Evaluation of Patient Experiences Regarding Pharmacist-Administrated Vaccination and Attitude towards Future Additional Pharmacy Services in Poland.

In order to increase the number of vaccinations performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, a significant change was introduced in the legislation allowing for the vaccination to also be performed in pharmacies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among those who chose a pharmacy as a vaccination point during the pandemic COVID-19. The aim of the study was to determine the overall level of patient satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccination in pharmacies and to examine patient opinions regarding the further expansion of pharmacy services. A patient survey was conducted immediately after vaccination in the period from January to March 2022. A total of 398 questionnaires were completed. The respondents reported high satisfaction with pharmacist-administered vaccinations (94.5%). In addition, the majority of consumers felt safe during the vaccination procedure (98.5%), and 88.4% declared they would come for other vaccinations at the pharmacy. The two main reasons for choosing this vaccination place were easy access regarding location (94.2%) and proposed vaccination hours (95.2%). The participants reported high levels of satisfaction concerning the pre-vaccination interview (91.2%), information level before immunization (91.5%), injection technique (96.7%), adjusting the premises to the service (95%) and general care in pharmacy after with vaccination (87.7%). The majority of respondents supported the future expansion of pharmacist-administered services, although the support rate ranged from 52% to 83% depending on the type of service offered. The majority of patients supported the continuation of ongoing prescriptions, blood pressure and blood glucose measurement services by pharmacists. Our findings indicate that the involvement of pharmacies in vaccination programs and other public health services met high levels of patient acceptance.

A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study on the Risk of Getting Sick with COVID-19, the Course of the Disease, and the Impact of the National Vaccination Program against SARS-CoV-2 on Vaccination among Health Professionals in Poland.

Six months after starting the National Vaccination Program against COVID-19, a cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 1200 salaried and non-salaried healthcare workers (HCWs) in Poland. Its aim was to assess factors including the risk of exposure to COVID-19, experiences with COVID-19, the trust in different sources of knowledge about the pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and the government campaign on vaccination as predictors of vaccination acceptance. The strongest awareness of a high risk of work-associated infection was demonstrated by doctors (D) (72.6%) and nurses and midwives (N) (64.8%); however, almost half of the medical students (MS) and nursing and midwifery students (NS) did not identify as a risk group. Out of several dozen variables related to sociodemographic characteristics and personal experience of COVID-19, only occupation, previous COVID-19 infection, and high stress seemed to significantly influence vaccination acceptance. Interestingly, only 6.7% of respondents admitted that the government campaign impacted their decision to vaccinate. This result is not surprising considering that the vast majority of respondents (87.8%) learned about vaccinations from sources such as academic lectures (29.9%), health professionals (29.0%), or the internet (28.9%). Those who gained information about vaccination from traditional media (radio, television, and daily press), a popular platform of the government campaign, had a lower propensity to vaccinate (OR = 0.16, p < 0.001). Additionally, almost twice as many considered the information provided in the campaign to be unreliable. Our findings, from this retrospective study, do not confirm that the government campaign was effective for healthcare professionals. Therefore, in this group, other forms of vaccination incentives should be sought. However, the vaccinated respondents were significantly more likely to support compulsory vaccination against COVID-19 among health professionals.

Pre-Vaccination Stress, Post-Vaccination Adverse Reactions, and Attitudes towards Vaccination after Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine among Health Care Workers.

