Supporting the treatment of infertility using psychological methods.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to review the current state of knowledge regarding the treatment of emotional consequences of infertility using psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness. REVIEW METHODS: The review was based on data obtained from scientific articles published in the Pub Med, Science Direct, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMbase, and The Cochrane Library between 1997-2022. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Assistance offered to persons afflicted by the problem of infertility may take various forms, depending not only on the needs of those interested and the stage of treatment, but also on the capabilities of the staff (type and level of education). Commonly available, well-developed and researched methods of therapy are most frequently applied, often expanded by such elements as education concerning fertility and life style, and information about diagnosis and treatment. Modified methods of psychological intervention specially adjusted to persons struggling with infertility are also used. The indicators of the effectiveness of these methods are: reduction of stress, better coping with difficulties, decrease in the rates of psychological disorders, as well as an improvement of sperm parameters in men, and an increase in pregnancy and live birth rates. SUMMARY: The most frequently recommended methods of psychosocial intervention are these based on cognitive behavioural therapy and variants of stress reduction techniques. It is recommended that patients with infertility are provided with psychological care throughout the treatment period, and that the medical staff is equipped with standardized methods of assessing their mental state.

Depression in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. Some of the serious complications of PCOS are mental disorders including depression. Therefore, the aim of the meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence, mean level, standardized mean difference and probability of depression based on the research conducted with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A systematic literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google for research published until January 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted on a group of 4002 patients obtained from 19 studies, which met the inclusion criteria (adult pre-menopausal women diagnosed with PCOS, papers on the prevalence of depression or the HADS scoring). According to the research performed, the mean prevalence of depression was 31% (I2 = 93%; p < 0.001), whereas the mean HADS depression score in patients with PCOS was 6.31 (I2 = 93%; p < 0.001). The standardized difference of mean depression scores was SMD = 0.421 (95% confidence interval = 0.17-0.68, I2 = 67%). The overall probability of depression in PCOS patients was more than 2.5-fold higher than in healthy women ((RR: 2.58), confidence interval [1.38-4.85]; I2 = 90%, p < 0.001). The research results imply an increased risk of depressive symptoms in women with PCOS.

Burden of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Resident Doctors in Poland.

BACKGROUND The study aim was to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia among resident doctors in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS The online anonymous survey was conducted among Polish resident doctors attending obligatory specialization courses organized by the Center of Postgraduate Medical Education between 2020 and 2021. The psychological impact of COVID-19 was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The sleep problems were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). RESULTS Among 767 resident doctors participating in the study there were substantial levels of depression (14.7% mild, 26.2% moderate, 10.8% severe, and 9.5% extremely severe), anxiety (9.0% mild, 20.6% moderate, 8.3% severe, and 11.5% extremely severe), and stress (16.4% mild, 20.9% moderate, 15.7% severe, and 5.7% extremely severe), as well as substantial incidence of insomnia (58.0%), (38.3% subthreshold, 17.9% clinically moderate, and 1.7% clinically severe). Female doctors, physicians working directly with COVID-19 patients, and those who had COVID-19 themselves were at higher risk of depression, stress, and anxiety. Sleep disorders were more prevalent among doctors in surgical specializations, as well as those working directly with COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic in Poland appears to have negatively affected doctors' mental health. High levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia indicate that systemic solutions are needed. A spectrum of interventions should be explored to mitigate further strain on the physicians' psychological health in the post-pandemic work environment. It is necessary to focus on groups at particular risk, such as women, front-line doctors, doctors in health crisis, and residents in selected fields of medicine.

Oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphisms, insomnia, and cognitive functions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in non-manual employment.

