Factors Associated with Willingness to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine in Adult Polish Population-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Vaccinations are proven to be the most efficient in preventing COVID-19 disease. Nonetheless, some people are skeptical and hesitant. The study aimed to determine factors associated with willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the Polish adult population. An online survey consisting of questions regarding (1) demographic information and (2) health issues (the status of vaccination, comorbidities, receiving the flu vaccine and usage of health monitoring apps) was distributed between 13 January and 14 February 2022. Of the 7018 participants who met the study conditions, 76.89% (n = 5396) were females, 22.44% (n = 1575) were males and 0.67% (n = 47) did not specify gender. The median age was 31 years. Among them, 81.82% (n = 5742) were vaccinated and 18.18% (n = 1276) were not. 46.87% (n = 3289) had no chronic co-morbidities. Factors associated with lower odds to receive the vaccine were: being men (p = 0.02; OR = 0.83), having lower education status (p = 0.001, OR = 0.56−0.77), living in a smaller residence area (p < 0.001, OR = 0.47−0.73.), not receiving flu vaccination (p < 0.001, OR = 24.51) and not using health monitoring applications (p < 0.001, OR = 1.56). Health education and communication strategies are needed to achieve large-scale vaccine acceptability and finally herd immunity.

Sleeping Disorders in Healthy Individuals with Different Dietary Patterns and BMI, Questionnaire Assessment.

The COVID-19 pandemic and abiding restrictions have affected every life domain. Sleep disturbances are a major health issue that is linked with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and psychological burdens. Research of sleeping disorders among vegetarian and non-vegetarian subpopulations is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sleeping disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with different dietary patterns. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 1987 people. A total of 1956 respondents met all study conditions. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information, assessment of dietary habits, and assessment of the prevalence of insomnia and sleepiness, based on the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). A total of 36.04% (n = 705) respondents declared that they noticed a change in the quality of their sleep during the last year. According to AIS and ESS, non-vegetarians suffered from insomnia or sleepiness more often than vegetarians. Insomnia and sleepiness were also more prevalent among those respondents who declared consumption of fruit and vegetables less often than once a day compared with those who consumed fruit and vegetables daily. Respondents with BMI within the recommended limit (18.5-24.99) suffered from insomnia less often when compared with underweight (BMI < 18.5) or obese (BMI ≥ 25) respondents. Those results may be useful for public health workers and medical professionals in terms of establishing new instruments that help treat sleeping disorders.

A Vegan Athlete's Heart-Is It Different? Morphology and Function in Echocardiography.

Plant-based diets are a growing trend, including among athletes. This study compares the differences in physical performance and heart morphology and function between vegan and omnivorous amateur runners. A study group and a matched control group were recruited comprising N = 30 participants each. Eight members of the study group were excluded, leaving N = 22 participants. Members of both groups were of similar age and trained with similar frequency and intensity. Vegans displayed a higher VO2max (54.08 vs. 50.10 mL/kg/min, p < 0.05), which correlated positively with carbohydrate intake (ρ = 0.52) and negatively with MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) intake (ρ = -0.43). The vegans presented a more eccentric form of remodelling with greater left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd, 2.93 vs. 2.81 cm/m2, p = 0.04) and a lower relative wall thickness (RWT, 0.39 vs. 0.42, p = 0.04) and left ventricular mass (LVM, 190 vs. 210 g, p = 0.01). The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was similar (108 vs. 115 g/m2, p = NS). Longitudinal strain was higher in the vegan group (-20.5 vs. -19.6%, p = 0.04), suggesting better systolic function. Higher E-wave velocities (87 vs. 78 cm/s, p = 0.001) and E/e' ratios (6.32 vs. 5.6, p = 0.03) may suggest better diastolic function in the vegan group. The results demonstrate that following a plant-based diet does not impair amateur athletes' performance and influences both morphological and functional heart remodelling. The lower RWT and better LV systolic and diastolic function are most likely positive echocardiographic findings.