Sleep Quality in Older People: The Impact of Age, Professional Activity, Financial Situation, and Chronic Diseases During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic negatively affected health and social life, notably deteriorating sleep quality in older adults. Studies report inconsistent findings on sleep disturbances during this period, influenced by various physiological, emotional, and sociodemographic factors. This study aimed to identify these determining factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted among 342 people 60 years of age or older participating in online classes of randomly selected Senior Clubs and the University of the Third Age in the southern regions of Poland. RESULTS Sleep problems (PSQI >5 points) were diagnosed in 250 subjects (83.6%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the quality of sleep significantly depends on: age, as people aged 66-70 were more likely to have better sleep quality than people aged 60-65 (OR=3.07), and those over 70 scored better than people aged 60-65 (OR=2.87); current job - employed people have a better chance of better sleep quality (OR=3.08) than unemployed people; financial situation, people assessing their financial situation as very good/good had a better chance of better sleep quality (OR=2.00) compared to people assessing their financial situation as very bad, bad/average; chronic diseases, people without chronic diseases had a chance of better sleep quality (OR=2.45) than people with chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS Age, financial situation, current job, and chronic disease were the most important factors determining sleep quality in older people. The identification of factors affecting sleep quality can be used as important data to develop interventions and programs to improve sleep quality.

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.

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.

Unexpected Vulnerability of DPEphos to C-O Activation in the Presence of Nucleophilic Metal Hydrides.

C-O bond activation of DPEphos occurs upon mild heating in the presence of [Ru(NHC)2 (PPh3 )2 H2 ] (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) to form phosphinophenolate products. When NHC=IEt2 Me2 , C-O activation is accompanied by C-N activation of an NHC ligand to yield a coordinated N-phosphino-functionalised carbene. DFT calculations define a nucleophilic mechanism in which a hydride ligand attacks the aryl carbon of the DPEphos C-O bond. This is promoted by the strongly donating NHC ligands which render a trans dihydride intermediate featuring highly nucleophilic hydride ligands accessible. C-O bond activation also occurs upon heating cis-[Ru(DPEphos)2 H2 ]. DFT calculations suggest this reaction is promoted by the steric encumbrance associated with two bulky DPEphos ligands. Our observations that facile degradation of the DPEphos ligand via C-O bond activation is possible under relatively mild reaction conditions has potential ramifications for the use of this ligand in high-temperature catalysis.

The impact of parents' health behaviours on their preferences regarding vaccinations in Bialystok, Poland.

BACKGROUND: Currently, as the number of vaccinated children in Poland and throughout Europe is decreasing. Many factors impact on the rate vaccination and parents' health behaviours may affect the frequency of vaccinations. The aim of the study was to assess the association of parents' health behaviors with children's vaccinations. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 to assess to assess the association of parents' health behaviors with children's vaccinations in Bialystok city, Poland. We used the the Inventory of Health Behaviours and an original questionnaire including demographic data and questions about vaccination. Three hundred parents were recruited from the Pro Medica Family Medica Center in Bialystok, Poland. RESULTS: Only 3.7% of respondents did not vaccinate their children. The level of health behaviours was average in 42.3% of the respondents, low in 33%, and high in 24.7%. Significant differences in health behaviours, mainly the level of normal eating habits (p = 0.038) and positive mental attitude (p = 0.022), were found in relation to views on the toxicity of vaccines. Participants who reported that vaccines can cause autism engaged in a higher level of prophylactic behaviours. Respondents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a significantly higher level of health practices. CONCLUSIONS: Parents preferred health behaviours did not effect on children vaccination. Parents who believed in the toxicity of vaccines were more concerned about proper nutrition, had a positive mental attitude, and engaged in a higher level of preventive behaviours and health practices. Parents who did not vaccinate their children had lower levels of normal eating habits. Parents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a higher level of health behaviours, especially in terms of health practices.