Introduction: A potential way to explain the relationships between sleep disorders and cognitive disorders during menopausal transition is the identification of genetic markers related to changes in cognitive functions, as well as changes in quality of sleep during menopause. The objective was an analysis of the relationship between sleep disorders and cognitive disorders, according to the possessed oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphism (ESR1) in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Material and methods: The study included 300 women aged 44-66 years, employed as non-manual workers. A computerised battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. ESR1 polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. The Athens Insomnia Scale was used to diagnose sleep disorders. Results: More severe insomnia was related to worse complex memory, visual memory, and simple attention in the total group of examined women. More severe insomnia was related to worse simple attention in women with genotypes AG Xba I or TC Pvu II ESR1, in perimenopausal women with genotypes AG Xba I or TC Pvu II ESR1. During the postmenopausal period, the severity of insomnia negatively correlated with visual memory in carriers of Pvu II TT, and with reaction time in carriers of Xba I AA. Conclusions: The results indicate an important role of oestrogen receptor α gene polymorphism in the modulation of the effect of insomnia on cognitive functions in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Metabolic Syndrome, BMI, and Polymorphism of Estrogen Receptor-α in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Polish Women.

The study aimed to investigate the association between the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) polymorphism and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity, as well as the coexistence of MetS and obesity, in peri- and post-menopausal Polish women. The study group consisted of 202 peri-menopausal and 202 post-menopausal women. ERα polymorphism: Xba I and Pvu II, MetS, BMI, and serum estrogen concentration were analyzed. MetS was found in 29% of the peri-menopausal women and in 21% of the post-menopausal women. BMI did not significantly differ between the peri- and post-menopausal women (≈42% were normal weight, ≈40% were overweight, and ≈18% were obese), (p = 0.82). Serum estrogen concentration in the peri-menopausal women was 91 ± 75 pg/mL, while that in the post-menopausal women was 17 ± 9. pg/mL, on average. Peri-menopausal women with AA and TT genotypes of the ERα polymorphism have a lower risk of obesity and MetS and the co-existence of obesity and MetS, whereas those women with the G or C allele have a higher risk of those health problems.

Anxiety and Depression in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Mental health disorders are often the consequence of hormonal disorders such as those accompanying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where changes in appearance and having to deal with a number of other problems occur due to this illness. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, the level of ego-resiliency, and the ways that women with PCOS cope with stress compared to healthy women in order to determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics in relation to levels of anxiety and depression with ego-resiliency and stress-coping methods. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Poland in 2021 and included 230 women with PCOS and 199 healthy controls aged 20-40 years old. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADs), ego-resiliency scale, as well as the MINI-COPE inventory were used. Results: The women with PCOS had higher levels of anxiety and depression and poorer ego-resiliency in comparison to the healthy women. The women with PCOS used passive stress-coping strategies significantly more commonly than the healthy women. Living in rural areas, having a lower level of education and being childless increased anxiety levels. Similarly, being over 30, living in a rural area, having a lower level of education, being childless, and being obese increased depression levels in the women with PCOS. A low level of ego-resiliency and passive stress-coping strategies are predictors of high levels of anxiety and depression in women with PCOS. Conclusions: Women with PCOS should be checked for anxiety and depression. They should also be checked to see whether they have the resources to cope with chronic stress in order to optimize therapeutic interventions.

Determinants of Psychosocial Resilience Resources in Obese Pregnant Women with Threatened Preterm Labor-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the level of such psychosocial resilience resources as self-efficacy, dispositional optimism, and health locus of control in pregnant women with obesity with threatened premature labor. Methods: The study was performed in the years 2017-2020 in a group of 328 pregnant women hospitalized due to threatened preterm labor and diagnosed with obesity before the pregnancy. The following instruments were applied: the Life Orientation Test, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale. Results: Obese pregnant women with threatened premature labor have a moderate level of generalized self-efficacy (28.02) and a moderate level of dispositional optimism (16.20). Out of the three health locus of control dimensions, the highest scores were recorded in the "internal control" subscale (26.08). Statistically significant predictors for the self-efficacy variable model included: satisfactory socio-economic standing (ß = 0.156; p = 0.004), being nulliparous (ß = -0.191; p = 0.002), and the absence of comorbidities (ß = -0.145; p = 0.008). Higher levels of dispositional optimism were found in women who were married (ß = 0.381; p = 0.000), reported a satisfactory socio-economic standing (ß = 0.137; p = 0.005), were between 23 and 27 weeks pregnant (ß = -0.231; p = 0.000), and had no comorbidities (ß = -0.129; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Generalized self-efficacy in obese women with threatened preterm labor is associated with satisfactory socio-economic standing, being nulliparous, and the absence of chronic disease. Dispositional optimism in obese pregnant women with threatened preterm labor is determined by their marital status, socio-economic standing, gestational age, and the absence of comorbidities.

