Joanna Milanowska

Reproductive behaviors and contraceptive attitudes among adolescents represent a pivotal public health challenge. Despite high subjective confidence, young individuals face increased risks of contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy. Within the specific socio-legal framework in Poland, characterized by restricted contraceptive access, recognizing population heterogeneity is essential. This study aimed to identify latent patterns regarding information sources, expectations toward sex education curricula, and decision-making motives using a person-centered approach. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among n = 310 participants aged 16–21 years (M = 18.09, SD = 1.51; 86.5% female). A self-developed, standardized survey assessing sexual knowledge, information acquisition, method evaluation, and contraceptive motives was administered. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) were applied using Maximum Likelihood estimation. Optimal subgroup extraction was validated using Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) minimization, entropy indices, and Bootstrapped Likelihood Ratio Tests (BLRT). Although 98.4% of respondents declared familiarity with contraceptive methods, 50.65% reported unmet informational needs. LPA on information sources revealed 4 profiles: Mainstream Digital and Peer (74.8%), Integrated Multi-Source (10.7%), Informal Sources Exclusive (10.7%), and Internet Exclusive (3.9%). LCA on educational expectations distinguished 3 latent paradigms: Comprehensive Content (60.0%), Biomedical-Focused Content (22.6%), and Topical/Selective Topics (17.4%). Among sexually active participants (n = 123), decision-making LPA identified: Priority 1: Efficacy and Comfort (43.1%), Priority 2: Multidimensional Criteria (39.8%), and Priority 3: Unspecified or Undecided (17.1%). Short-acting user-dependent methods predominated, while long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) usage was virtually absent. Crucially, cross-tabulation revealed no significant associations among the different classification schemes (e.g., information profiles vs. decision-making motives), highlighting a disconnect between informational preparedness and actual decision-making in youth reproductive health behaviors. The identified multidimensional diversity, which primarily reflects the perspectives of young women due to sample composition, indicates that “one-size-fits-all” public health strategies are insufficient. Crucially, due to the marked sex imbalance and limited statistical power to detect gender-specific differences, these findings cannot be robustly generalized to the broader adolescent and young-adult population and require highly cautious interpretation. Implementing evidence-based Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and designing targeted, profile-adapted public health interventions are urgently required to meet the specific informational and contraceptive needs of youth.

Introduction: Mental illnesses are frequently associated with metabolic dysregulation and chronic inflammation, which may exacerbates cognitive decline beyond typical aging processes. While the link between lipid profiles and brain health is welldocumented in the general population, this relationship remains complex and potentially non-linear in psychiatric patients due to the confounding effects of antipsychotic treatment and lifestyle factors. Material and methods: The study was conducted among individuals with mental disorders in day support centers in Lublin and Łęczna. 91 participants with diagnoses F20, F25, F22, F31, F32, F40F48, F60F69 were included in final analyses. Biochemical data (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C) were collected and cognitive functions were assessed using STMS, VFT and RAVLT. Results: Dyslipidemia was identified in 79.1% of participants, with higher TG and TC concentrations observed in women than in men. Overall, elevated LDL-C levels were found in 55% of the participants, with no significant sex differences. While linear regression did not reveal significant associations, decision tree models (C&RT) showed that lower TG levels and aripiprazole treatment were the main predictors of better cognitive performance. However, these procognitive benefits were significantly moderated by body weight. In the SMI group, TG concentrations were higher than in the non-SMI group. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the association between lipid profiles and cognition in psychiatric patients is nonlinear and highly dependent on metabolic and pharmacological moderators. While aripiprazole showed a potential precognitive effect, this benefit was significantly attenuated by obesity and dyslipidemia, highlighting the necessity of integrated metabolic monitoring and weight management to preserve cognitive health in this population. Materiał i metody: Badanie przeprowadzono wśród osób z zaburzeniami psychicznymi korzystających z dziennych ośrodków wsparcia w Lublinie i Łęcznej. Do analiz zakwalifikowano 91 osób z rozpoznaniami F20, F25, F22, F31, F32, F40F48 oraz F60F69. Zebrano dane biochemiczne (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C), a funkcje poznawcze oceniono za pomocą testów STMS, VFT oraz RAVLT. Dyskusja: Dyslipidemię stwierdzono u 79,1 % uczestników, przy czym wyższe stężenia TG i TC obserwowano u kobiet niż u mężczyzn. Łącznie u 55% badanych stwierdzono podwyższone LDL-C, bez istotnych różnic między płciami. Podczas gdy regresja liniowa nie wykazała istotnych zależności, modele drzew decyzyjnych (C&RT) ujawniły, że niższe stężenia TG oraz leczenie arypiprazolem były głównymi predyktorami lepszej sprawności poznawczej. Jednak te prokognitywne korzyści były istotnie modyfikowane przez masę ciała. W grupie osób z SMI stężenia TG były wyższe niż w grupie bez SMI. Wnioski: Nasze wyniki wskazują, że związek pomiędzy profilem lipidowym a funkcjami poznawczymi u pacjentów psychiatrycznych ma charakter nieliniowy i w dużym stopniu zależy od moderatorów metabolicznych i farmakologicznych. Chociaż arypiprazol wykazywał potencjalne działanie prokognitywne, efekt ten był istotnie osłabiany przez otyłość i dyslipidemię, co podkreśla konieczność zintegrowanego monitorowania metabolicznego oraz kontroli masy ciała w celu zachowania zdrowia poznawczego w tej populacji.

