Krzysztof Wiktor

Anxiety and stress in miscarriage

Abstract Miscarriage is defined as an adverse and unexpected termination of pregnancy before the completion of 22nd week of gestation. Currently, abortion is the most common early reproductive failure. In Poland, more than 40 000 pregnant women a year lose pregnancy due to various reasons. There are many reports in literature on the risk of somatic consequences of miscarriage, while extra-somatic complications resulting from exposure to the strong influence of anxiety and stress, such as, for example: depression and psychosomatic disorders have not been paid too much attention to, yet. Abortion is accompanied by stress and a lot of negative emotions, such as anxiety. They may intensify both due to hospitalization and the need to implement treatment. These negative emotions destroy cognitive power of women, depriving them of their confidence, they can exacerbate the sense of danger, lead to stress and hinder treatment.

Selected determinants of strategies to cope with the disease among women treated for gynecological cancer

Abstract Introduction. The cancer of the reproductive organ, due to its specificity, is an extremely difficult situation for a woman. Aim. The aim of the study was to answer the question what are the determinants of strategies to cope with the disease among women treated for cancer of the reproductive organ. Material and methods. The study included 102 women treated for gynecological cancer. To assess coping strategies with disease, denoting adaptation to cancer, a Mini-Mac standardized scale of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Diseases and the own construction questionnaire were used. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, W. Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results. Research shows that most respondents coped with the disease using the strategy: the fighting spirit (FS), and positive reevaluation (PR), but to a lesser degree they applied preoccupation with anxiety (PwA) and helplessness – hopelessness strategy (HH). Conclusions. 1. Most of the women fighting against cancer used constructive strategies, while the remaining part – the destructive ones. Choosing the type is determined by factors like the duration of the disease, the incidence of complications during treatment, subjective evaluation of how to improve the health status and satisfaction with treatment or length of hospital stay. 2. Strategies of mental adaptation significantly affect the course of treatment. The use of absorbing anxiety causes significantly more women not to feel the improvement of health and hospitalization for them is a traumatic experience. In contrast, a form of helplessness – hopelessness is associated with low satisfaction with treatment, and lack of improvement in subjective health. People who use fighting spirit were significantly more satisfied with the results of treatment.

Analysis of the level of depression in perimenopausal women according to sociodemographic characteristics

Abstract Introduction. Historically, perimenopausal period was thought to be associated with mood disorders. Despite many studies, the relationship between menopause and depressed mood has not been fully explained. Aim. The objective of the study was analysis of the level of intensity of depression among women at perimenopausal age according to sociodemographic characteristics. Material and methods. The study covered 268 perimenopausal women who reported to outpatient departments in the city of Lublin. The criteria for the qualification of women into the study group were: age 45-55 years, lack of mental disorders and lack of diseases requiring hospitalization during the period of study. The study was conducted with the method of a diagnostic survey with the use of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a questionnaire designed by the authors in order to collect demographic data. Results. The mean BDI values obtained in the presented study according to respondents’ age and monthly income showed the lack of depression or mild depression in the group of the women examined. In addition, the mean level of depression according to marital status confirmed the lack of depression in the group of married women, whereas mild depression in the group of those who were single. Conclusions. Analysis of the results of the study indicated that age and marital status were not related with the respondents’ level of depression. Women who possessed a university education had a lower level of depression, compared to those who had elementary/elementary vocational or secondary school education level. Women whose material standard was higher had a lower level of depression. Women who have a poor material standard and lower level of education should be covered by a special psycho-prophylactic care.

Awareness of knowledge about the problem of human papillomavirus infections and HPV vaccination in a group of female students beginning their studies at universities in Lublin

Abstract Introduction. HPV infection is one of the most common type of sexually transmitted infections and it is a significant epidemiological problem all over the world. The risk of infection persistence and its progression to pathological, precancerous lesions depends on HPV type. Vaccinations against HPV virus are one of the elements of the prophylactic program and allow for early detection of cervical cancer. Aim. Aim of the study was analysis of awareness of problems of human papillomavirus infections and cervical cancer prevention, including vaccinations against HPV among female students commencing studies in Lublin. Material and methods. The research group included 400 women selected at random, all starting their studies at five universities in Lublin. The research group was supposed to show some general knowledge of the problem of cervical cancer among young women. It was also to define how many of them benefited from the prophylaxis of getting a vaccination against HPV. The scientific tool was individually elaborated survey questionnaire. Obtained study results were then subject to statistical analysis. Results. The majority of respondents were not vaccinated against HPV – only 2.5% of the surveyed confirmed that they had been vaccinated. The surveyed students most frequently evaluated their knowledge on prevention of HPV cervical cancer as poor. The surveyed who admitted having information about HPV and cervical cancer prophylaxis during their classes at school significantly more frequently had high level of knowledge than women who claimed not to obtain such information at school (p=0.002). Conclusions. It might make sense to conduct planned comparative studies in the centers practicing population vaccinations among girls aged 12-13 and not practicing such primary prophylaxis with cytological follow-ups. It may allow to elaborate the effective model of cervical cancer prophylaxis based on early educational activities, both on primary and secondary prophylaxis.

Social support for pregnant women

Abstract This paper is a review of the literature concerning the importance of social support during pregnancy. Being pregnant is a special event in every woman’s life, since it is associated with physical and mental changes. In addition to being a physiological event, pregnancy creates a burden for the body and induces stress. Pregnant women tend to suffer from fear of the unknown, especially regarding: baby, themselves, course of delivery, the need for a new role – of a mother, economic, professional, emotional situations and relationship with partner. The diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy and the need for hospitalization increase the incidence of negative emotions and experiences such as: permanent anxiety about the child’s life, anger, sadness, doubts about the diagnosis, fear of pregnancy complications, frustration and dissatisfaction with the implementation of the functions of maternal concerns during the stay in the hospital. Anxiety and fear that appear during pregnancy affect the attitude of women in pregnancy and after childbirth. Various authors frequently use the term “pregnancy-specific stress”. There is a relationship between concerns, stress in the mother during pregnancy and lifestyle, duration of pregnancy, and the possible complications during intrauterine and neonatal life. Social support significantly influences the quality of coping with stress in pregnant women. If a pregnant woman receives strong social support from her network, the negative emotions and concerns would be reduced. Receiving support also boosts the chances of successful pregnancy completion. The people from the immediate social network of a pregnant woman, like their partner, spouse, family, friends, midwife, doctor, are the most vital source of support.