Occurrence of mood disorders among educationally active older adults in Bialystok, Poland: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Mood disorders in older people are an increasingly serious health and social problem, and their prevalence increases with age. The most common mood disorders are bipolar disorder, which is the occurrence of mania and hypomania, and depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of mood disorders in a group of educationally active elderly people living in Bialystok, Poland. METHODS: The study included a total of 162 people-residents of Bialystok-aged 60 or older; 135 women (83.33%) and 27 men (16.67%). The study used five standardized psychometric scales: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Hypomania Check List (HCL-32), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (Zung SDS). RESULTS: Nearly 90.00% of the respondents obtained GDS scores indicating the presence of mild depressive symptoms; however, on the Zung SDS, which also evaluates depression symptom levels, the result obtained in almost the same number of respondents showed an absence of these symptoms. A similar percentage of respondents also obtained values on the MDQ that allow to determine a lack of bipolar disorder characteristics in the studied population. Over half of the respondents (58.02%) did not show symptoms of hypomania using the HCL-32. There was a significant correlation between the results of the GDS and Zung SDS, the HCL-32 and MDQ, as well as the HCL-32 and Zung SDS in the total studied group. CONCLUSIONS: Mood disorders, particularly depression, constitute a significant social and health problem in the group of educationally active older adults living in Bialystok. In light of the obtained research results, it is recommended to conduct and improve already realized health education programs for the elderly on the subject of mood disorder prevention and their impact on quality of life. There is a need for further research on mood disorders in the elderly to determine their prevalence on a national scale.

Sleep disorders among educationally active elderly people in Bialystok, Poland: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders in an ageing society constitute a significant public health problem. It is estimated that approximately 50% of people aged 55 years and older have trouble sleeping, including initiating and maintaining sleep. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in a group of educationally active elderly people living in Bialystok, Poland. METHODS: The study included a total of 182 people - residents of Bialystok - aged 60 or older; 146 women (80.22%) and 36 men (19.78%). The study used three standardized psychometric scales: The Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). RESULTS: More than half of the respondents scored 6 or more points on the AIS, which is considered a value that indicates a high probability of insomnia symptom occurrence. A similar percentage of respondents obtained a point value on the ISI indicating the presence of insomnia. The vast majority of respondents scored below 11 points on the ESS, which means no symptoms of excessive sleepiness. There was a significant correlation between the results of the above scales in the examined group in total and also by sex. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, constitute a significant social and health problem in the group of educationally active elderly people living in Bialystok. In light of the obtained study results, it is recommended to conduct and improve existing health education programs aimed at the elderly regarding sleep disorders to improve the quality of their sleep, and thus quality of life, and raise the awareness of the elderly about the importance of sleep in everyday life. There is a need for further research in the field of sleep disorders in the elderly to determine the prevalence of these disorders on a national scale.

C-F Bond Activation of P(C6F5)3 by Ruthenium Dihydride Complexes: Isolation and Reactivity of the "Missing" Ru(PPh3)3H(halide) Complex, Ru(PPh3)3HF.

The major product of the reaction between Ru(IMe4)2(PPh3)2H2 (1; IMe4 = 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) and P(C6F5)3 (PCF) is the five-coordinate complex Ru(IMe4)2(PF2{C6F5})(C6F5)H (2), which is formed via a complex series of C-F/P-C bond cleavage and P-F bond formation steps. In contrast, hydrodefluorination of all six ortho C-F bonds in PCF occurs with Ru(PPh3)4H2 to afford Ru(PPh3)3HF (3). NaBArF4 abstracted the fluoride ligand in 3 to give [Ru({η6-C6H5}PPh2)(PPh3)2H][BArF4], while B2pin2 reacted with 3 in C6D6 to yield a mixture of [Ru({η6-C6D6)(PPh3)2H]+ and Ru(PPh3)4H2. The treatment of 3 with HBpin (5 equiv) and HSiR3 (R = Et, Ph; 2 equiv) afforded Ru(PPh3)3(σ-HBpin)H2 and Ru(PPh3)3(SiR3)3H3, respectively. No stable substitution products were generated when 3 was reacted with Me3SiX (X = CF3, C6F5).

Epidemiological characteristics of patients with syphilis in Gdansk and Warsaw in 2016