Background: Adolescent cancer survivors constitute a clinically vulnerable population whose psychosocial adjustment following oncological treatment remains insufficiently characterized, particularly within Central and Eastern Europe. The present study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptomatology among Polish adolescent survivors, identify their psychological predictors, and determine age-related differences in these associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 survivors aged 11–18 years, recruited from four pediatric oncology centers. Participants completed the KIDSCREEN-10 (HRQoL) and the Children’s Depression Inventory-2™ (CDI-2™). Descriptive statistics, Spearman rank-order correlations, and multiple regression analyses were performed separately for younger (primary school) and older (secondary school) cohorts. Results: The findings demonstrated a pronounced polarization of HRQoL, with approximately one-third of participants (32.7%) scoring within the clinically low range. Depressive symptoms were prevalent, particularly in the domains of Negative Mood (M = 19.93) and Ineffectiveness (M = 15.45), while Negative Self-Esteem levels were comparatively low (M = 8.02). HRQoL correlated strongly and inversely with Interpersonal Problems (rs = −0.89, p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that Negative Self-Esteem (CDI-2D) was the strongest negative predictor of HRQoL in both age groups, whereas Ineffectiveness (CDI-2C) and Negative Mood (CDI-2A) emerged as significant positive predictors. Interpersonal Problems (CDI-2B) were predictive only in older adolescents, suggesting a developmental shift in determinants of well-being. Conclusions: Adolescent cancer survivors exhibit a distinctive psychological pattern characterized by pronounced emotional distress without pervasive self-devaluation. HRQoL appears highly polarized and primarily determined by self-esteem and interpersonal functioning. These findings underscore the necessity of developmentally tailored psychosocial interventions addressing self-worth, peer reintegration, and socio-economic stressors in survivorship care.

Objective: The aim of the is to determine the occurrence, severity, and correlates of distress in patients undergoing oncological treatment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, focusing on the relationships with demographic factors, such as gender, age, residence, and treatment types. The...

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected mental health, with many survivors experiencing psychological challenges, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study assessed PTSD symptoms and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) among 62 individuals recovering from COVID-19 infection, all of whom were under the care of the Department of Pneumonology, Oncology, and Allergology at the Medical University of Lublin. Results revealed that 40.32% of participants exhibited PTSD symptoms. Key predictors of PTSD severity included cognitive symptoms and post-COVID self-rated health, with cognitive symptoms positively associated and self-rated health negatively associated with PTSD severity. A positive correlation was also found between PTSD severity and PTG, suggesting that while individuals endure significant psychological distress, they may also experience personal growth, such as enhanced resilience and a redefined life perspective. These findings highlight the dual psychological impact of COVID-19 infection, particularly for individuals with preexisting pulmonary conditions. They underscore the importance of holistic, integrated care that addresses both the reduction of PTSD symptoms and the promotion of meaningful psychological growth in COVID-19 survivors.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, both in Poland and worldwide, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Health behaviors, whether positive or negative, play a crucial role in influencing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to analyze the correlation between health behaviors and the quality of life among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 120 patients (116 eligible) at the Independent Public Provincial Hospital in Poland. Standardized tools including the Health-Related Behavior Inventory (HBI) questionnaire developed by Zygfryd Juczyński, the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire, and an original questionnaire with metric data were employed for diagnostic survey. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10.0 program, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The respondents' average HBI score was 5.09, while the average overall quality of life score was 3.42, and the average overall health score in the study group was 3.07. Statistically significant correlations were observed between health practices and the assessment of general health, the general index of health behaviors and the level of quality of life in the physical domain, as well as positive mental attitude and quality of life in the psychological domain. Lower quality of life and poorer health status among patients with cardiovascular diseases were associated with increased preventive behaviors and intensified health practices. Conclusions: Despite having a good quality of life on average, individuals with cardiovascular diseases demonstrated moderate health behavior scores. The coexistence of lower quality of life and poorer health status with intensified preventive activities and health behaviors suggests a need for support in mental functioning, as well as adequate education and motivation regarding diet and eating habits. Moreover, it's essential to utilize appropriate techniques to motivate patients to adopt healthier behaviors.

