The levels of physical activity and fatigue among teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 disease has a negative impact on the psychophysiological health of populations worldwide, including a decrease in overall physical performance and an increase in fatigue. Fatigue was one of the main symptoms reported by patients and persisted for several weeks after infection with COVID-19. Although the phenomenon of fatigue is still poorly understood, physical activity can be a supportive factor in combating feelings of fatigue and lack of energy. The purpose of this research was to assess the physical activity (PA) and fatigue levels of teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The online research was carried out among 410 teachers from Poland and the United Kingdom. The PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The level of fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). RESULTS: Polish teachers, regardless of sex, are more physically active (the differences relate mainly to walking and moderate activity). When assessing the level of fatigue, there is a significant difference between men and women - the former indicate a higher degree of fatigue, with the difference between the sexes being particularly large in the Polish community. Quite clearly, there is an association between less activity (except walking) and more fatigue. All models show a statistically significant effect of total fatigue on total effort. Physical activity is not very strongly correlated with age but the level of fatigue increases with age. CONCLUSIONS: The problem of teacher fatigue is unfortunately widespread. They should be encouraged to engage in as much PA as possible during the day. When planning and targeting fatigue reduction campaigns, PA should be encouraged and variables such as age, sex should be taken into account. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):103-112.

Assessment of physical activity levels and back pain among poles and Portuguese in the further year of the COVID-19 pandemic - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The vast majority of people have experienced the problem of back pain at least once in their lives for a variety of reasons. It is well known that regular physical activity at a moderate level has a number of health benefits regardless of age or gender with positive effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory or nervous systems improving fitness levels. During the pandemic, Poland experienced one of the longest periods of school lockdown in Europe. In Portugal, this period was considerably shorter. The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain as well as relationship between physical activity and back pain in a group of Polish and Portuguese students in the following year the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study was conducted via the Internet among students from Poland and Portugal (398 respondents - 229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) in October 2022. In the pilot study, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and The Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Disability Index questionnaires were used to assess the level of back pain. RESULTS: There are no statistically significant differences in the level of physical activity and pain complaints of respondents from the two countries. At least half of the students do not report any pain complaints (median in some groups being 0). In the Portuguese men, there is a correlation between the level of physical activity and the Neck Disability Index score (p = 0.0304). CONCLUSIONS: The following year, after the pandemic COVID-19 was declared, the prevalence of back pain among students in Poland and Portugal is still significant.

Subjective assessment of occupational stress and mental health of nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Introduction: Health status, sickness absence, and nurses' attrition have a direct impact on the quality of care provided and patients' health outcomes. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated issues that existed within the Polish healthcare system prior to the pandemic, including staff shortages, low wages, and system inadequacies. The aim of this study was to investigate how nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic period rated the burdensomeness of job characteristics and their mental health status, as well as the correlations between factors directly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and nurses' subjective assessments of job characteristics and mental health. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022, in Poland and involved 796 registered nurses working in hospitals. Results: Despite the pandemic's sweeping societal effects, this research finds limited alteration in nurses' perceptions of job stress and self-assessed mental health. Factors such as contact with infected patients, quarantine, and isolation do not appear to substantially modify mental health perceptions among nurses. Intriguingly, nurses subjected to COVID-19 testing report heightened stress and compromised mental health. Conclusion: The interplay of diverse factors influencing the well-being of nurses is intricately complex. It is advisable to prudently execute interventions and strategies to address the pandemic, aiming to alleviate its potential adverse effects on the mental health of nurses.

Assessment of Dyspnoea, Physical Activity, and Back Pain Levels in Students at Medical Universities after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to assess the extent of dyspnoea, physical activity (PA), and back pain complaints and the association of dyspnoea, PA, and back pain complaints with PA in post-COVID-19 students at medical universities in Poland. METHODS: An online survey was carried out among Polish medical students (213 women and 204 men) who had had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 within the last year. The Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale was used to assess the degree of dyspnoea. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess back discomfort. RESULTS: The study group had average levels of PA, with median total activity significantly lower in women (median total activity for women was 1189 and for men was 2044, while the standard deviation for women was 1419 and for men was 1450). More than 93% of the students reported no symptoms of dyspnoea. The following results were observed for ODI (median of 1.2 for women and 1.7 for men and standard deviation of 3.1 for women and 4.0 for men) and for NDI (median of 2.8 for women and 2.5 for men, standard deviation of 4.3 for women and 4.0 for men). Cervical spine pain was more frequent and severe. There are small, statistically significant correlations between the MRC and IPAQ measures and the ODI and NDI and IPAQ. CONCLUSIONS: In the study group of students of medicine, dyspnoea linked with a history of COVID-19 is not an issue. Post-pandemic PA levels should be increased in this group, with particular attention to female students. Urgent measures are also needed to prevent cervical pain in students at medical universities in Poland.

