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Objective The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) into Polish to allow pelvic girdle pain (PGP) assessment in Polish women. Methods The translation process comprised 4 stages: forward translation, backward translation, committee review, and pretest. We then conducted a pilot study of the final version of the questionnaire in 49 women (mean age: 31.2 years, standard deviation: 3.74 years) who had PGP when pregnant or within a year postpartum. Results The internal consistency of the newly created questionnaire assessed with Cronbach’s α was 0.916. Conclusion The internal consistency of the process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the PGQ was satisfactory. The Polish version of the PGQ may be used both in clinical practice and for research among Polish women with PGP.

The aim of the study was to analyse the level of inbreeding in the Alpine Dachsbracke dog breed. The research was conducted using pedigrees of 405 individuals of this breed (195 male and 210 female), born in the years 2000-2016. The inbreeding coefficients (Fx) were estimated based on four-generation pedigrees. The individual inbreeding coefficients ranged from 0% to 25%. The average inbreeding coefficient for the population was 2.25% and did not differ between sexes (P>0.05). For 49.4% of individuals, the mean Fx value was 4.55%. The Fx values between years of birth were highly significant (P

This paper highlights basic trends in migration outflows of Poles to Norway. It focuses on the fact that Polish migrants constitute the biggest group of immigrants in Norway and addresses the question regarding their geographical distribution. The authors analyse some theoretical approaches, statistical data and trends with special emphasis on the demographics of the Polish population in Norway in relation to the labour market and family behaviours. Furthermore, the analysis presented in this paper emphasizes that, along with the networks and growing number of children, a part of the temporary Polish migration into Norway has been transformed from circular migration into permanent migration. Therefore, adaptation of Polish migrants in Norway is better explained in terms of different stages in the migratory process rather than in terms of different categories of migrants. What is more, the process of pioneering male migration followed by a family reunification seems similar to that observed in Polish migration to the UK.

The relative age effect (RAE) is related to discrimination against youth athletes born in the last quarter of the calendar year. The current study presents research on the RAE in elite youth soccer players in Poland. Players in the Central Junior League (CLJ) finals represent 0.59% of the 25,756 players under 20 years old (U20). This study analyzed the post-game protocols of the CLJ knockout stage from the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons as well as the U17-U21 teams during 2015, including only players who played on the field for at least one minute (n = 395). The results revealed the existence of RAE in the examined groups ( CLJ 2013/2014, χ23 = 15.441, p < 0.01, CLJ 2014/2015, χ23 = 20.891, p < 0.001 U17-U21, χ23 = 25.110, p < 0.001). In addition, the results differed by monthly birth distribution in the Polish population (PP) between 1995 and 1999. This study is the first to examine the RAE in youth soccer in Poland. The occurrence of the RAE with regard to the most promising youth and national team players suggests that a similar effect exists among younger age categories. To reduce the RAE related to identifying soccer talent, tools should be implemented to optimize the player-selection process, such as those that consider the biological development of a player.

Der Beitrag bezieht sich auf die Frage der Rechtsstellung der polnischen Bevölkerung in Preußen und im Deutschen Reich (nach 1871) unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Provinzen Posen und Westpreußen. Die Verfasserin untersucht die gesetzlichen Bestimmungen über die Polen im Bereich der Grundrechte und überprüft dann die Anwendung des Gesetzes in der Verwaltungspraxis. Schließlich bezieht sie sich auf die Rechtsschutzmechanismen des preußisch-deutschen Rechtsstaates. This contribution addresses the question of the legal situation of the Polish population in Prussia and in the Reich (after 1871), particularly in the Province of Poznań and West Prussia. The author analyzes the regulations concerning Poles and their fundamental rights; next, she verifies the application of the law in the administrative practice. She also refers to mechanisms of the legal protection created by the Prussian-German state of law. Między państwem prawa a władzą administracji. Sytuacja prawna ludności polskiej w Prusach w latach 1850–1914, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem prowincji poznańskiej i zachodniopruskiej Niniejszy przyczynek został poświęcony zagadnieniu pozycji prawnej ludności polskiej w Prusach i w Rzeszy (po 1871 roku), w szczególności na terenie prowincji poznańskiej i zachodniopruskiej. Autorka poddaje analizie uregulowania dotyczące Polaków w zakresie praw podstawowych, następnie weryfikuje stosowanie przedmiotowego prawa w praktyce administracyjnej. Odnosi się także do mechanizmów ochrony prawnej, jakie stworzyło prusko-niemieckie państwo prawa.