INTRODUCTION: Syphilis is a systemic disease with a complex natural history and a diversified clinical symptomology, taking various forms. It is characterized by a long-term course, often asymptomatic. The Global Estimates indicate that Treponema pallidum caused 5.6 million infections per year. AIM: Epidemiological characteristics of patients with syphilis in selected Polish urban agglomerations (Warsaw and Gdansk) in 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases of syphilis reported by doctors to The Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations in Gdansk (50 cases) and in Warsaw (520 cases) in 2016 were analysed. RESULTS: The average age of patients with syphilis was 35.2 years (Me=32 years). Men were more likely to suffer from syphilis - 493 cases (ie. 86.5%). The probable transmission route of the infection was indicated in 45% of cases and in 7.9% (45 people) it was undetermined sexual contact, in 11.6% (66 people) - heterosexual contact, and in 24.4% (139 people) - homosexual contact. In 7 cases (ie 1.2%), the infection was transferred vertically. A statistically significant relationship was found between the route of infection and the sex of the infected person (p<0.01). The incidence of individual syphilis forms was significantly different between the examined cities (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: The group of people suffering from syphilis described in the study reflects the population of young people, especially men, living in urban agglomerations, characterized by mobility, considered the group most at risk of STI/ STD. The male-to-female rate among the respondents was 6.4:1 and was similar to the overall rate in Europe in 2014, ie 6.2:1. Number of cases of early syphilis (39.5% of all reports in Warsaw and 80% in Gdansk) may suggest insufficient detection of infections in Gdansk and the need to intensify syphilis screening. In 2014, there were 69 cases of congenital syphilisn in the EU / EEA, of which every fourth newborn was born in Poland (n = 17). CONCLUSION: The latent syphilis form acquired mainly through heterosexual contacts has dominated among women suffering from syphilis. Amidst men syphilis was diagnosed mainly in the primary stage of infection and was most commonly acquired as a result of homosexual relationships. The epidemiological situation in Poland of syphilis, has been influenced by infections among MSM.

Self-assessment of the mental health status in older adults in Poland: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Demographic aging of society poses numerous challenges, including the provision of health care to the elderly population. According to World Health Organization data, the most frequent mental disorders in the senior population are: dementia, depression, and drug and alcohol addiction. The aim of this study was to subjectively assess mental health status (the severity of non-psychotic symptoms of mental functions and depressive symptoms) in older adults of Bialystok (Poland). METHODS: The study included 300 people - inhabitants of Bialystok and its surrounding areas - aged over 60: 100 residents of a nursing home, 100 senior students of the University of the Third Age in Bialystok, and 100 senior students of the University of a Healthy Senior. Two standardized psychometric scales were used in the study: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The median GHQ total point value equaled 26 points, which indicated possible non-psychotic mental disorders. The overall BDI score showed that respondents had a subjective feeling of depressive symptom intensification at the level of 11 points out of 63 points, which indicated minor depressive disorders. Positive and statistically significant correlations were observed between suspicion of non-psychotic mental disorders and the occurrence of depressive symptoms both without distribution into groups and with distribution into sex, group affiliation, and age. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective assessment of mental health status in older adults, inhabitants of Bialystok, was negative. Social and demographic characteristics (sex, group affiliation, age) analyzed in the study, played no significant role in the assessment of depressive and non-psychotic mental symptom occurrence. Residents of the nursing home were characterized negatively in terms of subjective assessment mental health status from the other two study groups.

Illness acceptance, pain perception and expectations for physicians of the elderly in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Ageing of society is a significant challenge to public health, both socially and health wise. Adaptation to illness and its acceptance play an important role in control and patients' self-control in many diseases of old age. The right attitude of doctors to patients, especially, geriatric patients determines, among others, a patient's quality of life and acceptance of illness. Recently, there has been observed the rapid development of research on interactions between pain as a physiological process and its perception by an individual. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acceptance of illness, perception of pain and expectations of geriatric patients for physicians among the inhabitants of Bialystok (Poland) over the age of 60. METHODS: The study included 300 people, inhabitants of Bialystok and the surrounding area - aged over 60: 100 elderly residents of a nursing home, 100 students of the University of the Third Age in Bialystok and 100 students of the University of Healthy Senior. The study used three standardised psychometric scales: Patient Request Form (PRF), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and The Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ). RESULTS: The median of the overall score of AIS was 26 points, which is considered average in terms of acceptance of illness. The median value of the influence of internal factors on the control of pain in case of BPCQ scale was generally16 of 30 points, the influence of physicians - 15 of 24 points, while random events - 14 of 24 points. The overall result for PRF scale proved that the respondents were the least expected to look for emotional support (5 of 12 points). It was established that the group affiliation significantly affected the result of AIS (p < 0.001). There was also noted a negative relation between AIS and the search for emotional support (PRF) depending on the group. The higher the AIS value, the lower the score in case of search for emotional support (PRF). CONCLUSIONS: Neither gender nor age played a significant role in acceptance of illness, control of pain or expectations for physicians. The key variable determining the occurrence of dependencies between the studied features was being a part of a group. The elderly residents of the nursing home were negatively distinguished from the other two studied groups. The respondents, in regard to other groups described in the literature, were characterised by relatively high values in illness acceptance, pain control and expectations for physicians.

