General self-efficacy level and health behaviours in women over the age of 45 years who have undergone osteoporosis treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary people do not follow the civilisation development in every life domain, their lifestyle is not always healthy. Self-efficacy is the factor that plays an important role in undertaking actions towards struggling with the disease. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the general self-efficacy level and health behaviours as well as chosen sociodemographic features in women over the age of 45 years who have undergone osteoporosis treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 151 women over the age of 45 years. The research was conducted in 2016 in health care centres in Lublin, a city in south-eastern Poland. The Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) by R. Schwarzer, M. Jerusalem and Z. Juczynski and an original questionnaire were used as research tools. The obtained material was subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis. χ2 test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney Test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were all applied. RESULTS: The analysis of obtained results showed that as much as 73.5% of the respondents showed very low and low generalised self-efficacy level. On the other hand, only 22.5% of the examined were characterised by high and very high generalised self-efficacy level. The longer the duration of osteoporosis treatment (rho = 0.251; p = 0.002) and the better the self-estimation of health status (rho = 0.473; p = 0.000), the higher the respondents' generalised self-efficacy level. The women's self-efficacy level declined with increasing ailments (rho = -0.190; p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The generalized self-efficacy level and the health behaviours are not satisfactory.

Knowledge about osteoporosis prevention among women screened by bone densitometry.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is an illness characterized by the handicapped endurance of the bones, causing an increased risk of fracture. AIM OF THE STUDY: Aim of the study was to establish the level of knowledge about osteoporosis prevention among women screened by bone densitometry and to answer the question whether the level of knowledge is dependent on socio-demographic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was realized by means of a survey method, a poll technique in 2014. The study involved 292 women aged 51-83. The examined women were patients undergoing bone densitometry in the healthcare centres in Lublin. The osteoporosis knowledge test (OKT, revised 2011) by Phyllis Gendler was used as a research tool. Gathered material was subject to descriptive and statistical analysis. Tukey's test, t-Student test and variance analysis (ANOVA) were all applied. A statistical significance level was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Respondents presented the basic exercise knowledge (M = 9.97) and low knowledge concerning risk factors, screening and treatment of osteoporosis (M = 7.87). The calcium knowledge remained on an average level (M = 14.03). Better educated women, city inhabitants as well as women having very good or good social and welfare conditions showed a significantly higher level of knowledge about osteoporosis prevention. Even women undergoing bone densitometry examination present insufficient knowledge about osteoporosis prevention.

Professional activity of Polish peri- and postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: The menopausal transition as one of the stages in women's life can bring many ailments which complicate the accomplishment of professional duties. The situation of women on the Polish job market is determined by many barriers and stereotypes which impede women's access to jobs and professional promotions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to estimate the professional status and job satisfaction of women aged 40-65. The research was carried out by a survey method, a poll technique in the period from January to March 2016. An original questionnaire consisting of 35 questions was used as a research tool. RESULTS: The analysis of obtained results shows that the arithmetic mean of the age of women in full-time employment was 51.84 years whereas the arithmetic mean of the age of women in part-time or seasonal employment was 52.64. Women aged 45-60 were characterised by a significantly lower job satisfaction than women over 60 years of age. The highest percentage of women in full-time employment lived in large cities. The financial situation of working women determined their job satisfaction. Well-off respondents were more pleased with their jobs than women in a worse financial situation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong need of education about counteraction of gender and age discrimination on the Polish labour market. The struggle against discrimination requires support on each level of the state administration through the implementation of numerous regulations facilitating the final period and resumption of women's professional activity.