The vaccines against COVID-19 are the best treatment for limiting the spread of the epidemic, and from an individual point of view, for avoiding getting sick. A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted from 15 May to 15 July 2021 among healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and students at the Medical University of Lodz (nursing, midwifery and medical students) in Poland. Data were obtained from 1080 participants. The aim of the study was to evaluate vaccination coverage against COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Poland, and to analyze their attitude towards the available vaccines, stress before taking, and side effects after administrating them, and motivation towards continuing vaccination in the future (if necessary). The survey also estimated the frequency and quality of adverse post-vaccination reactions after two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer and two doses of AstraZeneca vaccines. The present study revealed that the vaccination ratio after 6 months from the start of vaccination against COVID-19 in Poland among HCWs was very high at 91.2%. However, doctors and medical students were more likely to be vaccinated than nurses and midwives, and nursing and midwifery students (94.8%, 98.3% vs. 78.9% and 86.3%, respectively). The main reasons that HCWs reported receiving a vaccination were to protect the health of themselves and their families, while the main reasons for avoiding a vaccination were fear of side effects, doubts about effectiveness, and an expedited clinical trial process of vaccines. Furthermore, more than two-thirds of those vaccinated reported side effects after receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. Most of the side effects were short-term symptoms with only slight and moderate intensification. The univariate and multivariate logistic regressions showed that the type of vaccine used had a significant impact on the occurrence of adverse post-vaccination effects and the severity and duration of vaccination symptoms. In addition, chronic disease and fear of vaccination also had some influence. Despite this, most participants (more often older than younger participants; p < 0.001) were in favor of compulsory vaccination against COVID-19 for HCWs.

Barriers Associated with the Uptake Ratio of Seasonal Flu Vaccine and Ways to Improve Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Young Health Care Workers in Poland.

Despite not being full-time health care workers, annual flu vaccination is nevertheless an important consideration for medical students. This study examined the reasons for refusing flu vaccination among medical students, a group characterized by low vaccination coverage, despite the fact that the flu vaccine is arguably the most effective way of preventing serious flu complications. A cross-sectional survey was performed of 1313 students at the Medical University of Lodz. The findings indicate that the main sites of vaccination were primary care centers, and main source of information about influenza vaccination (about 90% of cases) was the general practitioner (GP). The most common motivations for vaccination were a recommendation by the family doctor or the belief that it was an important factor for protection against influenza. Most students reported various adverse effects after vaccination, usually mild pain at the site of vaccination, malaise, or fever. The main reasons for rejecting influenza vaccination were the apparent low risk of disease, the need for annual vaccination, the need to pay for it, lack of time or opportunity, lack of vaccination promotion, negative attitudes toward the flu vaccine, or the belief that there are other methods of preventing flu. To increase long-term vaccine acceptance and increase the vaccination rate among medical students and qualified health care workers, there is a need to adapt the health system and to initiate ongoing promotion programs at university to raise consciousness, promote vaccinations, and develop clinical skills for immunization.

Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes towards the Influenza Vaccine among Future Healthcare Workers in Poland.

The flu vaccine is the best treatment for avoiding the flu and its complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of the flu vaccine and attitude towards the influenza vaccine among medical students in four majors of study (Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Public health) in all years of study. A total number of 1137 subjects took part in the study. Most of the vaccinated students assessed the flu vaccine positively (78.5%, 73.7%, 60.7%, and 65.1%, according to their respective majors) and reported that they did not get the flu during the period of vaccination (90.4%, 92.1%, 87.4%, and 97.7%, respectively). Therefore, 65% of the students of Pharmacy, 78% of Midwifery, and 83% of Nursing who were vaccinated once in the last three years recommended the influenza vaccination, and 100% of all students received a regular vaccination every year. The univariate and multivariate logistic regressions showed that a maximum of four factors had a significant impact on the students' knowledge of the influenza vaccine. Knowledge about the flu vaccine was the highest among Pharmacy students and lowest among Public health students. Final-year students answered the questions better than the younger ones (p < 0.05). Their place of residence and flu vaccination status also appeared to influence their answers. Although all students demonstrated good knowledge of the flu vaccine and demonstrated positive attitudes towards the vaccine, their rate of immunization was low. Therefore, health promotion programs are needed to improve immunization coverage among medical students who are future healthcare workers.

A Comparison of the Attitudes to Influenza Vaccination Held by Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Public Health Students and Their Knowledge of Viral Infections.

