Public Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Pharmacy-Based Immunization in Poland-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study, 2024.

Pharmacy vaccinations are a key public health intervention. This study aimed to assess society's knowledge about pharmacy vaccinations in Poland. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 13 May 2024 among 1126 adults; the survey questionnaire contained 13 closed questions. Men (OR: 1.32; [1.02-1.70]; p < 0.05), and people aged 50-64 (OR: 1.55; [1.05-2.28]; p < 0.05), people with higher education (OR:1.74; [1.35-2.26]; p < 0.001), and people declaring trust in the pharmacist's competencies (OR:3.95; [3.03-5.15]; p < 0.001) more often declared knowledge of vaccinations in pharmacies. Support for these services was declared by men (OR:1.74; [1.28-2.36]; p < 0.001) and people with higher education (OR:1.39; [1.02-1.89]; p < 0.05) and participants declaring trust in the pharmacist's competences (OR:20.30; [14.65-28.11]; p < 0.001). Trust in pharmacists was important. People declaring trust in pharmacists were much more willing to get vaccinated against influenza (40.2%) and zoster (38.0%) at a pharmacy and declared that they would vaccinate their children against HPV at a pharmacy (38.8%) compared to people who did not trust the competences of pharmacists (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the case of influenza. People who trusted pharmacists were five times more likely to declare their willingness to get vaccinated against influenza (p < 0.001).

A 2024 nationwide cross-sectional survey to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Monitoring tobacco use is one of the most important tobacco control interventions recommended by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use in a nationwide sample of adults in Poland, as well as to identify factors associated with smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This nationwide crosssectional survey was carried out in February 2-4, 2024 using the computer-assisted web interviewing method. The study questionnaire included 17 closed questions on smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use. A sample of 1080 adults was selected using a non-probability quota sampling method. RESULTS: Data were collected from 1080 adults, age M±SD 48.4±15.5 years, 53% females. Past 30-day smoking was declared by 30.4% of adults in Poland, including 24.5% of daily smokers. Ever e-cigarette use was declared by 33% of respondents, and 20.6% had ever tried heated tobacco. Past 30-day e-cigarette use was declared by 15.2% of adults, wherein 5.9% were daily e-cigarette users. Past 30-day heated tobacco use was declared by 10.9% of respondents, wherein 4.9% were daily heated tobacco users. One-tenth of adults were dual users (cigarette and e-cigarette or heated tobacco), and 6.5% were past 30-day triple users. Age 40-59 years, having less than higher education, and bad economic status were significantly associated with daily smoking (p < 0.05). Age 18-39 years, having less than higher education, and active occupational status (employment/ self-employment) were associated with daily e-cigarette use (p < 0.05). Age 18-39 years and active occupational status were associated with daily heated tobacco use (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides comprehensive epidemiological data on the current prevalence of smoking, e-cigarette use, and heated tobacco use. The introduction of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products evoked changes in social behaviors related to nicotine use. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):271-86.

The Impact of Urine-Sample HPV Testing on the Effectiveness of Screening for Cervical Cancer: An Umbrella Review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of urine-sample HPV (human papillomavirus) testing on the effectiveness of screening for cervical cancer. METHODS: The analysis was based on the results of a systematic review. Secondary studies were searched in the following medical databases: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The results of the statistical tests presented in the article originate from research conducted by the authors of the included articles. RESULTS: From a total of 1869 citations, 5 studies were included in this review. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of any HPV from first-void urine samples were 87% [95% CI: (0.74; 0.94)] and 89% [95% CI: (0.81; 0.93)], respectively. Moreover, participants in the analyzed studies had indicated that they felt comfortable with urine testing. CONCLUSIONS: The development of methods to detect HPV infection in first-void urine samples and the application of this sampling method in widely available screening tests could significantly increase patients' willingness to participate in testing.

Pharmacists' Perceptions of Physician-Pharmacist Collaboration-A 2022 Cross-Sectional Survey in Poland.