Men's knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: Until recently osteoporosis was seen mainly as a woman's problem. However, in the last ten years there has been rising awareness in society that osteoporosis constitutes an inseparable element of getting old for men as well. The aim of the research was to evaluate men's knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors contributing to the development of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 205 men aged 20-60. The examined men were patients of selected healthcare centres in Lublin Voivodeship. The study was conducted between September 2014 and April 2015. The research was performed by means of the survey method, using a poll technique. Purposive sampling and an original questionnaire were used. Gathered material was subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied. The statistical significance level was set at α = 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The respondents' level of knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors can be estimated as average. The polled men showed better knowledge on osteoporosis risk factors (M = 59.78) than general osteoporosis knowledge (M = 53.71). Significant differences were found between the respondents' education and their general osteoporosis knowledge as well as between the respondents' living conditions and their knowledge about osteoporosis risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the insufficient level of knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors in the male population it is advisable to launch prevention programmes aimed at men focusing on this issue.

Chosen risk factors for osteoporosis and the level of knowledge about the disease in peri- and postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis as a chronic disease, affecting especially women in postmenopausal age, is an important, social and economic health problem especially of women of today's world. The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge of women in the peri- and postmenopausal period about the prevention of osteoporosis and show the influence of chosen risk factors on the level of this knowledge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 300 women aged 45-65, being patients of healthcare centres in Chelm, Lublin and Zamosc (Lublin voivodeship, south-eastern Poland) were included in the study. The purposive sampling was used. Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT) 2011 was the research tool. Gathered material was subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis. Tukey's test, t-student test and variance analysis (ANOVA) were all applied. An accepted p materiality level was < 0.05 and p < 0.01. RESULTS: Respondents presented the average level of knowledge about the role of physical activity in the prevention of osteoporosis (M = 13.93) and a low level of knowledge about well-balanced diet rich in calcium (M = 9.77). The knowledge about risk factors, screening and treatment remained on the average level (M = 8.00). An influence of socio-demographic factors on the level of knowledge was shown. Also some behaviours, associated with the lifestyle indeed influenced the level of this knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Professional educational programs on osteoporosis should be implemented in the population of Polish peri- and postmenopausal women.

Influence of sociodemographic factors on quality of life in women living in Lublin Province in Poland.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic factors on the quality of life (QOL) in 45-65-year-old women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research by means of a survey method, postal questionnaire technique, comprised 2143 women - a representative sample of the female population living in Lublin Province. Three standardized questionnaires - WHOQOL-BREF, Women's Health Questionnaire and SF-36 - as well as an original questionnaire were used as research tools. In statistical analysis Student's t-test for two groups, an analysis of variance, Dunnett's T3 test for multiple comparisons, a one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and a stepwise logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: In the population of peri- and postmenopausal women a significantly better quality of life in comparison with the rest of the studied women was established in women aged 45-49 years, respondents living permanently in urban areas as well as better educated women, those with full-time employment, especially those doing intellectual work, women remaining in a long-lasting relationship, and women assessing their financial situation and living conditions as well. Logistic regression analysis showed that the strong predictors of poor quality of life were as follows: self-assessment of living conditions as poor, self-assessment of financial situation as poor, permanent place of residence in the country, lower education level (incomplete primary education, primary education). CONCLUSIONS: The group of women with worse quality of life should become the main addressee of preventive programmes and health policy programmes designed for peri- and postmenopausal women.

The contemporary look at the problem of recognizing and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis and eliminating the risk of a fall.

Osteoporosis constitutes a relevant health, social and economic problem of the contemporary world. As a chronic disease, often nicknamed the "silent thief", it is an object of the clinical research and a reason for many ambiguities. The most noticeable and basic symptom of osteoporosis is a low-energy fracture, which brings pain, physical disability, and a noticeable decrease in one's quality of life. Osteoporosis affects the entire population; however, women in the postmenopausal period and the elderly are mostly exposed to its progress. The risk of falling ill concerning women simply grows with the age and doubles with every decade after the age of 65. It is estimated that osteoporosis affects 200 million women worldwide, and about 20-25% of them will sustain an injury in the form of a bone fracture. In Poland, the problem of osteoporosis concerns 2.4 million women. The article attempts to show current views on examining and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis and prevention of the fall risk. The BMD (bone mineral density) is considered the basis of osteoporosis diagnosis in postmenopausal women as well as an absolute 10-year risk of fractures and experienced osteoporotic fractures. All people at an increased fall risk should be provided with the multifactorial programme of fall prevention.

