Upper limb disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), are a common cause of pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. Increasing attention has been directed toward the role of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators in the pathophysiology of CTS and their potential relationship with patient-reported functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected cytokines as potential markers of upper limb disability assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. This cross-sectional study included 55 patients with idiopathic CTS referred for surgical treatment. Functional impairment was assessed using the DASH questionnaire, and concentrations of selected inflammatory and angiogenic mediators—IL-4, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, VEGF, and fraktalkine—were measured in synovial tissue samples; these markers were selected based on their established roles in inflammation, angiogenesis, and nociceptive modulation relevant to CTS pathophysiology. VEGF was identified as a significant predictor of DASH category (p = 0.032), with higher concentrations associated with a lower likelihood of severe upper limb dysfunction. In contrast, higher TNF-α levels were associated with an increased risk of severe disability (p = 0.031). Other cytokines did not demonstrate significant associations with functional impairment. These findings suggest that selected inflammatory and angiogenic mediators were associated with the severity of functional disability in CTS and warrant investigation in prospective longitudinal studies to clarify their potential role alongside patient-reported outcome measures.
IntroductionBreast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Mastectomy, often accompanied by breast reconstruction, plays a key role in treatment and prevention among high-risk patients; however, psychological outcomes may vary depending on cancer-related factors.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between selected cancer-related factors and psychological functioning in women after mastectomy with breast reconstruction.Method and materialThis survey-based study involved 164 women after mastectomy with subsequent breast reconstruction. Psychological functioning was assessed using standardized psychometric instruments: the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Courtauld Emotional Control Scale, and the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer.ResultsThe study included 164 women who underwent mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction. The timing of the reconstruction decision wasn’t significantly associated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, life satisfaction, or overall psychological adjustment to cancer; however, women opting for immediate reconstruction demonstrated lower levels of emotional control, particularly in the anger domain, with a trend toward lower anxiety control. Longer disease duration was associated with reduced life satisfaction but more adaptive coping patterns, including greater positive reappraisal and lower helplessness. Participation in prehabilitation was associated with higher self-esteem only.ConclusionThe timing of the decision for breast reconstruction was not associated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, life satisfaction, or overall psychological adjustment. Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy was associated with less favorable emotional control indicators, although the practical significance of these effects appears limited. Longer illness duration was related to lower life satisfaction but more adaptive coping.
Background/Objectives: Personal values shape appraisal of stress and life satisfaction. We examined the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction among uniformed personnel in outpatient mental health care, and the role of a personal values hierarchy in this context. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 183 uniformed personnel (34 females, 149 males, age 30-66 years, M = 44.72, SD = 5.84) diagnosed with bodily distress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder at a mental health clinic. Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing perceived stress, satisfaction with life, coping styles, and personal values. For the Personal Value List, each value not selected by a participant was coded as 0 to avoid missing data; scores regarding symbols of happiness were not used. Reliability was evaluated via repeated measurement; two parts of a key instrument showed test-retest correlations of approximately 0.78 and 0.76. For assessing statistical significance, the bootstrap method was used (1000 resamples). Analyses were conducted in jamovi 2.3.28 using snowLatent (latent profile analysis) and medmod 1.1.0 (moderation analysis). Results: Perceived stress was negatively associated with satisfaction with life (B = -0.36, 95% CI [-0.48; -0.24], p < 0.001). Latent profile analysis extracted two personal values hierarchy profiles (AIC = 4237; BIC = 4587). Profile membership was not a significant predictor of satisfaction with life (p = 0.595) and did not moderate the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life (p = 0.907). Distraction seeking was significantly higher in profile 1 (p = 0.010). Conclusions: In treated uniformed personnel, higher perceived stress is linked to lower life satisfaction. The personal values hierarchy did not moderate this relationship and was not associated with satisfaction with life; however, the personal values hierarchy was related to coping, specifically distraction seeking.