Patient-centered care requires close collaboration among multiple healthcare professionals, including physician-pharmacist collaboration (especially as a part of pharmaceutical care). This study aimed to assess pharmacists' perceptions of physician-pharmacist collaboration as well as to identify factors associated with the willingness to provide pharmaceutical care services in Poland. This questionnaire-based survey was carried out in 2022 among community pharmacists from one of the largest franchise chain pharmacy networks in Poland. Completed questionnaires were received from 635 community pharmacists (response rate of 47.9%). Almost all the pharmacists agreed with the statement that there is a need for physician-pharmacist collaboration (98.2%), and 94.8% declared that pharmacists can help physicians in patient care and pharmacotherapy. Most pharmacists (80%) believed that physicians were not aware of the competencies of pharmacists resulting from Polish law. Patient education (89.9%), detection of polypharmacy (88%), and detection of interactions between drugs and dietary supplements (85.7%) were the most common tasks in the field of pharmaceutical care that can be provided by a pharmacist. Females were more likely (p < 0.05) to declare the need for physician-pharmacist collaboration. Age and location of the pharmacy were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with pharmacists' attitudes toward physician-pharmacist collaboration.

National HPV Vaccination Program in Poland-Public Awareness, Sources of Knowledge, and Willingness to Vaccinate Children against HPV.

Since 1 June 2023, a nationwide HPV vaccination program was implemented in Poland. This study aimed to identify factors associated with public awareness of the national HPV vaccination program among adults in Poland and willingness to vaccinate children against HPV. This cross-sectional study was carried out between 14 and 17 July 2023 among 1056 adults in Poland. A self-prepared questionnaire was used. Among the respondents, 51.3% had heard about the free HPV vaccination program. The major source of knowledge on the national HPV vaccination program was TV (62%). Only 31.9% of respondents correctly indicated girls and boys aged 12 and 13 as the HPV-vaccination-eligible population. Willingness to vaccinate children against HPV was declared by 63.3% of respondents. Female gender (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.11-1.81; p < 0.01), age 35-64 years (p < 0.05), having higher education (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.11-1.84; p < 0.01), and living in cities with more than 500,000 residents (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.01-2.28; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with higher odds to hear about the national HPV vaccination program. Age 50 years and over (p < 0.05), having higher education (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.09-1.88; p < 0.05), living in cities with more than 500,000 residents (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.14-2.83; p < 0.05), and no children under 18 in the home (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01-1.89; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with willingness to vaccinate children against HPV.

A National Registry-Based Epidemiological Study to Evaluate 395 646 Patients Hospitalized Due to Eye Diseases in Poland in 2019.

BACKGROUND The Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Study Registry collects demographic, health, and medical data on patients hospitalized throughout Poland, and acts as a registry for epidemiological, public health, and hospital administrative studies. This epidemiological national registry-based study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of 395 646 patients hospitalized due to eye diseases in Poland in 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study is a retrospective nationwide registry-based analysis. Data on all patients hospitalized due to eye diseases in 2019 were obtained from the Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Study Registry. Demographic characteristics of patients hospitalized due to eye diseases as well as the hospitalization course were analyzed using descriptive epidemiology tools. RESULTS Disorders of the lens accounted for 68.6% of all hospital admissions, and disorders of the choroid and retina were the second most common (13.9%) cause of hospital admission due to eye diseases in 2019. Over three-quarters of hospital admissions (77.4%) lasted less than 24 h, and 86.8% were scheduled admissions. Most of the patients hospitalized due to eye diseases were females (59.9%) and over 70% lived in urban areas. There were regional differences in the hospital admissions rate per 100 000 inhabitants. According to the data presented in the registry, less than one-third of patients had comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Hospital ophthalmological care in Poland is based mainly on planned hospitalizations lasting less than 24 h and related to ophthalmological surgery. Data on the comorbidity of ophthalmologic patients suggest that ophthalmologists do not pay enough attention to identifying and recording the patient's health status.

