Prenatal polyunsaturated fatty acids and atopic dermatitis and food allergy in children from Polish Mother and Child Cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are involved both in immune system regulation and inflammation. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the association between maternal dietary intake of PUFAs during pregnancy and atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA) in their children up to 7-9 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consists of 557 mother-child pairs from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Based on the Food Frequency Questionnaire completed between the 20-24th weeks of pregnancy, n-3 and n-6 PUFAs as well as n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio were estimated using food composition tables. Children's health examinations at the age of 1, 2, and 7-9 years were performed by an allergist. Generalized estimating equations were performed in order to assess the prevalence of AD and FA at 3 time points. Independent variables in the equation were n-3, n-6 PUFAs and n-6:n-3 PUFAs ratio. In addition multivariate models were performed to assess the association of PUFAs with AD and FA. RESULTS: The prevalence of AD was 37%, 26% and 21% and FA 26%, 22% and 22% at age of 1, 2 and 7-9 years, respectively. Higher n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio correlated with higher prevalence of AD at age of 7-9 years (p < 0.07). In multivariate model n-6 PUFAs were significantly associated with increased risk of persistent FA (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1). CONCLUSIONS: These results may contribute to the existing knowledge on the impact of maternal diet during pregnancy on children's optimal health, however further studies are needed before drawing conclusions and creating clinical practice guidelines. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):428-36.

A multifaceted assessment of the nutritional status, diet and eating habits of midwives working on a shift schedule in Wroclaw, Poland: evaluation of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals in the diets of midwives participating in the study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and diet of midwives working on a shift schedule in public hospitals in Wroclaw, Poland, and to analyze the variation in their diet according to their working hours (day shift, night shift) and on a non-working day. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the group of 50 midwives, employed in 4 public hospitals in Wroclaw weight and body composition, waist and hip circumference, waist-hip-ratio and BMI were assessed. The nutritional habits and quality of the study participants' diets were assessed by 3-days food dietary recall, including 1 day shift day, 1 night shift day, and 1 non-working day. RESULTS: More than half of the subjects were assessed as having excess body weight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Thirty percent of participants had BMI ≥25-<30 kg/m2 and 24% BMI ≥30 kg/m2, 70% had a body fat percentage >30%. Fifty-six percent of the diets had an energy value <90% of the subject's total daily energy expenditure. Significantly higher energy value of diets on the night shift day compared to the morning shift day (1959.05±596.09 kcal vs. 1715.36±654.55 kcal, p = 0.01) were observed. The same relationship applied to cholesterol content (349.50±155.33 mg vs. 261.39±190.59 mg, p = 0.002). A high intake of phosphorus and sodium, exceeding the recommended dietary intake, was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of a night shift in the shift work schedule is an element of that model that may have a significant impact on the nutritional and health value of shift workers' diets. Therefore, it seems reasonable to implement nutritional education programs promoting healthy eating choices and habits during night work. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(5):618-31.

The Variability of Vitamin D Concentrations in Short Children with Short Stature from Central Poland-The Effects of Insolation, Supplementation, and COVID-19 Pandemic Isolation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of seasonal variability of insolation, the implementation of new recommendations for vitamin D supplementation (2018), and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic lockdown (2020) on 25(OH)D concentrations in children from central Poland. The retrospective analysis of variability of 25(OH)D concentrations during the last 8 years was performed in a group of 1440 children with short stature, aged 3.0-18.0 years. Significant differences in 25(OH)D concentrations were found between the periods from mid-2014 to mid-2018, from mid-2018 to mid-2020, and from mid-2020 to mid-2022 (medians: 22.9, 26.0, and 29.9 ng/mL, respectively). Time series models created on the grounds of data from 6 years of the pre-pandemic period and used for prediction for the pandemic period explained over 80% of the seasonal variability of 25(OH)D concentrations, with overprediction for the first year of the pandemic and underprediction for the second year. A significant increase in 25(OH)D concentrations was observed both after the introduction of new vitamin D supplementation guidelines and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; however, the scale of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was still too high. Time series models are useful in analyzing the impact of health policy interventions and pandemic restrictions on the seasonal variability of vitamin D concentrations.