Depressive Symptoms and Healthy Behavior Frequency in Polish Postmenopausal Women from Urban and Rural Areas.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the severity of depressive symptoms was linked to healthy behaviors in Polish postmenopausal women and whether the strength of the link differed between women living in urban versus rural settings. The study was conducted in 2018 in the Lublin region of Poland and included 396 postmenopausal women (239 living in rural areas and 157 in urban areas). The severity of depressive symptoms was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the frequency of healthy behaviors was assessed using the Inventory of Healthy Behaviors. Postmenopausal women living in rural areas underwent menopause significantly earlier, were more often widowed, more often obese, more often less educated, and less likely to have never married when compared to those living in urban areas. Importantly, rural postmenopausal women endorsed more depressive symptoms (p = 0.049). There was a negative correlation between the severity of depressive symptoms and age in urban postmenopausal women (r = -0.174, p = 0.029), but this was not evident in rural women (r = -0.034, p = 0.600). The frequency of healthy behaviors was significantly lower in rural postmenopausal women, especially with respect to nutritional habits. A positive correlation was found between the frequency of healthy behaviors and the level of education in both sets of women (p = 0.034 and p = 0.045, respectively). To summarize, we found a significant link between healthy behaviors and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. We also found that this link was more evident in rural than in urban women.

Work ability, functional exercise capacity and prevalence of obesity in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with non-manual employment.

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate work ability and functional exercise capacity, and their correlation to each other and to obesity, in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with non-manual employment. Materials and methods. The study included 300 women aged 44-66 years. The following measures were used: work ability index (WAI), 6-min walk test (6MWT), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and adipose tissue accumulation. Regression models of the WAI and distance in the 6MWT were estimated. Results. The examined women obtained WAI 39.0 ± 5.0, BMI 26.2 ± 4.6, WHR 0.819 ± 0.060 and adipose tissue accumulation 30.1 ± 6.1%, on average. About 19% of women obtained a very good work ability score, 55% good, 23% medium and 3% poor. About 17% of women were obese, 39% overweight and 44% normal body mass, 29% had abdominal obesity, 19% had elevated accumulation of adipose tissue and 21% had high accumulation of adipose tissue. These results did not differ significantly between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women The postmenopausal women obtained a significantly lower functional exercise capacity score than perimenopausal women. Conclusion. Work ability correlates positively to functional exercise capacity, which correlates negatively to adipose tissue accumulation in perimenopausal women with non-manual employment, but not in postmenopausal cases.

Current State of Knowledge About SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Disease in Pregnant Women.

During any epidemic of infectious diseases, pregnant women constitute an extremely sensitive group due to altered physiology and immune functions, and thus altered susceptibility to infection. With regard to the management of pregnant COVID-19 patients, in addition to the treatment of the infection itself, which is not that different from generally accepted principles, it is interesting to consider which obstetric procedures should be used to minimize the adverse effects on mother and child. Questions arise concerning the continuation of pregnancy, how to terminate the pregnancy, the possibility of virus transmission through the placenta, isolation of the newborn after birth, and breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to review the current state of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease in pregnant women. Because the epidemic began in China, most of the available literature comes from studies conducted there. The studies used to prepare this review article are the first non-randomized studies containing small groups of examined women. They do not provide clear indications, but show that in an epidemic situation, special care should be taken in pregnancy management, making decisions about termination of pregnancy, and handling of the newborn baby to minimize the risk of subsequent health consequences. Further analysis is needed on the incidence of COVID-19 among pregnant women and its consequences. This will allow us to develop recommendations on how to deal with patients in the future in case of repeated epidemic emergencies.

