Social distance and stigma towards persons with serious mental illness among medical students in five European Central Asia countries.

The study investigated behavioral measures of social distance (i.e., desired proximity between self and others in social contexts) as an index of stigma against those with mental illness among medical students in the Republic of North Macedonia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Poland, using the Reported and Intended Behavior Scale (RIBS), a standardized, self-administered behavioral measure based on the Star Social Distance Scale. The students' responses to standardized clinical vignettes on schizophrenia, and depression with suicidal ideation, were also assessed. A total of 257 North Macedonian (females, 31.5%; 1-4 grades, 189; 5-6 grades, 68); 268 Turkish (females, 43.3%; 1-4 grades, 90; 5-6 grades, 178); 450 Kazakh (females, 28.4%, 71.6%; 1-4 grades, 312; 5-6 grades, 138); 512 Azerbaijani (females, 24%; 1-4 grades, 468; 5-6 grades, 44; females, 24%), and 317 Polish (females, 59.0%; 1-4 grades, 208; 5-6 grades, 109) students were surveyed. The responses on the RIBS social distance behavior measures did not improve with advancing medical school grade, but students across all sites viewed schizophrenia and depression as real medical illnesses. The results support the development of enhanced range of integrated training opportunities for medical student to socially interact with persons with mental illness sharing their experiences with them.

Importance of legal regulations resulting from technical harmonization in the European Union for improvement of work safety of farmers in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Accidents exert a negative effect on the quality and standard of living of rural inhabitants, especially when they make it impossible to continue work on a farm, or this work may be performed only to a limited extent. The creation of effective legal mechanisms which would guarantee the safety of operation of machinery is a crucial issue, it is of a preventive character and considerably limits the number of accidents. Approximately 16.1 million people live in the rural areas and around 2.3 million work in the agricultural sector, which represents 14.5% of all labour in Poland in 2019. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the legal regulations resulting from the directives of technical harmonization in the European Union for improvement of safety of work with the use of agricultural machinery in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The method was critical analysis of legal acts in effect, court rulings, and statistical data concerning accidentsoin farms, made available by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: As a result of Poland's membership of the European Union, rural areas were covered by globalization processes and single market rules, within which there function legal mechanisms of safety and quality of products. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the 16 years of Poland's membership of the EU, resulted in positive results being observed in the use of the directives of technical harmonization, especially in reducing the number of accidents involving agricultural machinery. However, this improvement may result from using newly-purchased, modern and safer agricultural machinery covered by the conformity assessment, and preventive actions carried out by the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund. An impact of other factors, not analysed in the study, cannot be ruled out.

Changes of cytotoxicity of Ti-6Al-4V alloy made by DMLS technology as effect of the shot peening.

OBJECTIVE: The aim the study was to investigate the impact of the shot peening process on the condition of the surface layer and biological properties of titanium alloy produced by means of the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens were prepared by the EOSINT M280 metal sintering laser system. The surfaces were subjected to the shot peening process using three different media, i.e. steel shot, nutshell granules and ceramic beads, after which they were subjected to profilometric analysis, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) tests, as well as to assessment of biological compatibility in terms of cytotoxicity (SH-SY5Y cell lines). RESULTS: The general results obtained from the tests indicate satisfactory biocompatibility of the examined surfaces and that the impact of the shot peening process on the titanium alloy cytotoxicity is acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The lowest cytotoxicity was demonstrated by the surfaces modified by ceramic beads than the nutshells and the biggest steel shot correspondingly. Moreover, the shot peening process carried out by means of CrNi steel and ceramic shot caused the reduction of surface roughness when, for the surface processing by means of nutshell granules, the increase of surface roughness was observed compared with the unmodified surface of titanium alloy samples.

The interaction between menstrual cycle, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha receptors and sex hormones in healthy non-obese women--results from an observational study.

There is growing evidence that TNF-alpha and its two receptors play an important role in hormonal regulation, metabolism, inflammation and cancer. The biological effects of TNF-alpha are mediated by two receptors, p55 and p75. The aim of this study was to analyze serum concentrations of p55 and p75 and hormonal status in healthy women during the normal menstrual cycle. Eight women aged 20-22 with regular menstrual cycles were scheduled for examination on 3(rd) , 8(th) , 14(th) and 25(th) day of their menstrual cycle. We only observed a positive correlation of p75 subunit with prolactin level (correlation coefficient 0.417; p=0.0116) and negative correlation with insulin level (correlation coefficient -0.35; p=0.032) and HOMAIR insulin resistance index correlation coefficient 0.39; p=0.0185). Furthermore, a negative correlation of p55/p75 ratio with prolactin (correlation coefficient -0.42; p=0.0101) and a positive correlations of p55/p75 ratio with insulin level (correlation coefficient 0.43; p=0.008) and HOMAIR insulin resistance factor correlation coefficient 0.45; p=0.0065) were found.

Professional communication competences of nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Dissonance between the high 'technical' professionalism of nurses and the relatively low level of patient satisfaction with care received is a phenomenon observed in many countries. Many studies show that it occurs in the case of an inadequate interpersonal communication between nurses and patients. METHODS: Three basic scopes of communication competences were involved in the research process: a) motivation, b) knowledge, c) skills, and the following three methods were used: 1) documentation analysis (standards, plans and educational programmes); 2) diagnostic survey concerning professional communication competences of nurses in nursing care--a questionnaire form designed by the authors; 3) self-reported communication skills in nursing care--adjective check list. The study group covered a total number of 108 respondents in the following subgroups: 1) professional nurses who, as a rule, were not trained in interpersonal communication (42 respondents); students of nursing covered by a standard educational programme (46 respondents); 3) students of nursing who, in addition to a standard educational programme, attended extra courses in professional interpersonal communications nursing (20 respondents). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis with the use of descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. RESULTS: The results of studies indicate poor efficacy of shaping communication competences of nurses based on education in the area of general psychology and general interpersonal communication. Communication competences acquired during undergraduate nursing education, are subject to regression during occupational activity. DISCUSSION: Methods of evaluating communication competences are useful in constructing group and individual programmes focused on specific communication competences rather than on general communication skills.

Change of situation of a family with a child treated due to scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Scoliosis is a serious clinical problem which requires a systematic physical therapy and control of body balance - treatment from the moment of achieving skeletal maturity by a child. In the situation of neglect of such a management, the deformation of the spine often requires surgical intervention. The role of parents in the process of treatment of a child is undeniable. The study concerns the determination of socio-economic conditions and the engagement of parents with children treated due to scoliosis in Eastern Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted by means of a diagnostic survey. The study group consisted of 193 parents (148 females [76.7%] and 45 males [23.3%]) - a randomly selected sample of the parents of children who participated in scoliosis rehabilitation courses in rehabilitation centres in Eastern Poland. The significance of the relationships between variables was investigated by means of chi-square test for independence. The differences between the empirical and theoretical sample distribution was examined by means of chi-square goodness-of-fit test. The significance level was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: The study group covered 47.7% of inhabitants of rural areas and small towns, and 52.3% of inhabitants of medium-size and large cities. Respondents possessing university education provided their children a wider profile of health care; however, they neither supervised exercises at home nor paid attention to the maintenance of the normal body posture. The diagnosis of scoliosis in a child rarely affects the relationship between parents. The engagement of parents into rehabilitation treatment of their children is small. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between social variables and engagement in the treatment of a child with scoliosis. There is a need to create a system of education for parents concerning scoliosis and the consequences of its negligence. The enrolment of a psychologist into the treatment team should be considered, which would provide support for the parents of children suffering from scoliosis.

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.

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.

Socio-economic conditionings of families with children treated due to scoliosis in Eastern Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Scoliosis is a serious clinical problem which requires a systematic physical therapy and control of body balance--treatment from the moment of achieving skeletal maturity by a child. In the situation of neglect of such a management, the deformation of the spine often requires surgical intervention. The role of parents in the process of treatment of a child is undeniable. The study concerned the determination of socio-economic conditions and the engagement of parents with children treated due to scoliosis in Eastern Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted by means of a diagnostic survey. The study group consisted of 193 parents (148 females (76.7%) and 45 males (23.3%))--a randomly selected sample of the parents of children who participated in scoliosis rehabilitation courses in rehabilitation centres in Eastern Poland. The significance of the relationships between variables was investigated by means of chi-square test for independence. The differences between the empirical and theoretical sample distribution was examined by means of chi-square goodness-of-fit test. The significance level was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: The study group covered 47.7% of inhabitants of the rural areas and small towns, and 52.3% of inhabitants of medium-size and large cities. Respondents with a higher economic status were more engaged in the treatment of their child with scoliosis. A greater number of parents with university education level reported to a specialist; however the frequency of these visits, similar to incomplete families, was the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: The accessibility to specialists is lower in the rural than urban areas. 1. There is a relationship between the economic standard of the family and engagement in the treatment of a child with scoliosis. 2. There is a need to develop a system of education of parents concerning scoliosis and the consequences of neglecting treatment. 3. The system of public health services is insufficient for satisfying health demands of patients with the diagnosis of scoliosis.

Injuries caused by sharp instruments among healthcare workers--international and Polish perspectives.

Health care workers (HCW) worldwide are especially exposed to injury by sharp instruments in the course of their duty. The most often executed procedures with injury risk are: intramuscular or subcutaneous injection (22%), taking blood samples, or during intravenous cannulation (20%), and repeatedly replacing the cap on an already used needle (30%). Even a minor sharp injury with only a small loss of blood carries the risk of transfer of over 20 pathogens: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), HIV/AIDS virus, malaria, syphilis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, herpes virus and diphtheria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than two million health care workers experience the stressful event of a percutaneous injury with a contaminated sharp object each year (25-90% of them, however, remain unreported). These exposures result in about 16,000 infections with HCV, 66,000 with HBV and about 1,000 (200-5000) with HIV, which lead to about 1,100 deaths or significant disability. Exposures to sharp injuries and their consequences are highly preventable through simple interventions, such as HBV vaccination, education and providing containers for sharp instruments. Specific guidelines, similar to the American Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that have lowered by up to 88% of needle stabbing incidents, should be introduced by the European Union (EU) and other countries. The results of a review of reports leads to the following conclusions: 1) elaboration and implementation of new State regulations, especially in EU countries and in countries where such regulations do not exist; 2) the training of health care personnel should always be undertaken for new employees, and periodically for those already employed; 3) periodical control by appointed inspectors of knowledge of procedures for the prevention of injuries by sharp instruments among health care workers; 4) introducing and training in the use of equipment, which can prevent the sharp injuries; 5) an advanced monitoring system of sharp injuries sustained by worker should also be introduced. Successful implementation of these prevention measures will result in progress for public health and HCW's health and safety.