Smoke-free homes in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic - a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious health problems. Banning smoking in public venues decreases exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the implementation of smoke-free rules in a private setting (including homes) is largely voluntary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to identify factors associated with the voluntary implementation of smoking bans at home. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1090 individuals aged ≥18 years in Poland. Data were collected using a computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique. The research tool was an original questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. RESULTS: Nationally, 60.6% of individuals had total ban on smoking in home (100% smoke-free home rules), 34.0% had implemented a partial smokefree home rule and 5.4% had not implemented any smoke-free home rules. Over three-quarters of non-smokers (76.8%) and only one-fifth of smokers (20.7%) had adopted a full smoke-free home rule. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22-2.22, p < 0.01), non-smokers (OR = 13.78, 95% CI: 9.80-19.38, p < 0.001), respondents who had higher education (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.14, p < 0.01) as well as those who lived alone (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.52-3.90, p < 0.001) had higher odds of having a 100% smoke-free home rule. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of smoke-free home rules in Poland. Less than two-thirds of the Polish population has adopted a total smoke-free home rule, with significant gaps between smokers and nonsmokers. Information on current voluntary smoke-free rules will be useful for further implementation of the smoke-free law in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):84-95.

PCSK9 Inhibition During the Inflammatory Stage of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

BACKGROUND: The intensity of inflammation during COVID-19 is related to adverse outcomes. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in low-density lipoprotein receptor homeostasis, with potential influence on vascular inflammation and on COVID-19 inflammatory response. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of PCSK9 inhibition vs placebo on clinical and laboratory outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. METHODS: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter pilot trial, 60 patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19, with ground-glass opacity pneumonia and arterial partial oxygen pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio ≤300 mm Hg, were randomized 1:1 to receive a single 140-mg subcutaneous injection of evolocumab or placebo. The primary endpoint was death or need for intubation at 30 days. The main secondary endpoint was change in circulating interleukin (IL)-6 at 7 and 30 days from baseline. RESULTS: Patients randomized to receive the PCSK9 inhibitor had lower rates of death or need for intubation within 30 days vs placebo (23.3% vs 53.3%, risk difference: -30%; 95% CI: -53.40% to -6.59%). Serum IL-6 across time was lower with the PCSK9 inhibitor than with placebo (30-day decline: -56% vs -21%). Patients with baseline IL-6 above the median had lower mortality with PCSK9 inhibition vs placebo (risk difference: -37.50%; 95% CI: -68.20% to -6.70%). CONCLUSIONS: PCSK9 inhibition compared with placebo reduced the primary endpoint of death or need for intubation and IL-6 levels in severe COVID-19. Patients with more intense inflammation at randomization had better survival with PCSK9 inhibition vs placebo, indicating that inflammatory intensity may drive therapeutic benefits. (Impact of PCSK9 Inhibition on Clinical Outcome in Patients During the Inflammatory Stage of the COVID-19 [IMPACT-SIRIO 5]; NCT04941105).

Public support for car smoking bans in Poland: a 2022 national cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported secondhand smoke exposure in cars among adults in Poland and to characterise public attitudes towards the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey was carried out between 4 March 2022 and 7 March 2022 on a national sample of 1090 adult Polish residents. The questionnaire included 12 closed questions on smoking behaviours, secondhand smoke exposure as well as attitudes towards different smoke-free laws. PARTICIPANTS: Data were obtained from 1090 individuals, aged 18-84 years, 52.6% were females. RESULTS: Almost every fifth respondent (17.7%) declared secondhand smoke exposure in cars in the past 30 days (31.8% of smokers and 12.0% of non-smokers; p<0.001). Lack of the implementation of smoke-free home rules (aOR 2.92, 95% CI 1.99 to 4.29; p<0.001), age 18-29 years (aOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.67; p=0.01), current smoking (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.90; p<0.001) as well as bad financial situation (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.48; p=0.04) were significantly associated with the higher risk of secondhand smoke exposure in cars. Out of all respondents, 84.2% supported the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children. Out of 12 different sociodemographic factors, only the female gender (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.74) and being non-smokers (aOR 1.70. 95% CI 1.20 to 2.41; p=0.003) were significantly associated with the higher odds of supporting the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed high public support for the implementation of the ban on smoking in cars with children. Social support for smoke-free environments in Poland should be used by public health specialists and policy-makers to strengthen the national tobacco control act.

Recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, Polish Paediatric Society, Polish Society of Family Medicine, Polish Society of Vaccinology, Polish Society of Oncological Gynaecology and Polish Society of Colposcopy and Pathophysiology of the Uterine Cervix on prophylactic vaccinations against infections with human papillomaviruses in Poland.

Several hundred million people are infected with genital genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) annually in the world. The infections transmitted mainly through sexual routes are usually asymptomatic, but can lead to the development of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile cancers, some head and neck cancers and genital warts (condylomas). The fraction HPV-related cancers range from nearly 100% in the case of cervical cancer to several/over a dozen percent in the case of other cancers and diseases. There are no effective drugs against HPV, but prophylactic HPV vaccines are available free of charge in immunization programmes in many countries around the world. In Poland, HPV vaccinations have so far been executed out on the pocket or in free-of-charge, local-governmental prevention programs, but the vaccination coverage of the target population does not exceed 10%. From November 2021, one of the vaccines is available with a 50% reimbursement, work is underway to reimburse the next ones, and the National Oncology Strategy assumes the implementation of the HPV immunization programmes and vaccination of 60% of the teen population by 2028. Three prophylactic HPV vaccines are registered. All of them are safe and their effectiveness in the prevention of diseases caused by vaccine genotypes reaches almost 100%, provided that full post-vaccination immunity is obtained before the contact with the virus. Girls aged 11-13 are the priority target cohort for HPV vaccination in Poland. The implementation of routine, free-of-charge HPV immunization in the Preventive Immunization Program (PIP) for all adolescents should be pursued. Persons over the age of 13 may also benefit from HPV vaccination and should be vaccinated according to product specifications. In addition to free access under the PIP, the key element for the success of the implementation of HPV vaccinations in Poland will be the education of medical personnel and parents of adolescents to be vaccinated.

Awareness of Tobacco-Related Diseases among Adults in Poland: A 2022 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Warning about the dangers of tobacco use is a key element of tobacco control policy. The COVID-19 pandemic may impact public perception of the health risks of tobacco use. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of tobacco-related diseases among adults in Poland, as well as to identify sociodemographic factors associated with awareness of tobacco-related diseases. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in March 2022 on a representative nationwide sample of 1090 adults in Poland using the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique. Lung cancer was the most recognized tobacco-related disease (92.7%), followed by COPD (89.7%) and myocardial infarction (84%). Three-quarters of the respondents (76.8%) were aware that smoking causes stroke and 51% were aware that smoking increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Out of 9 factors analyzed in this study, female gender, an age of 50 years and over, and being a non-smoker were significantly associated with a higher awareness of tobacco-related diseases. This study showed an increase in public awareness of smoking-related diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. While awareness of lung cancer and COPD was very high, there are still significant gaps in the awareness of the non-respiratory effects of tobacco use.

The Prevalence of Tobacco, Heated Tobacco, and E-Cigarette Use in Poland: A 2022 Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Monitoring tobacco use on a regular schedule is a basic tool of tobacco control policy. This study aimed (1) to assess the current prevalence and patterns of tobacco and e-cigarette use, as well as (2) to identify socioeconomic factors associated with smoking behavior among adults in Poland. This cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2022 on a nationwide, representative sample of 1090 adults in Poland. The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) technique was used. Daily tobacco smoking was declared by 28.8% of respondents (27.1% of females and 30.8% of males; p = 0.2) and 4.2% were occasional smokers (4.2% of females and 4.3% of males; p = 0.8). Most of the current smokers (62.1%) smoked regular cigarettes and 25.2% smoked hand-rolled cigarettes. The prevalence of daily e-cigarette use was 4.8% (4.0% among females and 5.6% among males; p = 0.2). Daily heated tobacco use was declared by 4.0% of respondents (5.1% of females and 2.9% of males; p = 0.07). Age, having children, and educational level were significantly associated with current daily tobacco smoking. This study revealed a high prevalence of tobacco and e-cigarette use among adults in Poland. The presented data underscore the importance of further improvements in adopting a comprehensive tobacco control strategy in Poland.