25(OH)D Concentration in Neonates, Infants, Toddlers, Older Children and Teenagers from Poland-Evaluation of Trends during Years 2014-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Local and international guidelines have provided schedules for the vitamin D supplementation of general populations of different ages, including children. Our study aimed to assess 25(OH)D concentration and its potential change during a growth and maturation period, adding parameters that reflect the risk of hypercalcemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available 25(OH)D concentration values (n = 17,636; 7.8 ± 6.0 years), calcium (n = 2673; 16.3 ± 6.1 years) and phosphate (n = 2830; 3.8 ± 5.2 years) metabolism markers were analyzed in a studied group of patients (0-18 years). RESULTS: In the studied group the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 29.4 ± 11.7 ng/mL. Concentrations of 25(OH)D < 10 ng/mL were observed in 1.7% of patients (n = 292), 10-20 ng/mL in 17.2% (n = 3039), 20-30 ng/mL in 39.5% (n = 6960) and 30-50 ng/mL in 37.2% (n = 6567). In patients with a 25(OH)D concentration <10 ng/mL, normal calcemia (2.25-2.65 mmol/L) was observed in 29.5% of cases (n = 86). Three patients had 25(OH)D concentrations above 100 ng/mL with co-existing hypercalcemia; the mean was Ca = 3.40 mmol/L. Hypocalcemia (Ca < 2.25 mmol/L) was observed in 10,4% of patients (n = 2797). Furthermore, 5.0% of patients showed an increased calcium concentration >2.65 mmol/L (n = 1327). The highest mean 25(OH)D concentration of 32.1 ng/mL ± 12.9 was noted in the years 2018-2019 (n = 3931) and the lowest in the year 2015 (27.2 ng/mL ± 11.0; n = 2822). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was noted in 18,9% of subjects in the years 2014-2019. An effective prevention of vitamin D deficiency was observed in children aged 3 years and younger. A relationship between the concentrations of calcium and 25(OH)D was not observed.

Indoor radon exposure and living conditions in patients with advanced lung cancer in Lublin region, Poland.

OBJECTIVE: Radon (Rn-222) is a noble gas formed in the uranium path (U-238) as a decay product of radium (Ra-226). It is estimated to cause between 3% to 14% of all lung cancers, depending on the national average radon level and smoking prevalence. Radon molecules emit alpha radiation, which is characterized by low permeability through tissues, but due to its remarkably high energy, it has a high potential for DNA damage. The aim of our research was to assess the radon concentration inside the houses of patients with advanced lung cancer and to analyze their socio-economics status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The measurements of radon concentration were performed in 102 patients with stage 3B or higher lung cancer in the region of Lublin, Poland. One month of radon exposure measurement was performed with alpha-track detectors. In addition, patients filled in a detailed survey about factors that might influence the concentration of radon inside their houses. RESULTS: The average concentration of radon during the exposure of the detector in the residential premises of the respondents was at the level of 69.0 Bq/m3 [37.0-117.0]. A few significant correlations were discovered, e.g., higher levels of radon in countryside houses or in houses equipped with air conditioning. CONCLUSIONS: As radon exposure is a modifiable risk factor for lung cancer, it is extremely important to find factors that may reduce its concentration in dwelling places. Since our research was performed in houses of people with lung cancer, taking corrective actions based on our findings could prevent new lung cancer incidence in patients' flatmates.

Iodine deficiency and real-life supplementation ineffectiveness in Polish pregnant women and its impact on thyroid metabolism.

