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1

Dimensions of Religiosity and the Perception of the Importance of Religion in Everyday Life and Politics

100%

Jankowski M.

Political Preferences

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2022

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vol. 30

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issue 2

31-43

EN

The Catholic religion has been inextricably connected with the Polish state through numerous historical experiences. Being an important aspect of connecting society, it can be used in an instrumental way on the political agenda. Moreover, religiousness is an important determinant of electoral decisions. The aim of the research (N=238) is to check whether religiosity affects the perception of the importance of religious principles in everyday life and religion in political life. In the presented approach, religiosity was a multidimensional variable and was conceptualized using a modified five-point Religiosity Centrality Scale (Huber 2003). It was confirmed that all dimensions of religiosity are significantly related to the assessment of the importance of religious principles. The dimension that showed the strongest correlation with the created variables was the dimension of religious cult, and the dimension that correlated the least was the dimension of reading the Catholic press.

2

E-smoking: Emerging public health problem?

45%

Jankowski M., Brożek G., Lawson J., Skoczyński S., Zejda J. E.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2017

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vol. 30

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issue 3

329-344

EN

E-cigarette use has become increasingly popular, especially among the young. Its long-term influence upon health is unknown. Aim of this review has been to present the current state of knowledge about the impact of e-cigarette use on health, with an emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe. During the preparation of this narrative review, the literature on e-cigarettes available within the network PubMed was retrieved and examined. In the final review, 64 research papers were included. We specifically assessed the construction and operation of the e-cigarette as well as the chemical composition of the e-liquid; the impact that vapor arising from the use of e-cigarette explored in experimental models in vitro; and short-term effects of use of e-cigarettes on users’ health. Among the substances inhaled by the e-smoker, there are several harmful products, such as: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acroleine, propanal, nicotine, acetone, o-methyl-benzaldehyde, carcinogenic nitrosamines. Results from experimental animal studies indicate the negative impact of e-cigarette exposure on test models, such as ascytotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, airway hyper reactivity, airway remodeling, mucin production, apoptosis, and emphysematous changes. The short-term impact of e-cigarettes on human health has been studied mostly in experimental setting. Available evidence shows that the use of e-cigarettes may result in acute lung function responses (e.g., increase in impedance, peripheral airway flow resistance) and induce oxidative stress. Based on the current available evidence, e-cigarette use is associated with harmful biologic responses, although it may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(3):329–344

3

Smoke-free homes in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic – a nationwide cross-sectional survey

39%

Ostrowska A., Pinkas J., Giermaziak W., Wierzba W., Gujski M., Jankowski M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2022

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vol. 36

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issue 1

84-95

EN

Objectives Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious health problems. Banning smoking in public venues decreases exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the implementation of smoke-free rules in a private setting (including homes) is largely voluntary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of voluntary smoke-free home rules in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to identify factors associated with the voluntary implementation of smoking bans at home. Material and Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 2022 with a nationally representative sample of 1090 individuals aged ≥18 years in Poland. Data were collected using a computerassisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique. The research tool was an original questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. Results Nationally, 60.6% of individuals had total ban on smoking in home (100% smoke-free home rules), 34.0% had implemented a partial smokefree home rule and 5.4% had not implemented any smoke-free home rules. Over three-quarters of non-smokers (76.8%) and only one-fifth of smokers (20.7%) had adopted a full smoke-free home rule. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, males (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.22–2.22, p < 0.01), non-smokers (OR = 13.78, 95% CI: 9.80–19.38, p < 0.001), respondents who had higher education (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.15–2.14, p < 0.01) as well as those who lived alone (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.52–3.90, p < 0.001) had higher odds of having a 100% smoke-free home rule. Conclusions This study demonstrated the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of smoke-free home rules in Poland. Less than two-thirds of the Polish population has adopted a total smoke-free home rule, with significant gaps between smokers and nonsmokers. Information on current voluntary smoke-free rules will be useful for further implementation of the smoke-free law in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):84–95