Management and predictors of clinical events in 75 686 patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Although mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) has decreased substantially over the last few decades in many countries, MI remains a major threat to public health. AIMS: To assess the number and outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute MI in Poland in 2018 as well as proportions of patients participating in cardiac rehabilitation and undergoing invasive cardiac procedures following discharge. METHODS: We used public databases. We included all patients hospitalized for acute MI in Poland in 2018 and assessed event-free survival along with uptake of invasive cardiac procedures, cardiac rehabilitation, and consultations with cardiologists. RESULTS: A total of 75868 patients (mean age, 68.8 years) were hospitalized for acute MI in Poland in 2018 (the admission rate, 197.0 per 100000 inhabitants). In-hospital mortality was 8.4%, while one-year mortality was 17.3% (one-year post-discharge mortality was 9.8%). Approximately 75% and 96% of discharged patients consulted a general practitioner, whereas 12% and 62% consulted a cardiologist, 5% and 19% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 0.6% and 2.9% un-derwent coronary artery bypass grafting, while 0.04% and 1.9% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted within 30 days and 365 days following discharge. The participation rate in cardiac rehabilitation within the first 14 days following discharge was 11%, within the first 30 days was 19%, and within 365 days was 35%. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital and post-discharge mortality is still high in Poland. The access to cardiac consultations and cardiac rehabilitation following MI is insufficient. There is considerable potential for a further decrease in mortality in patients suffering from MI in Poland.

Public knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus, its risk factors, complications, and prevention methods among adults in Poland-A 2022 nationwide cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: Regular monitoring of public awareness of diabetes is necessary to provide effective educational and preventive strategies. This study aimed to assess (1) public knowledge and awareness of diabetes among adults in Poland, as well as (2) to identify sociodemographic factors associated with public awareness of diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 24 and 27 June 2022, on a non-probability random quota sample of 1,051 adults in Poland. The questionnaire included ten questions related to the awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and complications of diabetes. Results: Among the respondents, 10.5% had diabetes and 43.8% declared that they have a history of diabetes in their family. Only 17.3% of respondents declared a good level of knowledge of diabetes. Out of 10 symptoms of diabetes analyzed in this study, high blood sugar (80.7%) and chronic fatigue (74.6%) were the most recognized. Out of 8 diabetes risk factors analyzed in this study, overweight/obesity (80.4%) and unhealthy diet (74.1%) were the most recognized diabetes risk factors, while only 22.7% of respondents indicated tobacco use. The diabetic foot was the most recognized diabetes complication (79.8%), but approximately half of the respondents indicated vision problems (56.9%), kidney damage (52.1%), or cardiovascular diseases (50.2%) as diabetes complications. Female gender, having higher education and having a family member with diabetes were the most im-portent factors associated (p < 0.05) with a higher level of awareness of diabetes. Conclusions: This study demonstrated insufficient public awareness of diabetes among adults in Poland. Gender and educational level were the most important factors significantly associated with the awareness of the selected aspects of diabetes, while self-reported financial situation and place of residence had none or marginal influence. The presented data manifest the importance of adopting a comprehensive education strategy regarding diabetes in Poland.

