Assessing seniors' satisfaction with local government activities in physical activity promotion: a comparative analysis.

Background: The aging population in Poland poses significant challenges to social and health systems. By 2050, the percentage of people over 65 in Poland is projected to reach 32.7%. Promoting physical activity among seniors is crucial for preventing chronic diseases, improving quality of life, and reducing healthcare burdens. Local governments play a pivotal role in implementing health-promoting measures. Objective: The study aims to analyze seniors' satisfaction with local government activities in promoting physical activity and to identify the best activities and future needs of seniors in the Silesia, Mazovia, and Pomerania regions of Poland. Material and Methods: The survey, conducted between May 2023 and May 2024, utilized the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) method to gather data from 1,500 seniors aged 65 and above across the Silesia, Mazovia, and Pomerania regions. The study population was carefully selected to ensure representativeness in terms of gender, age, education, and place of residence. Data analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess satisfaction levels and identify influencing factors. Results: The survey revealed regional differences in satisfaction levels. Seniors in the Mazovia region exhibited the highest satisfaction (74% positive ratings), followed by the Silesian (64%) and Pomeranian (56%) regions. Factors influencing satisfaction included gender, age, education, and place of residence. Women, older seniors, those with higher education, and urban residents reported higher satisfaction levels. The most appreciated local government activities were related to sports infrastructure and sports programs. Future needs emphasized the demand for more sports programs and better infrastructure, with regional variations in preferences. Conclusion: Seniors' satisfaction with local government activities in promoting physical activity varies significantly across regions. Tailoring activities to regional preferences and continuous evaluation of programs are essential for enhancing effectiveness and satisfaction. Increased funding and support for physical activity programs are necessary, especially in less developed regions.

Food Neophobia in Children Aged 1-6 Years-Between Disorder and Autonomy: Assessment of Food Preferences and Eating Patterns.

Food neophobia, defined as fear or aversion to eating new or unfamiliar foods, is a significant challenge, especially in the context of preschool children. In the scientific literature, this phenomenon is often described as a natural developmental stage, but its severity and impact on preferences and eating patterns still raise many questions. The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence of food neophobia in children aged 1 to 6 years and to analyze its relationship with eating habits, preferences, and eating patterns. The study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire and validated research tools such as the Child Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) and Food Neophobia Scale (FNS). The study included 345 children, of whom 59.1% were observed to be at significant risk for food neophobia. The results of the study suggest that food neophobia is not a common phenomenon in children aged 1-2 years but becomes more pronounced later in childhood. Another important finding was that food neophobia shows a stronger association with established eating patterns than with individual taste preferences. Considering these results, this phenomenon should be considered not only as a natural part of child development, but also as a potential indicator of eating disorders that may require intervention. These findings underscore the need for further research that could deepen the understanding of the mechanisms governing food neophobia and its long-term consequences for child health.

Analysis of Indirect Costs of Absence Associated with Mental Disorders on the Basis of Social Security Data (2012-2023).

BACKGROUND: Mental and behavioral disorders significantly impair psychophysical functioning, leading to challenges in daily activities. The increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in global development goals has resulted in its inclusion in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The burden of mental disorders has grown worldwide due to demographic changes, with substantial economic and social impacts. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the indirect costs of mental disorders in Poland by analyzing the expenditures by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) on work incapacity benefits and disability pensions from 2012 to 2023. The goal was to identify trends, dependencies, and the economic impact of policy changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from ZUS reports on annual expenditures for work incapacity benefits and disability pensions. Advanced statistical methods, including linear regression and Pearson correlation, were employed to analyze trends and relationships. Student's t-tests assessed the statistical significance of the observed trends. RESULTS: The expenditures on benefits for work incapacity due to mental disorders increased significantly over the past decade, particularly from 2020 to 2023, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Short-term absenteeism due to mental disorders accounted for 10.5% of the total sick leave days. A strong positive correlation was found between years and benefit expenditures. Conversely, the disability pension expenditures exhibited a downward trend, potentially reflecting improvements in public health or policy changes. CONCLUSIONS: The significant increase in expenditures on benefits related to mental disorders may reflect greater awareness, improved diagnostics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the decline in disability pension expenditures could suggest improved mental health or effective policy measures. However, it is important to emphasize that the presented data are not the only factor influencing this situation. Multiple variables, including societal, economic, and healthcare system changes, contribute to these trends. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying causes and to guide effective policy development. Regular monitoring and continued investment in mental health are essential to managing indirect costs such as absenteeism and presenteeism efficiently.