4

New ideas, old problems? Heated tobacco products – a systematic review

39%

Jankowski M., Brożek G. M., Lawson J., Skoczyński S., Majek P., Zejda J. E.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2019

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vol. 32

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issue 5

595-634

EN

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are a form of nicotine delivery intended to provide an alternative to traditional cigarettes. The aim of this systematic review was to present the current state of knowledge on HTPs with an emphasis on the potential impact of HTP use on human health. During the preparation of this systematic review, the literature on HTPs available within Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar was retrieved and examined. In the final review, 97 research papers were included. The authors specifically assessed the construction and operation of HTPs, as well as the chemical composition of HTP tobacco sticks and the generated aerosol, based on evidence from experimental animal and cellular studies, and human-based studies.Heated tobacco products were found to generate lower concentrations of chemical compounds compared to traditional cigarettes, except for water, propylene glycol, glycerol, and acetol. The nicotine levels delivered to the aerosol by HTPs were 70–80% as those of conventional combustion. The results of in vitro and in vivo assessments of HTP aerosols revealed reduced toxicity, but these were mainly based on studies sponsored by the tobacco industry. Independent human-based studies indicated that there was a potentially harmful impact of the active and passive HTP smoking on human health. Currently, a large body of knowledge on HTP exposures and health effects is provided by the tobacco industry (52% of identified studies). Based on the available evidence, HTPs produce lower levels of toxic chemicals, compared to conventional cigarettes, but they are still not risk-free. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(5):595–634

5

Occupational risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection: the Polish experience

39%

Sierpiński R., Pinkas J., Jankowski M., Juszczyk G., Topór-Mądry R., Szumowski Ł.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2020

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vol. 33

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issue 6

781-789

EN

ObjectivesThe disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), termed COVID-19, is asymptomatic or mild in most cases. These patients do not need treatment in hospital and can be isolated at home. To date, most studies have been conducted among inpatients with severe COVID-19. In this study, the authors surveyed patients with mild COVID-19 who remained in home isolation, and analyzed the sources and occupational risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infections.Material and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on April 17–18, 2020, among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 who remained in home isolation in Poland. Data were acquired through a structured interview that included questions about the isolation course, symptoms, comorbidities, infection source, household characteristics, occupation, and workplace. Data were presented with descriptive statistics.ResultsOf the 4878 patients in home isolation, the authors were able to contact 3313. Of them, 1191 patients declined their invitation, and 2122 agreed to take part. The median age of the patients included in the study was 50 years; 59% were female. Most patients (92%) had not been abroad before the infection. More than half (55%) knew how they became infected; of them, 75% became infected at work. Of all patients, 70% were occupationally active. Nearly half of the occupationally active patients (48%) worked in healthcare, 3% worked in public administration or defense, 3% worked in transportation, and 2% worked in education. Sixty-five percent of the occupationally active patients worked in companies with >100 employees.ConclusionsMost of the patients with COVID-19 in home isolation in Poland were occupationally active, wherein the majority of people who were aware of the source of SARS-CoV-2 infection worked in healthcare. As most of the infected patients worked in companies with >100 employees, which is not a Polish employment pattern, the authors expect that smaller companies may have a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

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Public and private health care services in the opinion of physicians in Poland

39%

Zgliczyński W. S., Jankowski M., Rostkowska O., Sytnik-Czetwertyński J., Śliż D., Karczemna A., Pinkas J.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2020

