Adolescent volunteering in Poland - contextual and individual determinants.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Studies on volunteering concern mainly the population aged over 16, and the results refer mainly to Western Europe. Adolescent volunteering in Eastern European countries is relatively understudied. The aim of the study was to investigate and discuss the scale of this phenomenon in Poland, the predictors of being a volunteer, and factors which explain how much time adolescents spend volunteering. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a representative group of 3,545 respondents aged 14-15. 26.6% of the surveyed adolescents were involved in volunteering in the 12 months preceding the study. RESULTS: The probability of being a volunteer is explained by contextual factors (higher regional income per capita and higher unemployment rate decrease this probability, whereas it increases by living in a city), family factors (father's work in agriculture and more children in the family), individual factors (higher self-esteem of physical fitness and less helplessness). The amount of time devoted to volunteering is explained by contextual factors (the higher the income from agriculture), family factors (mother's work in agriculture; mother's lower level of education), individual factors (greater self-efficacy, lower feeling of helplessness). Volunteering undertaken because of a passion for volunteering is associated with longer volunteering time, while undertaken because of the desire to be liked and respected - with shorter volunteering time. CONCLUSIONS: The results are of practical importance, as they show the possibility to promote adolescents' volunteering.

Euthanasia in opinions of students of medicine.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Euthanasia assumes the deliberate deprivation of life of another human being for the good of that person. At present, euthanasia is legally practiced in Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Columbia and Canada. In Poland, euthanasia is strictly prohibited. The aim of this work is to present the opinions of medical students about euthanasia. An anonymous questionnaire was conducted among first-year students of medicine at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anonymous questionnaire consisted of 35 questions that concerned three components of euthanasia attitude: knowledge, evaluation, and acceptance of its use. The study included 281 students of medicine (77.6% of all first-year students). RESULTS: Although euthanasia in Poland is legally prohibited, almost one-fifth of students of medicine expressed a positive attitude towards euthanasia, and over a quarter of students opted for its legalization. Only two independent variables, i.e., family size (number of children) and religious involvement of the respondents, differentiated both the overall assessment of euthanasia and the level of acceptance for its legalization. Non-religious people more often (43.3%) than religiously engaged people (6.4%) expressed positive opinions about euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS: The attitudes of students towards euthanasia are often inconsistent. There is a need to evaluate medical study programmes in the context of creating the right attitudes of future doctors towards euthanasia.

Adolescent work on family farms in Poland - an assessment of hazards.

INTRODUCTION: Despite dynamic changes in Polish agriculture in the last decades, the participation of children in work in the agricultural sector is still considerable, and an assessment of this phenomenon remains equivocal. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was presentation of the scale of the engagement of adolescents in work on family farms, and recognition of their opinions concerning risk related with performance of this work, as well as determination of factors related with the assessment of the risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2016-2017 in a representative group of 511 Polish adolescents aged 14 on a representative group of 5,468 persons within all-Polish studies concerning the economic activity of adolescents, The respondents evaluated work-related risk for their health. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that approximately 70% of Polish adolescents from agricultural families help their parents with the performance of work related with running a farm. Adolescents devote about 1 hour during a working day to work on farm. Boys devote to agricultural work more than twice as much time as girls. Risk associated with the performance of agricultural work by adolescents is estimated by the adolescents as low. According to them, work activities in agriculture are rather light, and do not threaten health and safety. Simultaneously, approximately 18% of adolescents admit that they were involved in an accident at work. CONCLUSIONS: In the opinions of the majority of adolescents, work on their parents' farm has rather a positive effect, also on family income, family relations and relations with their contemporaries, as well as education outcomes.