Introduction A growing number of epidemiological studies suggest that paracetamol, which is commonly used in children, may be a risk factor for asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema. Objective The aim of this study was to determine and characterize the correlation between paracetamol use and asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema symptoms in the Polish population. Material and methods The study is part of the ECAP project involving the use of the ISAAC and ECRHS questionnaires. Completed questionnaires of 18,617 subjects, including 10,011 (53.8%) females, were analyzed. Children aged 6–7 (n=4,510), adolescents aged 13–14 (n=4,721), and adults aged 20–44 (n=9,386) constituted 24.2%, 25.4%, and 50.4% of respondents, respectively. Study subjects lived in 8 major urban centres and one rural area. The frequency of paracetamol use during the previous 12 months and symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema during that period were analyzed. Results The use of paracetamol was associated with a significant dose-dependent increase in the risk of asthma symptoms in all evaluated age groups. This was demonstrated via odds ratios (OR) for developing asthma symptoms, including wheezing or whistling in the chest in 6–7-year-olds and exercise-induced shortness of breath in 13–14-year-olds and adults, depending on the frequency of paracetamol use in the previous 12 months, compared to no paracetamol intake during that period. Conclusions The use of paracetamol in the last 12 months was associated with a significant dose-dependent increase in the risk of rhinitis and skin allergy symptoms, as demonstrated by the odds ratio. Therefore, frequent paracetamol use may be a risk factor for symptoms of asthma, rhinitis, and skin allergy in the Polish population.

Introduction Chronic venous disorder (CVD) is thoroughly spread across the globe. It affects about 40% of the Polish population. European guidelines underline that there are no data on the percentage of people who have first symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Aim To determine the frequency and pattern of first symptoms and examine public knowledge on CVD in a selected group of patients. Material and methods Our study group consists of 175 patients who took part in preventive assessment of nevi. To determine public knowledge on CVD, we constructed a questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: one part to be completed by the patient and the other by the doctor. Results The median age was 41 years. From 175 patients, about 40% claimed that they do not recognize CVD. Only about half of them knew how to diagnose and treat it. Most of them associate telangiectasia and varicose veins as primary signs and symptoms of CVD. Conclusions Despite the fact that the disease itself is common, the level of public awareness is astonishingly low. Majority of patients tested could not associate first signs and symptoms, even though most of them had primary symptoms of the disease. In order to avoid high-cost treatment of ulcers and varicose veins, we should spread the knowledge on CVD.

Introduction More than 2000 mutations have been identified since the discovery of the CFTR gene in 1989. However, only 346 mutations have been classified as cystic fibrosis (CF)-causing mutations. Due to the increasing number of mutations and poor correlation between the genotype and phenotype, there is an urgent need to determine the mutations that are pathogenic, nonpathogenic, or lead to variable symptoms. Aim The aim of the study was to present the clinical characteristics of Polish patients with rare and novel CFTR mutations, with an attempt to determine the pathogenicity status of those variants. Materials and methods The group included 13 patients born between September 2006 and May 2019, who underwent CF newborn screening and in whom two CFTR mutations, including at least one rare or a novel mutation, were identified. Results We identified 13 patients with mutations in both alleles of the CFTR gene, one of which was at least rare in Polish population (R289NfsX17, I618RfsX2, T682KfsX40, S1347PfsX13, W356X, E33X, dup.16,17A) or was a mutation of unknown clinical consequences (H199R, L468P, A1217E, Q359R, T1036I, W1282R). None of them were described in the CFTR2 database. In all examined patients, sweat tests were elevated. The diagnosed patients presented with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. Broad clinical characteristics and test results are presented. Conclusion Pathogenic mutations are H199R, L468P, A1217E, Q359R, T1036I, W1282R, R289NfsX17, I618RfsX2, T682KfsX40, S1347PfsX13, W356X, E33X, dup.16,17A. Every patient with a mutation of unknown clinical consequences in one CFTR allele requires attentive follow-up.