Comparison of Several Anthropometric Indices Related to Body Fat in Predicting Cardiorespiratory Fitness in School-Aged Children-A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Body fat (BF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are important health markers that ought to be considered in screening exams. The aim of this study was to assess the value of six indicators, i.e., tri-ponderal mass index (TMI), relative fat mass (RFM), waist-BMI ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) in predicting CRF in school-aged children. The analysis was based on the data coming from the examination of 190 children participating in school physical education (PE) classes. Their body weight (BW) and height (BH), waist and hip circumference (WC; HC) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were measured; the CRF test was performed with the use of the 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT); peak heart rate (HRpeak) was measured; TMI, relative fat mass pediatric (RFMp), waist-BMI ratio, WHtR, BMI and WHR were calculated. Statistical analysis was mainly conducted using regression models. The developed regression models, with respect to the sex and age of the children, revealed RFMp as the strongest CRF indicator (R2 = 51.1%) and WHR as well as waist-BMI ratio as the weakest ones (R2 = 39.2% and R2 = 40.5%, respectively). In predicting CRF in school-aged children, RFMp turned out to be comparable to body fat percentage obtained by means of the bioimpedance analysis (BIA) (R2 = 50.3%), and as such it can be used as a simple screening measure in prophylactic exams of school children. All of these models were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Internet Addiction and Physical Activity among Polish and Portuguese Students in the Final Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of Internet addiction and physical activity, as well as the relationship between internet addiction and physical activity, among Polish and Portuguese students in the final year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of internet addiction was assessed by the Kimberly Young questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the international physical activity questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. RESULTS: In the study population, the majority of the respondents were mildly addicted to the internet. The average level of addiction was reported by 9.3-23.5% of the respondents. The average level of internet addiction was higher among Portuguese students and among men. Those who had suffered from COVID-19 (especially more than once) and were more physically active showed a higher tendency towards internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Internet addiction is a problem that has to be monitored and given more attention, particularly among male students. The results presented provide the first statistical insight into the problem of internet addiction among students in both countries and form the basis for further studies. They also highlight the severity of the problem and point to the need for early preventive and protective interventions against problematic internet use. It appears that effective strategies should include promoting the benefits of physical activity.

A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study on the Level of Depression and Physical Activity among Students in Poland and Portugal in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to make a preliminary assessment of depression rates and levels of physical activity and the association between physical activity and depression among Polish and Portuguese students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents-229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: Overall, 20-35% of respondents suffered from moderate depression, with a lower proportion among men. There were no differences in the percentage distribution of depression classification between Polish and Portuguese students. A decrease in the severity of depression was observed with increasing physical activity. In both countries, walking more often had the strongest effect on reducing depression scores. Conclusions: The continued and alarming prevalence of depressive disorders among university students in the year after the pandemic began had a significant impact on this population-further research on the impact of physical activity on mental health in different populations should be conducted to adjust the optimal level of physical activity for alleviating negative psychiatric symptoms.

An Investigation of the Utility of Waist Circumference Predicting Cardiorespiratory Fitness in School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The early identification of modifiable risk factors and their monitoring, also within school physical education (PE) classes, are becoming indispensable in the context of public health. The aim of this study was to test whether making use of waist circumference (WC) measurements increases the possibility of predicting the results of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in school-age children, as compared with body mass index (BMI) and other somatic indicators related to body fat. The cross-sectional study covered 190 children aged 10 to 15 years, participating in school PE classes. Body height (BH), body weight (BW), WC, hip circumference (HC) and percentage of body fat (BF%) were measured. BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated, and a CRF test was performed by means of a 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT). The peak heart rate (HRpeak) of the children was also measured. The regression model that was developed showed that WC (R2 = 47.1%), beyond BF% (R2 = 50.3%) and WHtR (R2 = 50.0%), was a useful measure of CRF, and stronger than BMI (R2 = 45.8%) or WHR (R2 = 39.2%). The risk of obtaining the CRF result classified below a good level (below the percentile range of P60-P80) was significantly higher in children with a larger WC (odds ratio (OR) for the WC change of 1 cm equals 1.14 (95% CI: 1.09-1.20; p < 0.001)). The simplicity of measuring WC and the possibility of using this measurement in the calculation of WHtR with reference to CRF indicate its usefulness in the prophylactic exams of school children.