BackgroundSimulation-based education is an established component of healthcare training, yet robust Polish-language instruments for evaluating the learner’s reaction to simulation remain scarce. The Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning (SSCL) scale operationalizes the reaction level of educational evaluation within the NLN/Jeffries Simulation Framework. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Polish version (PL-SZZ) in a single-center, convenience sample of healthcare students and, secondarily, to determine how it should be scored in practice.MethodsThis cross-sectional validation study was conducted at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (data collected 2023–2025). Translation followed a five-stage forward–backward protocol with sworn translators and expert adjudication. Students who had participated in simulation classes completed the PL-SZZ anonymously. After screening for extreme observations (1.5 × interquartile range), 827 of 879 questionnaires were analysed. Confirmatory factor analysis (DWLS/WLSMV applied to polychoric correlations) compared a one-factor and a correlated two-factor model. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, and marginal reliability (MR); validity via standardized loadings, average variance extracted (AVE), the heterotrait–monotrait (HTMT) ratio, and added-value analysis.ResultsThe analytic sample comprised 827 students (86.6% female), predominantly nursing students (64.6%). The correlated two-factor model fitted better than the unidimensional model (χ2(101) = 401.89; CFI = 0.986, TLI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.060, SRMR = 0.050). Standardized loadings ranged from 0.701 to 0.886 across items, and the two factors were strongly correlated (r = 0.860; HTMT = 0.866). Internal consistency was good (total α = ω = 0.909; subscales 0.838–0.871), whereas marginal reliability was lower (0.656–0.728); added-value coefficients were negative for both subscales (−0.071 and −0.241). Scores did not differ across simulation modalities but differed significantly between fields of study and by sex.ConclusionIn this single-center, predominantly female and nursing-dominated sample, the PL-SZZ reproduced the original correlated two-factor structure with acceptable reliability and construct validity. Because the subscales added no incremental precision, the total score is recommended for routine evaluation, with subscale scores reserved for diagnostic and curriculum-development purposes. Findings should not be generalized beyond comparable populations. Further multi-center research is needed before using the instrument for between-group or institutional comparisons.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100413.].
Background/Objectives: Public health programmes for older adults aim to reduce hospital admissions and improve health outcomes. However, the effects of these programmes on the length of hospital stays for seniors remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the link between the number and type of public health initiatives implemented between 2017 and 2018, and the number of hospitalisations, as well as the duration of hospital stays in 2019 and 2020, among seniors with heart, digestive, and musculoskeletal diseases. Methods: A correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the number of public health programmes and activities, and the number and length of hospitalisations among older adults. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01. Results: The analysis revealed positive correlations between the number of completed public health tasks and the length of hospital stay across the three disease groups. For heart disease, hospital stay length was correlated with the total number of programmes (r = 0.501, p < 0.05) and those specifically supporting medical services (r = 0.574, p < 0.05). In cases of digestive diseases, correlations were observed with the overall number of programmes (r = 0.623, p < 0.01), as well as programmes in the "general" category and ones supporting medical services (r = 0.544-0.601, p < 0.05). Regarding musculoskeletal diseases, the strongest correlation occurred with programmes that support medical services (r = 0.700, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results indicate that increased public health interventions may be associated with longer hospital stays among seniors, likely reflecting the emergence of more complex health needs and increased diagnostic intensity. At the same time, analysis based on ecological data does not allow for the establishment of causal relationships, emphasizing the need for further, more advanced research that controls for confounding factors.
Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Perceived SocialMedia Literacy Scale and assess its relevance in assessing the digital literacy of nursing students in Poland.Methods:The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study across 11 nursing faculties and 676 nursing stu-dents between March and April 2021. The scale was translated, culturally adapted, and evaluated for internalconsistency, reliability, and validityResults:The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.935, indicating high internal consistency.The individual domains had alpha values of 0.941 for "Technical Competency", 0.887 for "InformationalAwareness", and 0.812 for "Privacy and Algorithmic Awareness". Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the3-factor structure identified in the Exploratory Factor AnalysisConclusion:The study found that the Polish Short Version of the Perceived Social Media Literacy Scale washighly applicable in nursing education settings and undergraduate programs specifically designed for nurs-ing students.(c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. This isan open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
BackgroundVisfatin, adropin, and adiponectin are involved in many changes associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, and may be related to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The selection of visfatin, adropin, and adiponectin as biomarkers is based on their significant roles in metabolic regulation and inflammation, which are critical factors in cardiometabolic risk. Visfatin is known for its pro-inflammatory properties and its ability to modulate insulin resistance. Adropin is involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic health, while adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. During the perimenopausal period, the risk of obesity, and consequently cardiometabolic diseases increases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cardiometabolic parameters and circulating levels of visfatin, adropin, and adiponectin in perimenopausal women with regard to their obesity status.Materials and methodsThis study of 168 perimenopausal women utilized a cross-sectional design with non-random sampling. It involved the use of questionnaires, as well as anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Blood samples were collected to determine the levels of visfatin, adropin, and adiponectin. Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficients, were performed to evaluate the relationship between these biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk factors, such as insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers.ResultsIn our study, visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product negatively correlated with adiponectin levels. Preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between circulating visfatin and IL-6 levels. Circulating adropin negatively correlated with HbA1C, fasting blood glucose, and insulin. Adiponectin negatively correlated with HbA1C, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and triglycerides. Furthermore, circulating adiponectin positively correlated with HDL, and negatively with HOMA-IR.ConclusionsAdiponectin is a promising biomarker for predicting cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women.
BackgroundThe aim of the study was to analyze determinants affecting attitudes toward organ donation among medical students at medical universities in Poland.Materials and methodsThe study involved 1,348 medical students. It was performed using a validated questionnaire of attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) [PCID-DTO RIOS: A questionnaire designed by the International Collaborative Organ Donation project about organ transplantation and donation].ResultsIt was shown that those who would not donate their family member’s organs for transplantation were far more likely to believe it was not their moral duty (p = 0.013) and to feel no solidarity with those in need (p = 0.000). Those who spoke to their families believed it was their moral duty (p = 0.000), and believed they would do it out of solidarity with those in need (p = 0.000). It was found that having family conversations about donating one’s organs for transplantation was statistically significantly related to being a blood donor (p = 0.002), fear of desecration/disfigurement of the body after death in case of organ donation (p = 0. 000), a belief that it may be necessary to become an organ recipient in the future (p = 0.000), and knowledge of loved ones’ opinions about ODT (father p = 0.000, mother p = 0.000), partner (p = 0.000).Conclusion1. The reluctance to donate the organs of loved ones for transplantation is accompanied by a lack of a sense of moral obligation and a lack of solidarity with those in need. Conversely, conversations among loved ones about organ donation are thought-provoking, causing a sense of moral obligation and solidarity with those in need. 2. Regardless of the stance on organ donation and family discussions on the subject, the respondents do not care what happens to the body after organ donation, but they also do not know the opinions of their loved ones about ODT. 3. Conversations with loved ones contribute to the acceptance of circumstances in which organs would be harvested for transplantation without consent.
Background: This study investigated the relationship between serum selenium concentration and metabolic markers—specifically lipid parameters and glycemic control indicators (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR)—in middle-aged women, considering age as a covariate. Methods: A total of 387 women aged 45–67 years participated. Serum levels of selenium, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides were measured. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the predictive value of the serum selenium concentration compared to age in predicting lipid and glycemic markers. Results: Selenium concentration was significantly and positively associated with HDL cholesterol only. No significant relationships were found between selenium and glycemic markers or other lipid parameters. In contrast, age emerged as a consistent positive predictor of LDL cholesterol, fasting glucose, and HbA1c levels. Furthermore, exploratory analysis suggested that HbA1c may influence the relationship between selenium and HDL/LDL cholesterol, though no formal moderation analysis was performed. Conclusions: Although serum selenium concentrations were within the normal range, their predictive value was limited to HDL cholesterol. Age showed a stronger and more consistent association with key metabolic markers, highlighting its importance as a predictor of cardiometabolic health in middle-aged women.