Causes of accidents at work in the opinions of public sector forestry employees in Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was recognition of opinions of forestry employees concerning causes of accidents in forestry, and evaluation of which of the selected demographic characteristics of forestry employees are associated with their opinions concerning causes of occupational accidents. An attempt was also undertaken to answer the question whether there is any relationship between the opinions of forestry employees pertaining to the causes of accidents at work, and observance of the OSH principles concerning the use of protection measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey included 135 forestry employees and conducted by using an author-constructed questionnaire containing items which primarily concerning the causes of accidents at work and the protection measures applied. The opinions of forestry employees pertaining to the causes of accidents were analyzed according to independent variables, such as: workplace, period of employment, age, education level, and an index of the level of the respondents' concern about OSH (index of the use of personal protection measures by the respondents). The significance of differences between the subgroups selected according to the above-mentioned variables was assessed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Forestry employees most frequently indicated such causes of accidents as the lack of e use of protection equipment (63.7%), bravado and neglecting hazards (63%), as well as entering or staying in a danger zone during tree felling (56.3%). Nearly a half of the respondents (48.1%) mentioned as the cause of accidents the improper and self-willed behaviour of an employee. The respondents additionally mentioned being taken by surprise by an unexpected event (40%), and the inadequate state of machinery, equipment, and vehicles (36.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study concerning the causes of accidents in forestry, it was found that the examined forestry employees show high awareness and knowledge concerning the causes of occupational accidents in forestry. The greatest differences in the way of perceiving the causes of accidents and hazards were observed according to the respondents' period of employment and age. In addition, a relationship was observed between indication by the respondents of specified causes of accidents, and the scope of their use of protection measures.

Factors of work environment hazardous for health in opinions of employees working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine.

INTRODUCTION: Employees performing work underground in coal mines are exposed to the effect of many hazardous factors in their work environment which negatively affect their health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to recognize the opinions of employes working underground in one of the coal mines concerning the occurrence of factors hazardous for health in their work environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 700 persons working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine in Leczna (Eastern Poland). The study was carried out using a questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using software STATISTICA v. 7.1. RESULTS: The vast majority of respondents (approximately 80%) reported that noise and dustiness at their workplace create risk for their health. More than a half of them mentioned that the microclimate in the mine threatens their health (high humidity and high temperature), and a half of respondents indicated vibration and poor lighting. The greatest differences of opinions concerning the effect of hazardous factors on health of persons employed in the mine were observed in the sub-groups distinguished according to the work position. Health risk at a workplace was most often identified by those employed as miners. CONCLUSIONS: Among actions reducing the negative effect of the work environment on health is the introduction of new, safer technologies of coal mining. Also, the human factor is very important for work safety in mining, including the proper preparation of employees who undertake work in a mine. It is recommended that new, more effective educational programmes are implemented in the area of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at workplaces.

Occupational hazards in opinions of forestry employees in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Work in forestry has been and continues to be considered a very difficult and risky occupation, with constant exposure to certain factors which create risk for employees' health or even life. The objective of the study is recognition of the opinions of forestry workers concerning health risk, and to evaluate which of their selected demographic characteristics are connected with opinions concerning hazards at the workplace. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An author-constructed survey was conducted among 135 forestry employees, containing items concerning primarily hazards occurring at workplaces in forestry. Forestry employees' opinions pertaining to occupational hazards were analyzed from the aspect of independent variables, such as workplace, period of employment, age and education. The significance of the differences in the subgroups distinguished according to the above-mentioned variables, were assessed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Forestry employees most often indicated risk related with cold (83.7%) and hot (77%) microclimate. A high percentage of respondents (74.1%) were aware of the presence of biological hazards and risk caused by the possibility of contact with wild animals (55.6%) at their workplace. In addition, a considerable part of workers reported that the source of risk at their workplace is noise (34.1%), especially dangerous machinery (26.7%), dust (18.5%), chemical substances (15.6%), and forced body position at work (14.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study concerning work safety and occupational hygiene among forestry employees, it was found that they are aware of hazards which may occur at their workplaces. The greatest differences in the perception of hazards were observed according to the type of workplace and period of employment.

Effect of paid work on health in opinions of Polish adolescents aged 14-15.

