Occurrence of Legionella sp. bacteria in hot water systems in hospitals and nursing homes in the Swietokrzyskie Province of south-eastern Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of bacteria of the genus Legionella sp. in hot water supply systems in buildings is a real threat to human health, especially for patients in hospitals and residents of nursing homes. The aim of the study was determination of the degree of colonization of hot water systems in hospitals and nursing homes in the Swietokrzyskie Province in south-east Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2014 - 2018, samples were collected from hot water systems in 30 hospitals and 32 nursing homes in order to determine the degree of contamination. 631 samples collected of the bacteria Legionella sp were analyzed. RESULTS: Excessive contamination (≥ 100CFU/100 ml) with the bacteria Legionella sp. was detected in 12.12% (n=71) of samples. Contamination was significantly more frequently detected in samples from hot water systems in nursing homes, compared to hospitals (16.48% vs. 10.37%). Above-standard contamination of hot water systems with Legionella sp. bacteria occurred in 34.43% of the facilities, and was more frequent in hospitals (41.38%) than in the nursing homes (28.13%). In 21.3% of the facilities, contamination was detected many times during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive contamination of hot water systems with Legionella sp. bacteria in the examined facilities was a common phenomenon. The presence of the pathogen in the installations of these facilities may constitute a considerable health hazard for patients and residents.

Quality of life, health, eating habits and physical development of middle school adolescents in the Swietokrzyskie.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Measurement of the health-related quality of life is currently one of the significant methods of self-evaluation of heath, enabling the detection of disorders in the biopsychosocial functioning of children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to establish significant relationships between the subjective sense of the health-related quality of life, eating habits and objective parameters of physical development among a group of adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study applied a diagnostic survey methodology with the use of the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire, the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire, anthropometric measures of choice, and a self-constructed questionnaire. The significance level was set at p<0.05. The collected data was gathered and analyzed using Statistica 10.0 PL. RESULTS: Three distinct groups of adolescents with a varying subjective sense of the quality of life were identified. The frequency of basic meal consumption among participants showed some abnormalities. This concerned breakfast in particular, which was consumed before going to school by over half of the participants (63.61%), with boys (70.07%) eating it significantly more frequently than girls (57.83%). Indices based on weight-to-height ratios, such as: BMI, Rohrer's Index and Slender Index were significantly greater in value among boys compared with girls. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents from the Swietokrzyskie region, for the most part exhibited a high subjective sense of the quality of life. The physical development of the participants, as far as basic anthropometric characteristics are concerned, was mostly appropriate and consistent with a high subjective sense of the quality of life and exhibited eating habits.

Importance of legal regulations resulting from technical harmonization in the European Union for improvement of work safety of farmers in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Accidents exert a negative effect on the quality and standard of living of rural inhabitants, especially when they make it impossible to continue work on a farm, or this work may be performed only to a limited extent. The creation of effective legal mechanisms which would guarantee the safety of operation of machinery is a crucial issue, it is of a preventive character and considerably limits the number of accidents. Approximately 16.1 million people live in the rural areas and around 2.3 million work in the agricultural sector, which represents 14.5% of all labour in Poland in 2019. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the legal regulations resulting from the directives of technical harmonization in the European Union for improvement of safety of work with the use of agricultural machinery in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The method was critical analysis of legal acts in effect, court rulings, and statistical data concerning accidentsoin farms, made available by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: As a result of Poland's membership of the European Union, rural areas were covered by globalization processes and single market rules, within which there function legal mechanisms of safety and quality of products. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the 16 years of Poland's membership of the EU, resulted in positive results being observed in the use of the directives of technical harmonization, especially in reducing the number of accidents involving agricultural machinery. However, this improvement may result from using newly-purchased, modern and safer agricultural machinery covered by the conformity assessment, and preventive actions carried out by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund. An impact of other factors, not analysed in the study, cannot be ruled out.

