The impact of lifestyle, measured with the HLPCQ questionnaire on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Poland: a multicenter study.

Metabolic syndrome is one of the most common health problems for people around the world. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults without prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. We also plan to assess the influence of certain lifestyle components on prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The study involved cardiovascularly healthy patients undergoing lab tests, measurements, and the HLPCQ questionnaire (The Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire). The data were used to diagnose metabolic syndrome. Out of 1044 patients from 10 primary care facilities, 23.3% met the metabolic syndrome criteria, showing a strong link with increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting glucose. Lower scores in the Organized physical exercise subscale of the HLPCQ questionnaire were noted in those with metabolic syndrome. Comparing the subscale of HLPCQ questionnaire, the lower results in Organized physical exercise subscale were found among the participants with metabolic syndrome, both male and females. Metabolic syndrome, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, should be screened for actively, even in apparently healthy populations. Results obtained in our study from analysis of HLPCQ show that screening for metabolic syndrome should be preceded by prevention based on regular physical activity and proper eating habits.

Triglicerydes/high-density lipoprotein ratio as a risk factor of post-Covid-19 sinus tachycardia: A retrospective study.

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is one of the manifestations of the post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), which pathogenesis remains largely unknown. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for IST in individuals with PCS. The 1349 patients with PCS were included into the study. Clinical examination, 24H Holter ECG, 24H ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and biochemical tests were performed 12-16 weeks after the COVID-19 in all participants. IST was found in 69 (3.5%) individuals. In the clinical assessment IST patients were characterized by a higher age (p < 0.001) and lower prevalence of the diagnosed hypertension (p = 0.012), compared to remaining patients. Biochemical testing showed higher serum triglycerides (1.66 vs. 1.31 pmol/L, p = 0.007) and higher prevalence of a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (24.6% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.035) in the IST group. Subsequently, the triglicerydes (TG)/HDL ratio, an indicator of insulin resistance, was significantly higher in the IST individuals (3.2 vs. 2.4, p = 0.005). 24H monitoring revealed a significantly higher minimum diastolic, maximum systolic and mean arterial blood pressure values in the IST group (p < 0.001 for all), suggesting a high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension. A multivariate analysis confirmed the predictive value TG/HDL ratio >3 (OR 2.67, p < 0.001) as predictors of IST development. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the relationship between the TG/HDL ratio and the IST risk showed that the predictive cut-off point for this parameter was 2.46 (area under the ROC curve = 0.600, p = 0.004). Based on these findings, one can conclude that insulin resistance seems to be a risk factor of IST, a common component of PCS.

Is Obesity a Cause for Shame? Weight Bias and Stigma among Physicians, Dietitians, and Other Healthcare Professionals in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Weight bias and weight stigma pose significant challenges in healthcare, particularly affecting obesity management practices and patient care quality. Our study evaluates their prevalence and impact among healthcare professionals in Poland. Using the Fat Phobia Scale and custom questions, we surveyed 686 professionals via Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI). Results reveal a moderate level of explicit weight bias (mean score: 3.60 ± 0.57), with significant variations across professional groups: physicians (3.70 ± 0.48), dietitians (3.51 ± 0.48), and others (3.44 ± 0.77). Common feelings towards individuals with obesity include willingness to help (57.0%) and compassion (37.8%), yet 29.9% perceive obesity as shameful. The results also vary depending on the respondent's sex or BMI. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate weight stigma and enhance understanding of obesity among healthcare professionals.

The Course of COVID-19 and Long COVID: Identifying Risk Factors among Patients Suffering from the Disease before and during the Omicron-Dominant Period.