Perception of Harmfulness of Various Tobacco Products and E-Cigarettes in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Perceptions of the harmfulness of tobacco products may be a determinant of smoking behaviors. This study aimed to: (1) assess the perception of harmfulness of various tobacco products and e-cigarettes in Poland as well as (2) to assess the awareness of the health effects of using tobacco and e-cigarettes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019 with a nationally representative sample of 1011 individuals aged 15 and over. In the studied group, 22.3% were smokers. Smokeless tobacco was most likely to be perceived as less harmful than cigarettes (25%), followed by water pipe (24.5%), heated tobacco products (22%), e-cigarettes (21.6%), slim cigarettes (17.1%), flavored cigarettes (except menthol ones) (16.1%), menthol cigarettes (15.6%) and cigarillos (12.6%). In this study, 10% of respondents denied that smoking causes serious diseases. Most of the respondents (88.9%) were aware that smoking causes lung cancer (88.9%), but only 70.4% were aware that smoking causes stroke. Smokers compared to non-smokers were less likely to declare that smoking causes a stroke (OR: 0.43, 95%CI: 0.31-0.59; p < 0.001) or myocardial infarction (OR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.29-0.60; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the perception of harmfulness of various tobacco products and e-cigarettes by gender, age, or occupational status.

The prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use among police employees in Poland: a 2020 cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Uniformed services such as police employees are exposed to acute and chronic stressful events at work that may lead to tobacco use. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use among police employees in Poland, and to investigate personal characteristics associated with tobacco or e-cigarette use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in June-July 2020 on a randomly selected sample of 8789 police employees from the Mazowieckie Province, Poland. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 5082 police employees (79.2% being police officers) with an overall response rate of 57.8%. Smoking ≥100 cigarettes or similar amounts of other tobacco products was declared by 54.6% of the respondents, with significant differences (p < 0.001) between males (56.8%) and females (50.3%). Daily cigarette smoking was declared by 19.5% of the respondents, and 13.4% were occasional cigarette smokers. Daily e-cigarette use was declared by 3.1% of the respondents, and 3.2% were occasional e-cigarette users. Daily heated tobacco use was declared by 2.6% of the respondents, and 2.9% were occasional heated tobacco users. Higher odds of occasional cigarette smoking were observed among men compared to women (OR = 1.254, 95% CI: 1.009-1.558), and among the participants aged 20-29 years (OR = 7.982, 95% CI: 3.066-20.775) or 30-44 years (OR = 3.730, 95% CI: 1.44-9.599) vs. those aged ≥60 years. Higher odds of occasional e-cigarette use were observed among the participants aged 20-29 years (OR = 4.554, 95% CI: 1.213-17.101) vs. those aged 60 years. Police employees with office-based work had lower odds of daily cigarette smoking vs. those with fieldwork (OR = 0.726, 95% CI: 0.55-0.946). Police officers had higher odds of daily heated tobacco use compared to civil workers (OR = 3.362, 95% CI: 1.325-8.534). CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed a marked proportion of police employees who declared occasional tobacco or e-cigarette use, which may indicate the common social smoking phenomenon in this occupational group. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):629-45.

Effect of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: During menopause the level of estrogens is decreased, which may lead to cognitive impairment or dementia. Some forms of genetic polymorphism were found to be related to cognitive functions, including APOE and ESR1 (PvuII and XbaI) polymorphisms. In the present study we aimed to analyze the impact of interactions between APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms on cognitive functions in the group of postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 266 postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years without symptoms of dementia. A computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE and ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using multiplex PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in Statistica software. RESULTS: The best memory, visual memory, processing and psychomotor speeds were found in women carrying the C allele of the PvuII polymorphism (TC + CC genotypes) in the presence of the APOE ε2/ε3 genotype, while a lower outcome was noted in women with ε3/ε3, and the lowest if they had the ε4 allele. In the case of women with TT genotype of the PvuII polymorphism, cognitive functioning did not decrease in women with the ε4 allele. A similar effect on cognitive functions was observed for AG + GG genotypes of the XbaI and APOE polymorphisms. Women who simultaneously carried CC PvuII and GG XbaI genotypes had the lowest cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS: Interactions of polymorphic variants of APOE and ESR1 genes influenced cognitive functions in postmenopausal women.