Selected environmental factors in mothers of newborns subjected to the therapeutic hypothermia - a case control study.

OBJECTIVES: Hypothermia is an established method of treating severe forms of perinatal hypoxia in newborns. Some of them develop neonatal encephalopathy, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prophylaxis of this pathology is important as well as determining environmental factors in mothers of newborns affected by this pathology. The aim of the study was to assess of selected environmental factors in mothers of newborns qualified for hypothermia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material consisted of 102 subjects, including 51 mothers of newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy referred for hypothermia treatment (group I) and 51 mothers of newborns without signs of hypoxia (group II). The case-control study was carried out in the third level reference centre. It is 1 of 20 centers of therapeutic hypothermia for newborn in Poland. Data was collected based on a data collection sheet. Study groups were compared in terms of demographic and environmental data. The odds ratio (OR) was determined and the logistic regression analysis of univariate and multivariate regression was used to determine the probability of the need for hypothermia in the study group. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in terms of age, BMI and place of living. The need to use hypothermia increased in pregnant women living together with their parents (OR = 6.8, 95% CI: 2.4-19.6) also in case of exposure to factors at the workplace, i.e., noise (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1-15.5). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our case-control study we postulate to pay attention during preconception care to proper preparation for pregnancy especially in younger women exposed to nuisance in the work environment and at home. In this area postulated activities should include education programs, in close cooperation occupational medicine practitioners and obstetricians even before the conception as a part of pre-conception counseling. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):59-68.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Feelings during a Hospital Stay.

Introduction: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) affected individuals and society and caused disruption, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Being hospitalized during the pandemic increase a patient's negative feelings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients' feelings (loneliness, depression, hope, self-efficacy) during a hospital stay. Materials and methods: This study included 207 women, aged from 15 to 83 years (55 ± 21.2) that were hospitalized during the pandemic in Bialystok, Lomza, and Biala Podlaska, Poland at internal medicine departments. The main reasons for hospitalization were cardiovascular diseases, abdominal pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and unknown fever. Respondents were asked to complete the following questionnaires: Sense of Loneliness (the DJGLS), Depression Beck Inventory (BDI), Basic Hope (BHI-12), and Self-Efficacy (GSES). Results: Most of the studied group of women had an average sense of loneliness. A greater sense of loneliness was found among hospitalized women living in the countryside-the lowest sense of loneliness and depression was among women with higher education and the highest sense of effectiveness. One-third of respondents had a moderate degree of depression. Of the respondents, 39% had a relatively high level of basic hope. The assessment of self-efficacy demonstrated that 52% of the respondents showed a high sense of self-efficacy, an average sense of self-efficacy was shown by 35.5% of the respondents, and a low sense of self-efficacy was shown by 12.6% of the respondents. Conclusions: Numerous hospitalized women during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite experiencing moderate depression, had an average sense of loneliness and a high level of hope and self-efficacy.

Comparative Analysis of the Incidence of Selected Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections in Poland in 2010-2015: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a major cause of morbidity in women and men worldwide. The main aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the incidence of sexually transmitted viral infections in 2010-2015 in Poland, taking into account the administrative division of the country into provinces. This was a retrospective study. The analysed data came from the Centre for Health Information Systems of the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health-National Research Institute and constituted information from the epidemiological surveillance system in Poland. We collected data on the incidence of the following diseases: genital herpes (HSV), genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The key groups with the highest risk of infection were young people between 20 and 29 years of age. The reported data on the incidence of genital herpes in Poland (n = 3378; 1.5/100,000) showed a downward trend, which does not coincide with global trends. Genital warts were the most frequent genital infections in Poland (n = 7980; 3.46/100,000), with significant regional variation. Over the analysed period, the situation of newly detected HIV infections seemed to be stable (n = 7144; 3.1/100,000). The incidence of these infections appeared to be highly correlated with urbanisation rates, which was not confirmed in the case of other analysed infections. The worsening epidemic situation with respect to sexually transmitted infections, the inefficiency of the current surveillance system and the reduction in funding for diagnosis and prevention, combined with inadequate legal solutions, make it necessary to undertake new legal and organisational measures aimed at improving the reproductive health in Poland in terms of sexually transmitted infections.