Introduction: Iodine is a pivotal component of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency leads to negative pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, during gestation, additional iodine supplementation is recommended. Objectives: By evaluating a group of women from western Poland, the study updated on iodine status during pregnancy and the effectiveness of iodine supplementation in relation to the maternal and neonatal thyroid function. Patients and methods: A total of 91 women were recruited before the delivery between 2019 and 2021. During the medical interview, the patients declared their dietary supplements intake. Thyroid parameters (TSH, ft3, ft4, a-TPO, a-Tg, and TRAb) were measured in the serum of mothers and in the cord blood of newborns after birth. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urine/creatinine (UIC/crea) ratio were assessed in single urine samples using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Neonatal TSH screening from dried blood spot was analyzed. Results: Pregnant women showed a median (interquartile range) UIC of 106 (69-156) µg/liter and UIC/crea ratio of 104 (62-221) µg/g, whereas approximately 20% had UIC/crea below 50 µg/g, indicating iodine deficiency. The iodine supplementation ratio was 68%. No significant differences in UIC, UIC/crea and thyroid parameters were found between iodine supplemented and non-supplemented groups; however, the highest ioduria was detected when iodine was supplemented in addition to levothyroxine in comparison with both substances administered separately. Patients with UIC/crea within 150-249 µg/g demonstrated the lowest TSH and a-TPO levels. Screening TSH was above 5 mIU/liter in 6% of children. Conclusions: Despite the national salt iodization and the recommendation to supplement iodine during gestation, the status of the abovementioned microelement and real-life intake revealed the ineffectiveness of the current iodine-deficiency prophylaxis model in pregnancy.

The Need for Psychiatric Treatment among Polish Users of Psychoactive Substances Is Increasing: This and Other Results from the Newest PolDrugs Survey.

Background and Objectives: PolDrugs is the largest Polish naturalistic nationwide survey to present basic demographic and epidemiological data that could potentially prevent harm from illicit substances intake in drugs users. The most recent results were presented in 2021. The goal of this year's edition was to re-present the above data and compare it to the previous edition's data to identify and describe the differences. Materials and Methods: The survey included original questions about basic demographics, substance use, and psychiatric treatment. The survey was administered via the Google Forms platform and promoted via social media. The data was collected from 1117 respondents. Results: People of all ages use a variety of psychoactive substances in many situations. The three most commonly used drugs are marijuana, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and hallucinogenic mushrooms. The most common reason for seeking professional medical help was amphetamine use. A total of 41.7 percent of respondents were receiving psychiatric treatment. The three most common psychiatric diagnoses among the respondents were depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. Conclusions: Key findings include increases in the use of psilocybin and DMT, increases in the use of heated tobacco products, and a near doubling in the percentage of individuals receiving psychiatric help in the past two years. These issues are discussed in the discussion section of this paper, which also addresses the limitations to the article.

Caffeine Consumption in Polish Adults: Development and Validation of a Polish Questionnaire for Assessing Caffeine Intake.

Objective: Caffeine is one of the oldest natural substances consumed by people. Its consumption in Poland has not been well described. The aim of this study was to design and validate an online food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on caffeine intake and to use it to estimate caffeine consumption in Polish adults.Method: The FFQ was prepared and validated in a pilot study. The intake assessment was conducted in 2019-2020 on 372 respondents, aged 18 to 60 years. The FFQ included products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks, as well as supplements and chocolate.Results: We showed good repeatability of the FFQ and it was considered a valid tool. The mean total caffeine intake among all participants was 426.7 mg ± 283.4 mg/day of all sources; in women, it was 446.4 mg ± 306.2 mg/day, while in men, it was 394.1 ± 236.4 mg/day. Forty-three percent of the respondents consumed more than 400 mg of caffeine/day. Coffee was the main source of caffeine and contributed to 65% of total caffeine consumption. Women consumed 90% more green tea than men (p < 0.01). Overweight and obese people have 20% greater total caffeine intake (p = 0.01) and consumed 20% more coffee (p = 0.02) and 30% more black tea (p = 0.01) than people of normal weight.Conclusions: Average caffeine consumption among Polish adults slightly exceeds the safe consumption dose established by the European Food Safety Authority. Body weight status can differentiate caffeine intake.

Eye Care Behaviors among Adults in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey.