Room Temperature Regioselective Catalytic Hydrodefluorination of Fluoroarenes with trans-[Ru(NHC)4 H2 ] through a Concerted Nucleophilic Ru-H Attack Pathway.

The efficient and highly selective room temperature hydrodefluorination (HDF) of fluoroarenes by the trans-[Ru(IMe4 )4 H2 ] catalyst, 3, is reported. Mechanistic studies show 3 acts directly in catalysis without any ligand dissociation and DFT calculations indicate a concerted nucleophilic attack mechanism. The calculations fully account for the observed selectivities which corroborate earlier predictions regarding the selectivity of HDF.

The Fear of SARS-CoV-2 Infection versus the Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination amongst Older Adults in Urban Areas (CoV-VAC-PL Study): A Polish Community-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic not only adversely impacted physical health but also affected older adults' mental health. The first news on COVID-19 vaccination made a major breakthrough to the effect of improving older adults' mood, notwithstanding the fact that vaccinated individuals in this age group accounted only for 40.6% of the overall vaccination rollout in Poland. This study was aimed at assessing the level of anxiety regarding COVID-19 amongst older adults in Poland and assessing the attitude of older adults toward COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: The study sample encompassed a population of 800 individuals aged 60 years and older randomly picked up from a representative sample of all the residents in 16 voivodeship cities (50 individuals from each of the cities). The research method used in this study was a diagnostic survey, and its technique was based on an author-designed questionnaire and four standardised psychometric scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID-19S), and the Scale to Measure the Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Acceptance (the VAC-COVID-19 Scale). RESULTS: The degree of fear of SARS-CoV-2 among seniors equalled 1.03 ± 1.95 in terms of the CAS and 15.61 ± 5.75 in terms of the FCV-19S. Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination have proven positive (DrVac-COVID-19S-61.23 ± 12.35; VAC-COVID-19-44.31 ± 7.20). Females scored higher than males to the extent of the scales under consideration. The older the respondents were, the higher the scale score. A group of individuals with higher educational status was characterized by substantially higher scores covering the Knowledge subscale (p < 0.001) and the Autonomy subscale (p = 0.038), as well as a higher total score in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S (p < 0.001). A group of positive factors including the reasons for COVID-19 vaccination in terms of the VAC-COVID-19 Scale was the only case to prove statistically insignificant relationships between the population size of the city the respondents came from and the scale values under consideration (p = 0.790). Statistically significant relationships were proven between SARS-CoV-2 contraction and fear of COVID-19 as measured by means of the CAS (p < 0.001) as well as between SARS-CoV-2 contraction and the Values subscale (p = 0.017) and the Knowledge subscale (p < 0.001) within the framework of the DrVac-COVID-19S scale and the total score in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S scale (p = 0.023). No relationship was detected between the Autonomy subscale scores in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S and the Knowledge subscale scores in terms of the DrVac-COVID-19S. The remaining scales were correlated to the extent of statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: A subjective fear of COVID-19 was measured to be low or moderate within the group under study depending on the scale under consideration, proving declining trends as compared to the results arising from previously conducted studies. Seniors have more often had positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. The relationship between all of the sociodemographic features under consideration and the feeling of COVID-19 anxiety and between educational status, place of residence, SARS-CoV-2 contraction, COVID-19 vaccination, and the overall attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination indicator was proven to be statistically significant (depending on the scale under consideration). Furthermore, the correlation between the overall results arising from the standardised psychometric scales applied to this study was indicated to be statistically significant.

Reaction to Disease and Coping Strategies in Stressful Situations among Psoriasis Patients: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In the contemporary world, a cult of perfection is being created, and deviations from such an ideal image are becoming socially unacceptable. A particular situation arises when a defect or symptoms of a disease appear on the skin, which, in the case of people suffering from psoriasis, are a source of stress, dissatisfaction with the disease, and a reduction in quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess whether the quality of life related to the occurrence of psoriasis and the level of acceptance of the disease affect coping strategies in stressful situations. Methods: The study involved 111 people with common psoriasis (46.8% women and 53.2% men). Inclusion criteria were as follows: a diagnosis of common psoriasis for at least 0.5 years, no other types of psoriasis, no mental illnesses, and an informed consent of the respondent to participate in the study. In order to compile the research input, a proprietary questionnaire was used along with the following standardised tools: the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Results: The duration of the disease in the studied population varied and ranged from 0.5 years to over 50 years. Most respondents showed relatively low DLQI scores, with an average value of 10.8 points. In stressful situations (CISS), the respondents primarily used a strategy based on rational thinking (Task-oriented coping), with approximately 54 points on average; followed by an avoidant style (Avoidance-oriented coping), with approximately 50 points on average; and least often an emotional style (Emotion-oriented coping), with approximately 46 points on average. The average level of disease acceptance (AIS) in the studied group equalled approximately 26 points. Conclusions: Psoriatic lesions on the torso caused less rational behaviour in stressful situations (a decrease in the Task-oriented coping) in women but had the opposite result in men, whereas psoriatic lesions on the head stimulated the use of Task-oriented coping in women but had the opposite result in men. The higher the acceptance of the disease (AIS) presented by the respondents, the less often they used an emotional strategy (Emotion-oriented coping) in stressful situations. The higher the quality of life (DLQI) was, the lower the values of Emotion-oriented coping were noted.