Negative Aspects of Dietary Habits in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diet therapy is a key component of a holistic approach to the physiological and psychological health of children with autism spectrum disorders. A personalized diet, tailored to clinical symptoms, yields positive therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to assess the intake of specific food groups and the dietary methods used among children and adolescents with autism. METHODS: This study included 141 patients from neuropediatric centers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Inclusion criteria were parental consent for the study, age of the child, and autism diagnosis. The research tool was a custom questionnaire covering patients' demographic data, type of disorder, and a qualitative analysis of the dietary habits of selected products. RESULTS: The predominant dietary models were the basic diet (n = 26; 72.22%) and the elimination diet (n = 9; 25%), with a higher application rate among children with autism spectrum disorders. Aversion to specific foods/products was more prevalent in children with autism (n = 79; 75.24%) compared to those with other neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 10; 27.78%). Snacking between meals was significantly more common among the overall neuropediatric patient group (n = 140; 99.29%), with fruit purees (n = 33; 23.57%) and fruits (n = 28; 20%) being the most frequently consumed snacks. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative analysis of dietary habits revealed selective food aversions and eating disorders due to a narrow range of frequently consumed products within dietary groups.

Nutrition in Educational Institutions-The Perspective of School Principals and Parents on the Tasks of Local Governments (Poland).

BACKGROUND: The financing of nutrition in educational institutions is one of the cornerstones of the activities of local governments in Poland. Proper management of this area is crucial to ensuring that children and young people have access to wholesome meals, which directly affects their health, physical development, as well as educational effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine how school principals and parents perceive the role of local governments in managing school nutrition in Poland, given the growing importance of nutrition programs for children's health. METHODS: A survey was conducted with 200 school principals and 1000 parents, assessing satisfaction with the implementation, quality, and organization of nutrition programs overseen by local authorities. RESULTS: The results revealed significant differences between the two groups. While 75% of principals expressed satisfaction with the quality of meals provided in schools, only 55% of parents shared this view. Similarly, 80% of principals rated the organization of cooperation with food suppliers positively, compared to only 50% of parents. Regarding allergen information, 65% of principals felt adequately informed, while only 30% of parents agreed. These differences were statistically significant in several key areas, including adherence to nutrition standards (p = 0.009), frequency of health inspections (p = 0.009), and availability of allergen information (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight a need for improved communication and collaboration between schools, parents, and local governments to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs. It is recommended that regular informational meetings be held and that the flow of information be improved to increase parental satisfaction and the overall effectiveness of school nutrition initiatives.

Food Neophobia and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake among Adults and Related Factors.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) includes age-inappropriate feeding behaviors in eating patterns, including food neophobia, defined as refusal or reluctance to eat new or unknown foods. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ARFID and food neophobia among adults and determine the related characteristics of these risks. The study used an anonymous survey questionnaire consisting of three parts as the research tool. The first part of the questionnaire was a metric and concerned socio-demographic data. The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and the Nine-Item Avoidance/Restrictive Food Disorder Screen Questionnaire (NIAS) were used to evaluate the eating disorders. The survey included 309 people (60.2% women, 39.8% men) aged 18-77 years. NIAS results indicated that 15.2% of the subjects showed food selectivity, and 11.0% had food anxiety. In the FNS assessment, 42.4% had a low risk of food neophobia, 38.2% a medium risk, and 19.4% a high risk. A higher risk of food neophobia correlated with higher NIAS scores, indicating a higher risk of ARFID (p = 0.00231). The NIAS score increased with the risk of food neophobia (p = 0.000). Respondents at low risk of neophobia were most likely to avoid several products (83.97%), while in the high-risk group, 56.67% did not want to eat a favorite food enriched with a new ingredient. A higher risk of neophobia was correlated with more food avoidance and adverse reactions to new foods (p = 0.000). A higher risk of food neophobia is strongly correlated with a higher risk of ARFID. Although demographics did not significantly impact NIAS results, some trends were noted, such as higher scores among older and underweight people. Those with a higher risk of food neophobia show more food avoidance and a greater reluctance to experiment with new ingredients. Public education should emphasize that eating disorders affect both sexes equally, with tailored interventions for high-risk groups such as the elderly, rural populations, and those with lower education. Health policies should promote access to nutrition education, psychological support, and diverse food options, while further research is needed to improve targeted interventions.