[Social and healthy circumstances of women's decision about applying hormonal replacement therapy]. / Spoleczno-zdrowotne uwarunkowania decyzji kobiet o stosowaniu hormonalnej terapii zastepczej.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) application among Polish women aged 40-65, patients of five selected health care institutions located in south-eastern Poland and to determine the most significant factors that influence women's decision to initiate HRT. The next purpose was to establish how the women learned about the possibility of receiving HRT. Women, who never decided to take sex hormones, were asked about the reasons of such decision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised a group of 1033 women aged 40-65 years living in south-eastern Poland, the patients of various hospital wards and outpatient clinics. The study was conducted from January 2003 to December 2004 using categorized interview technique. The interview questionnaire was constructed by the authors. The statistical analysis was performed on the basis of the chi2 test of independence; log-linear analysis and Pareto's analysis were also used. RESULTS: Research result analysis proves that 30.5% of the examined women have used HRT currently or in the past. The sociodemographic and healthy variables that showed positive correlation with receiving hormonal treatment by midlife women were: age 51-65 years, the presence of climacteric ailments, the absence of monthly bleedings, possessing of permanent life partner and good self-estimation of one's financial status. It was not revealed that better educated women more frequently decide to take HRT. The main sources of women's knowledge about HRT were the mass media and health service employees. Among the reasons for not taking up hormonal treatment the most significant were: lack or small intensification of menopausal ailments as well as the fear of side effects of hormonal replacement therapy.

Health beliefs and sense of one's own efficacy and prophylaxis of osteoporosis in peri- and post-menopausal women.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis constitutes one of the relevant health, social and economic problems of the contemporary world which concerns 200 million women, of whom about 20-25% will experience a bone fracture. The aim of the study was to learn about the health beliefs and sense of self-efficacy in peri- and post-menopausal women regarding the prevention of osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A group of 300 randomly chosen women aged 45-65 who were patients of healthcare centres in Chelm, Lublin, and the surroundings of Zamosc (eastern Poland), was examined. Own Health Beliefs Scale (OHBS) associated with Osteoporosis and Own Efficacy Evaluation Scale (OSES) were used for the study. The obtained material was subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis. Tukey test, t-student test and variance analysis (ANOVA) were all applied. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results were analysed using the SPSS version 19 software package. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It was stated that respondents had thought that osteoporosis is an averagely serious health problem, and they did not feel peculiarly exposed to falling ill with the disease. They attached great significance to the benefits of physical activity and correct nutrition. The perception of barriers to calcium intake and everyday exercise was moderate. Health motivation remained at the average level. Socio-demographic conditions influenced the respondents' health beliefs in a statistically significant way. Sense of self-efficacy from the aspect of taking possible action preventing osteoporosis remained on the average level; in addition, respondents more often declared the desire for a change in eating habits than resorting to physical activity.

[The image of tobacco products in the columns of "Gazeta Wyborcza" in the year 2001]. / Wizerunek wyrobów tytoniowych na lamach "Gazety Wyborczej" w 2001 roku.

The aim of this paper was to find out how the tobacco issues were presented in the columns of "Gazeta Wyborcza" in the year 2001. Another purpose was to analyze the amount (number) and type of advertisements of tobacco products and agents helping people quit smoking. The method of our work was the analysis of 341 press articles, where at least one fragment concerned the issues of tobacco smoking, the analysis of 388 advertisements of tobacco products and 21 advertisements of agents helping people quit smoking. We analyzed both the contents of the article or advertisement and the way of its exposure. In the year 2001 "Gazeta Wyborcza" dealt with various aspects of tobacco issues. It presented them both from the perspective of the interests of health promoters, and of the representatives of tobacco industry and tobacco planters. The widest category included the articles describing cigarette smuggling. 12.0% of the 341 analyzed articles enlarged upon the effects of tobacco smoking on health, although they were mentioned in 22.3% of the examined sample of articles. The advertisements of tobacco products were targeted mainly at young people. They associate tobacco smoking with adventure, traveling, playing, relaxation, America.