Strategies for Coping With Stress Used by Nurses in Poland and Belarus During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Stress is an inseparable element of nurses' work. It is also the cause of wellbeing disorders and the source of various diseases. The wellbeing and health of nurses has a direct impact on the quality of care and health outcomes for patients. An appropriate stress coping strategy can reduce the impact of stress and mitigate its negative consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially in its initial period, was a source of enormous additional stress for nurses. In Poland and Belarus: two neighboring countries with common history and similar culture, the authorities took a completely different approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare how nurses in Poland and Belarus cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 nurses working in hospital in Bialystok, Poland (158) and in Grodno, Belarus (126). Mini-Cope inventory - the polish adaptation of Carver's BriefCope was used for measuring coping with stress. Results: Only 17.5% of Belarusian nurses were tested for the presence of the virus and only 4.8% were infected, while in Poland it was 50.6 and 31.0%, respectively. The most frequent used coping strategies were active strategies (active coping, planning) and the least-used were avoidance strategies (behavioral disengagement, substance use) in both countries. Polish nurses significantly more often than Belorussian used support-seeking/emotion-oriented strategies, as well as avoidance strategies. No differences were found for active coping strategies between the both groups. Contact with a patient infected with the SARS-CoV2 virus did not influence the choice of stress coping strategies by nurses in both countries. Staying in quarantine or home isolation favored more active coping strategies, especially in the case of Belarusian nurses. Taking a SARS-CoV-2 test did not statistically differentiate the choice of coping strategies in the Belarusian group. In the Polish group, nurses with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result used both use of instrumental support and use of emotional support strategies less frequently. SARS-CoV-2 virus infection did not statistically differentiated how stressful situations were handled in Polish group. Conclusions: Polish and Belorussian nurses used similar strategies to cope with stress in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The social and demographic differences between Polish and Belorussian nurses differentiated the choice of coping strategies among the respondents to a greater extent than the completely different approach of the media and authorities to the COVID-19 pandemic in the two countries. The threat of the COVID-19 pandemic does not affect the choice of stress coping strategies by nurses in Poland and Belarus. Being in quarantine or home isolation favored the use of active coping strategies among Belorussian nurses. Polish nurses, on the other hand, were more likely to turn to religion after being quarantined.

A Non-Exercise Model for Predicting Cardiovascular Risks among Apparently Healthy Male Office Workers-Cross-Sectional Analysis: A Pilot Study.

The health condition of working-age males in Poland remains largely associated with long-lasting sick leaves, one of the main reasons of which being cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this work was to develop a prediction model for FIT Treadmill Score ("FIT" refers to Henry Ford ExercIse Testing (FIT) Project) that only depends on easily accessible somatic data and smoking without the need to perform the exercise test anymore. The study comprised 146 men with a negative cardiological history, aged 26-60, with desk-jobs. By means of regression analysis it was tested to what degree obesity-related indices as well as smoking cigarettes allow for determining the measure level of mortality risk, without the necessity of performing an exercise test. The following independent variables were entered into the linear regression model: age, BMI, Fat%, waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR) as well as smoking. Statistically significant factors were singled out from among them. The obtained model accounts for a significant part (over 87%) of the variability of the mortality risk measure among the tested population. Based on the value of the standardised regression coefficient ß, it can be stated that age is the factor that mostly determines the mortality risk measure, followed by the WHtR and smoking. The simplicity of the worked-out model and, resulting from it, the possibility of its common application should enable better health monitoring of working-age men with regard to cardiovascular disease occurrence and, related to it, mortality risk, thereby improving the quality of public health management.