Assessment of Nutritional Practices of Mountain Runners before and during Competitions.

Mountain running, distinct from traditional road running, involves natural trails with significant elevation changes. This study aims to analyze dietary and supplementation practices among advanced and elite Polish mountain runners. Conducted from May to October 2023, this study included 36 participants (13 women, 23 men) aged 21-43 years. A custom questionnaire assessed nutrition two days before and during a competition, focusing on macronutrient intake, hydration, and supplementation. Statistical analyses were performed to compare advanced and elite athletes. Participants consumed an average of 3164.14 kcal two days before and 3176.97 kcal the day before the competition. Carbohydrate intake averaged 7.69 g/kg two days before and 7.64 g/kg the day before the race, potentially insufficient for optimal glycogen stores. Protein intake was adequate, averaging 1.63 g/kg two days before and 1.73 g/kg the day before the race. Fluid intake averaged 2811.25 mL two days before and 2891.80 mL the day before the race. During races, carbohydrate intake averaged 58.56 g/h, with variations based on race duration. Most participants used isotonic drinks and water for hydration. Mountain runners generally adhere to proper nutrition guidelines, with adequate protein and fluid intake. However, their carbohydrate intake may be insufficient for longer races. Higher carbohydrate intake during exercise could provide additional benefits.

The Psychosocial Aspects of Vegetarian Diets: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Motivations, Risks, and Limitations in Daily Life.

INTRODUCTION: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is linked to various motivations, such as health, ethics, ecology, and social and religious influence. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans. The practise of these diets is linked to moral and health reasons and environmental concerns. Vegetarianism may also be associated with eating disorders such as orthorexia (ON). AIM: The main aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial aspects of vegetarian diets. Understanding these aspects is crucial for identifying potential risks and developing effective interventions. This study investigated the reasons for following vegetarian diets, the duration of dietary adherence, the occurrence of feelings of restriction in selected situations, and the risk of orthorexia and other eating disorders. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 186 individuals (82 vegetarians and 104 traditional dieters) between October 2023 and April 2024. The survey was administered via a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) using Google Forms, distributed through social media, forums, and private messages. The inclusion criteria for the study group included consent, an age over 18, and a vegetarian diet, excluding those with eating disorders or diseases requiring strict diet therapy. The control group criteria were similar, excluding vegetarians and those requiring special diets. Four unreliable questionnaires were excluded from the analysis. The survey consisted of four sections: metric data, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, the EAT-26 questionnaire, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire. RESULTS: The main motivations for following vegetarian diets were ethical and environmental (86.9%) and health (32.1%) reasons. Over half of the vegetarians had been following a plant-based diet for over five years. Vegetarians were more likely to feel restricted in restaurants and when grocery shopping. The ORTO-15 results indicate a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians (48.8% vs. 29.4% in the control group; p = 0.00673). The EAT-26 questionnaire showed a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians (23.8% vs. 14.7%; p = 0.11391). The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences between groups (Subscale 1: food restriction, p = 0.77279; Subscale 2: lack of control in overeating, p = 0.91935; Subscale 3: eating under the influence of emotions, p = 0.16612). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that ethical and environmental considerations and a belief in health benefits mainly drive vegetarians. An analysis of BMI revealed no significant differences between groups. The ORTO-15 results suggest a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians. The EAT-26 indicated a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians and vegans. The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences in restrictive eating, lack of control in overeating, and emotional eating. Vegetarians were likelier to encounter dietary difficulties in restaurants and shopping but less likely to feel socially excluded.

Orthorectic behavior among students and motivation for physical activity, dietary habits, and restrictive eating.

