Filaggrin Gene Defects Are Independent Risk Factors for Atopic Asthma in a Polish Population: A Study in ECAP Cohort

BACKGROUND: FLG null variants of which 2282del4 and R501X are the most frequent in Caucasians are established risk factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) with an effect probably mediated through impairment of epidermal barrier. Among subjects with AD FLG defects are also consistently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) but it is less clear to what extent these associations are also present independently from skin disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of 2282del4 and R501X in predisposing to these allergic phenotypes in a Polish population. METHODOLOGY: 2282del4 and R501X were typed among 3,802 participants of the Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP) survey, a cross-sectional population-based study using ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires, and ambulatory examination. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The FLG null variants were associated with AD (OR = 2.01, CI: 1.20-3.36, P = 0.007), allergic rhinitis (in particular persistent form, OR = 1.69, CI:1.12-2.54, P = 0.011), and asthma (in particular atopic asthma, OR = 2.22, CI:1.24-3.96, P = 0.006). Association with atopic asthma (but not persistent allergic rhinitis) was also present in the absence of AD, (OR = 2.02, CI: 1.07-3.81, P = 0.027) as well as in the absence of AD and history of broadly defined inflammatory skin disease (OR = 2.30, CI: 1.07-4.93, P = 0.03). Association to atopic asthma would have not been found if diagnosis was made by questionnaire only (OR = 1.15, CI: 0.58-2.32, P = 0.8). We did not observe an association between FLG variants and allergic sensitizations (P = 0.8) or total IgE. (P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In a Polish population FLG 2282del4 and R501X carriage increases risk for development of AD and atopic asthma (also in the absence of AD or history thereof). This suggests that interventions aimed at restoring epidermal barrier may have a general role in asthma prophylaxis/treatment

Is it possible to compare data on the consumption of psychoactive substances from Poland and United States?

Wstęp. Zestawianie ze sobą danych epidemiologicznych pochodzących z badań realizowanych w różnych krajach jest podstawą zrozumienia zmian zachodzących w dzisiejszym świecie. Zawsze należy zastanowić się, czy porównanie spożycia środków psychoaktywnych w dwóch odmiennych populacjach daje możliwość wyciągnięcia adekwatnych wniosków. Cel. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest ocena możliwości porównywania z metodologicznego punktu widzenia wyników badań dotyczących spożycia substancji psychoaktywnych pochodzących z Polski oraz ze Stanów Zjednoczonych. Materiał i metoda. Analiza została przeprowadzona na podstawie ogólnokrajowych prac badawczych, realizowanych w Polsce oraz w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Analizie poddane zostały wybrane elementy metodologii badań, takie jak standaryzacja danych, ważenie próby, dobór respondentów oraz dobór populacji standardowej. Poddano ocenie elementy, które w znaczący sposób odróżniają od siebie badania spożycia substancji psychoaktywnych w Polsce oraz w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Wyniki. Przeanalizowanie wielu czynników, które różnią badania, pozwoliło stwierdzić, iż tworzenie praktycznych dyrektyw na podstawie dostępnych danych może być obarczone błędem, wynikającym ze znacznych różnic między nimi. Dostępność informacji o sposobach zbierania oraz analizie danych, wybór populacji standardowej, ważenie danych oraz uwarunkowania prawne czy kulturowe skutecznie uniemożliwiają obiektywne porównywanie ich ze sobą. Wnioski. W Polsce przy rozliczaniu środków wydatkowanych na prowadzone badania epidemiologiczne winien istnieć obowiązek zawierania szczegółowych informacji o metodzie prowadzonego badania i analizy jego wyników. Zwiększy to szansę na ukazanie rzeczywistych różnic w sytuacji narkotykowej pomiędzy Polską a innymi krajami.Introduction. Comparisons between the epidemiological data originating from different countries are the basis for understanding the changes taking place in the world. We should always consider whether comparing the consumption of psychoactive substances in the two different populations enables us to draw objective conclusions. Aim. The main aim of this article is to assess the ability to compare the results of studies about the usage of psychoactive substances in Poland and the United States from a methodological point of view. Material and methods. Those issues are based on national researches undertaken in Poland and the United States. Standardization of the data, weighting the sample, selection of respondents and choice of the standard population were analyzed. Items were evaluated that showed significant differences between the studies on consumption of psychoactive substances in Poland and the United States. Results. Analysis of many factors which are the cause of emerging gaps between researches, have revealed that, based on the available data, creating practical directives may be flawed, resulting from the significant differences between them. Knowledge about collecting and analyzing the data, choice of the standard population, weighting the data and legal or cultural predispositions, lead to the effective and objective comparison of the data. Conclusions. When accounting for the funds spent on the epidemiological studies conducted in Poland, mandatory reporting of survey methods and analysis of results should be imposed. This would allow for easier comparison of the drug abuse situation in Poland, compared with other countries

Is it possible to compare data on the consumption of psychoactive substances from Poland and United States?