The aim of this study was to identify the food sources of potassium in the average Polish diet based on the data from the 2016 Household Budget Survey conducted on the representative sample of the Polish population (36,886 households, n = 99,230). This survey is organized by the Central Statistical Office and is related to the expenditures, quantitative consumption and revenues in households. We analyzed 91 sub-groups (i.e., milk, red meat) from 13 food categories (i.e., milk and dairy products, meat and products). Our findings indicated that the daily supply of potassium in the average Polish diet was 2617.9 mg, which meant covering the average allowance in 83%. Vegetables provided 32.5% of potassium, of which potatoes accounted for 16.2% of supply, and other vegetables for 16.2%. Tomatoes as well as other vegetables and mushrooms provided a total of 8.2% of potassium among vegetables. The next position was taken by the meat and meat products category (17.7%), with the largest share of meat products (6.7%) and red meat (5.2%). Cereal products supplied 16.64% of potassium, of which bread, rolls and bread products (12.2%) were of the greatest importance. Milk and dairy products turned out to be the fourth product category as a source of potassium (11.9%), with the highest share of milk (6.8%) and yoghurts and milk drinks (3.9%).

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to record the characteristics of Poland’s alpine skier’s (students) in relation to the frequency of accidents. In this research 66 skiers participated (50 men and 16 women). Methods: The specimens came by recreational skiers (beginners - advanced) in the ski resort in Passo Tonale (Italy). The research material came from analysis of completed questionnaires from 66 Polish skiers. They have recorded four categories of factors: a) individual factors b) factors of preparation in the snow in relation to injuries c) factors of preparation in dry ground in relation to injuries d) factors of injuries. Results: About 6,3% Polish skiers respondents had in the past, an accident in alpine skiing. In the Polish population the number of beginner skiers is overriding, with a few years of training in skiing, however with several days training a year using a ski instructor teacher for warming up and individual form of learning. Conclusions: Skiers who don’t had physical fitness preparation before the winter season, had a greater percentage of accidents and injuries. Polish skiers usually had limb injuries lower extremities (sprains) due to the reckless of the skiers.