Introduction: Orthorexia lacks official recognition as an eating disorder; however, orthorexic behaviors, associated with a stringent selection of food, may serve as a predisposing factor to the development of eating disorders. It is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and strict dietary standards, often prevalent in high-risk groups such as athletes and individuals concerned with their physical appearance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of orthorexia among students exhibiting varying lifestyles (including dietary habits and levels of physical activity, along with their respective motivational factors). The research involved 600 participants equally distributed between health-related (HRF) and non-health-related (NRF) academic categories, with the majority of participants in the HRF category being women. Methods: Assessments included BMI calculations, dietary evaluation based on Polish standards, categorization of physical activity levels, the EMI-2 questionnaire on motivation to exercise, the DOS test for orthorexia propensity, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire for eating behavior. Results and discussion: Results showed that primary motivators for physical activity included disease prevention, health maintenance, strength/endurance, and physical appearance. Orthorexia tendencies were prevalent, particularly in the HRF group, linked to lower BMI, better diet quality, higher physical activity levels, and a higher prevalence of restrictive eating. In conclusion, students in health-related fields, driven by a strong health consciousness, are at risk of orthorexia. This emphasizes the need for balanced health education and support. Conclusion: Orthorexic tendencies are associated with distorted perceptions of food portions and calories, underscoring the importance of awareness and intervention.

Burnout and Life Satisfaction among Healthcare Workers Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Silesia, Poland).

Background: The phenomenon of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is a widespread problem with several negative consequences for the healthcare system. The many stressors of the pandemic have led to an increased development of anxiety and depressive disorders in many healthcare workers. In addition, some manifested symptoms of the so-called postpandemic stress syndrome and the emergence of occupational burnout syndrome, commonly referred to as "COVID-19 burnout." The aim of this study was to assess the burnout and life satisfaction of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 2020-2022 among medical staff working in hospitals in Silesia, Poland. The instruments used to assess life satisfaction and burnout were the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which assesses three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DEP), and sense of reduced professional accomplishment (SRPA). Results: The study group included 900 participants. There were 300 physicians (mean age 38 ± 7 years), 300 nurses (mean age 35 ± 6 years), and 300 paramedics (mean age 31 ± 5 years). Life satisfaction as measured by the SWLS was lowest among nurses and paramedics in 2021 and among doctors in 2022. Male respondents and those with fewer years of work had higher levels of life satisfaction. People with more years of work had higher scores in EE and DEP and lower scores in SRPA (p = 0.001). We found a negative correlation between life satisfaction and EE (p = 0.001), DEP (p = 0.001), and SRPA (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The results highlight the need for further research into the causes of burnout among medical professionals and the need for effective interventions to promote well-being and prevent burnout in this group.

Comparison of Nutrition among Female Floorball Players of Extra-Class Teams from Poland and the Czech Republic during the Preparation Period for the League Season.

The study aimed to assess the frequency of food intake and to compare the consumption of female extramural players training floorball in Poland and the Czech Republic during the preparation period for the league season. In total, 43 players training floorball in senior clubs participated in the study, including 21 from the Polish and 22 from the Czech clubs. The research tool was based on the standardised questionnaire for the Examination of Eating Behaviours and Opinions on Food and Nutrition (QEB). The study also analysed body composition using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method, and the research tool was a TANITA MC-780 S MA body composition analyser (Tanita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). The Polish women's floorball players had lower results in body fat percentage (FM) and muscle mass (MM) than the Czech team. The mean FM in the players of the Polish team was 18.6% ± 5.4, and the mean MM was 45.8 kg ± 4.2. In the Czech team players, these figures were 19.8% ± 5.4 and 47.8 kg ± 4.2. Despite the similar value of mean BMI in both teams, the highest BMI in the case of female athletes from Poland (17.7), indicating underweight, and the highest BMI in female athletes from the Czech Republic (26.9), indicating overweight, were significant. The study showed differences in both body composition analysis and dietary patterns of the Czech and Polish players. The Czech women's floorball players had a higher muscle mass and body fat percentage than Polish floorball players. Furthermore, differences in diet were observed among the players of the Czech team compared to the players of the Polish team. The Czech women's floorball players consumed a slightly higher amount of healthier products, such as whole-grain products. The Polish players took in more meat, processed products and fruit juices. This study is one of the first to assess the nutrition of those involved in floorball. There is a need for further research that focuses on the specifics of the discipline, the exercise capacity of the players and points during the season that require nutritional support. This knowledge would help develop effective nutritional strategies and plan and implement appropriate nutrition education for this group of athletes.