SARS-CoV-2 has acquired many mutations that influence the severity of COVID-19's course or the risk of developing long COVID. In 2022, the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant was Omicron. This study aimed to compare the course of COVID-19 in the periods before and during the dominance of the Omicron variant. Risk factors for developing long COVID were also assessed. This study was based on stationary visits of patients after COVID-19 and follow-up assessments after 3 months. Clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and vaccination status were evaluated in 1967 patients. Of the analyzed group, 1308 patients (66.5%) were affected by COVID-19 in the period before the Omicron dominance. The prevalence of long COVID was significantly lower among patients of the Omicron group (47.7% vs. 66.9%, p < 0.001). The risk of long COVID was higher for women (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.99]) and asthmatics (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.07]). Conclusively, infection during the Omicron-dominant period was linked to a lower risk of developing long COVID. Females are at higher risk of developing long COVID independent of the pandemic period. Individuals affected by COVID-19 in the Omicron-dominant period experience a shorter duration of symptoms and reduced frequency of symptoms, except for coughing, which occurs more often.

Teleconsultation as a Modern Form of Health Care Service in the Case of Poland: Assessment of Its Potential Use from the Perspective of Health Care Providers and Patients.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has facilitated access to health care services through telemedicine in Poland, where it has not been a common approach so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate telemedicine as a form of health care provision in the Polish health care system. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 2,318 patients and health care workers. Questions included telemedical services usage, attitude toward telemedical consultations, who should decide about the nature of the consultation, advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine, the possibility of teleconsultations remaining available after the pandemic, and the subjective perception of overuse of remote consultations by doctors. Results: In general, respondents approved of teleconsultations (3.62 on 1-5 scale) but specific clinical situations gained higher and lower scores-among the highest ranking were prescription renewal (4.68), interpretation of examination results (4.15), and treatment continuation/follow-up (3.81). Among least ranking were consulting children 2-6 years old (1.93) and children younger than 2 years old (1.55) as well as consulting acute symptoms (1.47). Health care workers rated their general attitude significantly higher than nonhealth care workers toward telemedicine consults (3.91 vs. 3.34, p < 0.001) and toward 12 out of 13 specific clinical situations and settings (p < 0.001). The only exception was "consulting acute symptoms," which received exactly the same rating within both groups (1.47, p = 0.99). Most respondents agreed that teleconsultations should remain an option for contacting a physician regardless of the epidemic situation. Each group declared that they should be the one to decide about the consultation form. Conclusions: Results of this study could help optimize and facilitate telemedical consultation usage after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Influence of Introducing Free Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae on the Uptake of Recommended Vaccination in Poland.

Since 2017, pneumococcal vaccination has evolved from a recommended chargeable vaccination to a mandatory, and therefore free, vaccination for all children. While a 10-valent vaccine is commonly used, parents have the option to use a 13-valent vaccine for a fee. This study aimed to investigate whether and how the introduction of free pneumococcal vaccination affected the uptake of recommended vaccination and to assess the association of chargeable pneumococcal vaccination with recommended vaccination. Data from 1595 vaccination record cards kept by six primary care clinics in urban and rural areas of Poland were collected and analyzed for children born between 2015 and 2018. Belonging to the clinic and the year of birth were the only inclusion criteria. Following the introduction of free universal pneumococcal vaccination, more children were vaccinated with the recommended vaccination (61.2% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.026). The most significant change was in vaccination against rotavirus (48.5% vs. 54.4%, p = 0.018) and against meningococcal B bacteria (4.8% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001). Children who received chargeable pneumococcal vaccination were also significantly more likely to be vaccinated with recommended vaccines (54.6% vs. 75.9%, p < 0.001). In particular, this was the case for multivalent vaccinations-against rotavirus, chickenpox, and meningococcal C bacteria. Reducing the impact of the economic factor, for example, by introducing free vaccinations, should have a positive impact on the uptake of other recommended vaccinations.

Clinical and electrocardiographic correlates of myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19 in nonhospitalised patients in long-term follow-up. Data from the polish long-covid cardiovascular study.