Effect of symptoms of climacteric syndrome, depression and insomnia on self-rated work ability in peri- and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was evaluation of the relationship between severity of symptoms of climacteric syndrome, depressive disorders and sleep problems, and the self-rated work ability of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 287 women aged 45-60 years, employed in various institutions as non-manual workers. Work Ability Index, Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Athens Insomnia Scale were used. RESULTS: The examined peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women in non-manual employment obtained good work ability on the Work Ability Index. The severity of menopausal syndrome, according to the Greene Climacteric Scale, was moderate, placing the examined women between results for the general population of women and the pattern for menopausal women. Depressive disorders ranked between low mood and moderate depression. No depression was observed in 59% of the women, whereas moderate depression was observed in 39%, and severe depression in only 2%. Sleep disorders were on the border of normal range. As many as 46% of the women had no sleep problems, which was on the border of normal range in 36%. Only 19% of the examined women suffered from insomnia. Work ability correlated negatively with depression and insomnia severity, as well as with psychological and vasomotor symptoms of climacteric syndrome, but not to its somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing the occurrence and treatment of menopausal symptoms, sleep and mood disorders may contribute to maintaining the work ability of women in peri- and post-menopausal age.

Psychosocial determinants of disease acceptance in selected mental disorders.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Every mental disorder may cause a number of negative consequences in the personal lives of the patients and their families as well as in their social relations. Acceptance of the disease is a crucial factor in the process of coping with the problems resulting from it. Acceptance of the disease may significantly influence the reduction of negative emotional reactions it causes. Consequently, it may contribute to better adaptation of the patients and hence may facilitate the process of recovery. The study attempts to define the socio-psychological conditioning of the degree of disease acceptance among patients treated for psychical disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Opinion surveys were carried out in 2013 among a group of 240 patients treated in Mental Health Clinic in Chelm, eastern Poland. The study applied Acceptance Illness Scale - AIS B. Felton, T. A. Revenson, G.A. Hinrichsen, adapted in Poland by Z. Juczynski, as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The analysis of the obtained results revealed a similar level of acceptance of such diseases as anxiety disorders (24.41±8.52), depression (22.80±7.51) and personality disorders (23.89±7.89). The medical records of all patients fitted among the low average. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest problem in the researched group related to the social consequences of the psychical disorders. Those questioned were afraid of the negative reactions of others and of being a burden to their families. The level of acceptance was not correlated with independent variables (age, gender, education, place of residence, general well-being).

[The influence of living conditions and lifestyle on the anxiety level in women in the postpartum period-questionnaire study].

Introduction: Due to the high incidence of postpartum anxiety disorders and their serious health and social consequences, it is essential to analyze the possible risk factors to identify groups of women particularly vulnerable to cover their proper care and control. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the anxiety in women in the postpartum period, and their living conditions and lifestyle. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from April to July 2016. We included 102 women in the postpartum period, living in the city of Cracow and the Cracow district. The study was based on a survey of our own authorship, State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Jurczynski's Inventory of Health Behavior (IZZ). Results: The anxiety level in women in the postpartum period depends on the conditions of life and health behaviors. The level of health behavior of women in the postpartum period is an average and independent of age, number of children, and the material situation. Residents of cities, women with higher education, who planned pregnancy, have a higher level of health behavior. Good housing conditions have a positive influence on health behavior. Low levels of health behavior significantly affect the severity of maternal anxiety. Residents of the village, women with lower education and who not planning pregnancy have higher levels of anxiety during the postpartum period. Anxiety level of women in the postpartum period is inversely proportional to their housing conditions. Women with a job have lower levels of anxiety than non-working. The anxiety level in women in childbirth does not depend on age or financial situation. Conclusions: The anxiety level in women in the postpartum period, significantly depends on the living conditions and health behaviors. Verification of distinguished factors should be applied appropriately in health promotional activities and prevention programs.