[Health problems of the unemployed--possibilities and forms of solving them]. / Problemy zdrowotne bezrobotnych--mozliwoci i formy ich zaspokajania.

The most painful price to pay for social and economic transformations in our country is high level of unemployment, triggering all kinds of negative consequences. Health consequences that the unemployed as well as their families and the whole society suffer from play an important role in social consequences of unemployment. The aim of the study was to recognize the health problems of jobless people as well as the possibilities and forms of solving these problems. The research was carried out in April 2002 among 200 unemployed people registered in the Regional and District Labour Office in Lublin. The instrument of the research was a survey questionnaire. The results of the research showed that the lack of job and worsening standard of living had a negative influence on the general state of health of the unemployed. Long-lasting unemployment also influenced the deterioration of physical health among the respondents. The most frequent psychosomatic ailments were: headaches, stomachaches, nausea and vomiting, pains in the chest, lack of appetite, sleep disorders. Unemployment also contributed to the occurrence of mental diseases, diseases of the circulatory and digestive systems.

Knowledge of osteoporosis prophylaxis and health behaviours of the population of chosen countries of the world.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is recognized by the World Health Organization as a disease associated with the progress of civilization, also called the 'epidemic of the 21 st century'. OBJECTIVE: An attempt to portray the level of knowledge and health behaviours of societies of selected countries of the world in the prevention of osteoporosis, based on available studies. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Theoretical concepts and reviews of current published studies. RESULTS: Accessible study findings conducted worldwide are not exhaustive and often present the subject in a fragmentary way. Data presented in the presented article shows that knowledge of osteoporosis among the Polish population and the population of selected countries of the world appears insufficient in the issues associated with its prophylaxis and prevention; they also testify to a disregard and lack of application of the principles of a healthier lifestyle in daily life regarding this still little-known illness. Since the number of people threatened with osteoporosis, as well as the number of bone fractures, is constantly rising, versatile action should be undertaken aimed at preventing falling ill and progression of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: After reviewing the literature, it was realized that few researchers have been interested in the issue of osteoporosis. This fact is proved by an insufficient amount of publications dealing with the subject and the problem associated with osteoporosis from the point of view of the public. The findings of presented study show that most often the subject is not portrayed as a whole, but concerns only selected preventive behaviours or learning about some risk factors.

Psychosocial aspect of quality of life of Polish women with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is one of the most frequently occurring malignant tumours among women in Poland. The highest incidence of the disease is registered among women aged 50 and more. Cancer imposes a considerable psychological strain on a woman. It causes a sense of uncertainty about one's health and further life, as well as frequent problems with accepting the image of one's own body. It often results in low self-esteem and a feeling of embarrassment, accompanied by symptoms of apathy and detachment. The aim of the study was to determine mental and social life quality of Polish women treated for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research encompassed 107 women aged between 45 and 65 (SD=6.11) undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The WHOQOL-Bref scale was applied in the research. RESULTS: The social field was better evaluated in comparison with the mental sphere. There was a statistical correlation between place of residence and social sphere of quality of life (p=,036), with higher ratings assigned by respondents residing in rural areas (M=15.36) compared with residents of towns (M=14.15). CONCLUSIONS: Given the fact that respondents were coping with cancer or its consequences, paradoxically, perception of the overall quality of life and examined areas was generally good, especially among women with higher education, those who were single and those living in rural areas. Along with age, there decreases at the respondents the experienced quality of life, however a rise of evaluations of the mental sphere is accompanying the rise in the education level.