Clinical evidence indicates that COVID-19 is a multiorgan disease that significantly impacts the cardiovascular system. However, little is known about the predictors of myocardial dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the clinical and electrocardiographic correlates of myocardial dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 infection in nonhospitalised patients without previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease. This observational study included 448 patients selected from the database of 4142 patients in the Polish Long-Covid Cardiovascular study. All patients underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG); 24-h Holter ECG monitoring, 24/7 ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. According to the results of diagnostic tests, patients were divided into two groups depending on the occurrence of myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19. Group 1-without myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19-consisted of 419 patients, with a mean age of 48.82 (SD ± 11.91), and Group 2 (29 patients)-with myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19, with a mean age of 51.45 (SD ± 12.92). When comparing the analysed groups, there were significantly more men in Group 2 (p = 0.006). QRS (corresponds to the time of ventricular contraction in an electrocardiographic examination) fragmentation (p = 0.031), arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular extrasystole, ventricular extrasystole) (p = 0.008), and male gender (p = 0.007) were independently associated with myocardial dysfunction after COVID-19. The study showed that myocardial damage after COVID-19 affects men more often and is independent of typical clinical factors and the severity of the disease course. The QRS fragmentation and arrhythmias observed in the ECG indicate the possibility of myocardial dysfunction in patients after COVID-19, which may be a valuable marker for physicians.

Beneficial effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to the uptake of influenza virus, pneumococcal, and herpes zoster adult vaccination - a narrative literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Analysis of factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination coverage in various countries raised the question whether the recent pandemic affected the vaccination rates of other pathogens in adults. Therefore, the aim of this review article was to analyse the literature to find potentially beneficial effects of the introduction of the large-scale vaccinations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with regard to the influenza virus, pneumococcal and herpes zoster adult vaccinations, in order to identify factors and strategies to increase the uptake of these vaccines. REVIEW METHODS: The review of the literature was based on scientific articles indexed in the PubMed Database published between 2022-2023, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data search was performed from 24-30 July 2023. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: It was found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a beneficial effect on the acceptance and coverage of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in the vulnerable elderly populations, and among healthcare workers in the case of influenza. Furthermore, the COVID-19 outbreak affected the designs of vaccine clinical trials, resulting in a lower frequency of age-related exclusion criteria, broadening the group of vaccine recipients. SUMMARY: Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination increased willingness to accept other vaccines. The attitude to vaccination is a personal decision-making process based on previous experience and interpersonal interactions, greatly affected by information and recommendation from medical professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic vaccination implementation opened new opportunities to develop prevention efforts and build vaccination strategies in middle-income countries.

Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae in Children Born between 2015 and 2018 in Poland-How Has the Introduction of Free Compulsory Pneumococcal Vaccination Affected Its Uptake?

Starting from 2017, pneumococcal vaccination was added to the Polish vaccination calendar as mandatory for all children born after 2016. The 10-valent conjugate vaccine was selected as mandatory and therefore free of charge. This paper aims to examine the impact of introducing mandatory vaccination on vaccine uptake. For this purpose, an analysis was conducted for 1595 vaccination record sheets from outpatient clinics in Wroclaw and surrounding villages for children born 2015-2018. After the introduction of compulsory vaccination, the percentage of children fully vaccinated against pneumococcus increased (60.4% vs. 84.8%, p < 0.001). A significant decrease in the number of children who did not receive any dose of the vaccine was observed (27.8% to 3.3%, p < 0.001). The introduction of compulsory vaccination did not affect the completion of the pneumococcal schedule (11.8% vs. 11.9%). Compulsory PCV10 vaccination resulted in the less frequent choice of the 13-valent vaccine (72.3% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001). More children in rural outpatient clinics were vaccinated against pneumococcus compared to urban outpatient clinics (84.8% vs. 70.8%, p < 0.001). The introduction of free pneumococcal vaccination increased the proportion of children vaccinated, although it did not affect the rate of discontinuation of the initiated schedule. In Poland, the increased popularity of the 10-valent vaccine at the expense of the 13-valent one translated into a change in the proportion of pneumococcal serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease.

