Włoszczak-Szubzda A, Jarosz MJ. Professional communication competences of nurses

Abstract Introduction: Dissonance between the high 'technical' professionalism of nurses and the relatively low level of patient satisfaction with care received is a phenomenon observed in many countries. Many studies show that it occurs in the case of an inadequate interpersonal communication between nurses and patients. Methods: Three basic scopes of communication competences were involved in the research process: a) motivation, b) knowledge, c) skills, and the following three methods were used: 1) documentation analysis (standards, plans and educational programmes); 2) diagnostic survey concerning professional communication competences of nurses in nursing care -a questionnaire form designed by the authors; 3) self-reported communication skills in nursing care -adjective check list. The study group covered a total number of 108 respondents in the following subgroups: 1) professional nurses who, as a rule, were not trained in interpersonal communication (42 respondents); students of nursing covered by a standard educational programme (46 respondents); 3) students of nursing who, in addition to a standard educational programme, attended extra courses in professional interpersonal communications nursing (20 respondents). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis with the use of descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing

Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of tuberculosis prophylaxis in patients with HIV/AIDS treated with isoniazid

Introduction. The epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus has had a tremendous effect on the epidemic of tuberculosis. Together with the spread of HIV, a great increase has been observed in morbidity due to tuberculosis, both in endemic countries and in those where earlier, as a result of treatment, the frequency of occurrence of tuberculosis had decreased. In 2018, the WHO data demonstrated that the EECA region was the only region worldwide where the epidemics of HIV was still rapidly increasing. The EECA region still struggles with a serious epidemic of tuberculosis. Materials and method. The research method applied was comparative analysis of the results of own study and studies by other researchers, concerning the effectiveness of tuberculosis prophylaxis in patients with HIV/AIDS when treated with isoniazid. Results. In own study, it was found that primary morbidity among patients administered isoniazid significantly decreased within 5 years. Incidence rates of primary morbidity were significantly lower than among patients who had not received isoniazid. Relevant studies conducted worldwide, in many cases differed from own study with respect to both the results and approach to the problem, by country or selection of the type of patients participating in the study. However, in all studies, isoniazid was generally a safe and well-tolerated drug, without special side-effects. Conclusions. All studies analyzed concerning the effectiveness of tuberculosis prophylaxis in patients with HIV/AIDS treated with isoniazid, confirmed the effectiveness of this drug. In the compared studies, applied isoniazid preventive therapy showed no difference in effectiveness according to its duration. Analyzed studies showed similar effectiveness also with respect to a decrease in mortality among patients with TB/HIV/AIDS

Social functioning and the quality of life of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia

Introduction Schizophrenia to a considerably great degree impairs the social functioning of the persons affected in the spheres of interpersonal and occupational contacts, as well as self-care. It brings about serious cognitive, perceptual, motor and emotional deficits, inevitably leading to the social withdrawal of patients. This phenomenon may assume various forms, from the limitations in interpersonal relations, through narrowing these relations to only some circumstances, to the total cessation of social contacts. Objective The objective of the study is presentation of the most important problems related with social functioning and quality of life of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, based on scientific studies conducted in Poland and worldwide. State of knowledge The family of a schizophrenia patient exerts a great effect on the social functioning. While undertaking proper actions the family may become a co-therapist and significantly facilitate the patient’s adjustment to life in society and his/her playing a specified role. Analysis of disorders in social functioning of patients with schizophrenia, in the context of social cognition, indicates the fact that these disorders have their source in the lack of capabilities for identification of own and other people’s internal states, whereas mentalization is the essence of social cognition. Conclusions Therapy, any psychosocial impact as well as rehabilitation, neutralizes the causes for patients’ withdrawal from social life. Training of social skills is necessary which teaches patients to return to the situation when they would be able to function properly in their environment

Resilience in Emergency Medicine during COVID-19: Evaluating Staff Expectations and Preparedness

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant challenges for health systems globally, with medical professionals at the forefront of this crisis. Understanding their organizational expectations and well-being implications is crucial for crafting responsive healthcare environments. Methods: Between 2021 and 2022, an online survey was conducted among 852 medical professionals across four provinces in Poland: Mazovia, Łódź, Świętokrzyskie, and Lublin. The survey tool, based on a comprehensive literature review, comprised dichotomous questions and specific queries to gather explicit insights. A 5-point Likert scale was implemented to capture nuanced perceptions. Additionally, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) was utilized to ascertain the correlation between workplace organization and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results: A noteworthy 84.6% of participants believed their employers could enhance safety measures, highlighting a discrepancy between healthcare workers’ expectations and organizational implementations. Major concerns encompassed the demand for improved personal protective equipment (44.6%), structured debriefing sessions (40%), distinct building entrances and exits (38.8%), and psychological support (38.3%). Statistical analyses showcased significant variations in ‘Avoidance’ and ‘Overall PTSD Score’ between individuals who had undergone epidemic safety procedure training and those who had not. Conclusions: The results illuminate the imperative for healthcare organizations to remain agile, attentive, and deeply compassionate, especially during worldwide health emergencies. Despite showcasing remarkable resilience during the pandemic, medical professionals ardently seek an environment that underscores their safety and mental well-being. These findings reinforce the call for healthcare institutions and policymakers to champion a forward-thinking, employee-focused approach. Additionally, the data suggest a potential avenue for future research focusing on specific demographic groups, further enriching our understanding and ensuring a more comprehensive readiness for impending health crises