Global Self-Esteem, Body Composition, and Physical Activity in Polish University Students.

Global self-esteem is a psychological concept that refers to the overall assessment of oneself as a person of value. Body composition is measured by indices such as BMI, BF, and LBM, which have implications for health and self-esteem. Physical activity is associated with numerous health and self-esteem benefits. The purpose of this study focuses on assessing the relationship between global self-esteem, body composition, and physical activity among Polish students. The study was conducted on a group of 305 students between the ages of 19 and 26. The participants were divided into groups according to their level of physical activity. The SES scale by M. Rosenberg assessed the subjects' global self-esteem. The results showed a negative correlation between body weight and BMI and global self-esteem, that is, the higher the body weight, the lower the self-esteem. On the other hand, higher levels of physical activity were associated with higher global self-esteem. The study suggests that maintaining healthy physical activity and body composition can help improve global self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of physical activity for mental health and self-esteem. It is worth encouraging and promoting physical activity among students to support an individual's physical and emotional health. Ultimately, this study may have implications for health policy, education, and intervention for students to emphasize the importance of physical activity for self-esteem and overall health.

Anthropometric Profiling and Changes in Segmental Body Composition of Professional Football Players in Relation to Age over the Training Macrocycle.

Body composition is an important indicator of the overall health and fitness of team sports athletes, including in football, and therefore, anthropometric profiling of elite football players is useful as part of determining their skills, strengths, and weaknesses to develop effective strength and conditioning programs. One of the tools available to coaches to track correlates of performance and health is routine body composition assessment. The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the body composition and anthropometric profiles of players using the Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis method, and to manage body composition throughout the round in the 2020-2021 season. The investigation was carried out during the Polish football league, PKO BP Ekstraklasa, spring round of the football season 2020-2021, in which male football players participated. Athletes between the ages of 18 and 25 (n = 16) made up the younger age group, while those between the ages of 26 and 31 (n = 22) made up the older age group. This manuscript is a continuation of the presentation of the results of the study, which was conducted between 7 January and 23 July 2021. At different stages of the macrocycle, participants underwent six different body composition analyses. The younger and older groups of athletes were compared, as well as measurements of time points 1-6. The dominant extremities, assisting extremities, and trunk had larger fat-free mass contents in the older age group. In the study groups, there was a difference in the fat-free mass content between measures 1-6 that was statistically significant. In the younger group, there was a statistically significant difference in the amount of fat mass content between measurements 1-6. In the older age group, no statistically significant changes were found. The study showed changes in fat-free mass and fat mass in body segments; differences were observed between age groups and between different moments of measurement. Age is an important factor in determining body composition and is also related to an athlete's experience and seniority. Anthropometric profiling and comprehensive body composition analysis are important tools used in preparing athletes for competition.

Pre- and Postnatal Determinants Shaping the Microbiome of the Newborn in the Opinion of Pregnant Women from Silesia (Poland).

Pre- and postnatal factors influence the formation of the newborn's microbiome as early as birth and the intrauterine period has a substantial impact on the composition of the baby's gastrointestinal microbiota and its subsequent development. This study intends to measure pregnant women's knowledge of the importance of microbiota for the health of the newborn. The sample was selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessment of women's knowledge was assessed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. This study population comprised 291 adult pregnant women with a mean age of 28.4 ± 4.7 years. A total of 34% (n = 99), 35% (n = 101), and 31.3% (n = 91) were at the 1-3 trimester, respectively. The results showed that 36.4% of the women were aware that the intrauterine period changes the makeup of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whereas 5.8% exhibited awareness of the composition of the child's normal gut microbiota. Most of the women surveyed-(72.1%)-know that colonization of the tract occurs as early as the birth period. Women with student status (those who will pursue higher education in the future) and those who had given birth to the most children exhibited higher levels of knowledge.