Introduction: COVID-19 appeared in 2019. The first outbreak of the disease was in China, but it quickly spread to other countries, thus becoming a pandemic. This caused a tremendous stress and anxiety among the public, which also had a negative impact on their mental health. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are especially sensitive in this respect. The aim of the study: Paying attention to the correlation between exacerbation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method: The research was done using PubMed and Google Scholar articles about the topic of: obsessive-compulsive disorder, COVID-19 pandemic, stress, mental health. Description of the state of knowledge: According to many studies, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The stress related to the pandemic resulting from concerns about being infected exacerbated the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Doctors should pay close attention to OCD patients during pandemic and provide them with the treatment they need. Summary: Research results confirmed that COVID-19 contributed to the deterioration of symptoms in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Experiencing a traumatic situation such as breast cancer can, beside negative consequences, have a positive impact, described as post-traumatic growth (PTG). A factor that facilitates psychological recovery when coping with stressful events is psychological resilience. The aim of the present study was to assess whether PTG occurs in a group of women with breast cancer and whether resilience is a personal trait contributing to its occurrence. The study group comprised 100 women with breast cancer, aged 31–80 years, almost half of whom were aged 61–70 years (n = 46, 46%). The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the Impact of Event Scale, and the Resilience Assessment Questionnaire (KOP) were used for the study. All women manifested PTG, with a mean intensity of 76.61 ± 13.45 points. The greatest changes were observed in the subjects’ appreciation of life, and the smallest in their relations with others, self-perception, and spiritual changes. The KOP scale measured a mean resilience of 103.80 ± 16.57. The results obtained confirm the co-occurrence of psychological resilience and PTG, especially personal resilience and social competences. Additionally, women subjected to additional traumatic events other than cancer manifested a higher level of PTG.

Wstęp: Aktywność fizyczną definiuje się jako ruch ciała człowieka wykonywany przez mięśnie szkieletowe. Stanowi ona element zdrowego stylu życia i jest związana z celami takimi jak rozwój, zdrowie i dobre samopoczucie. Wykazuje korzystny wpływ na ciało człowieka, jak również jego psychikę. Cel pracy: Przedstawienie opinii społeczeństwa na temat aktywności fizycznej. Materiał i metody: Badania przeprowadzono za pomocą autorskiej ankiety. Uzyskano 198 kwestionariuszy a następnie przeanalizowano. Omówienie wyników: W badaniu wzięli udział kobiety (76,8%) oraz mężczyźni (23,2%). Średni wzrost kobiet wyniósł 169,5 cm, zaś mężczyzn 178,3 cm. Natomiast średnia waga kobiet wynosiła 65,7 kg a mężczyzn 79,2 kg. Z analizy wynika, że codzienną regularną aktywność fizyczną uprawia 61,1% ankietowanych. W odmienny sposób przedstawia się aktywność sezonowa, gdyż jedynie 29,3% badanych ją podejmuje. Najpopularniejszy sport stanowiła jazda na rowerze, którą wybrała blisko 1/3 respondentów. Również popularna była siłownia (29,8%). W sezonie zimowym badani najczęściej jeździli na nartach (19,7%) i łyżwach (19,2%), zaś latem na rolkach (18,6%). Mężczyźni częściej wybierali aktywności wpływające na dobrą kondycję fizyczną, zaś kobiety wolały ćwiczenia kształtujące sylwetkę. Analiza wykazała również, że dla 34,0% respondentów najważniejszym celem jest zdrowie. Stawiali także na sprawność (24,2%) i sylwetkę (23,2%). Prawie wszyscy badani określali swoją motywację jako wysoką (88,9%) oraz wierzą, że osiągną swój cel aktywności fizycznej (81,8%). Wnioski: Dane sugerują, że większość społeczeństwa wie jak ważna jest aktywność fizyczna na co dzień. Rodzaj sportu jest zróżnicowany w zależności od płci, pory roku oraz indywidualnych preferencji. Głównym celem aktywności jest utrzymanie zdrowia.