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The Covid-19 pandemic has generated a situation where death is the most commonly used term by humans. The attitudes adopted towards the phenomenon of death are the result of existential life and the presented axiology. Looking at the death of a secular and spiritual person makes it possible to notice the existential and spiritual attitudes of two different social groups, interpenetrating one another and fulfilling different roles. The study used a diagnostic survey method using a standardized research tool in the form of the Attitude Profile Questionnaire for Death (DAP-R-PL) and an author's questionnaire. In the light of the conducted research, it can be observed that priests experience the phenomenon of death more existentially and religiously. Laymen consider the problem of death in an existential way and are more afraid than priests. Both attitudes are part of everyday life because each of the groups participating in the research maintains its identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinship care represents the most prevalent form of foster care in Poland. Most commonly, the role of kinship carers is taken on by grandparents, who may struggle with various problems, needs and deficits in this role. The aim of this study was to investigate the problem of patience in kinship carers aged 60 + and its impact on deficits in the performance of roles and duties. Methods Seventy-five foster grandparents (63 female, 84%) aged from 61 to 97 years (M = 69,12; SD = 6.22) were investigated in north-western Poland in 2018 and 2019. The study was based on the diagnostic survey method. Results Psychological disposition, functioning, health problems and parental needs and deficits were assessed using standardised psychometric scales and tools self-constructed for this research study. A lack of patience with foster children was reported by 46.7% (n = 35) of the respondents. Patience deficits corresponded with a significantly lower sense of coherence, especially in the manageability domain (p < 0.001) and such stress coping strategies as lower positive reappraisal (p = 0.016) and seeking of emotional support (p = 0.025), as well as a greater tendency for suppression of activities (p = 0.014) and venting of emotions (p = 0.035). Relatively permanent personality traits and general self-efficacy were not differentiated by patience with children. Conclusions The results suggest that patience – so important for biological and foster parents – is related to psychological competencies that can be improved through psychoeducation and skills-training, which may be beneficial for improving foster carers' effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitudes of students of health-related subjects towards the death are an important issue showing the behaviour and values ​​that guide young people in everyday interactions. The study was conducted using the Questionnaire About Attitudes Against Death (DAP-R-PL) among 309 students, including 150 Palestinian from the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences and 159 Polish from the Faculty of Health Sciences. It was noticed that the attitude of Death Avoidance is higher in Palestinians than in Poles. The biggest difference between correlation indicators is for the factors fear of death and death avoidance (FD and DA). This value is positive for Palestinian respondents and negative for Polish respondents. The study confirms that the attitudes of students towards death from both universities in the perspective of 5 factors are positive and in future contacts with dying patients they will cope with this challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Problematic Internet Use is defined as a use of the Internet which leads to various difficulties. The aim of this study was to check whether Problematic Internet Use is associated with health risks, such as: anti-health behaviors, depressive symptoms, abnormal body weight or eating disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 540 medical school students of Polish descent (83.5% females; 16.5% males), whose mean age was 22.49 years (SD = 5.20). The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire set, including the Problematic Internet Use Test, Juczyński's Health-Related Behavior Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Eating Attitudes Test and a self-designed demographic survey. Results: Increased Problematic Internet Use scores were observed in male, full-time students, persons who use the Internet on the computer (compared to those who mostly use it on the phone), and those who go online mainly for entertainment purposes (compared to those who indicated another main purpose of using the Internet). 47.6% of the sample reported poor health behaviors, while 27.1% met the criteria of a depressive episode and 6.9% of an eating disorder. High risk of Problematic Internet Use was observed in 2.8% of the sample, particularly those who reported having more free time during the day, engaged in fewer health protective behaviors, manifested more severe depressive symptoms and scored higher on the Eating Attitudes Test. Conclusion: Such results indicate that students with Problematic Internet Use lead an unhealthy lifestyle and more often show symptoms of depression and eating disorders than students without Problematic Internet Use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the co-occurrence of adult and child abuse based on the reports collected from the Polish police and social welfare institutions. Methods: The study involved data concerning 468 households in Szczecin (Poland) inhabited by children where acts of violence between adults took place. The presented data refer to the years 2012-2103. The data came from so called Blue Card files, i.e. documents issued by the police and social workers in cases of domestic abuse, providing information about its forms, perpetrators, and victims. Results: Domestic violence usually occurs between spouses and cohabitees (78%). The perpetrator was usually a man (88%). Violence usually lasted from 1 up to 3 years (30.0%). The most common forms of physical abuse against adults and children included pushing (79.5% of adults, 22.4% of children) and hitting (64.7% of adults, 16.6% of children), and psychologically abusive behaviors were mostly insults (91.9% of adults, 27.5% of children) and criticism (79.1% of adults, 21.5% of children). This work has shown that the longer the psychological abuse between adults lasts, the greater probability is that it will also be used against children. Child abuse is also associated with putting up resistance to the police by perpetrators. Conclusions: Summing up, in households where violence between adults is observed, actions should be taken to prevent violence against children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The United Nations acknowledged diabetes as an epidemic of the 21st century. Global trends demonstrate a continuing growth in its prevalence at approximately 2.5 % per year. The aim of the study was to analyse selected epidemiological factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Poland, Central Europe and the World.Methods: This study presents Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. Study describes the type 2 diabetes burden in the studied populations based on years lived with disability (YLD), years of life lost (YLL), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).Results: Type 2 diabetes has been demonstrated to be a determinant of reduced life expectancy, as in the analysed period the condition presented an increasing trend, compared to other diseases.Conclusions: In recent years the observed YLL, YLD and DALY values for type 2 diabetes have been comparable to the expected ones. Thus the prognosis presented by GBD may be used as a reliable source of information and a basis for a health policy that reduces the number of patients with diabetes and related complications, comorbidities or mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chemical compounds and other pollutants found in the environment have a well-documented, adverse effect on the life and health of individuals. Those who are most vulnerable to toxic effects include prospective parents, pregnant women, foetuses, and young children. In Poland, both the prevention and early detection of developmental abnormalities is insufficient. The objective of the study was to analyse how the pre- and post- natal development of a child is affected by toxicants the mother has been exposed to. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the form a diagnostic survey. The degree of toxic exposure was assessed based on Wawrzynów's questionnaire, the Mothers' Toxic Exposure Assessment Questionnaire' (Kwestionariusz Oceny Narażenia Matek Dzieci na Toksyny -- KONT-15). The evaluation of child development was based on the following psychometric tools: the Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (MFDD), the Speech (MM-speech) and Reflex (MM-reflexes) Development Questionnaire, IRMIK (Inwentarz Rozwoju Mowy i Komunikacji) -- the Polish adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communication Development Inventories (CDI), and the Child Development (RD-18) questionnaire, also designed by Wawrzynów. Results: The study included 102 mothers of children up to 3 years of age. Most of the surveyed mothers indicated large urban agglomerations with more than 100,000 inhabitants as their current place of residence. The study demonstrated that a substantial majority of the mothers had come into contact with toxicants. A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between developmental delays in children and high exposure to toxins in mothers. There was no statistically significant relationship between maternal exposure to toxins and delays in the development of speech and reflexes. Conclusions: Environmental pollutants found primarily in air, food, medication, and everyday items, exert a negative influence on childhood development. A high maternal exposure to toxins contributes to developmental delays in speech and reflexes in children. Delays in speech and communication development were observed more frequently in children who were older. Developmental delays in children were more common among younger children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chemical compounds and other pollutants found in the environment have a well-documented, adverse effect on the life and health of individuals. Those who are most vulnerable to toxic effects include prospective parents, pregnant women, foetuses, and young children. In Poland, both the prevention and early detection of developmental abnormalities is insufficient. The objective of the study was to analyse how the pre- and postnatal development of a child is affected by toxicants the mother has been exposed to. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the form of a diagnostic survey. The degree of toxic exposure was assessed based on Wawrzynów's questionnaire, the Mothers' Toxic Exposure Assessment Questionnaire' (Kwestionariusz Oceny Narażenia Matek Dzieci na Toksyny - KONT-15). The evaluation of child development was based on the following psychometric tools: the Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (MFDD), the Speech (MM-speech) and Reflex (MM-reflexes) Development Questionnaire, IRMIK (Inwentarz Rozwoju Mowy i Komunikacji) - the Polish adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communication Development Inventories (CDI), and the Child Development (RD-18) questionnaire, also designed by Wawrzynów. Results: The study included 102 mothers of children up to 3 years of age. Most of the surveyed mothers indicated large urban agglomerations with more than 100,000 inhabitants as their current place of residence. The study demonstrated that a substantial majority of the mothers had come into contact with toxicants. A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between developmental delays in children and high exposure to toxins in mothers. There was no statistically significant relationship between maternal exposure to toxins and delays in the development of speech and reflexes. Conclusions: Environmental pollutants found primarily in air, food, medication, and everyday items, exert a negative influence on childhood development. A high maternal exposure to toxins contributes to developmental delays in speech and reflexes in children. Delays in speech and communication development were observed more frequently in children who were older. Developmental delays in children were more common among younger children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and