Well-being and depressive symptoms among corporate employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Samopoczucie i objawy depresyjne wsród pracowników korporacyjnych w trakcie pandemii COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the well-being of corporate employees and whether it has changed from the beginning of the first wave of COVID-19 (March) to the development of the second wave of the disease (October). The essence of the study was to estimate the risk of depressive symptoms in the studied population. METHODS: The study involved 250 corporate IT employees. The study was conducted using the WHO-5 questionnaire and the Beck test. Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon test (p=0.05). RESULTS: In the first stage of the study, the average well-being of the respondents was assessed at 20.2 points, which means moderate well-being. It was observed that the average well-being was worse in the group of women (18.4 points) than in the group of men (22.0 points). In the last stage of the study, the respondents' feeling was 11.0 points - level of bad mood (10.0 points in women and 12.0 points in men). It was found that in the October stage the percentage of people with mild and moderate depression is higher than in the March stage. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this research, it can be concluded that COVID-19 and related restrictions had a negative impact on the mental condition of the respondents.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition, Sleep, Physical Activity, and Mood Disorders of Polish Children.

The harmful consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children are its impact on eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and mood disorders. In the future, this may result in a higher prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's eating behavior and lifestyle. The study was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire on dietary and lifestyle habits before and during the pandemic, and the reasons for changes due to the pandemic. The study involved 294 parents of children in grades 1-8 in elementary schools in two regions of Poland. The survey showed that during the pandemic, the percentage of children eating five regular meals daily, including fruits and vegetables, and engaging in daily physical activity decreased. However, the percentage of children spending more than 4 h a day in front of a screen increased (p < 0.05). The main reasons for changes in eating habits and physical activity were less eating out, lack of motivation, obstruction, and lack of access to sports facilities (p < 0.05). The pandemic had a significant impact on reduced levels of physical activity and increased time spent in front of a screen. In summary, among the reasons for changes in children's dietary and lifestyle habits, factors related to the pandemic itself, i.e., social restrictions, restrictions, closure of schools and other facilities, and fear of coronavirus infection, had the greatest impact.

Availability of Medical Services and Teleconsultation during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Opinion of Patients of Hematology Clinics-A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study (Silesia, Poland).

A new virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in December 2019, triggering the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to the rapid spread and severity of cases worldwide. In Poland, the first case of COVID-19 was reported on 4 March 2020. The aim of the prevention efforts was primarily to stop the spread of the infection to prevent overburdening the health care system. Many illnesses were treated by telemedicine, primarily using teleconsultation. Telemedicine has reduced personal contact between doctors and patients and reduced the risk of exposure to disease for patients and medical personnel. The survey aimed to gather patients' opinions on the quality and availability of specialized medical services during the pandemic. Based on the data collected regarding patients' opinions on services provided via telephone systems, a picture was created of patients' opinions on teleconsultation, and attention was drawn to emerging problems. The study included a 200-person group of patients, realizing their appointments at a multispecialty outpatient clinic in Bytom, aged over 18 years, with various levels of education. The study was conducted among patients of Specialized Hospital No. 1 in Bytom. A proprietary survey questionnaire was developed for the study, which was conducted on paper and used face-to-face interaction with patients. Results: 17.5% of women and 17.5% of men rated the availability of services during the pandemic as good. In contrast, among those aged 60 and over, 14.5% of respondents rated the availability of services during the pandemic as poor. In contrast, among those in the labor force, as many as 20% of respondents rated the accessibility of services provided during the pandemic as being well. The same answer was marked by those on a pension (15%). Overwhelmingly, women in the age group of 60 and over showed a reluctance toward teleconsultation. Conclusions: Patients' attitudes toward the use of teleconsultation services during the COVID-19 pandemic varied, primarily due to attitudes toward the new situation, the age of the patient, or the need to adapt to specific solutions not always understood by the public. Telemedicine cannot completely replace inpatient services, especially among the elderly. It is necessary to refine remote visits to convince the public of this type of service. Remote visits should be refined and adapted to the needs of patients in such a way as to remove any barriers and problems arising from this type of service. This system should also be introduced as a target, providing an alternative method of inpatient services even after the pandemic ends.