Influenza is a viral vaccine-preventable disease. The present study aims to explore the attitude to influenza immunization and the knowledge of influenza among students in Poland. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 among students of Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Public health in all years of study. Data was obtained from 1137 students (90.7% female, 9.3% male), mean age 21.3 ± 1.62 years. The urban students were more likely to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza than rural students (OR: 1.52; 95% CI [1.10-2.10], p = 0.010362). The students of Public health were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza (48.9%, regularly annually 1.1%) than Pharmacy (31%, regularly annually 2.5%), Nursing (30.7%, regularly annually 1.3%) or Midwifery (25.1%, regularly annually 2.4%). First-year and second-year students were vaccinated more often (OR: 2.75; 95% CI [1.99-3.82], p = 0.00000; OR: 1.84; 95% CI [1.32-2.59], p = 0.0004, respectively) than later-year students. All students reported the main reasons for vaccination to be their own protection and parental decision. Concluded, present findings demonstrate a low prevalence of flu vaccination among medical students. Therefore, strategies are needed to increase the uptake of influenza vaccine in students, especially considering the future contact between this group of future health care workers and higher risk groups.

Prevalence of Dietary Behavior and Determinants of Quality of Diet among Beneficiaries of Government Welfare Assistance in Poland.

Diet, as a modifiable factor for good health maintenance, reduces the risk of numerous non-communicable chronic diseases and prevents premature death. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of a dietary behavior and to find out what the determinants of diet quality among the low socio-economic status population are. The studied sample consisted of 1710 respondents. Only 3% of the beneficiaries had healthy dietary habits. Unhealthy dietary habits dominated in all the study group regardless of the subjects' level of education (p < 0.001). Higher odds of unhealthy dietary habits were reported among the respondents with primary, vocational, and secondary education than among the respondents with high education (for the primary education OR = 11.10; 95% CI: 5.86⁻21.01; p ≤ 0.001; for vocational education OR = 10.54; 95% CI: 5.79⁻19.18; p ≤ 0.001 and for secondary education OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 3.48⁻9.79; p ≤ 0.001). The unhealthy dietary behavior prevalence among beneficiaries of government welfare assistance in Poland is much higher than in the general population. Since only educational level is a determinant which is significantly correlated with the unhealthy dietary behavior, promotion of a healthy diet among disadvantaged individuals should be focused on this factor.

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Inactivity during Leisure-Time and Commuting among Beneficiaries of Government Welfare Assistance in Poland.

Physical activity (PA) has well-documented health benefits helping to prevent development of non-communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity during leisure-time (LTPA) and commuting (CPA) among adult social assistance beneficiaries in Piotrkowski district. The studied sample consisted of 1817 respondents. Over 73% of the study population did not meet the recommended levels of LTPA. Fifty two % of the respondents had none leisure-time physical activity and 21.5% exercised occasionally. Main reasons for not taking up LTPA included: high general physical activity (36.4%), lack of time (28.1%), no willingness to exercise (25.4%). Close to 82% of the surveyed population did not practice commuting physical activity (CPA). The men had higher risk for inactivity during LTPA compared to the women (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.11-1.65; p ≤ 0.05). Higher odds of CPA inactivity were associated with unemployment, moderate and heavy drinking and having a number of health problems. The prevalence of physical inactivity among the social assistance recipients is much higher than it is in the general population. Promotion of an active lifestyle should take into consideration substantial differences between the general population and disadvantaged individuals and their various needs.

[The characteristic of a smoker at the elderly age].

Introduction: Smoking is the most important modifiable risk factor for diseases which are not infectious (hypertension, ischemic heart disease, COPD, cancer) in both young and elderly people. In Poland 33.5% of men (5.2 million) and 21% of women (3.5 million), including 27% (8.7 million) of adult Poles still smoke every day. A tobacco smoker at his middle age loses on average almost 22 years of life, people at the age of 70 or more years on average 8 years. Therefore, the promotion of healthy behaviour in Poland, including giving up smoking, was included in the health programmes within the European Union and the National Health Programme for the years 2016-2020. The aim of the study was to present the characteristics of smoking among elderly people. Materials and Methods: 104 women (55.3%) and 84 men (44.7%) took part in the study. The analysis of demographic data, the history of smoking, and health tests were conducted among the participants of the study. Results: The project involved 188 people. The average age of respondents was 69.3 years ± 5.3. People with secondary education 62.2% dominated in the study. Statistically significantly more women smoked a pack of cigarettes a day than men (p=0.036). Almost 10% of men smoked 2 packs of cigarettes significantly more often than women (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences among men and women, smoking over 40 cigarettes daily (p<0.05). Women at average smoked for 42 years ± 10.3, and men for 52.5 years ± 7.1 (p=0.001). Regardless of the sex of the respondents maximum period of smoking was the same ­ 63 years. The men began smoking in elementary school (13%) significantly more often than women in the same age group (2%) (p=0.001). A significant majority of men (86.9%) than women (51%) started smoking before the age of 20 (p=0.001). A group of 10,6% of women started smoking cigarettes between the age of 51-60, which was not observed in men (p<0.05). Men twice more suffered from emphysema and heart attack than women (p=0.001). Both smoking women and men suffered equally from hypertension, COPD and coronary heart disease (p>0.05). Conclusions: Elderly current smokers started smoking in elementary school, and smoke an average of a pack of cigarettes daily for their whole adult life. The result of a long period of smoking is tobacco-related disease, and strong addiction to nicotine. This state can only be changed by the long-term anti-smoking programmes promoting cessation of tobacco use at all ages.