Wstęp. Zestawianie ze sobą danych epidemiologicznych pochodzących z badań realizowanych w różnych krajach jest podstawą zrozumienia zmian zachodzących w dzisiejszym świecie. Zawsze należy zastanowić się, czy porównanie spożycia środków psychoaktywnych w dwóch odmiennych populacjach daje możliwość wyciągnięcia adekwatnych wniosków. Cel. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest ocena możliwości porównywania z metodologicznego punktu widzenia wyników badań dotyczących spożycia substancji psychoaktywnych pochodzących z Polski oraz ze Stanów Zjednoczonych. Materiał i metoda. Analiza została przeprowadzona na podstawie ogólnokrajowych prac badawczych, realizowanych w Polsce oraz w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Analizie poddane zostały wybrane elementy metodologii badań, takie jak standaryzacja danych, ważenie próby, dobór respondentów oraz dobór populacji standardowej. Poddano ocenie elementy, które w znaczący sposób odróżniają od siebie badania spożycia substancji psychoaktywnych w Polsce oraz w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Wyniki. Przeanalizowanie wielu czynników, które różnią badania, pozwoliło stwierdzić, iż tworzenie praktycznych dyrektyw na podstawie dostępnych danych może być obarczone błędem, wynikającym ze znacznych różnic między nimi. Dostępność informacji o sposobach zbierania oraz analizie danych, wybór populacji standardowej, ważenie danych oraz uwarunkowania prawne czy kulturowe skutecznie uniemożliwiają obiektywne porównywanie ich ze sobą. Wnioski. W Polsce przy rozliczaniu środków wydatkowanych na prowadzone badania epidemiologiczne winien istnieć obowiązek zawierania szczegółowych informacji o metodzie prowadzonego badania i analizy jego wyników. Zwiększy to szansę na ukazanie rzeczywistych różnic w sytuacji narkotykowej pomiędzy Polską a innymi krajami.Introduction. Comparisons between the epidemiological data originating from different countries are the basis for understanding the changes taking place in the world. We should always consider whether comparing the consumption of psychoactive substances in the two different populations enables us to draw objective conclusions. Aim. The main aim of this article is to assess the ability to compare the results of studies about the usage of psychoactive substances in Poland and the United States from a methodological point of view. Material and methods. Those issues are based on national researches undertaken in Poland and the United States. Standardization of the data, weighting the sample, selection of respondents and choice of the standard population were analyzed. Items were evaluated that showed significant differences between the studies on consumption of psychoactive substances in Poland and the United States. Results. Analysis of many factors which are the cause of emerging gaps between researches, have revealed that, based on the available data, creating practical directives may be flawed, resulting from the significant differences between them. Knowledge about collecting and analyzing the data, choice of the standard population, weighting the data and legal or cultural predispositions, lead to the effective and objective comparison of the data. Conclusions. When accounting for the funds spent on the epidemiological studies conducted in Poland, mandatory reporting of survey methods and analysis of results should be imposed. This would allow for easier comparison of the drug abuse situation in Poland, compared with other countries

The multidimensional nature of attitudes towards preventive vaccinations – a cross-sectional survey among Poles aged 15–39 years