The Assessment of Body Composition and Nutritional Awareness of Football Players According to Age.

The optimal body composition for health is an individual trait and is determined by genetic factors, sex, age, somatotype, physical activity, and individual variability. The present study aims to assess how professional football players' body composition has changed over the training macrocycle in various age groups and to determine the correlation between nutritional awareness and body composition maintenance. Thirty-eight football players participated in the study, with 16 players classified in the younger age group (19-25) and 22 in the older age group (26-31). Using the direct segmented multi-frequency electrical impedance analysis technique, the athletes' body composition was assessed six times across a training macrocycle made up of preparatory, competitive, and transitional periods. The Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire was used to evaluate nutrition knowledge. The above correlations show that both younger and older athletes with higher awareness are better able to adjust their nutrition to meet the goals of the preparation period and can achieve greater gains in muscle mass and greater reductions in body fat. According to the study's results, athletes who are better conscious of their nutritional needs during competition experience less muscle loss and exhibit more consistent body weight and BMI levels. Football players' body composition suffers detrimental alterations throughout the transition period. Higher body mass, lean body mass content, and skeletal muscle mass are traits of older players. Higher nutritional knowledge reduces the negative modifications of body composition consisting of muscle mass reduction and fat gain. Nutritional knowledge influences the stability of body composition in both age groups during all the analyzed periods: Preparation, competition, and transition.

The Role of Social Media in Internalizing Body Knowledge-A Cross-Sectional Study among Women with Different Food Preferences.

Virtual spaces, such as social media, give people a platform to exchange their opinions, experiences, and knowledge. Social media's ubiquitous usefulness has led to people relying, in whole or in part, on the information they learn online. As a result, a person's perception of his or her own body and their self-worth has started to be influenced by what other people think of them and by the information found on social media. Modern people's lifestyle, particularly their eating habits and exercise habits, exhibits a similar tendency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships occurring between factors related to the use and internalization of body image knowledge contained in social media and the factors shaping self-assessment and self-esteem in women following a vegetarian diet. An authority-validated questionnaire was used to determine the level of use and attitudes of respondents toward social media, e.g., SATAQ and BES. Associations about the potential negative impacts of the knowledge provided by social media on the development of body image and self-esteem were shown. It is interesting to observe that women who practice vegetarianism have less pressure on their appearance. This may be because vegetarianism is a lifestyle that is currently actively promoted online. Education is required on the connection between the use and internalization of social media knowledge and the development of healthy self-esteem and body evaluation.

Pregorexia and its significance for physiological processes in the fetus - a review of current knowledge. / Pregoreksja i jej znaczenie dla procesów fizjologicznych zachodzacych u plodu ­ przeglad aktualnej wiedzy.

Anorexia occurring during pregnancy can have a devastating effect on the pregnant woman's physiological clinical picture, mental health, and fetal development. This is because eating behaviors, the fetal programming process, and behavioral-cognitive relationships all contribute to shaping intrauterine conditions. Dysfunction at the neural level predisposes to a disturbed relationship with food, reduced self-acceptance, perinatal depression, and a negative perception of body image. The health consequences of reduced energy intake in the course of anorexia during pregnancy contribute to the manifestation of maternal ketonuria, ketonemia, increased excretion (excretion) of nitrogen during diuresis, decreased synthesis of gluconeogenic amino acids after starvation in pregnancy. Scientific reports confirm the destructive impact of behavioral disorders focused on significant food restriction. Medical and psychological care in pregorexia (anorexia of pregnancy) is an integral part of support during pregnancy and the perinatal period. Support includes psychoeducation and includes monitoring of weight, mental and physical health, and identified risk factors. The interdisciplinary team taking care of a pregnant woman with anorexia should include a gynecologist, midwives, a psychiatrist, a clinical nutritionist, a psychodietitian, a psychotherapist, a psychologist and involved family members. Long-term, consecutively implemented nutrition education along with the use of dedicated diagnostic tools in the form of Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) and psychodietetic intervention based on motivational dialogue should be an integral part of cognitive-behavioral therapy.