[Self-medication in smoking cessation among smokers]. / Samoleczenie palaczy papierosów w zaprzestaniu palenia tytoniu.

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization defines self-medication by using OTC (over-the-counter) to treatment diseases or symptoms recognized by yourself without pay a visit to the doctor's office. Increasing availability of OTC medicines cause that Poles are more and more willing to take self-medication, even when they want to smoking cessation. The aim of the study was to investigate what nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation without prescription were chosen by smokers, who wanted without help to smoking cessation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 323 people (68.1% were men and 31.9% women). The average age of respondents was 49 +/-11 years. The average pack-years in the study group was 17. The research tool was the author's questionnaire, which was distributed among patients for self- fulfillment. Subjects were divided into three groups: group I up to 10 pack-years (average 7.5 pack-year), group II between-11-20 pack-years (average 15.5 pack-year), group III--between 21-35 pack-year (average 28.5 pack-year). RESULTS: All subjects, at least once in their lives, bought OTC for self-medication nicotine addiction. Among the respondents in I and II group the most often chose the nicotine replacement therapy in the form of chewing gum, and in III group Cytisine tablets and pills nicotine (p<0.001). One-time purchase of OTC in group I decided 54%, in group II 47.5% and in III group 46.6% of respondents. The number of preparations used in each group was 3.1 in group I; 3.6 in group II, and 3.3 among subjects in the group III (p<0.001). 94% of respondents dissatisfied with the results of treatment ended after 1 month to self-medication. A strong self-motivation to smoking cessation was declared by 78.3% of respondents. On the other hand, Schneider test was positive in only 5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers want to own attempt to smoking cessation by using nicotine preparations without a prescription, should be aware that self-assessment of readiness to smoking cessation is not a real preparation to quit smoking addiction. All the more should consult a doctor if subsequent attempts fail.

Social aspects of tobacco addiction and the quality of life of people smoking and non-smoking tobacco.

INTRODUCTION: Harmfulness of smoking on the human body leads to the development of tobacco-related diseases, which contributes to a reduction in years of life. Active smoker cigarettes more often suffers from ill-health, emotional state, physical function, social activity, than a non-smoker. These differences are even more pronounced among the elderly. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life in middle-aged and elderly among chronic smokers and non-smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 400 people who were divided into two groups: those in middle age (100-hundred active smokers and 100 never smokers people) and the elderly (100-hundred active smokers and 100 never smokers people). The average age of respondents - 43.5 years for people in middle age and 65.3 years at the old age. Number of cigarettes smoked per day 15 pieces in middle-aged and 7 cigarettes by older people. RESULTS: When comparing the health of middle-aged to older people, to 42.5% of younger people are happy with the current state of health, this percentage decreases to 10% in the elderly. The results showed that none among the elderly smokers not rated health status as good, among nonsmokers was 20% of the respondents. There was statistically significant differences: between active smokers and nonsmokers in middle age (p<0,004), and in old age (p<0.0001). Middle age, hypertension was diagnosed in 32% of current smokers and only in three non-smokers (p<0.001). Hypertension among older people occurred twice as often among smokers than nonsmokers, like coronary heart disease, and 31% of smokers in the elderly suffered from COPD, compared to 2% of non-smokers (p<0.001). Middle age 39% of smokers, feels great due to the limitation of physical health, the elderly, 58% is several times more likely than their peers in groups of non-smokers (p<0.001). The pain is more common in smokers than non- smokers in both age groups, this is the pain of a strong and medium intensity. Nonsmokers, independent of age often engaged in family and social life than smokers in the same age groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smokers have chronic diseases earlier, more often and more numerous than in the group of non-smoking peers. Worse physical and psychological health of smokers reduces social activity and decrease in quality of life.