Social and economic benefits of secondary prevention of arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial blood pressure is one of the main vital signs reflecting body functions and, at the same time, the most important functional parameter of the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure is the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was assessment of the frequency of occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors, with particular consideration of arterial blood pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 509 volunteers from Lublin in eastern Poland who participated in the prophylactic programme entitled 'White Sunday'. Standard measurements of blood pressure were performed using a TM-Z dial pressure gauge. The level of arterial blood pressure and socio-demographic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Hypertension was more frequently observed in the group of males than females. The age group especially vulnerable to abnormal blood pressure values were those aged 51-60. Isolated hypertension significantly more often occurred in the group of respondents who mentioned hypertension in an interview, compared to those who reported its absence. Among 367 persons who, in preliminary interview, did not declare hypertension, 60 cases of isolated arterial hypertension were noted (16.3%). From among respondents who declared absence of hypertension in an interview, the largest age group diagnosed with isolated arterial hypertension were those aged 61-70 (17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial hypertension is a civilisation disease which may be effectively prevented, simultaneously reducing the risk of premature death due to cardiovascular events, as well as reducing social and economic costs. International health organizations recommend the implementation of social screening programmes in order to diagnose high blood pressure and the promotion of routine measurements of arterial blood pressure.

Quality of life of patients undergoing specific allergen immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: Although allergic diseases have been known since antiquity, both their understanding and systematics came later. The World Allergy Organization (WAO) defines the phenomenon of atopy as a predisposition of a person or family to the uncontrolled synthesis and release of IgE antibodies. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most important clinical diseases of rhinitis (NN, rhinitis). AR significantly reduces the quality of life, tends to increase, and its consequences may be life-threatening diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the quality of life of patients who underwent specific allergen immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Center for Specialist Allergology in Lublin between October 2018 - February 2019. The study covered a group of 157 patients. The diagnostic method used was a questionnaire. The first research tool was own questionnaire consisting of 31 questions. The second tool was the standardized questionnaire, the Polish version of the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: Studies have shown statistically significant changes in the symptoms of before and after immunotherapy, which means improving the quality of life and reducing the severity of symptoms and problems of respondents after therapy. The respondents were not in the best of health (50%). Over 50% of respondents said that the immunotherapy process significantly reduced personal / family expenses for treatment associated with allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: The conducted process of specific allergen immunotherapy improved the quality of life of respondents by increasing awareness of the quality of life through the prism of health change in relation to the general indicator in the area of mental problems by reducing their nuisance value more than in the area of somatic symptoms.

Medical and socio-demographic determinants of depressive disorders in diabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a civilisation disease creating a serious challenge for public health. In Poland, approximately 2 million people suffer from diabetes, of which about 25% are unaware of their illness. A considerable part of persons with diabetes experience complications related with the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between elements of the state of health and socio-demographic characteristics of diabetic patients treated in the Diabetes Clinic at the Institute of Rural Health (IMW) in Lublin, eastern Poland, and the occurrence of depressive symptoms in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2017-2018 among patients treated in the Diabetes Clinic at the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, by the method of a diagnostic survey using the Beck's Depression Inventory and an author-constructed questionnaire, as well as data from the patients' medical records. The study included 314 patients from the Diabetes Clinic who expressed their informed consent to participate in the research. RESULTS: The study showed that diabetes is a disease which predisposes for the occurrence of depression. The occurrence of depressive symptoms of various degrees of intensity was confirmed in more than a half of the examined patients. Among the factors which exerted a significant effect on the occurrence of depressive symptoms were: diabetic neuropathy, type 2 diabetes, high BMI value, lack of occupational activity, poor material standard, and the need to obtain assistance in daily functioning due to the fact of being ill with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to implement routinely performed examinations into the diagnostic-therapeutic process to assess the state of psychological health of diabetic patients, which would allow sufficiently early application of appropriate psychological or psychiatric intervention.