Weight stigma and fat phobia in Poland - attitudes towards people living with obesity and the level of knowledge about obesity among the social media internet respondents and medical professionals.

Introduction: Obesity often subjects individuals to stigmatization, impacting self-esteem, contributing to depression, social isolation, and even exacerbating weight gain. Our research aimed to evaluate weight stigma, fat phobia, their expressions, and obesity-related knowledge among social media internet respondents and medical practitioners in Poland. Methods: Conducted through Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), our study employed the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS) and tailored questions, analyzing 1705 questionnaires. Results: The respondents averaged a score of 3.60 ± 0.62 on the FPS. Interestingly, men exhibited higher stigma levels than women. Variables like BMI, residency, and interactions with people having obesity did not significantly impact stigma levels. Approximately 74.0% of respondents found individuals with obesity less attractive than those with normal weight, while 32.2% identified obesity as a cause of shame. Only 69.1% were aware of the BMI-based obesity diagnosis criterion. Conclusion: Given limited knowledge of Poland's weight stigma landscape, our research yields crucial insights for shaping social campaigns and enhancing educational initiatives in obesity management for healthcare professionals. Further studies will be instrumental in addressing patient and practitioner needs effectively.

Response to provide key health services to Ukrainian refugees: The overview and implementation studies.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of war in Ukraine has contributed to the largest migration crisis in this part of Europe since the Second World War. In a short period of time, several million refugees of different ages and with different health needs have arrived in Poland. This study aims to assess the health problems of Ukrainian refugees, evaluate the barriers faced by primary care physicians (PCPs), and analyse and evaluate the system solutions available (including the use of modern information technology) to address them. METHODOLOGY: For this purpose, an original questionnaire distributed to PCPs in Poland was created and a literature review of implemented system solutions was conducted. The survey was conducted between the 3rd-10th April 2022-45 days after the outbreak of the war. The survey was repeated between 20th January and February 15, 2023. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 402 physicians who provided health care to refugees at that time. There were 252 respondents in the first stage of the study while 150 PCPs took part in the repeat survey. The findings of the survey revealed that the most common health problems among refugees were infections, regardless of age. The biggest barrier to providing care to refugees was the lack of available medical records and language difficulties. During the first months of the refugee influx in Poland, many - both systemic and grassroot - solutions were implemented to improve the quality of health care for refugees. CONCLUSIONS: According to PCPs, the language barrier and the lack of previous medical records are key constraints when providing medical care to refugees. The health needs of refugees and the difficulties in providing care for them require constant monitoring and implementation of appropriate systemic solutions that can reduce the limitations in the daily work of medical staff.

Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to the development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its responsible management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure the accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of the long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.

The outbreak of the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war: mental health of poles and their attitude to refugees.

Introduction: The outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war on 24 February 2022 has sparked a migration crisis in Europe. As a result, Poland has emerged as the country with the highest number of refugees. Due to differing social and political sentiments, this has been a significant challenge for the hitherto mono-ethnic Polish society. Methods: Computer-assisted web interviews (CAWIs) were conducted with 505 Poles, mainly women with higher education from large urban centers, involved in helping refugees. Their attitudes toward refugees were assessed using an original questionnaire, while their mental health was also evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Results: The vast majority of respondents reported favorable attitudes toward refugees from Ukraine. In addition, 79.2% believed refugees should be given free access to medical care, and 85% supported free access to education for migrants. Nearly 60% of respondents were not worried about their financial status due to the crisis; moreover, 40% believed that immigrants could boost the Polish economy. And 64% believed it would enrich Poland culturally. However, the majority of respondents feared infectious diseases and believed migrants should be vaccinated according to the vaccination schedule applicable in the country. Fear of war correlated positively with fear of refugees. On the GHQ-28, almost half of the respondents scored above clinical significance. Higher scores were typical for women and those fearing war and refugees. Conclusion: Polish society has shown a tolerant attitude in the face of the migration crisis. The vast majority of respondents showed positive attitudes toward refugees from Ukraine. The ongoing war in Ukraine has a negative impact on the mental health of Poles, which correlates with their attitude toward refugees.