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vol. 33

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issue 2

195-214

EN

ObjectivesHealth care services in Poland are delivered by public and private providers. The aims of this study were to assess the attitudes towards private and public health care services in Poland and to identify differences between them, in the opinion of physicians.Material and MethodsA questionnaire-based survey was carried out among physicians attending mandatory courses delivered at the School of Public Health, the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education in Warsaw, Poland. The questionnaire included 29 questions concerning private and public health care services.ResultsCompleted questionnaires were obtained from 502 physicians (67.7% females), aged 42.1±10.8 years, with a response rate of 77.2%. In the opinion of the surveyed doctors, the major advantages of private health care units, in comparison with public ones, are short waiting times for an appointment (88.2%), an efficient on-site service (78.6%) and convenient appointment times (75.7%). The respondents gave high scores to items such as relations with patients (p < 0.001), superiors (p < 0.001) and colleagues (p = 0.03) when working in private, rather than public, institutions. In the opinion of physicians, public health care institutions guarantee better employment conditions (44.4% vs. 13%; p < 0.001) and security (29.1% vs. 11.1%; p < 0.001) than private ones. The respondents did not observe any differences (p > 0.05) between public and private facilities in terms of the involvement of medical staff and infrastructure. There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the perception of working conditions in public and private health care institutions depending on the medical education level and the place of primary employment. Conclusions: Among physicians in Poland, private medical institutions are perceived as better organized and granting faster as well as more comprehensive access to health care services when compared to public ones. Closing the gaps between working conditions in public and private units could encourage physicians to practice in the public health care sector.

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

33%

Raciborski F., Tomaszewska A., Rakocy K., Samel-Kowalik P., Samoliński B., Gujski M., Pinkas J., Jankowski M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2023

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vol. 36

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issue 2

214-228

EN

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.

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The prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use among police employees in Poland: a 2020 cross-sectional survey

33%

Jankowski M., Gujski M., Pinkas J., Opoczyńska-Świeżewska D., Krzych-Fałta E., Lusawa A., Wierzba W., Raciborski F.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2021

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vol. 34

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issue 5

629-645

EN

ObjectivesUniformed services such as police employees are exposed to acute and chronic stressful events at work that may lead to tobacco use. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use among police employees in Poland, and to investigate personal characteristics associated with tobacco or e-cigarette use.Material and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out in June–July 2020 on a randomly selected sample of 8789 police employees from the Mazowieckie Province, Poland.ResultsCompleted questionnaires were obtained from 5082 police employees (79.2% being police officers) with an overall response rate of 57.8%. Smoking ≥100 cigarettes or similar amounts of other tobacco products was declared by 54.6% of the respondents, with significant differences (p < 0.001) between males (56.8%) and females (50.3%). Daily cigarette smoking was declared by 19.5% of the respondents, and 13.4% were occasional cigarette smokers. Daily e-cigarette use was declared by 3.1% of the respondents, and 3.2% were occasional e-cigarette users. Daily heated tobacco use was declared by 2.6% of the respondents, and 2.9% were occasional heated tobacco users. Higher odds of occasional cigarette smoking were observed among men compared to women (OR = 1.254, 95% CI: 1.009–1.558), and among the participants aged 20–29 years (OR = 7.982, 95% CI: 3.066–20.775) or 30–44 years (OR = 3.730, 95% CI: 1.44–9.599) vs. those aged ≥60 years. Higher odds of occasional e-cigarette use were observed among the participants aged 20–29 years (OR = 4.554, 95% CI: 1.213–17.101) vs. those aged 60 years. Police employees with office-based work had lower odds of daily cigarette smoking vs. those with fieldwork (OR = 0.726, 95% CI: 0.55–0.946). Police officers had higher odds of daily heated tobacco use compared to civil workers (OR = 3.362, 95% CI: 1.325–8.534). Conclusions The authors observed a marked proportion of police employees who declared occasional tobacco or e-cigarette use, which may indicate the common social smoking phenomenon in this occupational group.

Refine search results

Dimensions of Religiosity and the Perception of the Importance of Religion in Everyday Life and Politics

E-smoking: Emerging public health problem?

Smoke-free homes in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic – a nationwide cross-sectional survey

New ideas, old problems? Heated tobacco products – a systematic review

Occupational risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection: the Polish experience

Public and private health care services in the opinion of physicians in Poland

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

The prevalence of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use and heated tobacco use among police employees in Poland: a 2020 cross-sectional survey