Beata Kowalewska

Satisfaction with life in a group of psoriasis patients

Introduction Psoriasis is one of the most frequent inflammatory diseases of the skin, associated with an epidermal proliferation and a specific morphology of lesions. Patients with psoriasis perceive their appearance specifically; they are frequently rejected by their surroundings and perceive their quality of life as considerably poorer. Aim To evaluate the satisfaction with life in patients with psoriasis, and to analyze the effect of this disease on the prevalence of depression in this group. Material and methods The study included 100 psoriasis vulgaris patients treated at the Voivodeship Outpatient Clinic of Skin and Venereal Diseases in Lomza (Poland). Sociodemographic data of the participants and the clinical characteristics of the disease were collected using a standardized questionnaire survey. The global feeling of satisfaction with life was evaluated with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Becks Depression Inventory. Results Mean SWLS scores suggested that the examined patients experienced moderate levels of satisfaction with life (18.92 and 18.69 points in women and men, respectively). The life satisfaction was the highest amongst patients between 50 and 60 years of age (p = 0.81). The mean score of the Beck Depression Inventory was at a threshold of mild depression (14.08 and 13.65 points in women and men, respectively). Conclusions Our participants presented moderate levels of satisfaction with life. A lower satisfaction with life was associated with a poorer quality of life and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Comparison of the level of aggression towards healthcare workers within Podlaskie Voivodeship

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate the level of exposure and average intensity of aggression towards particular professional groups of healthcare workers.Materials and MethodsStudy participants (n = 1498) were employed at open and closed healthcare units within Podlaskie Voivodeship: 493 nurses, 504 midwives and 501 physicians. The MDM Questionnaire was applied.ResultsAggression originating from patients was experienced by 92% of nurses, 86% of doctors, and 74% of midwives examined. Aggressive behavior of co-working physicians concerned 55% of midwives, 54% of nurses and 40% of physicians. The highest average levels of patient aggression, ranging between 2.20 and 3.31, were reported by nurses.ConclusionsNurses are the group most exposed to most aggression forms and sources. Physicians are least exposed to aggression, except for aggression manifested by patients.

Mandatory and recommended vaccinations in Poland in the views of parents

ABSTRACT Background: Vaccinations are currently the key element in the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases. We studied parents’ opinions about mandatory and recommended preventive vaccinations in Poland. Methods: A diagnostic survey using an original questionnaire was done in a group of 300 parents. Results: A total of 3.7% of parents did not vaccinate their children. 90% were aware of the threat potentially posed by infectious diseases, and 73.7% knew that breastfeeding alone does not ensure sufficient protection against them. 28% believed that it is necessary to vaccinate a child against all diseases, 51.7% that the number of vaccinations is insufficient, and 62.7% that vaccine use is safe. 40.7% thought that unvaccinated children should not be able to attend nurseries and kindergartens, as they pose a threat to other children. Postvaccinal adverse events occurred in 21.3% of children, mainly (71.9%) an increase in body temperature above 38°C. 88.3% were informed about possible vaccine-induced complications, most often by nurses (79.7%). 88% of the respondents were aware of the possibility to switch to an alternative immunization program, 92% were informed on the possible administration of recommended vaccines, and 53% took advantage of combined vaccines. Conclusions: Views on vaccinations were mostly varied, depending on the age, sex, education, and financial situation of the respondents. Most of the parents who did not vaccinate their children believed that immunity can be acquired by infection. They were in favor of a limited number of vaccinations, were more critical of the vaccination program in Poland, considered the vaccines used in Poland to be unsafe, and blamed vaccines for multiple developmental defects and autism in children. Parents whose children experienced vaccine-induced adverse reactions were more likely to have doubts before the next vaccination.