Prevalence and assessment of risk factors among Polish adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a 12-month follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have indicated that COVID-19 symptoms may persist for up to 12 months after recovery; however, data on this phenomenon are still limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the most common symptoms, and the risk factors for development of post-COVID syndrome in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients during a 12-month follow-up after recovery from COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study was based on medical data collected at follow-up visits at 3 and 12 months post-COVID-19. Sociodemographic data, chronic conditions, and the most common clinical symptoms were assessed. A total of 643 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. RESULTS: A majority of the study group were women (63.1%), and the median age of the entire group was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR] 43-63). After 12 months, a median of 65.7% (IQR, 62.1%-69.6%) of the patients declared the presence of at least 1 clinical symptom of post-COVID syndrome. The most common complaints were asthenia (median, 45.7% [IQR, 41.9%-49.6%]) and neurocognitive symptoms (median, 40% [IQR, 36%-40.1%]). In a multivariable analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.49; P = 0.01) and severe COVID-19 course (OR, 3.05; P <0.001) were associated with persistence of clinical symptoms for up to 12 months after recovery. CONCLUSIONS: After 12 months, persistent symptoms were declared by 65.7% of the patients. The most common symptoms 3 and 12 months after the infection were worse tolerance to exercise, fatigue, palpitations, and memory or concentration problems. Women are at a higher risk of experiencing persistent symptoms, and COVID-19 severity was a predictor of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Do COVID-19 Vaccinations Affect the Most Common Post-COVID Symptoms? Initial Data from the STOP-COVID Register-12-Month Follow-Up.

Around the world, various vaccines have been developed to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and consequently the COVID-19 disease. However, many patients continue to report persistent symptoms after the acute phase. Since gathering scientific information on long COVID and post-COVID syndrome has become an urgent issue, we decided to investigate them in relation to the vaccination status of patients from the STOP-COVID registry. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from the medical visit after contraction of COVID-19 and follow-up visits in the 3rd and 12th month after the disease. In total, 801 patients were included in the analysis. The most frequent complaints after 12 months included deterioration of exercise tolerance (37.5%), fatigue (36.3%), and memory/concentration difficulties (36.3%). In total, 119 patients declared that they had been diagnosed with at least one new chronic disease since the end of isolation, and 10.6% required hospitalization. The analysis of individual symptoms revealed that headache (p = 0.001), arthralgia (p = 0.032), and dysregulation of hypertension (p = 0.030) were more common in unvaccinated patients. Considering headache and muscle pain, people vaccinated after the disease manifested these symptoms less frequently. Subsequent research is needed to consider vaccines as a preventive factor for post-COVID syndrome.

Before and After: Attitude and Adverse Effects Induced by the First and Second Doses of mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine among Healthcare Professionals in the First Weeks after Their Introduction in Poland.

BACKGROUND: In the last days of December 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) was introduced, for the first time, for wide use in Poland. According to the vaccination schedule, healthcare workers were the first to receive the vaccine. The aim of this study was to analyse the attitudes of those who were determined to be vaccinated, with particular reference to their concerns, attitudes towards vaccination advocacy and sources of knowledge on vaccination, as well as the incidence of adverse reactions. METHODS: The study had a three-stage design. Respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire before receiving the 1st and 2nd vaccine doses and 2 weeks after receiving the 2nd dose. A total of 2247 responses were obtained (1340 responses in the first stage, 769 in the second and 138 in the third). RESULTS: The main source of knowledge on vaccination was the Internet (32%; n = 428). Of the respondents, 6% (n = 86) reported anxiety before the 1st dose of the vaccine, which increased to 20% (n = 157) before the 2nd dose. A declaration of willingness to promote vaccination among their families was made by 87% (n = 1165). Among adverse reactions after the 1st dose of the vaccine, respondents most frequently observed pain at the injection site (n = 584; 71%), fatigue (n = 126; 16%) and malaise (n = 86; 11%). The mean duration of symptoms was 2.38 days (SD 1.88). After the 2nd dose of vaccine, similar adverse reactions-pain at the injection site (n = 103; 75%), fatigue (n = 28; 20%), malaise (n = 22; 16%)-predominated among respondents. Those who declared having had a SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (p = 0.00484) and with a history of adverse vaccination reactions (p = 0.00374) were statistically more likely to observe adverse symptoms after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse postvaccinal reactions are relatively common after Comirnaty vaccination but are usually mild and transient in nature. It is in the interest of public health to increase the knowledge of vaccine safety.