Voluntary Smoke-Free Home Rules and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke in Poland: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.

Smoke-free policies have been shown to significantly reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in private and public places. The objectives of this study were to: (1) to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland; and (2) assess the association of smoke-free rules with self-reported SHS exposure in private homes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2019 with a nationally representative sample of 1011 individuals aged 15 and over. Nationally, 66.1% of individuals had a 100% smoke-free home rule (78.9% of non-smokers and 18.6% of smokers; p < 0.001), while a further 24.6% had adopted a partial home smoking rule. SHS exposure in the home during past month was reported by 6.1% of respondents (11.5% of smokers and 4.5% of non-smokers; p < 0.001). The lowest level of SHS exposure (1.8%) was observed among respondents who had implemented a full smoke-free home rule. Non-smokers had higher odds of having adopted a total smoke-free home rule compared with smokers (aOR: 19.17; 95% CI: 12.89-28.50). Moreover, non-smokers had lower odds (aOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20-0.61; p < 0.001) of self-reporting SHS smoke exposure at home. Although two-thirds of the Polish population have adopted a full smoke-free home rule in their homes, smokers continue to lag in adoption rates relative to non-smokers.

Self-reported secondhand smoke exposure following the adoption of a national smoke-free policy in Poland: analysis of serial, cross-sectional, representative surveys, 2009-2019.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed changes in secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in workplaces and public venues in Poland over a 9-year period following the adoption of a smoke-free policy in Poland in 2010. DESIGN: Six waves of cross-sectional surveys were carried out between 2009 and 2019. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of adult Polish residents (age 15 years and older) was surveyed.Survey respondents self-reported SHS exposure in the workplace and 12 different public venues. Data were analysed separately for samples consisting of (1) all respondents and (2) non-smokers only.SHS exposure was defined based on self-report, which may invoke error such as demand bias or recall bias and study protocol do not include participation of paediatric populations that are key limitations of this study. RESULTS: Within a year of adopting the smoke-free policy in 2010, the proportion of non-smokers exposed to SHS in Polish workplaces decreased by more than half (from 19.2% in 2009 to 9.5% in 2011). Over 10 years, a substantial reduction in SHS exposure was observed in all public venues. The highest decrease in SHS exposure was observed in transport services (decreased from 45.7% to 11.7% among all respondents and from 44.2% to 11.7% among non-smokers) and in bars/pubs (SHS exposure decreased from 45.0% to 7.0% among all respondents and from 39.4% to 7.0% among non-smokers). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the substantial success of a national smoke-free law. Nevertheless, smoke-free laws must continue to be refined in terms of their legal boundaries as well as implementation strategies to eliminate disparities in SHS exposure in certain types of venues.

Sex differences in the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders in 1942 nonhospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a communicable disease caused by a novel coronavirus. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess self­reported frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders in nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19 in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross­sectional survey was conducted between April 17 and 18, 2020, in 4516 nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19 in Poland. The questionnaire included 8 questions related to the health status, symptoms of COVID­19, comorbidities, and smoking status. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 1942 patients with COVID­19 with a response rate of 43%. The median age of the respondents was 50 years; 60.2% were women. Among nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19, 21.3% had hypertension, 4.5% had diabetes, and 3.1% had a chronic respiratory disease. Regular tobacco use was declared by 11.2% of patients with COVID­19. At least one gastrointestinal symptom was reported by 53.6% of patients. Almost half of patients (47%) with COVID­19 reported lack of appetite and 24.2% reported diarrhea. Among 1942 interviewed patients, 54.2% reported at least 1 olfactory or taste disorder and 42.5% reported both alterations. Self­reported olfactory and taste disorders were 49.2% and 47.5%, respectively. Self­reported frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders during COVID­19 was significantly higher (P <0.001) in women than men. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that olfactory and taste disorders are frequent symptoms in patients with mild­to­moderate COVID­19. Moreover, our study indicated sex differences in the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders among nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19.