Causes of accidents at work in the opinions of public sector forestry employees in Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was recognition of opinions of forestry employees concerning causes of accidents in forestry, and evaluation of which of the selected demographic characteristics of forestry employees are associated with their opinions concerning causes of occupational accidents. An attempt was also undertaken to answer the question whether there is any relationship between the opinions of forestry employees pertaining to the causes of accidents at work, and observance of the OSH principles concerning the use of protection measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey included 135 forestry employees and conducted by using an author-constructed questionnaire containing items which primarily concerning the causes of accidents at work and the protection measures applied. The opinions of forestry employees pertaining to the causes of accidents were analyzed according to independent variables, such as: workplace, period of employment, age, education level, and an index of the level of the respondents' concern about OSH (index of the use of personal protection measures by the respondents). The significance of differences between the subgroups selected according to the above-mentioned variables was assessed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Forestry employees most frequently indicated such causes of accidents as the lack of e use of protection equipment (63.7%), bravado and neglecting hazards (63%), as well as entering or staying in a danger zone during tree felling (56.3%). Nearly a half of the respondents (48.1%) mentioned as the cause of accidents the improper and self-willed behaviour of an employee. The respondents additionally mentioned being taken by surprise by an unexpected event (40%), and the inadequate state of machinery, equipment, and vehicles (36.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study concerning the causes of accidents in forestry, it was found that the examined forestry employees show high awareness and knowledge concerning the causes of occupational accidents in forestry. The greatest differences in the way of perceiving the causes of accidents and hazards were observed according to the respondents' period of employment and age. In addition, a relationship was observed between indication by the respondents of specified causes of accidents, and the scope of their use of protection measures.

Occupational hazards in opinions of forestry employees in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Work in forestry has been and continues to be considered a very difficult and risky occupation, with constant exposure to certain factors which create risk for employees' health or even life. The objective of the study is recognition of the opinions of forestry workers concerning health risk, and to evaluate which of their selected demographic characteristics are connected with opinions concerning hazards at the workplace. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An author-constructed survey was conducted among 135 forestry employees, containing items concerning primarily hazards occurring at workplaces in forestry. Forestry employees' opinions pertaining to occupational hazards were analyzed from the aspect of independent variables, such as workplace, period of employment, age and education. The significance of the differences in the subgroups distinguished according to the above-mentioned variables, were assessed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Forestry employees most often indicated risk related with cold (83.7%) and hot (77%) microclimate. A high percentage of respondents (74.1%) were aware of the presence of biological hazards and risk caused by the possibility of contact with wild animals (55.6%) at their workplace. In addition, a considerable part of workers reported that the source of risk at their workplace is noise (34.1%), especially dangerous machinery (26.7%), dust (18.5%), chemical substances (15.6%), and forced body position at work (14.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study concerning work safety and occupational hygiene among forestry employees, it was found that they are aware of hazards which may occur at their workplaces. The greatest differences in the perception of hazards were observed according to the type of workplace and period of employment.

Assessment of musculoskeltal system pain complaints reported by forestry workers.

INTRODUCTION: According to the European Occupational Diseases Statistics (EODS-2005) diseases related with musculoskeletal disorders occupy the first position on the obligatory list of occupational diseases. These disorders most frequently occur in the agriculture-hunting-forestry sector in such countries as: Finland, Holland, Germany, France and Spain (data: EU-OSHA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a selected group of males - 414 forestry workers, employees of the State Forests, aged 25-65, mean age 48. The control group were 119 office workers aged 23-64, mean age 45.8. The basic research instrument was a questionnaire designed by specialists concerning pain complaints occurring in 7 areas of the motor system: neck, arms, upper and lower back, hips, knees and feet. RESULTS: The results of the survey showed that in the selected group of forestry workers, among 7 investigated areas of the motor system, the most frequently reported pain complaints involved the lower part of the spine (272 persons, 65.7% of the total number of respondents). In the control group such pain complaints occurred in 55.5% (66) of office workers (p = 0.04). Forestry workers most often described this pain as permanent, radiating to the leg, or as an acute pain. According to the frequency of reporting pain, the area of the knees was placed on the second position (214 foresters; 51.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The work of a forester which consist, among other things, in relocation on foot or by vehicle over long distances along an uneven terrain and in various weather conditions, is a risk factor of the occurrence of musculosceletal disorders concerning the low back and knees.

Dissatisfaction with work as a risk factor of musculoskeletal complaints among foresters in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Researchers indicate an important relationship between the level of job satisfaction and the state of health of the employees. Some elements of work related with its character, organization, and interpersonal relationships may evoke strong stress, manifested by, among others, an increased musculoskeletal tension which, in turn, may lead to permanent dysfunction of this system. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was analysis of the relationship between the level of job satisfaction and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of the State Forests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material was collected using two instruments: the modified Nordic Questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal disorders, and a questionnaire concerning job satisfaction. The study was conducted in a group of 396 employees of the State Forests from 8 regions of Poland. RESULTS: The results of analysis confirmed a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The lower the level of job satisfaction, the more frequent the experiencing of musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Low level of job satisfaction is a risk factor for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Shaping of work conditions, which are the source of job satisfaction, should be considered as one of the main elements of prevention of musculoskeletal complaints.

Readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms according to their knowledge and emotional attitude towards GMOs.

INTRODUCTION: Agriculture based on genetically modified organisms plays an increasingly important role in feeding the world population, which is evidenced by a considerable growth in the size of land under genetically modified crops (GM). Uncertainty and controversy around GM products are mainly due to the lack of accurate and reliable information, and lack of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications, and the effect of GM food on the human organism, and consequently, a negative emotional attitude towards what is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the presented study was to discover to what extent knowledge and the emotional attitude of adolescents towards genetically modified organisms is related with acceptance of growing genetically modified plants or breeding GM animals on own farm or allotment garden, and the purchase and consumption of GM food, as well as the use of GMOs in medicine. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed by the author, which covered a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary school on the level of maturity examination. The collected material was subjected to statistical analysis. Research hypotheses were verified using chi-square test (χ 2 ), t-Student test, and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: Stepwise regression analysis showed that the readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms as food or for the production of pharmaceuticals, the production of GM plants or animals on own farm, depends on an emotional-evaluative attitude towards GMOs, and the level of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications.

Study on the concentration of airbone respirable asbestos fibres in rural areas of the Lublin region in south-east Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was measurement of the concentrations of airborne asbestos fibres in the rural environment of the Lublin Region in south-east Poland. METHODS: Measurements of concentrations of respirable asbestos fibres were carried out in the rural areas of the Lublin Region (Lublin and Wlodawa counties) for a period of 24 months. The studies were conducted on 3 farms with various technical conditions of asbestos-containing materials: Farm A - good technical condition of asbestos products, Farm B - poor technical condition, and Farm C - with no asbestos containing products and no such products in its direct vicinity (up to 500 m). On the selected farms, 3 samples on each were simultaneously collected at 3 measuring sites. During the period 2009-2011, a total number of 216 samples were collected on all farms. Sampling was performed using JSH 16,000 stationary aspirators, with air flow velocity of 16 l/min. and sampling time 60-80 minutes. The number of fibres on filters was determined using an optical phase contrast microscope. RESULTS: The study showed that the mean concentration of respirable asbestos fibres on the farms examined was 296 fibres•m (-3). The highest concentrations were noted on Farm B was 529 fibres•m (-3), on average; on farm A the mean concentration of respirable fibres was 328 fibres•m (-3), whereas the lowest mean concentration of airborne respirable asbestos fibres was noted on farm C, where there were no asbestos products (30 fibres•m(-3)).

Relationship between renalase and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) in haemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Our knowledge in the field of cause of deaths in dialysis patients is rapidly expanding, yet we still do not fully understand how renalase regulates the processes of cardiovascular disease developing in end-stage renal disease. Increased sympathetic nerve activity observed in chronic kidney diseases due to raised catecholamines in plasma results from the absence of renalase. Renalase synthesized and secreted by the kidneys participate in the regulation of sympathetic tone and blood pressure. A family of natriuretic peptides has been identified - NT pro-BNP - which seems to be the best predictor of clinical outcome and marker of extracellular fluid overload, as well as predicting mortality, irrespective of renal function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented study was to investigate renalase concentration and investigate associations between NT-proBNP, as well as analyzed parameters in haemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted among residents of the municipality and neighbouring villages in the province of Lublin, central-eastern Poland. 49 male subjects on haemodialysis, aged 65.3 ± 14.2 years, median time on haemodialysis: 37.5 months, were included. All study subjects underwent haemodialysis 3 times a week. The mean concentration of renalase in the entire study population was 126.59 ± 32.63 ng/mL. The circulating levels of NT-proBNP was 813.64 ± 706.96 pg/mL. A significant inverse correlation was found between NT-proBNP and renalase plasma levels (R = -0.3, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Inverse correlation between NT-proBNP and renalase plasma levels in haemodialysis patients were due to impaired kidney function, accompanied by increased sympathetic nerve activity, which have an impact on the development of hypertension and cardiovascular complications.