Wstep Nadciśnienie tetnicze oraz palenie papierosow stanowią istotny problem zdrowotny i spoleczny w populacji polskiej. Wciąz okolo 24% Polakow nalogowo pali papierosy. Mimo wysokiego ryzyka powiklan naczyniowo-sercowych i onkologicznych, istnieje niewielka liczba publikacji oceniających stan zdrowia wieloletnich palaczy. Materialy i metody W ramach programu Moltest Kardio+ zbadano 425 mieszkancow (223 mezczyzn, 52,47%) wojewodztwa pomorskiego. Do badania kwalifikowano osoby w wieku od 50 do 79 lat, z wywiadem tytoniowym powyzej 30 paczkolat. Badanie skladalo sie z jednej wizyty, podczas ktorej zebrano wywiad, wykonano pomiary antropometryczne oraz 3-krotny pomiar ciśnienia tetniczego. Otrzymane wyniki porownano z populacją ogolną (badanie NATPOL 2011). Wyniki Nie zaobserwowano roznic pomiedzy wartościami SBP i DBP w populacji Moltest Kardio+ i NATPOL 2011. Rozpowszechnienie nadciśnienia tetniczego nie roznilo sie istotnie w obu populacjach. Zauwazono istotne statystycznie roznice w SBP w zalezności od wypalonych paczkolat. Kobiety z grupy Moltest mialy istotnie nizsze BMI od kobiet z populacji ogolnej, natomiast u mezczyzn wartości BMI byly istotnie wyzsze. Wnioski Średnie wartości SBP i DBP oraz rozpowszechnienie nadciśnienia tetniczego nie rozni sie istotnie w badanych grupach. Liczba paczkolat w wywiadzie miala znaczący wplyw na wartości SBP wśrod palaczy. Zaobserwowano calkowicie odmienne związki palenia papierosow i wartości wskaźnika BMI u kobiet i mezczyzn. Wieksze rozpowszechnienie zaburzen masy ciala i wspolwystepowanie nadciśnienia tetniczego i nalogowego palenia tytoniu w populacji mezczyzn wymaga wzmozonych dzialan prewencyjnych ze wzgledu na wysokie ryzyko sercowo-naczyniowe. Introduction Arterial hypertension (AH) and cigarette smoking are a leading health and social problem in Polish population. Still around 24 % of Poles are chronic smokers. Despite the high risk of cardio-vascular and oncological complications the number of papers assessing wellbeing and health condition of chronic smokers is low. Materials and methods As part of the Moltest Kardio+ program 425 citizens of pomorskie voivodeship (223 males, 52,47%) were examined. Inclusion criteria were age between 50 and 79 years and history of smoking with more than 30 packyears. Program consisted of one visit during which medical history, anthropometric measurements and three separate blood pressure measurements were taken. The results were then compared to the general population (NATPOL 2011 study). Results There were no differences between SBP and DBP values in Moltest Kardio+ and NATPOL 2011 populations. Prevalence of AH was not significantly different in both populations. Significant differences in SBP according to number of packyears were noted. In Moltest study women had significantly lower BMI than those in general population, whereas men’s BMI was significantly higher. Conclusions Mean SBP and DBP values and prevalence of AH are not significantly different in these two groups. Number of packyears had a significant effect on SBP values in smokers. Entirely opposite relations between smoking and BMI index values were observed in female and male smokers. Higher prevalence of body mass disorders and concomitance of AH and chronic smoking in male smokers resulting in increased cardiovascular risk requires to undertake more intense preventive measures.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension and its effectiveness between 2007 (WOBASZ Senior study) and 2013–2014 (WOBASZ II) in a sample of the Polish population over the age of 75 years. Methods: Sampling had three stages, stratified according to voivodeships, type of community, and gen­der. Finally, the WOBASZ II study included 467 persons (290 women and 177 men). For a comparison of the data, 1096 persons (538 women and 554 men) examined in the WOBASZ Senior study were used. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased from 153.0 ± 23.9 mmHg to 142.9 ± 22.3 mmHg and from 85.2 ± 11.9 mmHg to 78.4 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively, from 2007 to 2014 (p < 0.0001). Prevalence of hypertension among people included in WOBASZ studies slightly decreased from 83.8% to 77.9% (rate ratio [RR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–1.16) in men, and from 75.4% to 71.8% (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.8–1.09) in women. Hypertension awareness was improved from 59.2% to 72.9% (RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.97–1.56) in men, and from 74,8% to 93% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.58) in women. The proportion of men and women, with implemented hypertension treatment, increased from 48.4% to 61.1% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.58), and from 63.2% to 82.0% (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.53), respectively. The effectiveness of the treatment was improved over two-fold, there was an increase from 10.3% to 26.8% (RR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81–3.89) in men, and from 13.8% to 33.5% in women (RR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.81–3.3). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in Polish seniors remains high, but has decreased slightly in the perspective of the last 7 years. Although treatment and control has improved over the last decade, it remains below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Polish seniors should be intensified.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine whether the specific season of the year during which the first trimester of pregnancy takes place is significantly associated with the course (intensification and frequency of occurrence) of an episode of recurrent depressive disorder in adult life. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 184 patients treated for recurrent depressive disorders. RESULTS An analysis of the results obtained indicates that the greatest number of people suffering from a major depressive episode were born in the spring and summer (from April to September), meaning that the first trimester of pregnancy occurred between October and March. However, our results were not statistically significant, perhaps due to the small size of the examined group. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained indicate that birth month may be significantly associated with the course of recurrent depressive disorders. In patients from Central Europe, the first trimester of pregnancy falling in autumn and winter seems to be significant. These results need to be interpreted with caution due to the small size of the examined group.