Implementation of eye care behaviors may reduce the risk of eye symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to assess eye care behaviors and identify factors associated with eye care practices among adults in Poland. This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 9 and 12 December 2022 on a nationwide random quota sample of adults in Poland. The study questionnaire included a set of questions on 10 different eye care behaviors. The study population included 1076 participants with a mean age of 45.7 ± 16.2 years, and 54.2% of participants were females. The most common (30.2%) eye care behavior was the use of good lighting indoors, and 27.3% used sunglasses with a UV filter. More than one-fifth of participants declared taking regular screen breaks and limiting screen time. Less than one-tenth of participants used dietary supplements with lutein, beta-carotene, or zinc. Out of 12 factors assessed in this study, self-reported knowledge of eye diseases was the most important factor associated (p < 0.05) with eye care behaviors. There were no economic or educational gaps (p > 0.05) in the implementation of most of the eye care behaviors among adults in Poland. This study revealed a low level of implementation of eye care behaviors among adults in Poland.

Spirituality and the Use of Psychoactive Substances: The Perspective of Polish Students.

The objective of the article is to examine and analyze the correlation between the spirituality of Polish students and their use of psychoactive substances. The main research problem has been formulated as follows: What is the relationship between students' spirituality and their use of selected psychoactive substances? The empirical research used the diagnostics survey method with the questionnaire technique and ASP (Aspects of Spirituality) scales. The study was carried out from November 2021 to December of the same year. The participants included 1348 Polish students from Krakow academies and universities. Based on the results of statistical tests, the hypothesis on the correlation between the students' spirituality and their use of selected psychoactive substances was verified and accepted. Students with higher levels of spirituality (the protective factor) use psychoactive substances less frequently and in smaller quantities. Therefore, it was concluded that spirituality is a protective factor in young peoples' lives. Some implications for student education are noted.

Guidelines for Preventing and Treating Vitamin D Deficiency: A 2023 Update in Poland.

Introduction: All epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the Polish general population. Since vitamin D deficiency was shown to be among the risk factors for many diseases and for all-cause mortality, concern about this problem led us to update the previous Polish recommendations. Methods: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence, case-control studies and randomized control trials (RCTs), a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated questions on the recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency both for the general population and for the risk groups of patients. The scientific evidence of pleiotropic effects of vitamin D as well as the results of panelists' voting were reviewed and discussed. Thirty-four authors representing different areas of expertise prepared position statements. The consensus group, representing eight Polish/international medical societies and eight national specialist consultants, prepared the final Polish recommendations. Results: Based on networking discussions, the ranges of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration indicating vitamin D deficiency [<20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL (50-75 nmol/L)], and optimal concentration [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)] were confirmed. Practical guidelines for cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as the first choice for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency were developed. Calcifediol dosing as the second choice for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency was introduced. Conclusions: Improving the vitamin D status of the general population and treatment of risk groups of patients must be again announced as healthcare policy to reduce a risk of spectrum of diseases. This paper offers consensus statements on prophylaxis and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency in Poland.

Prevalence and factors predisposing to potential drug-drug interactions in a Polish community-dwelling geriatric population: An observational, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Due to advanced age, multimorbidity and polypharmacotherapy, older patients are predisposed to drug interactions and the adverse effects of inappropriate drug combinations. OBJECTIVES: To provide up-to-date data on predisposing factors and the prevalence of possible drug interactions in the Polish geriatric population and to promote automated analysis programs as part of safe pharmacotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used the Lexicomp® Drug Interactions database to assess pharmacological interactions between active substances included in all types of preparations (prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, nutritional preparations, and dietary supplements) used at least once in the 2 weeks preceding the study, among 2633 home-dwelling people aged >65 years. The variables measured included age, sex, place of residence, level of education, and multimorbidity. Post-stratification was used to weigh the sample structure against the Polish population in 2017. RESULTS: Drug interactions were identified in 81.2% of all individuals. The mean number (with 95% confidence interval (95% CI)) of all drug interactions was 4.24 (4.02-4.46), and the median value (with 1st and 3rd quartiles (Q1-Q3)) was 3 (1-6). At least 1 category C interaction was observed in 75.8% of all study participants, 24.3% had 1 or more category D interaction, and 4.3% had 1 or more category X interaction. The most important predisposing factor to drug interactions was multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a high prevalence of potential drug interactions in the Polish geriatric population. Automated analysis systems deliver useful information on pharmacological interactions and should be promoted in the Polish healthcare community as tools to support pharmacotherapy.