Insomnia, Daytime Sleepiness, and Quality of Life among 20,139 College Students in 60 Countries around the World-A 2016-2021 Study.

Background: Sleep disorders are a widespread phenomenon, and the number of individuals suffering from them is increasing every year, especially among young adults. Currently, the literature lacks studies that cover both countries with different levels of development and a period before the announcement of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to globally assess the prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness among students and assess their quality of life. Methods: For this purpose, our own questionnaire was distributed online via Facebook.com. In addition to the questions that assessed socioeconomic status, the survey included psychometric tools, such as the Athens insomnia scale (AIS), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and the Manchester short assessment of the quality of life (MANSA). The survey distribution period covered 31 January 2016 to 30 April 2021. Results: The survey involved 20,139 students from 60 countries around the world. The vast majority of the students were women (78.2%) and also those residing in countries with very high levels of development and/or high GDP (gross domestic product) per capita at 90.4% and 87.9%, respectively. More than half (50.6%) of the respondents (10,187) took the survey before the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. In the group analyzed, 11,597 (57.6%) students obtained a score indicative of insomnia and 5442 (27.0%) a score indicative of daytime sleepiness. Women, low-income residents, and nonmedical students were significantly more likely to have scores indicating the presence of insomnia. Individuals experiencing both sleepiness (B = −3.142; p < 0.001) and daytime sleepiness (B = −1.331; p < 0.001) rated their quality of life significantly lower. Conclusions: Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are common conditions among students worldwide and are closely related. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered students' diurnal rhythms, which contributed to an increase in insomnia. Students in countries with a high GDP per capita index are significantly less likely to develop insomnia compared to the residents of countries with a low GDP per capita index. Sleep disorders definitely reduce the quality of life of students.

Do selected lifestyle parameters affect the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 among elderly patients? The retrospective evaluation of individuals from the STOP-COVID registry of the PoLoCOV study.

BACKGROUND: Older individuals tend to include less physical activity in their routine and are more prone to chronic diseases and severe medical complications, making them the most burdened group that is losing years of life due to pandemic-related premature mortality. This research aimed to assess the lifestyle factors that affect the COVID-19 course among patients ≥ 65 years old. METHODS: The study included 568 convalescents (64.1% women and 35.9% men) with persistent clinical symptoms after isolation. The mean age was 70.41 ± 4.64 years (minimum: 65 years; maximum: 89 years). The patients completed the questionnaire during their in-person visit to the medical center. The survey included questions regarding their health status when suffering from COVID-19, basic sociodemographic data, and medical history concerning chronic conditions and lifestyle. RESULTS: Physical inactivity (p < 0.001) and feeling nervous (p = 0.026) increased the risk of having a severe disease course. Coronary artery disease raised both the risk of a severe disease course (p = 0.002) and the number of present symptoms up to 4 weeks (p = 0.039). Sleep disturbances increased the number of symptoms during infection (p = 0.001). The occurrence of any symptoms was also associated with the female sex (p = 0.004). The severity of the course was associated with longer persistent symptoms (p < 0.001) and a greater number of symptoms (p = 0.004); those with a more severe course were also at a greater risk of persistent symptoms for up to 4 weeks (p = 0.006). Senior citizens in the third pandemic wave suffered with more severe disease (p = 0.004), while illness during the fourth (p = 0.001) and fifth (p < 0.001) waves was associated with a lower risk of persistent symptoms for up to 4 weeks. The disease duration was significantly shorter among vaccinated patients (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly COVID-19 patients should re-think their lifestyle habits to consider a physical activity level that is adjusted to their abilities, in order to decrease the risk of a severe disease course and to further limit both the number and duration of symptoms. The research was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approval from the Bioethics Committee of Lodz Regional Medical Chamber to conduct the study was obtained (approval number 0115/2021). The PoLoCOV-Study ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT05018052.

