 2017, the RR for EDs in young males was 0.041 (95% CI [0.033, 0.051]). Bulimia was relatively rare (about 35 males each year). The incidence of EDs in males is a relatively constant phenomenon. The real number of male patients with EDs may be higher. The current conceptualizations of ED pathology should be modified and better adapted to men. Clinical guidelines for specialists working with males with EDs should be developed.

Development of simple, valid and reliable instruments to determine nursing care rationing is a subject of ongoing research. One such instrument, which is gaining popularity worldwide and has significant research applicability, is the Basel Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care (BERNCA) and its revised version, the BERNCA-R. The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the BERNCA-R into a Polish-language version and to assess its reliability and validity in evaluating the level of implicit rationing of nursing care in Poland. Standard methodological requirements were followed during translation and cultural adaptation of the English version of the BERNCA-R questionnaire into Polish. The cross-sectional validation study was conducted between May and September 2017, which included 175 nurses undergoing specialisation and qualification courses at the European Postgraduate Education Centre in Wrocław, Poland. Cronbach's alpha and inter-item correlations were used to analyse the internal consistency of the Polish BERNCA-R questionnaire. The mean total BERNCA-R score was 1.9 points (SD = 0.74) on a scale of 0-4. Cronbach's alpha for the unidimensional scale was 0.96. The mean inter-item correlation was 0.4 (range 0.1-0.84), which indicates high internal consistency. A single-factor solution demonstrated stable loadings above 0.5 for almost all items of the Polish BERNCA-R questionnaire. The study using the Polish BERNCA-R questionnaire demonstrated that the instrument is valid and reliable for use in investigating care rationing in groups of Polish nurses.

Background: Due to the specifics of their work and to being exposed to a wide range of hazards, firefighters working for the State Fire Service (SFS) face the risk of work-related accidents more often than members of other occupational groups. The aim of this paper is to analyze the occurrence and consequences of accidents in the work environment of the SFS officers in Poland between the years 2008–2013. Material and Methods: The material analyzed is based on aggregate data collected by the Headquarters of the State Fire Service. Figures regarding accidents in the period between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2013 show that 8518 workrelated accidents occurred in that period and 8635 people were injured. Results: The data shows that neither the number of accidents nor their frequency indicator underwent any significant fluctuations over the 6 years under consideration. The group that is most exposed to accidents on duty in the profession includes active firefighters serving in rescue and fire extinguishment divisions. According to the data, the greatest number of trauma incidents in the SFS between the years 2008–2013 occurred during sporting activities. The predominant cause of these was inappropriate behavior or the lack of proper care. The most frequent injuries sustained during the accidents were broken or fractured bones and sprained joints. Conclusions: Accidents on duty occur significantly more often when firefighters are at their stations, during sporting classes, exercises or maneuvers, than in the course of actual rescue operations. The firefighters of the State Fire Services are insufficiently prepared for their sporting activities. Med Pr 2016;67(1):1–9

Introduction:: The analysis of the opinions of students regarding their level of satisfaction with their studies constitutes one of the basic elements of global assessment of the quality of teaching at university-level schools. Aim of the research: : To analyse the assessment of satisfaction of students with the learning content and teaching methods in the field of nursing at the Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw. Material and methods:: The study enrolled 200 full-time (ST) and part-time (NST) students, including 195 women (F) and 5 men (M). The mean age was 34 years and the questionnaire return rate was 55%. This was a voluntary and anonymous questionnaire study, with a questionnaire developed by the authors including 27 close-ended questions. The students received the questionnaire in the form of a link to an e-form. Statistical analysis was performed using Statsoft Statistica 10.0 (licensed to Medical University of Warsaw) and Mann-Whitney U test (significance level: p < 0.05). Results:: The majority of ST and NST students were satisfied with studying Nursing at Medical University of Warsaw. The vast majority of the study participants reported that the number of hours of lectures was sufficient, with ST students reporting thois significantly more often (p < 0.05). The students from both groups reported that the number of hours of seminars, classes and professional training sessions was sufficient (p = NS). The vast majority of the ST and NST students expressed a preference to choose theoretical classes and seminars on their own, in accordance with their interests and the character of their job. Compared to the ST students, the NST students significantly more often (p < 0.05) declared that the curriculum did not include a sufficient number of hours of the following courses: Contracting Health Benefits, Law in Health Protection and European Nursing. Conclusions: : Teaching in the field in Nursing met with the expectations of both ST and NST students from the study group. The mode of study may influence the expectations of students regarding the curriculum, learning content and organisation of the course, as well as the level of satisfaction with education received. In the study group, the part-time students had greater expectations regarding the structure of the curriculum and the learning content. The students’ level of satisfaction with learning should be assessed on a regular basis for continuous improvement and maintenance of high quality of teaching, and the study results should be introduced into the curriculum, learning content and teaching methods.

Introduction: Crohn’s disease constitutes one of the most serious diagnostic-therapeutic problems of contemporary gastroenterology and appropriate lifestyle may prevent symptoms of this disease. Aim of the research: To assess the level of patient knowledge of Crohn’s disease. Material and methods: The study enrolled 100 patients from three Warsaw hospitals (53 women). Mean age of the study population was 34.6 years (min. 18, max. 60; SD = 5.690). The voluntary and anonymous questionnaire study used a questionnaire developed by the authors (32 questions). Statistical analysis of the study results was carried out in the StatSoft Statistica 10.0 program, using the Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level was established at p < 0.05. Results : The study group of patients had basic knowledge of Crohn’s disease. A majority of the study participants (over 60%) knew the key factors responsible for the development of non-specific inflammatory bowel disease, 64% of them knew the effects of immunosuppressive therapy, and 77% of the patients correctly indicated the group of drugs used in the therapy; however, detailed knowledge of the disease significant for further treatment and its influence on the quality of life was insufficient and required supplementation. Differences among women and men were statistically insignificant (p = NS). Conclusions : Studies on patient knowledge of Crohn’s disease are rarely published in Polish and world scientific literature and therefore there is a need for continuation of studies. Detailed knowledge of patients about Crohn’s disease was insufficient. Therefore, information campaigns and actions as well as continuous education of patients performed by members of interdisciplinary therapeutic teams are justified. The level of knowledge of Crohn’s disease is not gender-related. The study results may be used in practice for development of educational programmes for patients with this disease.