Patient Targeted Googling by nurses and midwives in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Patient Targeted Googling (PTG) is not a new phenomenon, but in Poland - according to the information available to the authors - there has been no research in this area among nurses and midwives. The above-mentioned activity is associated with many doubts and concerns of legal and ethical issues, and therefore there is a need to explore it. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PTG among nurses and midwives in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study conducted among 300 working nurses and midwives used a diagnostic survey based on the author's survey questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using PQStat version: 1.8.4.142. Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square and Fisher's correlations were used. The significance level was adopted at p <0.05 and highly significant at p <0.01. RESULTS: The respondents' reasons for patient targeted googling were mainly lack of other sources of information, controlling adherence to recommendations, ascertaining the patient's mental disorders, behavior, substance abuse status and physical appearance. PTG without informing the patient was considered unethical and likely to violate the principle of informed consent and privacy. Respondents expressed the need for PTG training. CONCLUSIONS: The study presents the prevalence of PTG phenomenon among Polish nurses and midwives along with the different determinants of this activity.

Can We Identify Patients in Danger of Delayed Treatment? Management of COVID-19 Pandemic Backlog in Urology Care in Poland.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact on healthcare systems around the world. This study aims to research the course of surgical treatment in urology during the pandemic in 2020, evaluate the volume of deferred treatment in urology in Poland, and indicate groups of patients that are especially vulnerable to a delay in the delivery of healthcare services. The National Health Found statistics (NHF) database was searched for information on procedures completed in urology departments from 2015 to 2020. Changes in hospital discharges of adults from 2019 to 2021 were investigated using monthly reports of NHF on patient billing groups. Statistics of PSA, testosterone, and creatinine testing were extracted from NHF reports. Annual changes in the number of surgeries were calculated. Then, the estimation of the expected quantity of procedures without the occurrence of the pandemic was performed using linear regression based on data from 2015 to 2020. The estimation was assumed reliable at R2 > 0.8. The difference between collected and estimated data was analysed. In 2020, the volume of radical prostatectomies, cystectomies, and kidney surgeries noted downturns following lockdowns in March and November. All analysed procedures, except radical cystectomy, noted a reduction in the entire year. The declines reached -34% in shockwave lithotripsy, -13% in ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy, -22% in cystolithotripsy, -28% in percutaneous lithotripsy, -12% in transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT), -31% in transurethral resection of the prostate, -15% in nephrectomy and kidney tumorectomy, and -10% in radical prostatectomy. Among the analysed procedures, only radical cystectomy rates increased 5%. Prostate-specific antigen and creatinine tests fell -17%, and testosterone testing was down -18%. In conclusion, the patients most vulnerable to delayed treatment due to the post-pandemic backlog are those requiring TURBT, kidney cancer operations, and radical prostatectomies. Solving backlogs in urology should prioritise cancer patients and thus requires improved access to cystoscopy, TURBT, diagnoses and surgery of prostate and kidney tumours. Addressing the needs of patients suffering from benign diseases demands appropriate measures to increase the surgical productivity of urology departments.