Analysis of the Increase of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) Expression and the Effect of Exposure in a Hyperbaric Chamber on VCAM-1 in Human Blood Serum: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was identified as a cell adhesion molecule that helps to regulate inflammation-associated vascular adhesion and the transendothelial migration of leukocytes, such as macrophages and T cells. VCAM-1 is expressed by the vascular system and can be induced by reactive oxygen species, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which are produced by many cell types. The newest data suggest that VCAM-1 is associated with the progression of numerous immunological disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, transplant rejection and cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the increase in VCAM-1 expression and the impact of exposure in a hyperbaric chamber to VCAM-1 levels in human blood serum. Materials and Methods: The study included 92 volunteers. Blood for the tests was taken in the morning, from the basilic vein of fasting individuals, in accordance with the applicable procedure for blood collection for morphological tests. In both groups of volunteers, blood was collected before and after exposure, in heparinized tubes to obtain plasma and hemolysate, and in clot tubes to obtain serum. The level of VCAM-1 was determined using the immunoenzymatic ELISA method. Results: The study showed that the difference between the distribution of VCAM-1 before and after exposure corresponding to diving at a depth of 30 m was at the limit of statistical significance in the divers group and that, in most people, VCAM-1 was higher after exposure. Diving to a greater depth had a much more pronounced impact on changes in VCAM-1 values, as the changes observed in the VCAM-1 level as a result of diving to a depth of 60 m were statistically highly significant (p = 0.0002). The study showed an increase in VCAM-1 in relation to the baseline value, which reached as much as 80%, i.e., VCAM-1 after diving was almost twice as high in some people. There were statistically significant differences between the results obtained after exposure to diving conditions at a depth of 60 m and the values measured for the non-divers group. The leukocyte level increased statistically after exposure to 60 m. In contrast, hemoglobin levels decreased in most divers after exposure to diving at a depth of 30 m (p = 0.0098). Conclusions: Exposure in the hyperbaric chamber had an effect on serum VCAM-1 in the divers group and non-divers group. There is a correlation between the tested morphological parameters and the VCAM-1 level before and after exposure in the divers group and the non-divers group. Exposure may result in activation of the endothelium.

The Impact of Stress-Coping Strategies and the Severity of Psoriasis on Self-Esteem, Illness Acceptance and Life Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: The visibility of skin lesions is a significant burden for patients with psoriasis, who experience social hostility as well as many emotional and psychological problems. The recurrent nature of cutaneous manifestations and their location are also a source of emotional distress, which in turn is one of the main factors that intensifies skin lesions in these patients. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the severity of psoriasis and stress-coping strategies on general psychometric measures in the affected patients. METHODS: The study used a short demographic questionnaire, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and four standardised general psychometric tools: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). A total of 111 patients participated in the study. RESULTS: The mean PASI score was 14.0 (12.1-15.9). The mean SWLS score was below average, i.e., 18.5 (17.3-19.7), and the SES score-26.8 points (26.1-27.5)-indicated self-esteem slightly above average among patients with psoriasis. The mean stress-coping level measured with CISS was 53.6 (51.9-55.2) for the task-oriented strategy (TOS), 46.2 (43.8-48.6) for the emotion-oriented strategy (EOS) and 50.1 (48.5-51.8) for the avoidance-oriented strategy (AOS). Higher PASI was associated with lower illness acceptance among men (r = 0.48) and lower self-esteem among women (r = 0.44). The level of life satisfaction was lower in respondents with higher PASI scores (mainly in the group of women, r = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Higher severity of psoriasis (PASI) and greater frequency of emotion-oriented stress-coping mechanisms (CISS) are factors that negatively affect the overall psychophysical condition of respondents.

Depression as Compared to Level of Physical Activity and Internet Addiction among Polish Physiotherapy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the survey was to assess the level of depression correlated with physical activity and internet addiction among physiotherapy students of Polish universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The survey was carried out via the internet among Polish physiotherapy students (141 respondents). The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and the level of internet addiction by the Kimberly Young Questionnaire. RESULTS: It was found that 31% of those surveyed stated that they suffered from moderate or severe depression. The overwhelming majority of the respondents (92%) considered the level of their internet addiction as low. More physical activity had a positive effect on mental health. The overuse of the internet exacerbated depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression observed in students is mainly related to distant learning systems. Therefore, regular physical activity is recommended as it is associated with a lower level of depression. It is also advisable to provide students with necessary psychological care. Excessive use of social media is not recommended to elevate mood as it makes depression symptoms worse.

Skin-Disease Specific and Generic Psychometric Measures in Patients with Psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial problems of patients with chronic dermatoses, such as psoriasis, add to their somatic ailments, which results in the lack of illness acceptance, lowered self-esteem, deteriorated quality of life, and an array of somatic comorbidities. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of psoriasis on the quality of life, sense of stigmatization, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: The study was based on a short survey prepared by the authors and five validated scales: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 6-Item Stigmatization Scale, 33-Item Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). The study included 111 patients with psoriasis (46.8% women and 53.2% men). The inclusion criteria of the study were the diagnosis of plaque psoriasis and written informed consent to participate. RESULTS: DLQI scores ranged between 0 and 28 points (pts) (mean 10.8 pts). Mean stigmatization scores determined with the 33- and 6-Item Stigmatization Scale were 81.6 pts and 7.5 pts, respectively. The mean SWLS score for the study group (18.5 pts) was slightly below the average. The mean score SES of 27 pts implies that the study respondents' self-esteem level was slightly above the average. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction with life turned out to be significantly modulated by overall stigmatization level on the 33-Item Stigmatization Scale (the stronger the sense of stigmatization, the lower the satisfaction with life) and education (respondents with higher education presented with higher satisfaction with life than those with non-higher education).