With aging of the population, osteoporotic fractures are becoming an increasing medical problem world­wide. It has been estimated that 2,700,000 patients experienced a low energy fracture in the Polish population in 2010. On the basis of contemporary world standards and publications in the field of orthopaedics and trau­matic surgery, a summary of the principles of management of osteoporotic fractures is presented. Both general problems of fracture treatment in elderly patients as well as difficulties in surgical and conservative treatment resulting from osteoporotic bone abnormalities are discussed. Special attention is paid to preoperative and postoperative procedures in patients with proximal femur fractures. Also presented is a contemporary strategy for the treatment of fractures of the distal forearm, proximal humerus and vertebrae. General principles of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis are discussed.

Aim – The main aim of the study is to determine the dynamics of the ageing process of the Polish population and to present a forecast of population ageing based on comprehensive analysis of the age structure of this population. The separated components of this structure are biological age groups: 0–14, 15–64, 65 years and more. The time period of the research comprises the years 1950–2016, while the population forecast by age is presented for 2020 and 2050. The elaboration includes data from GUS. Research methodology – In assessing the level of the ageing of Polish society there were used, among others, the old age index, old age coefficient, a measure of the similarity of structures, a measure of the structural change intensity, and the median age. Score – In the years 1950–2016 in Poland there were observed changes in the age structure of the population in age groups: 0–14 years old, 15–64 years old, 65 years old and more, including a steady trend in the percentage of people in the age group 0–14 years old and a steady upward trend in the percentage of people aged 65 and over, a strong upward trend in the old age index, and a strong tendency of increase in the post-working age dependency ratio. The Central Statistical Office’s (GUS) forecasts indicate that the population ageing measured by changes in the age structure of the population and the shifting of the median age which are taking place in Poland in a dynamic manner, will continue with increased intensity over the next decades. Originality/value – The added value of the work is the use of the similarity of structures and the intensity of structure changes, which together with an approach based on classical indicators allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the age structure of the Polish population in dynamic terms, determining the quantitative nature of changes in the age structure over time, the direction of these changes and their intensity. It was also pointed out that in light of the ongoing demographic transformations, the concept of silver economy understood as an economic system aimed at using the potential of the elderly and taking into account their needs is becoming a priority.

Introduction : Hypertension is one of the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension as well as treatment effectiveness (blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg) in a representative sample of the Polish population over the age of 19, examined in the WOBASZ II program. The second aim was to assess the changes in these parameters between 2003–2005 (WOBASZ study) and 2013–2014 in adults aged 20–74. Material and methods : Sampling was performed in three stages, stratified according to voivodeship (province), type of commune, and gender. Finally, the study included 6163 persons (3406 women and 2757 men) examined in the years 2013–2014 (aged ≥ 19 years). For comparison the data from 14 755 persons (7783 women and 6452 men aged 20–74 years) examined in the years 2003–2005 were used. Results : In the years 2013–2014, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment and control was 42.7%, 59.3%, 46.1%, and 23% respectively. In the last decade an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (relative ratio (RR) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.18), treatment (RR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17–1.36) and control (RR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.91 2.45) was found. In contrast, the awareness decreased nonsignificantly (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.92–1.05). Conclusions : The prevalence of hypertension in Poland is high, and increased by about 12% in 10 years. Although the number of treated patients and blood pressure control improved nearly twofold over the last decade, this is still below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Poland should still be intensified.