Comparison assessment methods of smoking consequences use in primary care.

Cigarette smoking is an independent factor influences on development of smoke related diseases (for example COPD, emphysema). The aim of the study was to check correlation between the changes in respiratory tract and use additional tests such as: a spirometric test, a chest radiogram and measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide among subjects. In the study took part 398 people: 182 active smokers, 145 ex-smokers and 71 never smokers. Average age of participants was 49.3 +/- 14.7 years, and number of years smoked cigarettes was 28 among men and 22 among women (p < 0.001). COPD has been diagnosed at 110 women (36-32.7% active smokers, 44-40% never smokers and 30-27.3% former smokers) and at 108 men (53-40.8% active smokers, 52-23.9% never smokers and 77-35.3% former smokers). Emphysema has been diagnosed at 22 women (11-50% active smokers, 3-13.6% never smokers, 8-36.4% former smokers) and at 54 men (23-42.6% active smokers, 1-1.9% never smokers, 30-55.6% former smokers). The measurement of carbon monoxide in exhaled air was noted at 122 active smokers, 2 never smokers and 31 former smokers. In comparison to the chest radiogram, the spirometric test (COPD and emphysema) with the level of CO exhaled by subjects showed strong dependence for emphysema ( = 8.655; p < 0.004; C = 0.207) and for COPD ( = 10.522; p < 0.002; C = 0.228). The same statistically significant correlation showed results among active smokers for emphysema (= 6.919; p = 0.008528; C = 0.272) and for COPD ( = 43.512; p < 0.001; C = 0.633). The research showed that there are strong dependence between gender and tobacco smoking, and also correlation between respiratory tests used in this paper and changes which appeared as results of tobacco smoking.

[Tobacco smoking is addictive--do not start smoking]. / Palenie tytoniu uzaleznia--nie zaczynaj palic.

Tobacco smoking is addictive- do not start smoking, do not start smoking, each person buying a package of cigarettes can read this inscription. But does he really read it? Every year all over the world one million people try to stop smoking, but only for a few percent this attempt is successful. Giving up the habit of smoking is hard because it leads to biological and psychogenic addiction. The aim of this paper was to check which factors most motivated smokers to stop smoking? 50 active smokers, among them 5 former smokers, who have smoked at least 15 cigarettes a day for 15 years were classified to the preliminary study. Among them there were 23 women, which is 46% of the subjects and 27 men, which is 54% of the subjects. The average number of smoked cigarettes among present smokers was 18.4 pieces, and the former smokers smoked the average of 19 pieces daily. Present smokers smoke 8 years longer, i.e. 26.3 years than former smokers. Inscription placed on cigarette packages concerning the loss of health definitely influence smokers to make another attempt to stop smoking. This important concerns the appearance of lung cancer, the differences were statistically significant between former and present smokers (p < 0.03), women are afraid of lung cancer twice more often than men (p<0.02), also women more often were afraid of cardiovascular system diseases (chi2 = 2.013, p < 0.03) and painful death (chi2 = 7.729, p < 0.006). Over 80% of smokers declared that the raise of the price of cigarette package has a significant influence on further attempt to stop smoking. Among the subjects 20% declared that ad spots on TV positively influence giving up smoking. Other factors such as: chewing gum (only 11.1% willing to try again), tablets (only 8.9%), appearing cough (2.2%), unpleasant tobacco smell (2.2%), the loss of taste (0.0%), the improvement of life comfort (4.4%) at minimum extent motivated smokers to stop smoking. Unsuccessful attempt of giving up smoking should not discourage any smoker no his doctor to further fight for his health. In another attempt the arguments that most motivate the smoker to stop smoking are worth using again.