Self-reported preparation of Polish midwives for independent performance of prophylactic activities within the scope of women’s diseases and obstetric pathologies

objective. The objective of the study is an attempt to recognize self-reported preparation of midwives for an independent performance of prophylactic activities within the scope of women’s diseases and obstetric pathologies. material and methods. The study was conducted in a representative all-Polish population sample of 3,569 midwives, by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire technique. The research instrument was a questionnaire form designed by the author containing items concerning the characteristics of respondents and the object of the study, constructed based on the 5-point Liker scale. The relationships between the variables were verified using chi-square test (χ [sup]2[/sup] ) of independence. The p values p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. results. Analysis of results allows the presumption that in the opinions of midwives the majority of them are prepared for the independent performance of prophylactic activities in the area of women’s diseases (84.28%) and obstetric pathologies (77.95%). However, nearly every tenth midwife, irrespective of the region of Poland where she lives, age, and participation in post-graduate training, is not prepared for an independent performance of the prevention of women’s diseases. In turn, the lack of preparation for carrying out prevention of women’s diseases was admitted mainly by midwives from the northern and central regions of Poland, aged 31–40, possessing post-secondary school education, who did not participate in any form of post-graduate training. conclusions. The results of studies and analysis of the relevant literature indicate that it is necessary for midwives to improve their qualifications in the area of prophylaxis of women’s diseases and obstetric pathologies through participation in various forms of post-graduate educatio

The interaction between menstrual cycle, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha receptors and sex hormones in healthy non-obese women – results from an observational study

There is growing evidence that TNF-alpha and its two receptors play an important role in hormonal regulation, metabolism, inflammation and cancer. The biological effects of TNF-alpha are mediated by two receptors, p55 and p75. The aim of this study was to analyze serum concentrations of p55 and p75 and hormonal status in healthy women during the normal menstrual cycle. Eight women aged 20–22 with regular menstrual cycles were scheduled for examination on 3[sup]rd[/sup] , 8[sup]th[/sup] , 14[sup]th[/sup] and 25[sup]th [/sup] day of their menstrual cycle. We only observed a positive correlation of p75 subunit with prolactin level (correlation coefficient 0.417; p=0.0116) and negative correlation with insulin level (correlation coefficient -0.35; p=0.032) and HOMA[sub]IR[/sub] insulin resistance index correlation coefficient 0.39; p=0.0185). Furthermore, a negative correlation of p55/p75 ratio with prolactin (correlation coefficient -0.42; p=0.0101) and a positive correlations of p55/p75 ratio with insulin level (correlation coefficient 0.43; p=0.008) and HOMA[sub]IR[/sub] insulin resistance factor correlation coefficient 0.45; p=0.0065) were found

Impact of selected environmental factors on attendance in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programme in the Wielkopolska Province of Poland during 2007–2012

Breast and cervical cancer represent a significant health and economic issue for Polish society, although if detected early, both can be cured successfully. For this reason, since 2006, according to the National Cancer Combat Programme, population-based screening programmes have been implemented, aimed at reducing the mortality and morbidity for breast and cervical cancer. The aim of this study is to determine which of the selected four environmental factors affect attendance for screening mammography and cytology. Analysis included data from questionnaires filled in during mammography by 582,959 women aged 50–69 years, and 288,142 women during cytology, aged 25–59 years, in 2007–2012 in the Wielkopolska Province of Poland. It was found that the impact of medical staff on the attendance for cytological screening was the strongest statistically significant factor (p = 0,0001). Invitation by name (p=0,001) and other factors (p= 0,0001) also affected the attendance. In the cytological screening, medical staff was the factor that had the greatest impact on attendance. Other factors, such as self-reporting, increased participation in the next screening rounds, although the factors that affect attendance changed over time. Their constant analysis is essential for the efficient and effective evaluation of screening programsme

Evaluation of the Relationship between 5-HTT and MAO Gene Polymorphisms, Mood and Level of Anxiety among Postmenopausal Women

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze how mood and anxiety level are related to the functional genetic polymorphism in the promoter region of SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR) and the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO A promoter region. Methods: The study involved 272 postmenopausal women from Poland. The authors employed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for measuring levels of anxiety, the Mood Adjective Check List for measuring mood, and genetic tests. Results: Analysis did not show any statistically significant differences in the mean levels of anxiety, and mood disorders in women in relation to genotypes of the 5-HTTLPR (SLC6A4) polymorphism and the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO A promoter region. However, these problems were more severe among women with s/s genotype. In the case of MAO A gene polymorphism, the level of anxiety was higher in women with a 4/4 genotype. Conclusions: The study did not prove the possibility of the identification of homogeneous groups of women with an elevated risk of developing anxiety and mood disorders during the post-menopausal period. Nevertheless, it showed that respondents with s/s genotype of the 44-bp polymorphism in the 5-HTT (SLC6A4) promoter region had the highest average anxiety levels both as a state and as a trait. Furthermore, the analysis of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO A promoter region demonstrated slight differences in anxiety levels between the women, indicating that those with a 4/4 genotype had higher severity of anxiety symptoms