non- -infectious skin disease. It is one of the most common dermatoses. Increased reproduction of the epidermis and, as a consequence, visible skin lesions negatively affect the patient's psyche, disrupt self-esteem, reducing the chance of accepting the disease and a normal life. The aim of this study was the assessment of the level of acceptance of the illness and identification of factors affecting its acceptance among patients with psoriasis. Materials and methods: The study involved 132 individuals, comprising 113 women and 19 men. This survey-based study was conducted via the Internet using the author's questionnaire and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Results: Acceptance of the illness level was rated great and moderate by respectively 43.9% and 39.4% of respondents. Over 66.7% of the patients described their self-esteem as high obtained a great level of acceptance of the illness according to the AIS. In the examined group, 58% of the patients not accepted psoriatic lesions on their body. Over 60% of the respondents experienced negative reactions from society regarding the disease, and almost 50% of them experienced other people's reactions resulting from concerns about contracting the disease; these patients obtained lower AIS scores. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate a great illness acceptance among the examined group of the patients with psoriasis. The level of acceptance was influenced by the patient's self- -esteem in relation to the disease, acceptance of their own body image, altered by the disease, experiencing the negative reactions from the society regarding the disease, and the reactions of the other people resulting from concerns about contracting the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrolipoma (FL) is a rare subtype of a benign neoplasm as of lipoma, as well as being rarely present in the maxillo-facial area. The reported case is a significant cause for the natural history description of the development of the maxillary sinus immediately adjacent to the lesion was affected. The authors report the case of a female patient, aged 9. In the case reported by us, during a 5-year observation, the development of pediatric fibrolipoma in the base of skull. In addition, after the surgery, orthodontic disturbances developed. Such a course may plead in favour for the necessity of an earlier decision on surgical treatment. Our report is a significant contribution to knowledge of the natural history of FL development the development of pediatric fibrolipoma in the base of skull. It shows that growth of the tumour, though very slow, is progressive and changes regional anatomy and function. Therefore, after the primary diagnosis of FL, surgical treatment without a long follow-up should be strongly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Domestic violence is a social phenomenon where a family member, husband, wife or another cohabiting person in the household tries to dominate, physically or mentally, the other partner, children, parents, grandparents, in-laws, etc., using their physical advantage, threats, blackmail, with the intention of harm. The aim of the study was find the perceptions of university students regarding the phenomenon of violence and to show similarities and differences in this respect between students from Poland and Belarus (PL and BY). Methods: A total of 482 persons took part in the study, including 251 students from Szczecin (Poland) and 231 students from Grodno (Belarus). The method was a diagnostic survey using the authors' original questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first, containing 6 demographic questions, and the second containing 25 mainly closed-ended questions. Results: In the perceptions of the respondents from Poland and Belarus, women are statistically more likely to experience violence, and men are more likely to use it. The responses of students from Poland and Belarus show statistical connections regarding such behaviors as a single spank, shouting, refusing to talk -- recognizing them mostly as a form of violence. The respondents from both countries also show a convergent position concerning quarrelling and forcing a person to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, recognizing them as violent behavior. Significant differences can also be observed with regard to such behaviors as throwing objects, name-calling and mocking, which do not indicate violence in the opinions of the majority of students from Belarus, in contrast to the Polish students, who perceive these behaviors as violent. Conclusions: Students from both countries acknowledge that the concealment of domestic violence by victims mainly results from fear of worsening their already difficult situation as well as from fear of retaliation by the perpetrator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Efficient functioning at work depends on social/emotional competence, understood as a set of complex skills that determine the effectiveness of behaviors in various professional and social situations. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the social competence of physicians, nurses, and paramedics with regard to sociodemographic contributors and social training. Material and methods. The study involved 303 medical workers, including 90 physicians (29.7%), 112 nurses (36.96%), and 101 paramedics (33.3%). The Social Competence Questionnaire (SC Q) and a questionnaire developed by the researchers were completed. The diagnostic questions included three types of situations: intimate situations (I), situations involving social exposure (SE ), and situations demanding assertiveness (A). Results. The majority of healthcare workers had average general social competence, over one-fifth had high competence, and one- -sixth had low competence. Low competence in social exposure situations (SE ) was observed in nearly one-fourth of the participants. One in six respondents had low competence in situations demanding close interpersonal contact (I) and assertiveness (A). Medical workers aged 45 years and up had lower general competence as well as lower I and SE competence. Social training associated with scientific and social activity develops SE competence in physicians and A competence in paramedics. Conclusions. The low and average scores for social competence achieved