Consequences of passive smoking in home environment.

Passive smoking means cigarette smoke inhaling by people other than smokers. Passive smoker inhales tobacco smoke coming not only from side-stream, but also smoke exhaled by the smoker. Long-term tobacco smoke inhaling increases the risk of appearance of smoke related diseases (for example COPD, heart diseases), including the most dangerous types of cancer, which only few smokers realize. The aim of this study was to check whether tobacco smoke inhaling in home environment from childhood to adulthood has an influence on respiratory system of adults. The study included adults. In the study two types of participants division were used. Among 1481 persons two groups were separated. Group 1 contains people, who have never lived in home environment with active smokers, altogether 465 persons. Group 2 contains people who from birth have been exposed to cigarette smoke inhaling (altogether 1016 persons). With help of the author's questionnaire the information concerning demographic features and smoking habit were gathered. The patients underwent doctor's examination. They had a spirometric test and a chest radiogram. Statistically significant differences appear among persons with higher education who belong to two different groups. The number of children who have lived in smoke free rooms during childhood and adolescence and finished studies is bigger than the number of active smokers' children (p<0.001). Over 90% of never smokers have inhaled cigarette smoke since childhood in home environment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been diagnosed at 47.5% of active smokers, 48.3% of ex-smokers and up to 44.7% of passive smokers. Cigarette smoking and smoke inhaling for more than twenty years has a significant influence on the appearance of COPD. No statistically significant differences were noted among the three groups of participants. (p>0.05). Cigarette smoke inhaling at childhood and adolescence should be taken seriously because it causes development of chronic diseases like COPD. GOLD 2006 standards convince that at every stage of COPD development the effects of this disease may be partly reversed if one stops smoking cigarettes. That is why a child should not be exposed to cigarette smoke at any stage of its life. Permanent inhalation of tobacco smoke since early childhood in home environment influences equal occurrence of COPD at passive, ex- and active smokers. Reduction of tobacco consumption, better care concerning passive smokers, increasing consciousness of parents smoking in home environment may protect their children from serious health consequences in the future.

The influence of two generations of smokers on cigarette smoking among young people.

In the 21st century, 4.2 million out of 1.3 milliard cigarette smokers die every year. In the West Europe in the year 2002, 105.9 million people smoked cigarettes. In Europe the number of young smokers grows by 500 thousand every year. It is stated that 9 million active smokers live in Poland. Although generally the consumption of tobacco decreases, still the scale of the problem is large. In 1996 Polish government passed the health protection act concerning the consequences of smoking. Comprehensive actions bring measurable effects, because 77% of the Poles (among them 27% of smokers) want the prohibition of smoking in public places. The aim of the study was to show the influence of two generations of smokers on cigarette smoking among young people. 244 active smokers, who have smoked cigarettes consecutively, were recruited to the study. People recruited to the study were divided into two age groups. The first group consisted of people at the age from 18 to 25, the other of people at the age of 65 and older. The differences were statistically significant for young people between the age of 18 and 25 and for people > or =65 who had elementary (p<0.0002) and incomplete high education (p<0.000). In the young group twice more people (26.7%) started smoking in the primary school than in the senior group (p<0.009). Before matriculation exam there are 41.7% of regular smokers. It is twice more than the seniors when they were their age (p<0.008). In the other group girls up to 18 years of age smoked three times less often than boys. Their peers 40 years later (in the first group 41.7% of young people) are regular smokers twice more often. In the group of young smokers most of the participants smoked up to 5 cigarettes a day or half a package a day, when in the group of the participants aged 65 and older only 6.5% of them smoke up to 5 cigarettes a day (p<0.00002). Seniors prefer to smoke a package of cigarettes a day, some of them even up to 30 cigarettes per 24 hours (20.6%) which makes a significant statistical difference in comparison to the younger group (p<0.047). Older people smoke two packages daily four times more often than younger people. Only permanent anti-nicotine education of all social groups, cooperation with anti-nicotine clinics, non-government organizations, participation in campaigns fighting with nicotine dependence, may influence the further reduction of the number of smokers in Poland. Reminding parents about not smoking in the presence of children and sensitivity of the society to smoking adolescents may change the state of health of the Poles.

The occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in cigarette smoking families.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), one of the most common respiratory problems of adults, is caused in 90% by cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of COPD among cigarette smokers and among the passive smokers living with them. The research group consisted of 190 families in which at least one person was a smoker. A total of 500 adults were included, among them 290 were active smokers and 210 were passive smokers. The questionnaire including demographic and smoking habit data was used in the research. Additional tests, like spirometry, allowed diagnosing COPD and chest X-ray allowed diagnosing emphysema. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed in case of 46.4% of active smokers and 28.0% of passive smokers. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, expectoration and dyspnoea, occurred more frequently among active than passive smokers (p < 0.001). Changes in respiratory system in chest X-ray and obturation in spirometry were noticed at 114 of passive smokers as a result of long lasting smoke inhaling. Members of the families in which there is more than one active smoker more often suffer from COPD, smoke ten cigarettes per 24 hours more and smoke ten years longer than members of the families in which there is only one active smoker. Active smokers are more frequently affected by COPD than ex-smokers and passive smokers. Members of families in which there are two active smokers more often suffer from COPD than those who have only one active smoker in the family. Spirometry should be a stable element of early COPD diagnosis at the family members of an active smoker.

[The comparative analysis: the occurrence of acute respiratory system infections and chronic diseases among active smokers and non-smokers]. / Analiza porównawcza: wystepowanie ostrych infekcji ukladu oddechowego i chorób przewleklych wsród aktywnych palaczy papierosów oraz osób niepalacych tyton.

Cigarette smoking is one of the factors causing a lot of health problems. Breathing the smoke makes the development of arteriosclerosis and ischemic heart disease faster and the risk of myocardial infarction much higher. Toxic substances contained in the smoke induce inflammatory processes in bronchial tree, which finally leads to the destruction of lungs. One of the way of preventing complications in the circulatory system and stopping the inflammatory process in lungs is to give up the habit of smoking. Within the period of three years the group of more than 1000 people (smokers and non-smokers) was examined and the analysis of occurrence of acute respiratory system infections and chronic diseases was conducted. In the studies the questionnaire prepared by the author of the paper, some specialistic studies and medical reports were used. The achieved results show that more and more women smoke as many cigarettes as men and for as many years as they do. Both men and women who graduated either a grammar school or a university smoke more often than with elementary level of education. People who smoke suffer more often from numerous acute respiratory tract infections and must more often pay a visit to general practitioner. Considering the sex there are no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of chronic pulmonary diseases and the cardiovascular system. The achieved results show the changes of the attitude to smoking in Polish society. The increase of the consumption of cigarettes among women with high education is very worrying. It is a serious challenge for the whole medical staff.

[Addiction to nicotine--everlasting problem of Poles--the challenge for family doctors]. / Uzaleznienie od nikotyny-staly problem polaków--nowe wyzwania dla lekarza rodzinnego.

The addiction to nicotine has psychical and physical basis. It is estimated that about 3 million people in the world die every year because of illnesses caused by cigarette smoking. It is said that 9 million of the adult population of Poles is addicted to cigarettes. The aim of this paper was to present the characteristics of chronic smokers in different age groups. 905 subjects were examined in the study. They were divided into three age groups; those who were twenty, forty, and sixty years old. Some additional examinations (including spirometrical one) as well as an interview concerned cigarette smoking and doctor's examination were conducted. The most numerous group among 905 subjects examined in the study was the group of chronic smokers aged from 40 to 59. In all age groups the subjects usually smoke 20 cigarettes a day. The average length of smoking was 32 years. Most people with university degree were in group I. In the group of twenty-year old subjects the majority started smoking in a primary school. More than 3/4 of the examined subjects breathe cigarette smoke both at home and/or at work. We still smoke too many cigarettes a day and for too long at least 30 years. It is because, we are accustomed to smoking and we allow others to smoke both at home and at work. What we can do is to educate starting from the very early age, telling people how harmful it is to breathe smoke and encouraging them to take part in special health programs created by primary care doctors.