The Impact of Early Rehabilitation and the Acceptance of the Disease on the Quality of Life of Patients after Hip Arthroplasty: An Observational Study.

Background: The early introduction of physiotherapy significantly shortens the time required for a patient to regain full mobility after hip arthroplasty. Obtaining the expected result is determined by cooperation with a physiotherapist and the patient's involvement in the rehabilitation process. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life, life satisfaction, and motor ability of patients after hip arthroplasty. Methods: This study included 147 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty at the Orthopedic and Trauma Department. The research material was collected using questionnaires, and the study used the Barthel Index (BI), Harris Hip Score (HHS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). In the studied group of patients, the Excia cementless endoprosthesis was primarily used (69.39%), as well as the Metha Short Hip prosthesis (15.65%), AM hip prosthesis (10.20%), and bipolar hip prosthesis (4.76%). Results: The analyzed group of patients included 95 women (64.63%) and 52 men (35.37%); the average age was 67 years. Six weeks after hip arthroplasty, mild disability occurred in 53.74% of the patients, while the remaining 46.26% had no disability, and 95.24% of the patients achieved a high level of acceptance of the disease and quality of life. Conclusions: Early improvement after hip replacement surgery contributes to eliminating the disability of the hip joint in the following areas: pain sensation, functionality, lack of deformation, and range of motion. Each subsequent stage of treatment increased the level of acceptance of the disease in the study group. The applied surgical treatment increased satisfaction with overall health and quality of life.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Health behaviours of pregnant women should promote an optimal course of pregnancy and maternal health. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women's health behaviours (proper eating habits with a particular focus on the type of food consumed; preventive behaviours in terms of compliance with health recommendations and obtaining information on health and disease; healthy practices-daily habits in terms of sleep, rest and physical activity; as well as positive mental attitudes-avoiding strong emotions, stress, and depressing situations, determined by the frequency of each behaviour reported by the respondents). The study included women at different stages of pregnancy and women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 355 women participated in the study. The study used a proprietary questionnaire and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The overall health behaviour score during the pandemic was higher (85.87) than the pre-pandemic score (82.16). There was a statistically significant difference between the total pre-pandemic and during-pandemic HBI scores. Additionally, there was an increase in the total score in each of the health behaviour domains during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women presented a statistically significantly higher rate of health behaviours, as measured with the HBI, indicating that respondents were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours. The study has shown a positive change in pregnant women's eating habits, which can potentially affect the health of the population in the future.

Quality of Life in HIV-Positive People in Poland Treated in the City of Bialystok: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The quality of life is one of the key factors in assessing the health status of HIV-positive individuals, with its improvement considered an important goal of treatment. Assessment of the quality of life helps accurately evaluate the impact of diseases and treatment on the patient's life. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of HIV-positive people in Poland using the example of patients treated in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, based on the evaluation of HIV-positive status acceptance in HIV patients as well as sociometric variables such as age, gender and marital status. A total of 147 patients participated in this study, including 104 men (70.7%) and 43 women (29.3%). This study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020 in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients with the Consultation and Diagnostic Centre at the Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok. This study used a diagnostic survey method with a modified questionnaire "Psychosocial Situation of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Poland" by Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak and the following standardised psychometric tools: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The majority of respondents (60%) reported no significant changes in their lives as a result of HIV infection. Gender was not a differentiating factor in the quality of life of people living with HIV. The variation in psychometric measures within the female and male groups was far greater than the difference between them. Marital status clearly differentiated the quality of life. The following conclusions were drawn from this study: The surveyed HIV patients presented a moderate level of quality of life, which was mainly determined by marital status. Higher quality of life was presented by married persons. Duration of infection was not correlated with quality of life. The level of acceptance of HIV infection was relatively high among respondents. A higher level of HIV acceptance was associated with a higher quality of life. The respondents presented a relatively poor level of satisfaction with life. Changing jobs, going on disability, relationship breakdown, not having a family of their own and losing friends were the key HIV-related changes in the lives of the respondents.