Introduction. Aging of the Polish population is one of the most important challenges of health and social policies in coming years. It is believed that physical activity is one of the most important factors which guarantees older people a chance for healthy and successful aging. Objective. The aim of this paper was to present the literature on the significance of physical activity in prevention and treatment of selected diseases of the old age. Description. This paper presents important information on the preventive effect of physical activity on the diseases of the elderly; it also presents exercises for the elderly with cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and heart failure), and exercises for individuals with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Conclusions. This paper emphasizes the positive effects of regular physical activity. There is an increasing body of evidence which suggests that physical activity may prevent or delay the occurrence of many diseases of the elderly.

The aim of this study was to evaluate five-year prevalence of recurrent shoulder dislocation in the entire Polish population. The study involved the entire Polish population between 01 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. Demographic data were retrieved from the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Data on the number of shoulder joint dislocations were retrieved from the database of the National Health Fund. We identified 32,253 Polish residents with shoulder instability. About 0.1% of Polish residents suffered from recurrent shoulder dislocation. Males suffered almost two times more often than females (66% and 34%, respectively), and male gender was recognized as a risk factor of instability (OR = 2.07, p

Background The success of endodontic treatment is greatly affected by the location of the root canals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the root and canal morphology of permanent maxillary first and second molars in a Polish population using cone-beam computed tomography scanning. Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of maxillary first and second molars the maxilla were examined. The number of roots and root canals, and the frequency of additional canals (MB2) in the mesiobuccal root canals were determined. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the chi-square test or the chi-square test with Yates’ correction. Results A total of 112 CBCT images of maxillary first (n = 185) and second molars (n = 207) from 112 patients were analyzed. All the maxillary first molars had three roots (100%). The majority of maxillary second molars had three roots (91.8%), 5.8% had two roots and 2.4% had one root. A statistically significant difference was observed between the numbers of roots in the maxillary first and second molars (p

Introduction The number of people suffering from sleep disorders is on the rise. Insomnia is a complex issue with an impact on numerous aspects on everyday functioning. At the same time it is highly dependent on an individual’s lifestyle and untreated episodic sleep issues may lead to chronić insomnia. The aim of the present study was to assess complaints regarding sleep difficulties among men and women in Poland, as well as their severity and whether it leads to seeking treatment. Methods Data was gathered as a part of an online-based nationwide campaign on insomnia, which included a survey assessing sleep quality. The survey was developed for the purpose of this study. Statistical analysis included Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests as well as Spearman’s correlations. Results Responses were obtained from 3807 individuals – 2616 (68.7%) women and 1191 (31.3%) men. Sleep issues with the highest prevalence were sleep maintenance difficulties reported by 62.8% of the respondents, snoring among 61.2%, sleep initiation difficulties (sleep latency of over 30 minutes) among 55.6%, daytime sleepiness among 49.5%, and symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome among 45.1%. Out of the participants who reported at least one sleep issue, the rate of having been to a professional consultation was 20.8% - 22.8% among women and 16.4% among men. Conclusion Even though the prevalence of different sleep troubles was very high, it did not correspond to the rate of seeking professional help. The vast majority of both men and women who experienced sleep difficulties had never consulted with a specialist regarding their sleep quality. There is a great need for psychoeducation of the general public on sleep as a vital component of health and on benefits of professional help. Support (if any) This study was supported by an unrestricted educational grant by Polfarmex. The funding source had no role in the design and conduct of the study, collection, management and analysis of the data, or preparation of the abstract. The authors declare no other conflicts of interest.

The observed demographic changes involving mainly progressive ageing of the Polish population are leading to increased market importance of the senior consumer segment. More and more seniors are following new consumer trends, including smart shopping. The article aims to provide some insight into smart shopping, as well as to outline the factors influencing the dissemination of such shopping behaviours, with a broader reference to consumer behaviours of Polish seniors. The first part very synthetically explains the concept and key determinants of the smart shopping consumer trend. The next section focuses on the research conceptualisation and a description of the sample and its characteristics. Based on the conducted research, the last part sheds light on seniors’ consumer behaviour and attempts to define the extent to which seniors do smart shopping when making consumer decisions.

Narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy are commonly referred to as the Dark Triad of personality. In the current study, we examined the structure of the Dark Triad measured by the Polish version of the Short Dark Triad (SD3). The study was conducted with 1012 individuals in Poland. The analyses were performed in four steps: (1) the external validity of the SD3 was tested to provide evidence that SD3 is a valid measure of the three dark traits; (2) the structural validity of the SD3 was tested using competing models in confirmatory factor analyses; (3) the structure of narcissism was tested; and (4) the combined bifactor model of Machiavellianism and psychopathy was tested. The results support the differentiation of the Dark Triad into a Dark Dyad (Machiavellianism and psychopathy) and narcissism, which can be used in further theoretical work and new operationalization of the Dark Triad.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate physical activity of disabled individuals in the context of fulfilling the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and to investigate the relationship between the risk of inactivity and activity of local authorities in this field. Materials and methods The sample consisted of 155 disabled individuals selected from a representative sample of the Polish society. The long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF) and the survey of the determinants of a sport activity among the Polish population were applied. The relationship between meeting the WHO recommendations and environmental factors were investigated. Results According to the IPAQ-LF, 68.2% of the Polish disabled adults performed a recommended dose of physical activity during their leisure time. The total leisure activity was composed mainly of vigorous activities (58.8%), in a less extent of moderate activities (11.8%), and walking (7.2%). According to the survey of the sport activity determinants, 10.3% is active (0.7% exercises for ≥60 min 3 to 4 times a week, 3.9% per day). Conclusion Based on our study results, there is a need to increase the activity of local authorities, promoting a participation in sport for all among Polish disabled individuals. In addition, these study results indicate methodological problems related with the implementation of the IPAQ-LF.

Objectives: The incidence of gestational diabetes varies depending on a country and it is extremely difficult to analyse. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of gestational diabetes in Polish population. Material and methods: Based on the data from the National Health Fund (NHF) the authors analysed reports regarding deliveries performed and then, determined the rates of gestational diabetes/hyperglycaemia during pregnancy and pregestational diabetes in Poland in the years 2010–2012. Results and conclusions: In Poland, the incidence of gestational diabetes was estimated to be 4.665% in 2010, 6.918% in 2011 and 7.489% in 2012. The incidence of pregestational diabetes was 1.067% in 2010, 1.116% in 2011 and 0.932% in 2012.

Background The association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the development of head and neck cancer was reported by many researchers. The aim of the present study was to detect EBV DNA and EBV antibodies in 110 Polish patients with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer compared to 40 healthy individuals. Methods Frozen tumor tissue fragments were tested using nested PCR assay for EBV DNA detection. Sera from all individuals were investigated using ELISA tests to detect the presence of VCA IgM and IgG, EBNA IgG, EA IgG. Results EBV DNA was detected in 52.7% of the patients (25% in controls). EBVCA were detected in 94.5%, EBNA in 96.4% and EA in 94.5% of patients. The significantly higher level of EA in the patients suggests EBV reactivation. The majority of patients (83%) were infected with wild-type EBV. Conclusion Our study showed that this variant seems to be associated with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer in the Polish population.

Women are living longer than men and it seems that one of the reasons could be better immune system of females. In Poland, contrary to many European countries, women retire earlier than men, namely at 60 and 65, respectively. We asked the question how the gender and labour status were interconnected with some immunological parameters included in the so called immune risk profile (IRP), such as CD4+/CD8+ ratio, percentage of CD8+CD28−, and NK, and the level of circulating cytokines. A total of 92 men and 100 women past the retirement age, namely 65–74 years old, still working or not, were examined. We have found statistically significant lower percentage of CD8+CD28− cells and non-statistically significant higher CD4+/CD8+ ratio in women, whereas the percentage of NK was higher in men. Moreover, the percentage of CD8+CD28− cells was negatively correlated with the CD4+/CD8+ ratio and the concentration of IL8 was positively correlated with the concentration of IL10 both in men and women. In men, the level of IL10 was higher than in women. Altogether, we found that gender, but not labour status, influences immunosenescence of the examined population of 65–74 years old Polish people.