Correlation between religion, spirituality and perception of healthcare services utilisation in Poland during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The worldwide transmission of SARS CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 pandemic and had an impact on healthcare provision. The disruption of reliance on the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic posed a clear threat to public trust. Religiosity, like spirituality, is believed to have a positive influence on people's lives, enabling them to cope with illness, stress, and sudden life changes. In practice, although the terms religiosity and spirituality have similar meanings and are related, they are not identical concepts. The aim of this study is to compare the perceptions of the accessibility and quality of healthcare services provided before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland by religious/spiritual people compared to those for whom religion and spirituality have little or no importance in their lives. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was based on the authors' questionnaire, carried out during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Participants in the study were people living in various regions of Poland over 18 who were willing to complete the questionnaire voluntarily. The number of people sampled was two hundred and sixty-four. Convenience sampling method was used for this study. Statistical calculations were performed using Statistica 13 software from TIBCO and PQStat from PQStat Software and were based on the Kruskal-Wallis test, multiple regression model, the chi2 test of independence or the Mann-Whitney test. The result was considered statistically significant when p < α. The significance level was taken as α = 0.05. Results: Two hundred and sixty-three respondents answered the questionnaire. Among them, 181 (69%) were women, and 82 (31%) were men. It was shown that religion is more important for women than for men and women who report a high role of religion in their lives rated the quality of healthcare services better before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also concluded that religious people for whom religion played a major role and those who were helped by spiritual life rated accessibility and quality higher both before and during the pandemic. Conclusions: Religious/spiritual people, through their more positive attitudes towards the world, were thought to rate access and quality of healthcare services better. Regardless of religious affiliation, the help of spiritual life during the pandemic or the importance of religion in life in all respondents, perception of healthcare services utilisation were decreased by the pandemic. This prompts thoughts on the implementation of spiritual assistance as a supportive measure to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Determinants of Dietary Vitamin D Intake in Population-Based Cohort Sample of Polish Female Adolescents.

Vitamin D has a pleiotropic effect and its deficiency is a risk factor for many diseases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dietary intake of vitamin D and the factors determining this intake by female post-primary school students in Poland. The study was conducted on a nationwide sample of 4469 female Polish adolescents (aged 14-20) recruited from all regions across Poland. The vitamin D intake was assessed using VIDEO-FFQ (Vitamin D Estimation Only-Food Frequency Questionnaire). The median dietary vitamin D intake was 2.33 µg per day and it was lower than the 15 µg recommended in Poland for more than 98% of the group. The highest vitamin D intake per day was noted for fish (0.52 µg), whereas the lowest was noted for fats (0.04 µg). Factors that influenced the dietary vitamin D intake were the amount and species of fish consumed, region of residence, use of vitamin D supplements, and vegetarian or vegan diets. In contrast, vitamin D intake did not depend on body mass index and age. Based on the results of the survey, it can be concluded that the alarmingly low intake of vitamin D by Polish female adolescents is a result of the limited supply of vitamin D primarily from fish and fish products. This may be due to insufficient nutritional knowledge, indicating an urgent need to educate the surveyed population in this area.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity-A New Indicator of Healthy Diet Quality in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Polish Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as healthy diet quality, in a representative sample (n = 5690) of the whole Polish adult population (WOBASZ II study). Daily food consumption was estimated by the single 24 h dietary recall method. Antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and ß-carotene) and minerals (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) from the diet and supplements were calculated using 5D Diet software, and dietary total polyphenol intake (DTPI) was determined using the Phenol-Explorer database and our database. Total diet quality was measured by the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the prevention of CVD. DTAC was calculated using the data on food consumption and the antioxidant potential of foods measured by the FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential) method. It was shown that higher DTAC was associated with a higher intake of polyphenols, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, a higher quartile of DTAC was associated with a reduced odds ratio for cardiovascular diseases in a Polish population, as well as with a higher HDI. Therefore, dietary recommendations for the prevention and therapy of CVDs should take into account a high DTAC. DTAC, measured by the FRAP method, can be considered an indicator of healthy diet quality.