INTRODUCTION: The positive aspects of work of the underaged are perceived as including its economic value, positive role in the process of upbringing and socialization, and in the process of vocational training or economic education. However, on the other hand, attention is also paid to the negative consequences of work, such as threats to psychophysical and intellectual development, risk to health or even life, of the adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The basis for this study was a survey conducted in a group of Polish adolescents aged 14-15 years. The study was conducted during 2016-2017 in a representative group of 5,468 schoolchildren from junior high schools, selected by the method of stratified sampling. The research material was collected using a questionnaire for the assessment of the phenomenon of economic activity among adolescents. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that approximately 20% of Polish adolescents aged 14-15 performed paid work as hired labour, about 30% helped with running a family business (family farm, family business), and nearly 20% of respondents undertook independent economic activity. The majority of economically active adolescents are of the opinion that the work performed exerts a positive effect on their health. Evaluation of the work activities performed as dangerous, worse state of health of adolescents, and lower parameters of their physical development, exert the greatest effect on the perception of a given work as negatively affecting health. Negative evaluations of the effect of work on health also shape the perception of work as severe and experience of accident at work. CONCLUSIONS: These results may be used for the elaboration of practical recommendations in order to reduce negative effects, and enhance positive effects which work exerts on adolescents' health.

Satisfaction with interpersonal relations among employees of State Forests in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the interpersonal relations of employees of State Forests in Poland, as well as to indicate the factors related to the level of satisfaction with the relations among people employed in similar positions, and relations with superiors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The issues investigated were developed based on research conducted between 2014-2015 among employees of State Forests in Poland. In each of the 9 forest districts selected, 25 people were selected for testing from 3 groups of employees: foresters, deputy foresters and supervisors, together with administrative staff. Altogether, 399 people took part in the study conducted by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: The study showed that the overall level of satisfaction with interpersonal relations among employees of State Forests in Poland is high. Analysis indicated that the demographic characteristics of respondents, such as age, gender or place of residence, had no significant influence on satisfaction with interpersonal relations in the workplace. However, the level of satisfaction with interpersonal relations was positively affected by a high level of overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with remuneration. Decrease in the level of satisfaction was influenced by the accumulation of stressful life events and employment in administration. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction with interpersonal relationships in the workplace is an important indicator of employee mental health. Studies have shown the need to broaden the scope of research into the variables that determine the character and personality of an employee.

Dissatisfaction with work as a risk factor of musculoskeletal complaints among foresters in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Researchers indicate an important relationship between the level of job satisfaction and the state of health of the employees. Some elements of work related with its character, organization, and interpersonal relationships may evoke strong stress, manifested by, among others, an increased musculoskeletal tension which, in turn, may lead to permanent dysfunction of this system. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was analysis of the relationship between the level of job satisfaction and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of the State Forests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material was collected using two instruments: the modified Nordic Questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal disorders, and a questionnaire concerning job satisfaction. The study was conducted in a group of 396 employees of the State Forests from 8 regions of Poland. RESULTS: The results of analysis confirmed a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The lower the level of job satisfaction, the more frequent the experiencing of musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Low level of job satisfaction is a risk factor for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Shaping of work conditions, which are the source of job satisfaction, should be considered as one of the main elements of prevention of musculoskeletal complaints.

Readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms according to their knowledge and emotional attitude towards GMOs.

INTRODUCTION: Agriculture based on genetically modified organisms plays an increasingly important role in feeding the world population, which is evidenced by a considerable growth in the size of land under genetically modified crops (GM). Uncertainty and controversy around GM products are mainly due to the lack of accurate and reliable information, and lack of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications, and the effect of GM food on the human organism, and consequently, a negative emotional attitude towards what is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the presented study was to discover to what extent knowledge and the emotional attitude of adolescents towards genetically modified organisms is related with acceptance of growing genetically modified plants or breeding GM animals on own farm or allotment garden, and the purchase and consumption of GM food, as well as the use of GMOs in medicine. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed by the author, which covered a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary school on the level of maturity examination. The collected material was subjected to statistical analysis. Research hypotheses were verified using chi-square test (χ 2 ), t-Student test, and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: Stepwise regression analysis showed that the readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms as food or for the production of pharmaceuticals, the production of GM plants or animals on own farm, depends on an emotional-evaluative attitude towards GMOs, and the level of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications.

Emotions experienced in association with agricultural work performed in childhood--in opinions of adults.