Interaction between C-reactive protein and cognitive functions according to APOE gene polymorphism in post-menopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: A potential factor increasing the risk of the development of cognitive impairment with age is apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carrier status. A subsequent factor which may increase the risk of development of cognitive impairment at an older age is the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP). The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between cognitive functions and the concentration of CRP in post-menopausal women who were carriers of particular apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) polymorphisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 402 women was recruited to the study. The inclusion criteria were: minimum two years after the last menstruation, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration 30 U/ml, no dementi signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE genotyping was performed by multiplex PCR. The blood plasma CRP levels were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica software. RESULTS: The level of neurocognitive index (NCI) and cognitive functions in post-menopausal women depends on apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism (p < 0.001) and the concentration of CRP (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between CRP and NCI (p = 0.018), and the reaction time (p = 0.008) of women with APOE ε2/ε3. A positive correlation was observed between CRP and visual memory (p = 0.025) in women with APOE ε3/ε3, and verbal memory (p = 0.023) in women with APOE ε3/ε4 or ε4/ε4. CONCLUSIONS: Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism may modify the relationship between CRP concentration and cognitive functions in post-menopausal women.

Parents' reactions to children's stuttering and style of coping with stress.

PURPOSE: The aim of the research was to determine: (a) how parents react to their child's stuttering, (b) what stress coping strategies they utilise, as well as (c) whether stress coping style depends on parents' reaction to their child's stuttering. METHODS: The research involved 23 mothers and 23 fathers of children who stutter (CWS) at the age of three to six years old. The Reaction to Speech Disfluency Scale (RSDS), developed by the authors, was used in the research. To determine the parents' coping the Coping Inventory in Stressful Situations (CISS) by N.S. Endler and D.A Parker was applied. RESULTS: The strongest reactions are observed on the cognitive level. Stronger cognitive, emotional and behavioural reactions are observed in the mothers towards their disfluently speaking sons and in the fathers towards their daughters. Having analysed the profiles of coping styles, it can be noticed that the task-oriented coping is most frequently adapted by the fathers. The mothers most often use the avoidance-oriented coping. No relevant correlation was observed between the fathers' coping style and their reactions to the child's disfluent speech. As far as the mothers are concerned, it has been proved that an increase in behavioural reactions correlates with the avoidance-oriented coping. CONCLUSION: The cognitive reactions of the parents' towards their child's stuttering were most frequent, while the emotional ones were the least frequent. Confronted with a stressful situation, the fathers most often adapt the task-oriented coping, whereas the mothers use the avoidance-oriented coping. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: the reader will be able to (1) learn what the key reactions of parents to their children's stuttering are, (2) describe stuttering as a stress factor for the parents, (3) describe the factors which influence parents' reactions to their child's stuttering and their coping style.

State of Health and Quality of Life of Women at Advanced Age.

BACKGROUND Evaluation of the state of health, quality of life, and relationship between the level of the quality of life and health status in a group of women at advanced age (90 and more years) in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 2014 in an all-Polish sample of 870 women aged 90 and over. The research instruments were: the author's questionnaire, and standardized tests: Katz index of independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) - BREF. The results of the study were statistically analyzed using significant t test for mean and regression analysis. RESULTS The majority of women at advanced age suffered from chronic pain (76%) and such major geriatric problems as hypoacusis (81%), visual disturbances (69%) and urinary incontinence (60%), the minority - fall and fainting (39%) as well as stool incontinence (17%), severe functional and cognitive impairment (24% and 10% respectively). Women at advanced age assessed positively for overall quality of life (mean 3.3 on 1-5 scale), social relationships (3.5) and environment (3.2), but negatively - general, physical and psychological health (2.7, 2.7 and 2.8 respectively). The presence of chronic pain and major geriatric problems: urinary and stool incontinences, falls and fainting, visual disturbances and hypoacusis significantly decreases overall quality of life, general, physical and psychological health, social relationships and environment of women at advanced age. Overall quality of life, general, physical and psychological health, social relationships and environment correlate to functional and cognitive impairments of women at advanced age. CONCLUSIONS Quality of life of women at advanced age decreased if chronic pain, major geriatric problems as well as functional and cognitive impairments occur.