Factors That Influence the Use of Dietary Supplements among the Students of Wroclaw Medical University in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The use of dietary supplements (DS) and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is increasing every year. The COVID-19 pandemic might additionally influence the use of such preparations. The study aimed to investigate factors influencing the use of dietary supplements (DS), including stress-relieving supplements, by the students. METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, 624 students of the Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, from the second to the last year of studies, completed the anonymous questionnaire, consisting of 22 items, about the use of DS/OTC drugs during the academic year 2020/2021. Obtained data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test, the U-Mann Whitney test, the Kruskal-Wallis test with the post-hoc analysis, and with logistic regression. RESULTS: About 70% of students declared the use of any DS, 33% used DS for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, and 59% used other DS. The most important factors influencing the decision to take any kind of DS were Division (p = 0.0001, odds ratio [OR]: 0.35, and confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.59), a self-estimated level of stress (p = 0.014, OR: 1.13, CI: 1.03-1.25), and self-estimated level of knowledge about DS (p = 0.0000, OR: 1.31, CI: 1.19-1.36). In the case of students taking DS for stress, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems, the level of stress and the declared knowledge had the greatest impact on the decision for such a use of DS (p = 0.0001, OD: 1.24, CI: 1.11-1.39 and p = 0.0000, OD: 1.35, CI: 1.22-1.5, respectively). The COVID-19 pandemic did not change the pattern of DS/OTC drug usage in about 33% of students. Those who started taking DS during the pandemic accounted for 19% of all students. CONCLUSIONS: The use of DS is common among Wroclaw Medical University students with some differences between subgroups of respondents. Additionally, despite declared good knowledge about DS, most students declare the need to learn more about them.

Assessment of Risk Factors for Development of Overweight and Obesity among Soldiers of Polish Armed Forces Participating in the National Health Programme 2016-2020.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish Armed Forces soldiers and to analyze risk factors impacting body mass. In total, 1096 male, Caucasian soldiers (36.31 ± 8.03 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric data were obtained, and questionnaires evaluated sociodemographic, environmental, behavioral and biological factors known to be associated with obesity. Only 33% of the total number of participants had normal body weight, and 17.3% were considered obese (according to WHO criteria). The results showed that being 40 years or older, sleeping six hours or less per day, more frequent reaching for food in stressful situations, having a mother with excessive body weight, not exercising or exercising at most two days per week, and spending two hours a day or more in front of the TV increase the risk of obesity. Taken together, the results show that factors such as family history of obesity, dietary habits, physical activity, length of sleep and ability to cope with stress could be used to identify soldiers at higher risk of developing obesity in order to provide them with personalized prevention programs.

Evaluation of the prevalence of folic acid supplementation before conception and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in Polish women at high risk of fetal anomalies.

OBJECTIVES: Local and international organizations recommend folic acid (FA) supplementation in the periconceptional period. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence of periconceptional supplementation with FA in women at high risk of fetal anomalies refferred for first trimester screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our analysis involved 1,455 women at high risk of fetal anomalies refferred for first trimester screening. FA supplementation was assessed by face-to-face interviews conducted by doctors performing first trimester screening for aneuploidy. RESULTS: FA supplementation before pregnancy was reported by 46.8% of the women and during the first trimester by 57.2% of those studied. Women used FA supplementation more frequently if they had a history of at least one miscarriage (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.70-2.83; p < 0.001), a history of assissted reproductive techniques (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.18-4.31; p = 0.014), or were aged between 30 and 34 (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.47-5.58; p = 0.002). Among 122 women with a history of fetal defects only 50% confirmed FA supplementation before pregnancy and 62.2% during pregnancy (p = 0.488). A similar frequency of FA supplementation was noted among women with epilepsy, diabetes, and hypertension. Less frequent taking of FA was noted among women at least third and subsequent pregnancies (p < 0.001). In the current pregnancy, neural tube defects (NTDs) were less frequent by 86% in the group of women with FA supplementation than in the non-supplementation group (1 case vs 6 cases, respectively) and for other fetal defects by 62.5% (24 vs 40 cases, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found an unsatisfactory compliance with recommendations for the use of folic acid supplementation during periconceptional period among women at high risk of fetal defects and folate deficiency, that could have negative effects on the health of child and mother. The study results show the need to increase the awareness of FA supplementation during periconceptional period especially in women with high risk of fetal anomalies.