Introduction:Nurses working in end-of-life care are frequently exposed to patient death, which shapes both their attitudes toward death and the coping strategies they adopt. This study aimed to explore nurses' attitudes toward death and the coping mechanisms they employ in the hospital setting. Methods:Data were collected through a diagnostic survey incorporating a self-designed questionnaire and standardized instruments: the Death Attitudes Profile Questionnaire and the MINI-COPE Scale. Results:The study included 315 nurses (85.7% women) with a mean age of 40.5 years. Most participants lived in towns of up to 100,000 residents (70.1%) and held a master's degree (53.3%). The predominant attitude toward death was Natural Acceptance (5.40 ± 0.97 point). The most commonly used coping strategies were Preoccupation with Other Activities (1.98 ± 0.75 point), Active Coping (1.88 ± 0.69 point), and Planning (1.87 ± 0.77 point). Greater exposure to patient death was associated with higher levels of Natural Acceptance and Escape Acceptance, alongside lower levels of Death Avoidance. Negative emotions most frequently reported were sadness (62.9%), compassion (57.5%), and helplessness (47.0%), underscoring the emotional burden of end-of-life care. Conclusion:Nurses frequently experience negative emotional responses to patient death, emphasizing the need for accessible psychological support. Sociodemographic and professional factors significantly influence both attitudes toward death and stress-coping strategies, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to strengthen resilience among nursing staff in end-of-life care.
Background: Menopause and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. However, the role of chemokines and systemic inflammatory indices such as the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) in perimenopausal women remains poorly understood. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated inflammatory markers, chemokines, and systemic indices in perimenopausal women recruited in Poland. Sociodemographic and health-related information was obtained using a custom questionnaire, along with anthropometric measurements and laboratory analyses. Results: A total of 230 women aged 44–65 years were included. Women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had significantly higher IL-6 (median 4.9 vs. 2.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01) and CRP levels (3.8 vs. 1.6 mg/L, p < 0.05), as well as increased HOMA-IR (2.6 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01), compared with those with normal BMI. Positive correlations were found between SII and CXCL5 (r = 0.21, p = 0.01), and between SIRI and CXCL2 (r = 0.19, p = 0.02), CXCL5 (r = 0.23, p = 0.01), and CXCL9 (r = 0.24, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Excess body weight in perimenopausal women was associated with elevated IL-6, CRP, and insulin resistance, together with BMI-dependent correlations of chemokines with SII and SIRI. These findings highlight the potential of SII and SIRI as accessible screening tools for identifying women at risk of MetS. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm their predictive value and clinical applicability.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The risk of disease increases with age, as most CRC patients are over 50 years old. Due to the progressive aging of societies in high-income countries, the problem of CRC will increase. This makes the development of new early detection methods and the implementation of effective screening programs crucial. Key areas of focus include raising population awareness about the importance of screening, educating high-risk populations, and improving and developing early diagnostic methods. The primary goal of this review is to provide a concise overview of recent trends and progress in CRC secondary prevention based on available information from clinical trials.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Poland, responsible for 26.7% of deaths in 2023. Our aim was to estimate total direct and indirect costs of cancer in Poland. METHODS:We acquired epidemiological data from the System Analysis and Implementation Database provided Polish Ministry of Health. For estimating the direct costs of medical procedures and chemotherapy, we used statistics of homogeneous groups of patients provided by the Polish National Health Fund. For analyzing the indirect costs in the field of absenteeism we acquired data from Statistical Portal of Polish Social Insurance Institution. RESULTS:The total direct costs of treatment for cancer in the adult population in the period 2021-2023 to be equal to USD 192,935,858, taking purchasing power parity of Polish currency into account. This was equal to 0.00394% of General Domestic Product. The costs associated with absenteeism were equal to USD 3,103,526,321, which was equal to 0.063% of GDP. The sum of Years of Potential Life Lost was equal to 930,962 and the sum of Years of Potential Productive Life Lost was equal to 363,511. Cancer morbidity and incidence in the period 2021-2023 increased by 1.3%. Mortality increased by 2.1%. The total cost of medical services relative to GDP in 2022 was lower than in 2021; in 2023, however, it was higher than both in 2021 and 2022. The cost of chemotherapy, both in absolute numbers and relative to GDP, was significantly lower in 2022 than in 2021. CONCLUSIONS:In 2023, the cost was higher than in 2021 and in 2022. The costs of absenteeism in three consecutive years increased. Years of Potential Life Lost and Years of Potential Productive Life Lost due to cancer increased substantially in the period 2021-2023, both for males and for females, in all three age groups.