Objectives: The aim of the study was the epidemiological analysis and evaluation of selected clinical and sociodemographic factors in Polish patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Methods: The study included patients from 7 provinces in central and eastern Poland registered in the Registry of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis on 31 December 2016. The incidence of various forms of the disease was compared, and clinical, demographic and social disparities between relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis were analysed. Results: Of 3,199 registered patients, 2,188 persons (66.2%) had the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis, 774 (24.2%) had the secondary progressive type and 307 (9.6%) suffered from primary progressive disease. The first symptoms of primary progressive multiple sclerosis appeared almost 10 years later than in patients with the relapsing-remitting type (39.2 ± 11.4 vs. 29.8 ± 9.8). The period from the first symptoms to diagnosis was more than twice as long in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (5.8 ± 3.4) as in those with relapsing-remitting disease (2.4 ± 1.6). The average degree of disability in the Expanded Disability Status Scale was similar and amounted to 3.2 ± 2.1 for relapsing-remitting and 3.6 ± 2.4 for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The relapsing-remitting form was observed more often in women (2.4:1), and the primary progressive form appeared with equal frequency in both sexes (1:1). Disease-modifying treatment was received by 34% of patients with relapsing-remitting and in only 1.9% of patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Conclusions: The primary progressive form affects approximately 10% of Polish patients with multiple sclerosis. The first symptoms appear at about 40 years of age with equal frequency in both sexes, and its diagnosis takes more than twice as much time as in the case of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

The aim of the present study is to establish the prevalence of personality disorders (PDs) in a healthy (nonclinical) Polish population, to examine sex difference in PDs, and to show the structure of clusters which PDs form with regard to men and women. A large sample of 1460 individuals of age between 18 and 65 years was examined. The Structured Clinical Interview for Axis II was used to obtain information on PDs, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to obtain information on other disorders, and an interview to record demographic data. Results show that approximately 9% of the sample had at least one PD (the overall rate is 8.9%) and rates on sex differences in PDs are similar to other European and North American countries. The most prevalent PDs are obsessive-compulsive (9.6%), narcissistic (7%), and borderline (7%). Results show the considerable comorbidity of PDs which means that about 9% of the adult population have at least one PD and in fact they display features of many specific PDs. A factor analysis revealed that 12 PDs form different clusters in men and women.

Introduction. Diabetes is included in the group of metabolic diseases. According to the estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO) the global number of patients suffering from diabetes has increased to 387 million in just 11 years. 5% of Polish society, which is about 2 million, is diagnosed with this particular illness in Poland. Metabolic disorders occur 2 to 3 times more often in patients with mental diseases than in the general population. Often diabetes is accompanied by depression making it a chronic illness. Aim. The aim of the study is to identify factors determining the prevalence and intensification of depression in patients suffering from diabetes. Material and methods. The study included 100 patients with diabetes in the Subcarpathian region, who are being treated in specialist clinics. The study was conducted from 12th to 20th April 2016 using an original questionnaire. Verification of differences was performed by means of chi-square test of independence and U Manna-Whitney test, applying the significance level at p < 0.05. Calculations were performed using SPSS. Results. The average age of the respondents was 41.25 years, SD = 15.38. The prevalence of depression in family history was pointed by 31% of responders and 40.0% of them declared permanent psychiatric consultations. Depression was diagnosed in 25.0% of the diabetic patients. Among the symptoms observed the respondents enumerated fatigue, lack of energy, lack of motivation to make any effort (60.0%). Depression was treated more often among patients treated for diabetes for over 20 years (53.8%). Conclusions. The prevalence of depression symptoms was observed by all of the patients in the study. The most common ones included fatigue, lack of energy and lack of motivation to make any effort. More men than women stated that they were consulting a psychiatrist. The patients who suffered from diabetic complications are more eager to consult a psychiatrist and undergo the treatment for depression. Fluctuations of blood glucose may have an impact on depression symptoms in diabetic patients.