Survey of adverse childhood experiences and associated health-harming behaviours among Polish students

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of child maltreatment and other adverse childhood experiences, and their association with health-harming behaviours in Poland. The survey was conducted among 1760 randomly selected students from five purposefully selected Polish universities. Participants filled in the adverse childhood experiences survey instrument. The results showed that the prevalence of child maltreatment and other adverse childhood experiences was high: physical abuse was reported by 46%, emotional abuse by 42%, sexual abuse by 5% and emotional neglect by 25%. Household dysfunction was also high, with household street drug use reported by 3%, alcohol misuse by 21%, mental disorder by 19%, parental violence by 8% and household crime by 5%. Twenty-four per cent had not had any adverse childhood experience, while 19% reported that they had undergone four or more types of adverse childhood experiences. There was a significant association between adverse childhood experiences and health-harming behaviours such as suicide attempt, alcohol misuse, drug use, risky sexual behaviour and tobacco use. The findings suggest that there is a need to invest in prevention programming.

Health as an investment in Poland in the context of the Roadmap to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Health 2020

The aim of this report is to assess the policy options for investments in health in Poland in the context of the Roadmap to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, building on Health 2020, the European Policy for Health and Well-being. As background, national strategic documents incorporating the concept of health and well-being for all were reviewed and methodological aspects of the health-as-investment approach presented. Methods included a literature review and desk analysis of key national regulations as well as quantitative analysis of indicators used to monitor the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Health 2020 policy implementation. The results indicate that the policy options for investment in health in Poland can be divided into two categories: general guidelines on building and promoting the investment approach and more specific examples of actions on health investments supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Health 2020 strategies.

The Role of the World Health Organization in Eliminating Iodine Deficiency Worldwide.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency has been one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies in the world, causing many health disorders, particularly in pregnant women and children. Despite increased salt iodization in some countries and regions, the process has lacked global coordination and sustainability, two prerequisites for reaching the aim of eliminating iodine deficiency. This goal can be reached only by evidence-based, effectively monitored joint and committed actions of all countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to present the role of WHO in leading and coordinating public health actions aiming elimination of iodine deficiency. RESULTS: WHO was given a mandate to coordinate such public health actions, including developing and strengthening relevant public health legislation, issuing technically sound and evidence-based norms and standards, and monitoring the health situation and trends. CONCLUSION: WHO has coordinated and fostered collaboration between countries, international organizations, scientific associations and non-governmental organization to reach the goal of eliminating iodine deficiency. No recent patents are discussed for this WHO report.