Satisfaction with sex life and its impact on the quality of life in people living with HIV in Poland treated in the city of Bialystok: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Sex life is an important element contributing to the overall quality of life. It is also a particularly sensitive dimension of quality of life for HIV-positive patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the sexual life of people living with HIV in Poland treated in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, and its impact on the quality of life, life satisfaction, HIV status acceptance, general health status and depressive symptoms among the respondents. Methods: A total of 147 participants, including 104 men (70.7%) and 43 women (29.3%), took part in the research. The study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020. The study used a diagnostic survey method with a modified questionnaire "Psychosocial situation of people living with HIV/AIDS" by Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak and the following standardised psychometric tools: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: One-third of patients rated their sex life as poor or very poor. Almost half of respondents always informed sexual partners of their HIV status (49.7%). The sex life of respondents was highly correlated with almost all psychometric measures used in the study. Those indicating sexual contact as a possible source of HIV infection had a lower quality of life in the domain of general health compared to other respondents, but the difference was relatively small (about 5.5 points). Discussion: In conclusion, the overall satisfaction with the sex life of people living with HIV was moderate with a tendency to poor. The quality of life of people living with HIV was determined by their sex life. Better quality of life was presented by those with good self-reported sex life.

Anxiety, Stress Perception, and Coping Strategies among Students with COVID-19 Exposure.

Background: Studying anxiety, stress, and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to mitigate the negative effects associated with infection risk and disease consequences. Objective: This study aimed to investigate anxiety levels, stress perception, and coping strategies in relation to the presence of illness. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted anonymously among 3950 university students from Poland (1822), Lithuania (232), and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad (1896). Due to the nearly identical application of anti-epidemic measures, the respondents were treated as a unified group. The State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10), and mini-COPE scale questionnaires were used. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test to check normality, the Mann-Whitney U test for comparative analysis between groups, the Pearson χ2 test for categorical data, and Spearman coefficients for correlations between variables. Results: A significant proportion of young adults in the community exhibited symptoms of anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the 1212 men and 2738 women surveyed, 348 (28.7%) and 1020 (37.3%) individuals, respectively, were diagnosed with COVID-19 according to clinical protocols. Prolonged disease duration and more severe residual symptoms correlated with higher self-reported anxiety levels. Conclusions: The level of anxiety and stress varied depending on the duration of the disease, significantly impacting the choice of coping strategies. Overall, students displayed a proactive approach to coping activities but tended to postpone important decisions. Seeking social support was a prevalent coping mechanism, although respondents who had COVID-19 showed higher levels of concern for their own emotions, a tendency to discharge emotions through alcohol or other substances (male), and a greater reliance on religion (female). The study provides data that may be useful in developing educational and health policies focused on the mental well-being of university students and potentially other social groups.

Fear of COVID-19 and Vaccine Hesitancy among Pregnant Women in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to anxiety and stress, and the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely contributed to anxiety in this group. Researchers continue their work on COVID-19 vaccine formulations to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and minimise the impact of the pandemic. Despite the increased prevalence and severity of anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine vary. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of anxiety experienced by pregnant women due to COVID-19 and their attitudes to vaccination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 595 women voluntarily participated in the study. The respondents were divided into two groups: the study group (n = 288), which consisted of women who were pregnant at the time of the survey, and the control group (n = 307), which included women of reproductive age (18-49 years). The study used a diagnostic survey method with a web-based questionnaire consisting of the author's survey questionnaire and the following standardised tools: the Scale to Measure the Perception of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Acceptance (VAC-COVID-19 SCALE), the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID19S) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). RESULTS: The level of COVID-related anxiety differed depending on the tool used. Mild anxiety was reported for CAS, while FCV-19S showed its moderate levels. Both pregnant women and women of reproductive age showed high scores in VAC-COVID-19 and DrVac-COVID19S. The mean VAC-COVID-19 scores were 41.44 in the study group and 44.26 in the control group, and the mean DrVac-COVID19S scores were 51.25 in pregnant women and 55.85 in women of reproductive age. This indicates a high level of acceptance of and positive attitudes toward vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women showed moderate coronavirus anxiety. Women in both the study group and the control group showed mostly positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination.