Level of social competencies of nurses in primary health care and their selected work-related determinants-A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the level of social competencies among primary health care nurses, and to identify the work-related determinants. BACKGROUND: Developing social skills of nurses are necessary to establish better relations with patients. Improving these skills allows for higher quality of patient care, as well as patient and nurse satisfaction. METHODS: For the study, 253 primary health care centres were randomly chosen in the Eastern Poland; 600 questionnaires were sent to the nurses employed in these facilities. After checking whether the data met the requirements, 446 nurses took part in the survey. The data were collected using the Social Competencies Profile, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, and the catalogue of primary health care nurse activities. RESULTS: Older nurses possess lower level of social skills (r = -0.10, p = 0.04). Postgraduate education in the last 2 years differentiated the results of social competencies (p = 0.03) as well as place of residence in the subscale community awareness (p = 0.04). The predictors of social skills among psychosocial work conditions were as follows: Influence at Work (p = 0.02), Possibilities for Development (p < 0.001), Meaning of Work (p < 0.001), Social Support (p = 0.001), Quality of Leadership (p = 0.03), Job Satisfaction (p < 0.001), and General Health (p = 0.001). On the other hand, tasks like Activities in the treatment room (p = 0.003) and Promotion and prevention (p < 0.001) carried out by a nurse anticipated higher level of social skills. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the research proved that work-related factors such as influence at work, professional development, sense of social support, understanding of the meaning of work, perception of the quality of leadership, and higher job satisfaction influence the development of social competencies of nurses; therefore, shaping an appropriate work environment is an important task, especially for leaders and managers of nursing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: We recommend that nursing leaders and health policy makers adopt new strategies and educational programs, which include social skills training as part of the curriculum for the development of the social competencies of nurses.

Factors Influencing the Concentration of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in School Children Aged 8-9-Years-Old in Krakow, with High FeNO Values ≥ 20 ppb.

Background and Objectives: Measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration is currently used as a non-invasive biomarker to assess airway inflammation. Many factors can influence the FeNO level. However, there have been no reports concerning factors attributed to FeNO levels in different age groups of children, especially those with high FeNO values. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of selected factors on nitric oxide concentration in exhaled air in children aged 8-9 attending class 3 of public primary schools in Krakow with high FeNO values ≥ 20 ppb. Materials and Methods: The population-based study covered all third-grade pupils attending primary schools in the city of Krakow. Five thousand, four hundred and sixty children participated in the first screening stage, conducted from October 2017 to January 2018. Then, 792 participants with an FeNO level ≥ 20 ppb were selected. Finally, those selected pupils were invited to participate in the second stage, diagnostic, in April 2018. Four hundred and fifty-four children completed the diagnostic stage of the study, and their data was included in the presented analysis. Results and Conclusions: Significantly higher FeNO levels were observed in children diagnosed with the following diseases: asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and allergy (p < 0.05). In addition, it was observed that a higher FeNO concentration characterised children taking antihistamines compared to children not taking those medications (p = 0.008). In multivariate models, we observed that regardless of sex, age, BMI value, home smoking, and whether they were taking medications, children who had allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis, or allergies had significantly higher FeNO levels. The strongest relationship was noted with allergic diseases. The results of our study may be of importance to clinicians when interpreting FeNO results, for example, when making a therapeutic decision.

Expansion of a SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with an 872 nt deletion encompassing ORF7a, ORF7b and ORF8, Poland, July to August 2021.

Routine genomic surveillance on samples from COVID-19 patients collected in Poland during summer 2021 revealed the emergence of a SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant with a large 872 nt deletion. This change, confirmed by Sanger and deep sequencing, causes complete loss of ORF7a, ORF7b, and ORF8 genes. The index case carrying the deletion is unknown. The standard pipeline for sequencing may mask this deletion with a long stretch of N's. Effects of this deletion on phenotype or immune evasion needs further study.

Complete genome sequences of two novel autographiviruses infecting a bacterium from the Pseudomonas fluorescens group.

In this paper, we describe two independent isolates of a new member of the subfamily Autographivirinae, Pseudomonas phage KNP. The type strain (KNP) has a linear, 40,491-bp-long genome with GC content of 57.3%, and 50 coding DNA sequences (CDSs). The genome of the second strain (WRT) contains one CDS less, encodes a significantly different tail fiber protein and is shorter (40,214 bp; GC content, 57.4%). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that both KNP and WRT belong to the genus T7virus. Together with genetically similar Pseudomonas phages (gh-1, phiPSA2, phiPsa17, PPPL-1, shl2, phi15, PPpW-4, UNO-SLW4, phiIBB-PF7A, Pf-10, and Phi-S1), they form a divergent yet coherent group that stands apart from the T7-like viruses (sensu lato). Analysis of the diversity of this group and its relatedness to other members of the subfamily Autographivirinae led us to the conclusion that this group might be considered as a candidate for a new genus.

Viral and other cell-penetrating peptides as vectors of therapeutic agents in medicine.

Efficient delivery of heterologous molecules for treatment of cells is a great challenge in modern medicine and pharmacology. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) may improve efficient delivery of a wide range of macromolecular cargos, including plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA, drugs, nanoparticulate pharmaceutical carriers, and anticancer drugs. In this paper, we present the history of CPPs' discovery with special attention drawn to sequences of viral origin. We also describe different CPP families with regard to their physicochemical properties and numerous mechanisms of CPP cell uptake by direct penetration and endocytotic pathways. A detailed description is focused on formation of carrier-cargo complexes, which are needed for practical use of CPPs in medicine and biotechnology. Examples of successful application of CPPs in treatment of human diseases are also presented, including decreased tumor growth and induction of cancer cell death. Finally, we review modern design approaches to novel CPPs and prediction of their activity. To sum up, the current review presents a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of CPPs and may be a valuable source of information for researchers in pharmacology designing new therapeutic agents.

Comparison of anthropometric indicators related to overweight and obesity by place of residence in a local community with a high social deprivation rate - a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity is considered a major public health concern. The aim of the study is to compare anthropometric indicators related to overweight and obesity by place of residence in a local community with a high social deprivation rate, based on the example of residents of the Janów District in eastern Poland, taking into account gender strata differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in a study group of 3,752 individuals. The following anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed to identify the anthropometric indicators related to overweight and obesity: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body adiposity index (BAI). RESULTS: Mean age of the study group was 51.92 ± 8.15. Overweight and obesity-related indicators were more prevalent in rural than urban areas among women, and were as follows: BMI (28.77 ± 5.37 vs. 27.62 ± 5.09; p < 0.001), WHR (0.87 ± 0.07 vs. 0.85 ± 0.07; p < 0.001), WHtR (0.57 ± 0.09 vs. 0.57 ± 0.08; p < 0.001) and BAI (33.58 ± 5.48 vs. 32.82 ± 5.4; p = 0.002). Men's mean WHR was higher in rural than in urban areas (0.96 ± 0.07 vs. 0.95 ± 0.62; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that women living in rural areas had a mean BMI that was 1.1 higher than that of women living in urban areas, as well as 0.02 higher WHR and WHtR and 0.8 higher BAI. In contrast, men living in rural areas had a 0.001 higher WHtR and WHR than men living in urban areas. In the multivariable models, after having considered potential confounding variables, women living in rural areas had approximately a 60% higher probability of being obese, while men had approximately a 30% higher probability of being obese.

Altered fibrin clot phenotype in young adults with intracerebral hemorrhage of unknown cause: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of undetermined etiology occurs infrequently in young and middle-aged adults. We hypothesized that slight decreases in coagulation factors and formation of less compact fibrin clots prone to faster lysis predispose to this type of ICH. METHODS: We recruited 44 consecutive patients aged <50 years following ICH of unknown cause at least 3 months since the event. Subjects free of ICH (n = 47) matched for age, sex, BMI, and hypertension served as the control group. We assessed plasma fibrin clot permeability, turbidity and fibrinolytic capacity, along with thrombin generation, coagulation factors (F) II, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, antithrombin, and fibrinolysis proteins. RESULTS: ICH patients (median age 41 years, 45.5 % women) had 8.4 % lower FII (p = 0.0001) and 10.1 % lower FVII activity (p = 0.0003), 9.4 % higher antithrombin activity (p = 0.0004) and 13.5 % lower platelet count (p = 0.02). Other factors and thrombin generation did not differ between the two groups. The ICH survivors were characterized by impaired fibrin polymerization reflected by 10.1 % longer lag phase of the turbidimetry curve (p = 0.0002), decreased fiber density indicated by 11.8 % lower maximum absorbance (p = 0.004), as well as 11.1 % shorter clot lysis time (p = 0.014) and 10.0 % faster increase of maximal D-Dimer levels (p = 0.000001). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a prohemorrhagic fibrin clot phenotype, along with lower FII, FVII and higher antithrombin activity in adults below 50 years of age who suffered from ICH of unknown cause, which might indicate novel mechanisms contributing to ICH in younger individuals.

Understanding the experiences of PHC nurses in caring for older patients in the post-fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory qualitative study.

Objective: To ensure the best possible care, the perspective of PHC nurse work experience during the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered when developing nursing care protocols for older patients who receive PHC services. Method: This exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 18 nurses working continuously in PHC between the first and fifth waves of the pandemic. Semi-structured thematic interviews were undertaken. Qualitative thematic content analysis was conducted to identify and group the themes that emerged from the discourse. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The first topic describes the nurses' experiences of physical and mental suffering in caring for older patients in response to the pandemic. The second topic covers the experience of reorganizing PHC work. The third topic focuses on the difficulties of caring for older patients. The final topic includes issues of support needs for nurses in PHC work. Conclusion: The experience and understanding of PHC nurses in caring for older people during the COVID pandemic should lead to significant changes in the system of nursing care for geriatric patients and in the cooperative role within geriatric care specialist teams. Drawing on the experience of COVID-19, it is necessary to work on the weak points of PHC exposed by the pandemic in order to improve the quality of care and life for geriatric patients.

Association between cyberchondria and the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) - a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Cyberchondria has been described relatively recently as a behaviour characterized by excessive Internet searching for medical information related to increasing levels of health anxiety. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country's traditional or conventional medicine, and are not fully integrated into the dominant health care system The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between cyberchondria and the use of complementary and alternative medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 25 April - 25 December 2022. A computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) survey technique was used. The study population consisted of 626 respondents who took part in the study. RESULTS: The severity of cyberchondria is associated with 'a greater number of CAM products used' (beta = 0.101; p = 0.043), 'a greater number of self-help techniques used' (beta = 0.210; p<0.001), searching for knowledge about CAM on the Internet (beta-0.199; p<0.001), using sources other than books (beta = -0.114; p = 0.025), younger age (beta = -0.170; p<0.001) and worse education (beta = -0.101; p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The research results indicate that there is a link between cyberchondria and the use of CAM. However, since some components of the CSS-PL scale and self-rated health were not associated with more frequent use of CAM, it is likely that these results may not be fully reliable. The association between cyberchondria and CAM use should be investigated in further studies using comprehensive medical interviews.

The allatotropin/orexin system as an example of immunomodulatory properties of neuropeptides.

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a critical role in signal integration in animals and allows the orchestration of life processes to maintain homeostasis. Current research clearly shows that inflammatory processes can also be modulated by the CNS via the neuroendocrine system. One of the neuropeptide families that participate in vertebrates in this process is orexins (OXs). Interestingly, our previous results suggested that a similar dependency may also exist between neuropeptides and immune system activity in insects. Due to the structural homology of orexin and allatotropin receptors and the functional similarity between these two neuropeptide families, the main aim of this research was to perform a complex analysis of the relationships between allatotropin (AT) and the insect immune response. Our results revealed functional similarities between vertebrate OXs and insect ATs. Similar effects were observed in the profile of the expression level of the gene encoding the AT precursor in the Tenebrio molitor nervous system and in the general action of Tenmo-AT on selected immune parameters of the tested beetles. Moreover, for the first time in insects, we confirmed the role of cytokines in the modulation of neuroendocrine system by determining the effect of Spätzle-like protein injection on the expression of genes encoding AT precursor and receptor. All these results are important for understanding the evolutionary basis of hormonal regulation of the immune response.

The Relationship between Diet and the Occurrence of Depressive Symptoms in a Community Example with High Rates of Social Deprivation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Research suggests that various biological and psychosocial mechanisms are involved in the heterogeneous and complex relationship between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms. The occurrence of depressive symptoms is thought to be related to socioeconomic status (SES), with those with lower SES being more likely to experience persistent depression. The aim of the undertaken study was to investigate whether socioeconomic and health variables are associated with dietary assessment in a population with high rates of social deprivation and whether a relationship exists between dietary assessment and depressive symptoms (DS). The respondents' nutrition was evaluated through a qualitative method, using the Perinumeric Periodic Table questionnaire by Starzynska. At the same time, the prevalence of DS was assessed employing the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). In the DS screening (PHQ-9 ≥ 10), in the entire study population, the risk of DS was 16.1% (n = 605). In our entire study population, up to 61.2% (n = 2297) of the respondents exhibited poor dietary patterns. In the multivariate model, women with almost adequate or poor dietary assessment were 1.62 and 2.18 times more likely to score at least 10 on the PHQ-9 questionnaire, as compared to women whose dietary assessment was good or adequate. In conclusion, it was determined that sociodemographic variables affect nutritional habits. Women who lived in rural areas limited to a vocational education had significantly poorer diets. Moreover, men, younger men, smokers, and those without chronic diseases were characterized by a poorer dietary assessment. Additionally, women who had a better dietary assessment were significantly more likely to have lower scores on the questionnaire assessing the occurrence of DS (PHQ-9 10).

Genome, biology and stability of the Thurquoise phage - A new virus from the Bastillevirinae subfamily.

Bacteriophages from the Bastillevirinae subfamily (Herelleviridae family) have proven to be effective against bacteria from the Bacillus genus including organisms from the B. cereus group, which cause food poisoning and persistent contamination of industrial installations. However, successful application of these phages in biocontrol depends on understanding of their biology and stability in different environments. In this study, we isolated a novel virus from garden soil in Wroclaw (Poland) and named it 'Thurquoise'. The genome of that phage was sequenced and assembled into a single continuous contig with 226 predicted protein-coding genes and 18 tRNAs. The cryo-electron microscopy revealed that Thurquoise has complex virion structure typical for the Bastillevirinae family. Confirmed hosts include selected bacteria from the Bacillus cereus group-specifically B. thuringiensis (isolation host) and B. mycoides, but susceptible strains display different efficiency of plating (EOP). The eclipse and latent periods of Thurquoise in the isolation host last ~ 50 min and ~ 70 min, respectively. The phage remains viable for more than 8 weeks in variants of the SM buffer with magnesium, calcium, caesium, manganese or potassium and can withstand numerous freeze-thaw cycles if protected by the addition of 15% glycerol or, to a lesser extent, 2% gelatine. Thus, with proper buffer formulation, this virus can be safely stored in common freezers and refrigerators for a considerable time. The Thurquoise phage is the exemplar of a new candidate species within the Caeruleovirus genus in the Bastillevirinae subfamily of the Herelleviridae family with a genome, morphology and biology typical for these taxa.

Inflammation-related mRNA expression in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing hematopoietic stem cell mobilization.

Mobilization of CD34+ cells is a key element in the therapy of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation. The use of chemotherapy and the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor can significantly affect the expression of inflammation-related proteins and the migration of hematopoietic stem cells. We assessed the mRNA expression of selected proteins involved in the inflammatory landscape in patients with MM (n = 71). The study aimed to evaluate C-C motif chemokine ligands 3, 4, 5 (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5), leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) levels in the course of mobilization and their role in the CD34+ collection efficacy. mRNA expression from peripheral blood (PB) plasma was evaluated by Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We observed a deep decline in CCL3, CCL4, LECT2, and TNF mRNA expression on the day of the first apheresis (day A) compared with that at baseline. A negative correlation was observed between CCL3, FPR2, LECT2, TNF level, and the CD34+ cells count in PB on day A, and the number of CD34+ cells obtained at first apheresis. Our results indicate that the investigated mRNAs significantly alter and may regulate the migration of CD34+ cells during mobilization. Moreover, in the case of FPR2 and LECT2, the results obtained in patients differed from the murine models.

Links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's Disease-What Do We Already Know?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a life-changing condition whose etiology is explained by several hypotheses. Recently, a new virus contributed to the evidence of viral involvement in AD: the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the COVID-19 coronavirus disease. AD was found to be one of the most common COVID-19 comorbidities, and it was found to increase mortality from this disease as well. Moreover, AD patients were observed to present with the distinct clinical features of COVID-19, with delirium being prevalent in this group. The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. ACE2 is overexpressed in brains with AD, which thus increases the viral invasion. Furthermore, the inhibition of the ACE2 receptor by the SARS-CoV-2 virus may also decrease the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), contributing to neurodegeneration. The ApoE ε4 allele, which increases the risk of AD, was found to facilitate the SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. Furthermore, the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress existing in AD patients enhance the inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. Moreover, pandemic and associated social distancing measures negatively affected the mental health, cognitive function, and neuro-psychiatric symptoms of AD patients. This review comprehensively covers the links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease, including clinical presentation, molecular mechanisms, and the effects of social distancing.

The relationship between the strength of religious faith and spirituality in relation to post-traumatic growth among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in eastern Poland: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had forced intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to adapt to extreme conditions in a short period of time. This resulted in them experiencing extremely stressful situations. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between post-traumatic growth (PTG) and religiosity and spirituality (R/S) among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in intensive care during the pandemic. Materials and methods: 120 nurses working in Lublin, eastern Poland, participated in the cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was made up of three standardised tools: The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, The Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire, The Spiritual Attitude and Involvement List. Results: In terms of spirituality, the study group of nurses achieved the highest score in the Connectedness with Nature subscale (4.37 ± 1.07), while the strength of religious beliefs had a positive correlation with post-traumatic growth only in the Spiritual changes subscale (r = 0.422, p < 0.001). The following dimensions of spirituality were significantly correlated with post-traumatic growth in the multi-factor model that included religiosity and spirituality: Transcendent experiences, Spiritual activities, Meaningfulness, Acceptance, and Trust. We saw that increase in the assessment of the Transcendent experiences, Meaningfulness and Trust subscales significantly mirrors increase in post-traumatic growth, while increase in the assessment of the Spiritual activities and Acceptance subscales significantly mirrors decrease in post-traumatic growth. The above variables explained up to 44% of the dependent variable. Conclusion: Both religiosity and spirituality were significantly associated with post-traumatic growth in the group of ICU nurses, but spirituality appears to have played a larger role. Our findings support the value and significance of the development of spiritual and religious identity as a means of enhancing positive psychological changes in the face of traumatic events.

Pediatric palliative care education for medical students: development and evaluation of a pilot program.

UNLABELLED: In Poland, medical curricula cover palliative care for adults, not for children. This paper evaluates feedback of students who participated in a pilot pediatric palliative care education program. METHOD: An anonymous questionnaire was designed for the students; they were asked to assess each aspect of the program on a scale of 0 to 6 (0 denoted complete dissatisfaction; 6, complete satisfaction). RESULTS: 207 students participated in the program, 197 evaluated it, and 160 formed the research data group. More than 50 percent gave the program 5 points (mean +/- SD; 4.91 +/- 0.9). A total of 79 students (44 percent) assessed the material as 51 to 75 percent new, and 56 students (31 percent) placed it between 76 and 100 percent. A majority indicated that the material would be most useful to them in their future clinical work. Most respondents (78 percent) stated that pediatric palliative care should be included in the pediatrics curriculum. The contribution of the program instructors was given a high score (on average, 5.26 +/- 0.52). CONCLUSION: The pediatric palliative care education program was feasible, and it was well received by the students who undertook it.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the International Questionnaire to Measure the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) for the Polish and Cross-Sectional Study.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a broad set of health care practices that are not part of a country's traditional or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the prevailing health care system. The aim of this study is the linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) and the assessment of the occurrence and factors related to CAM among patients in Poland. A methodological model of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of research tools according to Beaton et al. with a Delphi-Technique was used for the linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Polish version of I-CAM-Q. The Delphi consensus was achieved in the scale assessment between the experts in two rounds (with a score of above 80% of expert agreement). Data was collected using an online survey within 38 thematically different groups on Facebook, among 524 participants. Over half (59.7%, n = 313) of the respondents used the services of at least one CAM practitioner. On the other hand, 50.8% (n = 266) of the respondents declared using physician's advice. The use of herbs and plant products was reported by 84.7% (n = 444), and vitamins and minerals by 88.4% (n = 463) of respondents. The most commonly used self-help practices among the respondents were relaxation techniques (49.6%), praying for one's health (43.3%) and meditation (41.2%). The consensual methodology of validating the Polish version of the I-CAM-Q scale allowed for creation of a conceptually and linguistically equivalent tool with the original international instrument. A high frequency of CAM use was found among the respondents. Therefore, strategies should be implemented to improve patient-physician communication on the use of CAM in Poland.

The Prevalence of Depression Symptoms and Their Socioeconomic and Health Predictors in a Local Community with a High Deprivation: A Cross-Sectional Studies.

Depression is a heterogeneous and etiologically complex psychiatric syndrome thatshows a strong sexual dimorphism and often impacts people with a low socioeconomic status (SES). The aim of the study was to estimate the occurrence of depression symptoms in a local community with a high deprivation rate, the example being the inhabitants of the JanówLubelski County in eastern Poland. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3752 people aged between 35 and 64. The prevalence of depression symptoms was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. In the screening for depression symptoms in the entire population we studied, the risk of depression symptoms was 16.1% (n = 605), with women having a significantly higher mean score than men (p < 0.001). Significant predictors associated with the achievement of 10 points and more in the PHQ-9 assessment in the case of women and men were: living alone, education and having comorbidities. Moreover, female participants living in rural areas were significantly more likely to exhibit depression symptoms, whereas smoking was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in men. It was observed that in the case of obese women, the chance of being in the higher category of the PHQ-9 assessment was 1.41 times higher than in women with normal body weight. However, in the case of men, an increase in age by one year increased the chance of being in a higher category by 1.02 times. Moreover, the odds of falling into a higher category, as assessed by the PHQ-9 questionnaire, among men who drink alcohol more than once a week was 1.7 times higher than in men who do not drink or consume alcohol occasionally. Summarising the results of studies conducted in a local community characterised by a high deprivation rate, socioeconomic and health variables related to SES significantly impacted the incidence of depression, but they differ in terms of gender.

Factors Predicting Post-Traumatic Positive and Negative Psychological Changes Experienced by Nurses during a Pandemic COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study.

It is common knowledge that COVID-19 affects physiopathological changes in all systems of the human body. On the other hand, events related to the COVID-19 pandemic also have a significant impact on the social and mental sphere of human functioning. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between selected sociodemographic variables and selected subjective cognitive resources, and the positive and negative perception of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of nurses working in Poland. The computer-assisted web interviewing method was conducted between 1 and 15 May 2020. Participants were requested to complete the following questionnaires: The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CIOQ), The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Three-hundred and twenty fivenurses working all over Poland participated in the study. Their mean age was 39.18 ± 11.16 years. A higher average level was noted among the surveyed nurses in the Positive Change subscale (18.56 ± 4.04). In a multivariate model, taking into account both sociodemographic and cognitive variables, the level of perceived traumatic stress, the level of social support, a sense of security, reflection on safety and a sense of meaning and meaning in life were independent predictors of a positive perception of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those variables explained as much as 37% of the dependent variable, and the nature of the relationship was positive. While we are still a long way from understanding the full range of the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and psychosocial well-being, it is possible that in this challenging context there are many individual resources available to perceive the effects of the current pandemic positively. Therefore, they should be strengthened through the development and implementation of intervention programs to improve the mental state of nurses.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Nurses during the First Eleven Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The high risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection can increase the physical and psychological strain on nurses in professional practice, which can lead to mental health problems. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to establish and estimate the combined incidence of depression and anxiety among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic using standard measurement tools. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS was carried out to identify cross-sectional studies in the period from 3 March 2020 to 18 February 2021. Two reviewers independently and critically evaluated the studies which have been included, using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality checklist. We have identified twenty-three studies (n = 44,165) from nine countries. The combined incidence of depression among nurses was 22% (95% CI 0.15-0.30, I2 = 99.71%), and anxiety symptoms 29% (95%CI 0.18-0.40, I2 = 99.92%). No significant difference was observed in the percentage of depression and anxiety between the study subjects working on the frontlines vs. those in a mixed group (those working on the frontlines and behind the lines). This meta-analysis shows that over one-fifth of nurses in professional practice during the COVID-19 epidemic suffer from depression disorders, and almost one-third experience anxiety symptoms. This underscores the importance of providing comprehensive psychological support strategies for nurses working in pandemic conditions. Further longitudinal research is necessary to assess the severity of mental health symptoms related to the COVID-19 epidemic factor.