INTRODUCTION: Performance of work is related with experiencing various emotions, from positive - indicating full satisfaction with work, to negative - describing failures, and even harm caused by work. Such emotions are also experienced by children engaged in work on family farms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is the determination of emotions experienced in association with performing agricultural work in childhood, and indication of the factors conditioning the occurrence of positive and negative emotions. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire technique, and covered a group of 482 adults from agricultural families. RESULTS: In childhood, positive emotions related with the performance of work are more often experienced than negative emotions. The occurrence of positive emotions is positively related with willingness to perform work activities, working time, respondent's age, age at which a child started to perform work, and age at which a child discontinued helping on a farm. The occurrence of negative emotions is positively related with unwillingness to perform work, performing work activities beyond the physical capabilities of a child, neglecting school duties, missing classes at school due to work, and with working time. CONCLUSION: With work performed in childhood are associated positive and negative emotions experienced in childhood and adulthood. The performance of work in childhood shapes emotions experienced by an adult which may affect his/her quality of life and functioning in adulthood.

Emotional attitudes of young people completing secondary schools towards genetic modification of organisms (GMO) and genetically modified foods (GMF).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was recognition of the opinions of adolescents completing secondary schools concerning genetically modified organisms and genetically modified food, especially the respondents' emotional attitude towards scientific achievements in the area of live genetically modified organisms. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study covered a group of 500 school adolescents completing secondary school at the level of maturity examination. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a self-designed questionnaire form. RESULTS: Knowledge concerning the possible health effects of consumption of food containing GMO among adolescents competing secondary schools is on a relatively low level; the adolescents examined 'know rather little' or 'very little know' about this problem. In respondents' opinions the results of reliable studies pertaining to the health effects of consumption of GMO 'rather do not exist'. The respondents are against the cultivation of GM plants and breeding of GM animals on own farm in the future. Secondary school adolescents considered that the production of genetically modified food means primarily the enrichment of biotechnological companies, higher income for food producers, and not the elimination of hunger in the world or elimination of many diseases haunting humans.

[Effects of work in childhood on health in the opinion of respondents from agricultural families]. / Wplyw pracy w dziecinstwie na zdrowie w opinii osób pochodzmcych z rodzin rolniczych.

BACKGROUND: The engagement of children in work is common in agricultural families. Work of children brings about cific benefits to both the family and the children; however, at the same time, it creates many hazards, including health risk. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The aim of the study was to determine current and delayed health effects among individuals who were engaged in agricultural activities in childhood. The study was conducted using the method of diagnostic survey questionnaire and covered a group of 482 adults from agricultural families. RESULTS: The majority of respondents expressed the opinion that work in childhood had no impact on their health. At the same time, 2/5 of respondents considered that work on their parents' farm exerted an effect on their health in childhood (current effects), whereas nearly 1/3 admitted that an engagement in work in childhood also affected their present state of health (delayed effects). In the respondents' opinion, overloading with work in childhood exerted an adverse effect on their health, and also resulted in health problems in adulthood. CONCLUSION: The engagement of children in agricultural work in a small amount of working time, and adjustment of assigned jobs to their capabilities brings about many health benefits with low health risk. In turn, the engagement of children in work from their youngest years and overloading them with work exerts an adverse effect on health, especially in later life.

Health consequences of work in childhood in opinions of respondents from agricultural families.

INTRODUCTION: The engagement of children in work on a family farm is a common phenomenon in many countries worldwide. An excessive loading of children with work creates many risks for their health or even life. Studies concerning the effect of work on health concern mainly the negative consequences for the health of working children. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was the recognition of opinions of adults from agricultural families concerning the effect of work in childhood on their state of health. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire technique, and covered a group of 482 adults from agricultural families. The selection of the study group was targeted according to the following criteria: 1) agricultural family origin, 2) respondents' age 20-65, 3) completed education. RESULTS: The majority of respondents expressed the opinion that work in childhood had no impact on their health. At the same time, 2/5 of respondents considered that work on their parents' farm exerted an effect on their health in childhood (current effects), whereas nearly 1/3 admitted that an engagement in work in childhood also affected their present state of health as adults (distant effects). Respondents who experienced the impact of work on health perceived both positive and negative consequences of performing agricultural work activities in their childhood. Opinions concerning the effect of work on health depended on loading with agricultural work in childhood. The higher the level of loading with work activities, the more frequently the respondents perceived the impact of work on their health. CONCLUSION: The engagement of children in agricultural work in a small amount of working time, and adjustment of the endowed jobs to their capabilities brings about many benefits for health with low health risk. In turn, the engagement of children in work from their youngest years and overloading them with work exerts a negative effect on health, especially in later life.