Objectives Vaccination skepticism and vaccination refusal both constitute global public health concerns. Systematic monitoring of public attitudes towards vaccination is crucial for maintaining a high vaccination coverage rate. The study aimed to identify and characterize homogenous social groups distinguished by attitudes toward preventive vaccinations. Material and Methods Between October and November of 2021, a nationwide representative cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1560 inhabitants of Poland aged 15–39 years. The study questionnaire included 60 questions on public attitudes towards vaccines, vaccination, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Factor analysis was applied to identify the main dimensions of vaccination attitudes. Results Factor analysis included 22 variables and yielded 3 factors or dimensions that accounted for 48.5% of the model’s variability. Young adults were assigned into 6 homogeneous groups based on these factors: 1) general trust in vaccination, 2) vaccine safety concerns, 3) trust in fake medical news regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and denying the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups I–IV differed by sociodemographic factors and vaccination coverage rates. Nearly 60% of the respondents expressed concern regarding various aspects of vaccination. Conclusions Most of Poland’s young adults lack clearly defined attitudes towards vaccination. Attitudes towards vaccination can be divided into 6 heterogeneous groups. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(2):214–2

Factors Associated with Attitudes towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in 2020

We aimed to assess attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and factors associated with a willingness to vaccinate against seasonal influenza in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic (flu season 2020/2021). This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out between 5 and 15 November 2020 on a representative nationwide sample of 1052 individuals aged 18+ in Poland. Of the respondents, 5.5% (95% CI: 4.3–7.0%) declared that they had already got vaccinated against influenza and 13.4% (95% CI: 11.4–15.6%) declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Out of nine different factors analyzed in this study, only three were significantly associated with attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Participants aged 75 years and over (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 2.63–12.85), as well as participants aged 60–74 years (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.30–4.54), compared to those aged 19–29, had significantly higher odds of having a positive attitude towards seasonal influenza vaccination. Respondents who define themselves as completely religious unbelievers (OR = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.79–10.55), as well as Internet users (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.30–3.47), had higher odds of having a positive attitude towards influenza vaccination. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of adults in Poland who already got vaccinated or declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza remains low. This also applies to high-risk groups

Factors Associated with Attitudes towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in 2020

We aimed to assess attitudes towards the influenza vaccine and factors associated with a willingness to vaccinate against seasonal influenza in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic (flu season 2020/2021). This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out between 5 and 15 November 2020 on a representative nationwide sample of 1052 individuals aged 18+ in Poland. Of the respondents, 5.5% (95% CI: 4.3–7.0%) declared that they had already got vaccinated against influenza and 13.4% (95% CI: 11.4–15.6%) declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza during the 2020/2021 season. Out of nine different factors analyzed in this study, only three were significantly associated with attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Participants aged 75 years and over (OR = 5.82; 95% CI: 2.63–12.85), as well as participants aged 60–74 years (OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.30–4.54), compared to those aged 19–29, had significantly higher odds of having a positive attitude towards seasonal influenza vaccination. Respondents who define themselves as completely religious unbelievers (OR = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.79–10.55), as well as Internet users (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.30–3.47), had higher odds of having a positive attitude towards influenza vaccination. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of adults in Poland who already got vaccinated or declared a willingness to vaccinate against influenza remains low. This also applies to high-risk groups

Nasal patency in Poles in the light of research as part of the project on Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the reference values for nasal inspiratory flow in the study population in Poland as part of the project on Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland (ECAP). Material and Methods The study subjects were a group of 4,137 people: 1,136 children aged 6–7 years (561 girls and 575 boys), 1,123 adolescents aged 13–14 years (546 girls, 577 boys) and 1,878 adults (1,145 women, 733 men), residing in seven large Polish cities. The method used in the study was the measurement of the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) using a special mask for rhinomanometry tests, with a measurement scale of 20–350 L/min. Measurements were conducted twice: once before and once after nasal mucosa vasoconstriction with a 0.1% xylometazoline (Xylometazolinum) solution. Results Nasal patency rates increased with age in healthy subjects (children aged 6–7 years: 75.95 L/min; teenagers aged 13–14 years: 91.44 L/min and adults: 97.13 L/min (P<0.05). Similarly significant correlations were observed in the study group based on the region of residence (P&amp;amp;lt;0.05). A moderate correlation was observed between PNIF and height as well as weight (with correlation coefficients r=0.51, P<0.05; and r=0.49, P<0.05, respectively). Interestingly, the observed difference in nasal vasoconstriction varied considerably between study subgroups with respect to the pre-determined criteria of age, gender, place of residence, and clinical diagnosis (allergic rhinitis vs. healthy controls), with the mean rates of 25–28%. Conclusions Any attempt to determine reference values for a given study population should include a number of variables, such as age, height, body weight, which can noticeably affect study results