Mood disorders are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental conditions in worldwide populations. Non-adherence to treatment recommendations may have serious consequences for patients with mood disorders. There are several methods to show whether the patient cooperates with the doctor and follows his recommendations, or whether he or she skips the prescribed doses of medications. These include objective methods, such as detecting the drug in the blood, urine or saliva by analysis or special markers, pill counting, electronic monitoring, and an electronic record of filled prescriptions. Subjective methods involve assessment of the patient, medical staff, and those in the patient’s immediate environment. The most commonly used subjective methods are an interview, filling out a questionnaire, and assessment by health care professionals and the patient’s relatives The problem arises when the patient inadvertently skips medications, which makes it difficult to assess adherence. This may be due to the severity of the disease and poorer cognitive function, and sometimes a change in daily routine. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing life satisfaction, disease acceptance and therapeutic adherence among people with mood disorders. This survey-based study included 103 people with mood disorders. It was performed using the author questionnaire, and standardized research tools, namely: the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS), the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The level of life satisfaction decreased with an increase in the severity of depressive symptoms (βstd. = -0.665, p < 0.001). Mood disorder patients with more severe depressive symptoms had significantly higher scores on the adherence scale (βstd. = 0.290, p = 0.003). Patients with higher levels of depressive symptoms showed a lower level of acceptance of the disease (βstd. = -0.215, p < 0.001). 1. The dosage of medications taken, and the severity of depressive symptoms determine life satisfaction of people with mood disorders. 2. Respondents with greater severity of depressive symptoms scored higher on the adherence scale, which means that they were more likely to be non-adherent to treatment recommendations. The type of mood disorder may affect patient adherence. Subjects with bipolar disorder showed higher and those with anxiety-depressive disorder—lower adherence than patients with depression. 3. Subjects with more severe depressive symptoms showed a lower degree of acceptance of the disease. None Declared
The aim of this study was to determine the subjective ocular symptoms in pre- and perimenopausal women infected with Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis. Eyelashes were taken from pre- and perimenopausal women aged from 45 to 69 years (n = 253) and younger women aged from 3 to 40 (n = 204) from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship located in Poland. The prevalence of mites was analyzed according to age and subjective ocular symptoms. Demodex spp. were detected in 75/253 (29.64%) of pre- and perimenopausal women and in 25/204 (12.25%) of younger women. Demodex folliculorum or D. brevis was observed in 72/252 (28.45%) and 1/253 (0.4%) of pre- and perimenopausal women, respectively, but the coinfection of D. folliculorum and D. brevis was noted in 2/253 (0.79%) of women. In young women, only D. folliculorum was detected. Single Demodex spp., multiple parasites, and numerous mites were reported in about 75%, 17%, and 8% of the examined women, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between Demodex spp. infestation and the occurrence of dryness of the eyes. Changes occurring in the female body during the pre- and perimenopausal periods lead to an increased incidence of Demodex spp. infestation. Women who report dryness of the eyes should have their eyelashes microscopically examined for Demodex spp.
Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common urinary tract cancers and its treatment, despite its efficacy, is often associated with a high psychological and social burden. With increasing incidence rates and improving survival, psychosocial aspects related to patients’ functioning after surgical treatment are becoming increasingly important. The level of acceptance of the illness, coping strategies and the availability of social support appear to be particularly important. The aim of this study was to assess the level of acceptance of the disease, coping strategies and the extent of social support received in patients after surgical treatment of RCC. Materials and methods: Eighty-five patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Department of Urology and Urological Oncology of the Teaching Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin were included in the study. A diagnostic survey method and 3 tools were used: Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) and Social Support Questionnaire (ISSB). Results: The mean level of disease acceptance among patients was moderate (M = 24.89, SD = 6.37). The most frequently used coping strategy was fighting spirit (M = 22.38), while helplessness was the least used (M = 15.42). Constructive coping styles were prevalent (high level in 50.59% of respondents), whereas destructive styles were typically low (43.53%). Social support was reported at a moderate frequency across all domains (emotional, informational, instrumental, valuing), typically occurring once per week. Significant correlations were observed between age and positive reappraisal (r = 0.22, p = 0.043), and between helplessness and informational support (r = 0.263, p = 0.015). Respondents with secondary education demonstrated higher levels of fighting spirit compared to those with vocational education (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Patients after surgical treatment of RCC presented moderate levels of disease acceptance and preferred constructive coping strategies. Social support was present to a moderate extent. Age and education influenced selected aspects of psychological adaptation, whereas no correlation was found between the level of disease acceptance and coping styles.
Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant cancer among men, and according to the predictions, the estimated number of new cases will substantially grow in the coming years. Therefore, the costs of the disease will increase as well. Methods: We conducted a literature review of the state of knowledge about the costs of treatment and the economic burden of prostate cancer. The vast majority of studies were focused on direct costs only, which clearly shows the literature gap. Results: We focused on the estimates of direct costs, i.e., treatment of prostate cancer, adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment, and supportive and palliative care, and indirect costs. Cost-effectiveness analyses indicated that docetaxel combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was the most cost-effective strategy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER): USD 13,647). In contrast, novel therapies such as PARP inhibitors and whole-genome-sequencing-guided treatments were not cost-effective unless drug prices were reduced by 47–70%. In the United States, 5-year cumulative treatment costs ranged from USD 48,000 for conservative management to over USD 91,000 for radiotherapy, while out-of-pocket expenses averaged AUD 1172 in Australia. Indirect costs were also considerable, with Slovakia reporting an increase in sick leave costs from EUR 1.2 million in 2014 to EUR 2.1 million in 2022. Conclusions: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were the most frequent categories for various treatment cost evaluations. A few specific combinations of drugs were cost-effective only under the condition of dropping the unit prices of a medication. Further summarizing, reviewing, and developing a methodology for standardized comparisons are needed.
Background/Objectives: Uniformed personnel are highly exposed to occupational stress, which increases the risk of mental health problems. This study examined whether coping styles moderate the relationship between perceived stress and satisfaction with life among uniformed personnel treated for bodily distress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 183 participants (81% male, aged 30-66 years). Standardized questionnaires were administered: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Pearson correlations with 95% confidence intervals were computed, and moderation analyses were conducted using separate regression models for each coping style with bootstrap estimation (1000 samples). Gender differences were examined using t-tests with Cohen's d. Results: Perceived stress was negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r = -0.43, 95% CI [-0.54, -0.29], moderate effect). Emotion-oriented coping correlated negatively with life satisfaction (r = -0.28, 95% CI [-0.42, -0.14]), while social diversion correlated positively (r = 0.21, 95% CI [0.07, 0.35]). Women reported higher stress (Cohen's d = 0.60) and lower life satisfaction (Cohen's d = -0.50) than men. Moderation analysis revealed that emotion-oriented coping significantly intensified the negative effect of stress on life satisfaction (B = -0.01, p = 0.019). Conclusions: Perceived stress strongly impairs life satisfaction in uniformed personnel, particularly among those relying on emotion-oriented coping. Targeted interventions, such as emotion regulation training, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring, may enhance resilience and mitigate stress-related declines in well-being in this high-risk occupational group.
BACKGROUND:Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant cancer, and according to the predictions, the estimated number of new cases will grow in coming years. Therefore, an increase in the costs of the disease will increase as well. Therefore, there is a need for continuous research on the costs and the economic burden of colorectal cancer and for reviewing the research results systematically. The current paper presents a literature review regarding the state of knowledge about the costs of treatment and the economic burden of colorectal cancer. METHODS:A total of 20 papers from MEDLINE database were included in the final analysis. The review is focused on the estimates of direct costs, i.e., treatment of colorectal cancer, screening after treatment, and indirect costs. RESULTS:the vast majority of studies were focused on direct costs only, which clearly shows the literature gap. Metastatic colorectal cancer was the most frequent category for various treatment cost evaluation. The costs associated with the use of bevacizumab in various combinations were calculated most frequently. CONCLUSIONS:Further summarizing review and developing a methodology for standardized comparisons is necessary, specifically addressing indirect costs.