by physicians, nurses, and paramedics demonstrate the need for more social training, especially involving professionals in scientific activity and the education of medical staff and various social groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Violence against children is a major social problem. The state's task is to provide appropriate mechanisms to prevent violence. An analysis of the phenomenon of violence seems a fundamental step to counteract it. Objectives. The aim of this study was to analyze the phenomenon of domestic violence against children in north-western Poland. Material and methods. The materials were European Blue Cards concerning cases of violence in the city of Szczecin in the years 2012 and 2013. The analysis included a total of 1299 Blue Cards, from which 58 cards related to violence against children were selected. The selected method was the document analysis method. Results. Most frequently, persons using violence against children were ascendants, i.e. parents or grandparents (45; 77.59% of cases). In second place (6; 10.34% of cases) were people around the domestic environment, and then collaterals (3; 5.17%), and strangers (2; 3.45%). Most often, the forms of physical violence were pushing and hitting, which was experienced by 57.63% (34) and 54.24% (32) of children, respectively. The most common forms of psychological violence used against children were insults (experienced by 30; 51.72% of children), humiliation (22; 37.93%), criticism (21; 36.21%), and threats (20; 34.48%). Conclusions. The analysis of Blue Cards shows that children are not victims of violence as often as adults, which may show imperfections of procedures as a tool that should be used to identify domestic violence. Persons who use domestic violence against children are usually ascendants. Adults use various forms of violence against children, mostly shoving, hitting and name-calling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. The characteristics of individuals who employ violence are extremely important, but it can be very difficult to form profiles of the perpetrators. Such attempts may nevertheless lead to better adoption of corrective and educational actions aimed at people who employ violence, thereby reducing incidences of violence. Objectives. The purpose of the research was to characterize individuals employing violence in northwest Poland. Material and methods. The research material consisted of Blue Card files opened in 2012-2013 in the city of Szczecin. 1,299 documents were analyzed. A diagnostic survey based on document analysis was chosen as the method for e research. Results. Violence was employed mostly by men (1,148; 88.38%) aged 41-60 living in the city center (366; 28.18%). Violence was most often employed against a spouse (534; 41.11%) or a partner (311; 23.94%). The vast majority of perpetrators (554; 64.57%) were aggressive during police intervention; alcohol abusers constituted the greatest group of people employing violence (919; 78.82%). Conclusions. Gender is an important factor in the use of violence. Men employ violence much more often than women. Aggression is the most common type of behavior in cases where a Blue Card procedure is initiated. Behavioral disturbances mostly associated with alcohol abuse are the main determinants of the use of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Implementation of the “Blue Cards” procedure has resulted in an increase in reported acts of violence, including those concerning the elderly, not because violence has become more widespread, but because the principles of the fight against domestic violence have been established and competencies of the relevant services have been distributed. Objectives. The aim of the study is to review the “Blue Cards” questionnaires of people over the age of 60 involved in domestic violence. Material and methods. The study involved 1,299 “Blue Cards” questionnaires, which were obtained in the years 2012-2013 by the Interdisciplinary Team dealing with domestic violence prevention in Szczecin. From this sample, 312 forms obtained from individuals above the age of 60 were analyzed. Results. Elderly people are involved in violence in three ways: as individuals experiencing violence, as those who use violence or as individuals who witnesses violence. Without a doubt, the majority of people who are affected by violence are women who are harmed by their husbands. Domestic violence amongst elderly people is usually disclosed after 1-3 years of its duration; however, it occasionally happens after more than 7 years. The dominant emotion in victims of domestic violence is fear, and in perpetrators - aggression. Conclusions. There are still many cases of domestic violence amongst people over 60 years of age that remain undisclosed, hence co-operation amongst services is extremely important, as well as continuously raising the competence of police officers, education, social assistance and health care specialists. The aim is to counteract violence amongst the elderly and to restore balance to their daily functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Family Medicine & Primary Care Review is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Thyroid diseases are common conditions that have a negative impact on the health of all populations. The literature sheds light on the differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota in patients suffering from thyroid diseases compared to healthy individuals. The microbiome affects the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and the existence of the gut–thyroid axis is discussed in the context of both thyroid diseases and intestinal dysbiosis. The purpose of this review is to describe associations between the microbiome and its metabolites and thyroid dysfunction. We try to explain the role of the microbiome in the metabolism of thyroid hormones and the impact of thyroid autoimmune diseases. In addition, we raise issues related to the influence of bacterial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids or secondary bile acids, in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Last but not least, we explored the interactions between the gut microbiota and therapeutics and supplements typically administered to patients with thyroid diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]