Production losses due to mortality associated with modifiable health risk factors in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological burden of modifiable mortality risk factors is recognized in literature; however, less is known on the economic losses due to a range of such risks. AIM: To estimate production losses (indirect cost) of mortality associated with risk factors as classified in Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study in Poland in years 2000, 2010, and 2017. METHODS: We relied on the human capital method and societal perspective and used sex-, age-, region-, and risk-specific data on mortality due to modifiable risk factors and a set of socio-economic measures. RESULTS: The production losses due to mortality attributable to all investigated risk factors accounted for 19.6-21.0 billion PLN (Polish zloty; 2017 exchange rate: 1€ = 4.26 PLN) and 1.44-2.45% of gross domestic product, depending on year. Behavioural factors were the most important contributor to overall burden (16.7-18.2 billion PLN), followed by metabolic factors (6.8-7.6 billion PLN) and environmental and occupational factors (3.0-3.5 billion PLN). Of disaggregated risks, alcohol and tobacco, high systolic blood pressure, and dietary risks proved to lead to the highest losses. Cost per death was greatest for child and maternal malnutrition, followed by intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and bullying. Moreover, a notable regional variation of indirect cost was identified with losses ranging from 1.21 to 1.81% of regional gross domestic product in 2017. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide economically hierarchised list of modifiable risk factors and they contribute to inform policy-makers in prioritizing programmes to improve health.

Change in anthropometric parameters of the posture of students of physiotherapy after three years of professional training.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: A physiotherapist's occupation requires high physical fitness and a properly functioning neuromuscular system. Working with patients is not always performed in accordance with the rules of work ergonomics. The aim of this paper was to verify the possible changes in the posture of students of physiotherapy after three years of professional training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample group consisted of 30 randomly chosen students of physiotherapy. Each person was examined twice (at the age of 20 and at the age of 23). Both examinations were performed by the same researcher. The ultrasound system ZEBRIS Pointer was used for the examination; 17 parameters were analyzed in sagittal projection, frontal projection, and transversal projection. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed positive correlations between the 10 parameters in examination 1 and examination 2 which means that a person with a relatively higher level of obliquity in examination number 1 also had slightly different values in an examination conducted three years later. CONCLUSION: Studying physiotherapy and physical work with patients resulted in a considerable worsening of the students' posture. It is advisable to educate students on ergonomics and the rules of safety and hygiene while working as a physiotherapist in order to protect the therapists' health.