Maladaptive Eating Behaviours, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Depression Severity: A Comparative Study between Adult Women with Overweight, Obesity, and Normal Body Mass Index Range.

(1) Background: Causes of obesity are multifactorial and include genetic predisposition as well as behavioural, psychological, social, and hormonal influences. We aimed to compare adult women with normal weight, overweight, and obesity, with a focus on maladaptive eating behaviours, the presence of generalised anxiety disorder, and the severity of depression. Additionally, we explored the context of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy and the status of bariatric surgery. (2) Methods: The sample was composed of 1105 adult women. The following measures, through the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), were used in the present study: the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7), and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). (3) Results: All domains of the TFEQ-R18 had correlations with Body Mass Index (BMI). There was a weak negative association between BMI and Cognitive Restraint (r = -0.172, p < 0.001) and a weak positive relationship between BMI and Uncontrolled as well as Emotional Eating (r = 0.165, p < 0.001; r = 0.191, p < 0.001, respectively). Women who screened positive for anxiety scored lower in the Cognitive Restraint domain (10.11 ± 3.58, p = 0.042) and higher in the Uncontrolled Eating (12.69 ± 6.04, p < 0.001) and Emotional Eating (5.29 ± 2.75, p < 0.001) domains. Similarly, women screening positive for depression had lower scores in Cognitive Restraint (9.88 ± 3.61, p < 0.001) and higher scores in Uncontrolled Eating (12.64 ± 6.09, p < 0.001) and Emotional Eating (5.31 ± 2.71, p < 0.001). A significant association between liraglutide and semaglutide administration and Cognitive Restraint was observed. (4) Conclusions: Individualised treatment for obesity should consider the existing and confirmed association between maladaptive eating behaviours and generalised anxiety disorder, as well as the severity of depression influencing the BMI altogether. The use of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy needs further exploration because the evidence for the use of liraglutide and semaglutide in terms of positive associations with eating behaviours is encouraging.

Alterations in mental health and quality of life among healthcare workers in times of COVID-19: Four-stage cross-sectional study during first four pandemic waves in Poland.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had many unexpected effects that have affected the mental health of healthcare workers. In response to the crisis, healthcare workers appear to be the most vulnerable to the psychological effects of the pandemic. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and healthcare workers' quality of life during the different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The questionnaire was distributed in four stages corresponding to the different waves of the pandemic in Poland. The last stage of the study covered the period from November 1, 2021 to November 31, 2021 which coincided with the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Poland. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Generalized Anxiety Disorderd-7 (GAD-7), and Manchester Brief Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA) scales were used. Results: A total of 1,243 respondents participated. A gradual increase in moderate and severe anxiety was observed as the pandemic continued, comparing waves I and IV of the pandemic. No statistically significant differences were observed in comparing the mean values of the BDI-II, GAD-7, and MANSA scales across waves. A decrease in fear due to the disease and neighbor's quarantine was found. Women, single people and those with a psychiatric history are more likely to be affected by the destructive impact of the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affecting the mental health and quality of life of healthcare workers, but trend is not uniform. It is necessary to continue monitoring the mental health of medical workers, who are the most important link in the fight against the pandemic.