Child labour for the benefit of the family in rural Poland.

Employing children to work in a family household or on a farm is a widespread phenomena in many countries worldwide. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the phenomenon of the involvement of children aged 11-14 years in work on family farms and in rural households in central and eastern Poland, a typical agricultural region. The data obtained are characterized by high reliability due to utilization of various research techniques: surveys and observations based on records of daily routines. Material collected by questionnaire survey is significant because of the relatively large group of respondents ­ 1,536 people, selected by stratified sampling. Records of the daily routines of 332 people randomly selected from the general sample of 1,536 people, were conducted over a total period of 2 months through all the seasons ­ 2 weeks in each season ­ provided reliable data. Analysis of the collected material allowed characterization of the phenomenon of children's engagement in the work in a family household and on a farm belonging to their parents or relatives, and an indication of the life and health hazards of children involved in work for a benefit of the family.

Engagement of children in agricultural work activities--scale and consequences of the phenomenon.

The purpose of the study was investigate the scale and consequences of the engagement of children in agricultural work activities in Poland. The study covered 1,006 children aged 12-14, who completed an audience questionnaire form: 'Engagement of children in household and farm activities'. As many as 258 children kept diaries, in which they registered all work and everyday activities performed for a period of 8 weeks during various seasons of the year (2 weeks during each season). One third of the children in the study (35.7%) devoted a considerable amount of time to farm work (1-2 hours daily), while every eighth child helped its parents exceptionally longer - more than 2 hours daily on average. The results of the studies show that the great majority of Polish children coming from agricultural families participate in farming activities not adjusted to their physical abilities, and devote an excessive amount of time to this work (approximately 15% of respondents). In addition, the majority of children were engaged in work activities dangerous for them and hazardous for health, while a half of this group performed these activities frequently. Every second child in the study lifted objects which they perceived as heavy (55.5%), and drove a tractor (52.3%), while every third child was engaged in the operation of a straw cutter, cultivation of soil with tractor machinery, and planting potatoes with a potato planter. A slightly smaller percentage of children helped their parents with the slaughtering of animals, threshing, wood cutting with power saws. The children in the study also participated in sowing mineral fertilizers (approx. 16%) and application of chemical plant protection products (about 10%). Every seventh child suffered an accident while performing work activities on farms or within the household, and every twelfth was poisoned by chemical agents. In the case of 1/3 of children who were victims of accidents (31.3%) the engagement in such work activities was evaluated as high.

Mental wellbeing of children engaged in agricultural work activities and quality of family environment.

A considerable percentage of Polish children from agricultural families are engaged by their parents in performing work activities on farms. The performance of these tasks arouses various emotional reactions in children, from the feeling of threat, fear and anxiety, to the feeling of satisfaction, being contented and proud. The subjective feeling of happiness and life satisfaction is an extremely important factor affecting the mental health and functioning of a human being. The objective of the study was to show to what extent the quality of communication between children and parents, and the level of family cohesion and adaptability according to the Circumplex Model by D. H. Olson et al., modifies children's emotional reactions associated with the tasks performed. The study covered 192 children aged 12-13, whose parents were running a family farm. Growing up in a healthy family characterised by a balanced level of cohesion, adaptability and good communication with the father and mother, favours the occurrence in children of pleasant emotions in reaction to work which they undertake on behalf of their parents on a farm. In such families, more often than in families with bad communication and dysfunctional families (disengaged, rigid), children experience satisfaction, have a feeling of deepening bonds with their parents, and the feeling of being more adult and preparing themselves well for adult life. Family characteristics which are evidence of disorders in its functioning (lack of good communication with the father, mother, lack of bonds between family members, rigid, chaos in a family) co-occur with the child experiencing unpleasant emotional states in associated with the work performed, there occur feelings of dissatisfaction, unhappiness, unpleasantness, the feeling that it would be better to learn than to work.