Level and conditioning of knowledge about breast cancer displayed by women in perimenopausal age.

INTRODUCTION: Women aged 50-69 are the most likely to develop breast cancer. Knowledge about breast tumours as well as regular examination are two of the key factors which reduce the risk of the disease, and increase both the success of treatment and chances of survival. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper was to assess knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, screening, early diagnosis and breast cancer treatment among women in perimenopausal age. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 400 women aged 45-60, residing in the Lublin region of eastern Poland participated in the research. The primary research tool was a questionnaire with 35 questions checking knowledge about symptoms, screening and early diagnosis, as well as breast cancer treatment. Particulars were also part of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Over 50% of women obtained average results with regard to general knowledge, 40% obtained high results and 6% low results. Subjective assessment of the women's knowledge was statistically significantly (p<0.001) different from the objective assessment. The research confirmed a significant relationship between knowledge and education (p<0.01), and place of residence (p<0.001). The group examined displayed considerably limited knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, screening, as well as breast cancer early diagnosis and therapy. Over a half of the women in perimenopausal age had average general knowledge, while only 40% - high. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the women in perimenopausal age had average general knowledge, while only 40% - high. Subjective assessment of knowledge differed statistically significantly from the objective assessment. Women with higher education and living in rural areas displayed a higher level of general knowledge about breast cancer. The study did not identified any relationship between level of knowledge about breast cancer and age, financial situation or health of women in perimenopausal age.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of children hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): medical and demographic risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among parents of neonates hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) stays an underestimated problem. We determined the incidence of PTSD in parents and pointed out medical and demographic risk factors for PTSD in neonates hospitalized in the NICU. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The study involved 39 mothers and 27 fathers of 42 infants aged 1 to 16 months who were hospitalized in the NICU of a Children's University Hospital during the neonatal period. As a measure of PTSD we used the Polish version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The current level of stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The author's questionnaire contained demographic and medical information on the infants hospitalized in the NICU and their parents. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of PTSD and levels of stress did not differ in the group of mothers and fathers. There was a statistically significant difference in the severity of PTSD symptoms in general (p=0.006) and the severity of symptoms of intrusion (p=0.009) and arousal (p=0.015), which were more pronounced in mothers of children hospitalized in the NICU than in their fathers. In the multivariate models perceived stress was the only predictor that significantly affected the rate of PTSD symptoms in parents. CONCLUSIONS: Since PTSD is a very common problem in parents of children hospitalized in the NICU and estimating the risk of its occurrence on the basis of collected data is not possible, the parents of all those children should be considered at high risk.

Quality of pregnant women's diet in Poland - macro-elements.

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to assess the quality of pregnant women's diet in Poland concerning macro-elements and to analyze reasons for low or high quality diets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five hundred and twelve pregnant women in their 20(th) to 30(th) week of pregnancy took part in the research conducted by means of a 7-day observation of diet. Consumed products were analyzed by means of DIETETYK software developed by the Polish National Food and Nutrition Institute. Obtained macro values were averaged. The results were compared with the recommendations from the World Health Organization, European Union and Polish National Food and Nutrition Institute and analyzed statistically (χ(2) test). RESULTS: The pregnant women consumed an average of 1898 ±380 kcal daily. Average value of macro components supplied with the diet did not deviate from EU and NFNI nutrition recommendations: protein - 72.1 g/person daily, fats overall - 72.8 g, polyunsaturated fatty acids - 10.93 g, cholesterol - 283 mg, carbohydrates - 257 g. The study proved a significant relation between a higher quality diet of pregnant women and tertiary or secondary education (p = 0.05) as well as urban residence (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women's diet in Poland is not significantly different from diet quality of pregnant women from other countries. A lower quality diet was observed among women who smoked during pregnancy and lived in rural areas.