Quality of life in peri- and post-menopausal Polish women living in Lublin Province--differences between urban and rural dwellers.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The quality of life in peri- and post-menopausal women constitutes a serious public health problem. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to reveal the influence of the permanent domicile on the quality of life of women in peri- and post-menopausal period, and to establish the influence of employment as a full-time agricultural worker on the quality of life in these women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was carried out by means of a survey using the postal questionnaire technique. Three standardized questionnaires: WHOQOL-BREF, Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) and SF-36 were used as research tools. An original questionnaire was also used. The study comprised a representative sample of the female population aged 45-65 living in Lublin Province. The sample size was 2,143 women. RESULTS: The quality of the women's life was significantly affected by the place of permanent residence. The worst quality of life was found in permanent country dwellers. City and town inhabitants revealed a considerably higher level of quality of life. Permanent place of residence in the country was an independent predictor of a poorer quality of life. Employment as a full-time agricultural worker was an independent predictor of a worse quality of life in the SOM domain of WHQ, as well as RP, RF and RE domains of SF-36. On the other hand, employment as a full-time agricultural worker was an independent predictor of a better quality of life in the SLE domain of WHQ, and psychological domain of WHOQFL-BREF. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the dependence is necessary in order to effectively plan health education and physical and social health promotion campaigns. Country dwellers need special attention in the process of undertaking any preventive or curative steps.

Emotional responses of patients with schizophrenia to their illness. Attitudes of social environment towards schizophrenes.

The aim of this paper was to define emotional responses of the patients with diagnosed schizophrenic psychosis to their illness. It was also intended to recognize the attitudes of patients' families and more distant social environment towards them. The study was conducted on 84 patients of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, both hospitalized and ambulant, treated in Mental Outpatient Clinic and, simultaneously, taken care of by Social Self-Help Home "Misericordia". All the examined patients met the diagnostic criteria in accordance with ICD-10 for schizophrenic psychosis or schizophrenic disorder; all were in the period of symptomatic remission. The study was carried out in the years 2000-2001, using the distributed inquiry questionnaire technique. The supplementary source of information was case records of the examined patients. The predominant feelings of schizophrenics at the moment of becoming aware of having fallen ill with mental disease were fear (anxiety) and sorrow. The passage of time caused changes in emotional responses to mental illness. At the moment of the study the predominant feelings were the acceptance of illness and the sense of inferiority because of it. The sufferers of schizophrenia experienced mainly sympathy, acceptance of the illness and indifference in the environment outside the family circle.

Attitudes of patients and staff towards tobacco smoking in hospital.

The aim of this paper was to establish the frequency and intensity of smoking by the patients and hospital staff and to define the attitudes of the polled persons towards smoking tobacco on the premises of the hospital and their opinions about the limitations in force. The examination in the form of a distributed questionnaire, comprised 101 patients and 127 staff members of Henryk Klimontowicz Specialist Hospital in Gorlice (province of Malopolska /Little Poland/). Both mobile and bed-ridden patients participated in the study. The personnel was represented by physicians, nurses, ward attendants, psychologists, secretaries, Medical University students doing their apprenticeships on the premises of the hospital, employees of technical and administrative departments. The study was carried out by means of a diagnostic sounding with the use of a distributed questionnaire technique in the period from September 2002 to July 2003. The questionnaire contained 38 questions, including closed, open, half-open and multiple-choice questions. In our poll we used the Fagerstrom test, which determined the type of addiction to smoking tobacco (physical or psychological), and which was completed by tobacco-smokers. The statistical analysis was carried out by means of the Chi2 test for independence, assuming the significance level of 0.05. The obtained results were analyzed according to the sex of the polled persons and their functions in the premises of the hospital (patient, staff member). The results of the obtained analysis show that 13.9% of the polled patients of the Specialist Hospital in Gorlice smoked cigarettes every day. The percentage of everyday smokers among the staff of this hospital was significantly higher and equalled 18.1%. Half of the polled persons were exposed to passive smoking on the premises of the hospital, the staff more than the patients. The patients supported the restrictions concerning smoking on the premises of the hospital to a greater extent than the personnel. Most of the smokers claimed that they were trying to cut down on smoking on the premises of the hospital. Despite these declarations, tobacco-smokers smoked cigarettes in the area of the hospital anyway, and one fifth of the smokers smoked also outside the places designed for that purpose.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in the population of secondary school students in Ciechanów.

The aim of this paper was to determine the frequency of occurrence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among the secondary school students in Ciechanów. The study comprised 150 students attending high school, mechanical technical secondary school and a vocational school complex in Ciechanów (province of Mazovia). All the examined students were 17-18 years of age. The study was in the form of an auditory questionnaire. It was conducted in February 2002. To evaluate the state of students' nourishment we used the so-called body mass index (BMI). For the needs of this paper, to examine the amounts of alcohol consumed, the following conversion factor was used: standard portion = 10g pure ethanol. The results were analyzed in accordance with the sex of the examined persons. Among the examined students no cases of obesity or diabetes were found. One third of the polled persons had inherited susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. 27.3% of the polled secondary school students smoke cigarettes every day (usually 5-10 a day). This fact increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The problem of alcohol abuse concerned 6% students, but only every tenth of them declared being a teetotaler. Three fourths of the polled persons regarded the level of their physical activity as moderate. About one third of the examined students accomplish their physical activity exclusively within Physical Education classes. The form of exercise done on their own most frequently was slow and brisk walking. The students usually nourish regularly, eating breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. They eat fruit, cutting down on animal fats and salt. Most of the examined students are exposed to stressful situations, both in their home environment (56.6%) and at school (84.7%). Long-lasting and overlapping stress intensifies the risk of cardiovascular diseases. More than a half of the polled persons ascribe to themselves type A personality features, which makes them more susceptible to coronary heart disease, than type B personality.

Knowledge of rules of healthy lifestyle and their realization among students of junior and senior high schools.

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the knowledge of rules of healthy nourishment as well as the recommended components of a daily diet among students of junior and senior high schools. The lifestyle of the teenagers was analyzed in two groups--junior high school students and senior high school students. On the basis of the BMI the state of nutrition of the population was evaluated. The subjects were questioned about the most frequent health problems, and the connection between body weight and the development of diseases in the future. The research was carried out by means of an anonymous survey among 200 students of junior high schools and 200 students of senior high schools. The data underwent statistical analysis. The knowledge of healthy eating habits proved insufficient and their realization poor, especially among junior high school students. The factors that influence the lifestyle of the teenagers included the family and the media. In girls the lack of acceptance of their own appearance was recorded, which resulted in the desire to lower body weight and to apply slimming diets.

Circumstances of tobacco smoking by pregnant women.

The aim of the paper was to determine the frequency and intensity of tobacco smoking by pregnant women as well as to find out the relationship between tobacco smoking during pregnancy and socioeconomic variables (education, marital status, professional career, smoking partner, number of children) as well as health variables (severe ailments during pregnancy period, taking medicines, using medical care). The research was carried out at the department of gynecology and obstetrics of the Specialist Hospital in Jaslo as well as at the Women's Outpatient Clinic of the Public Independent Health Service Institution in Skolyszyn (Podkarpackie Voivodship). The research was conducted by means of the questionnaire distributed from July to September 2002 among 100 pregnant women. The results of the analysis indicate that 18% of the women under survey smoked cigarettes during pregnancy, including 6% daily smokers and 12% occasional smokers. 18% of women quitted smoking when they found out that they were pregnant, and 18% of them limited smoking. Exposure to passive smoking at their family home was declared by more than a half of the pregnant women, while 14% of the surveyed women mentioned passive exposure to smoke at their workplace. The socioeconomic variables that most clearly showed positive correlation with active smoking by pregnant women were: smoking tobacco by a husband or steady partner, smoking tobacco in the presence of a pregnant woman in her workplace and at home, as well as taking advantage of a family doctor's advice. Smoking tobacco during pregnancy was also enhanced by: the lower level of education, extramarital pregnancy, permanent residence in a town or a city, poor living conditions, not working professionally during pregnancy, having two or more children, abnormal course of pregnancy, suffering from such ailments as: weepiness, problems with relaxation, lack of appetite and taking no medicines during pregnancy.