Life satisfaction and depressive symptoms of mentally active older adults in Poland: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: For older adults, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms are related to quality of life. In this group of society, life satisfaction is particularly associated with the emotional area. The notion of life satisfaction is related to many factors, such as personality traits, moods and various life events, and poses challenges in various aspects of everyday life. Given that mental health is one of the determinants of the quality of life of older adults, it is reasonable to conduct research among this growing group of the population. The aim of this study was to assess life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in mentally active older adults in Poland. METHODS: The study covered 125 attendees at the University of Healthy Senior (UHS) and 125 auditing students at the University of Psychogeriatric Prophylaxis (UPP), organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Bialystok, of whom 78.3% were female and 21.7% male. The study was conducted using four standardised scales: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Beck Depression Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Seniors who participated in the study were satisfied with their lives; the average SWLS score was 23 points. Men rated their level of satisfaction higher than women: the median score on the SWLS was 26 points for men and 23 points for women. Life satisfaction and mental disorders did not differ on the basis of sex, age, or education (the type of place of education attended). As the level of depression increased, life satisfaction decreased. Statistically significant correlations of average strength were found between the point values of the four measures of depression under consideration and were evenly distributed from 0.57 to 0.69. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of life satisfaction and a low level of mental disorders should be maintained in this population, and additional educational activities should be organised among seniors on a large scale. There were no differences in the distribution of psychometric measure scores among the three compared age groups of respondents in this study. Each of the questionnaires used measured of different aspects of depressive conditions, and it is worth using them in parallel rather than interchangeably.

Chronic Back Condition and the Level of Physical Activity as Well as Internet Addiction among Physiotherapy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess back pain and its relation to physical activity as well as Internet addiction among Polish university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The research was conducted via the Internet in student groups of three universities in Poland (141 people). Back pain was examined by ODI-The Oswestry Disability Index and NDI-Neck Disability Index. The Polish-language International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and the level of Internet addiction was tested using the Kimberly Young Questionnaire. Results: The respondents mostly suffered from pain originating in the cervical spine. In the study group, only every fifth person had a high level of physical activity. Sex differentiates the level of the measures considered. Sitting in front of the computer affects the pain in the spine. Conclusions: Research results suggest that the pandemic is negatively affecting students. Frequent occurrence of back pain is observed with a simultaneous low level of physical activity. Maintaining regular activity during a pandemic, at least at home, is an indispensable preventive measure for physical health.

Body Composition and Selected Nutritional Indicators in Healthy Adults-A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Body mass composition is subject to constant change and is multifactorially determined. Its analysis in different age groups allows a better understanding of the determinants of the human organism in health and disease. AIM: The study was aimed to conduct cross-sectional assessment of body composition and selected nutritional indicators in healthy adults. METHODS: The cross-sectional study carried out from March 2016 to April 2018 was preceded by a monthly pilot study. All 1333 adults (women 795, 59.6%) aged 20-59 included in the study were from the urban and rural area of the Podkarpackie Province (Poland). These adults were classified into four 10-year age bands. To obtain reliable assessment, selected screening (anthropometry) and in-depth (bioelectrical impedance including phase angle and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis) methods were used. RESULTS: In women, the proportion of individuals affected by overweight and obesity increases significantly with age, with a less pronounced trend in men, as reflected in the observed differences in individual body composition components. A slight (0.45-0.60) correlation was also observed between body mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat mass (FM %) among men with an increasing strength of the association with age, decreasing in the 50-59 years group. In the female group, the correlations described are at a much higher level (0.80 or higher). The described changes in body composition were reflected in body type from athletic to obese, measured by means of the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) method. CONCLUSIONS: Age and gender significantly differentiate body composition of the adult human body. The body composition analysis should be considered as complement screening assessment method, especially as a support for the assessment of nutritional status expressed by BMI.