Dorota Kaleta
Research interests
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InterestsPhysical Activity, Exercise Physiology, Metabolic Syndrome, Smoking, Tobacco Control, Tobacco Cessation, Health Promotion, Health Behavior, Preventive Medicine, Community Health, Preventive Health Services, Health Education
Publications
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Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of daily cigarette smoking in poland: results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2009-2010).
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 03/2012;
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of daily cigarette smoking among adults in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationally representative household study was implemented between 2009 and 2010 to explore smoking pattern among the population... [more] OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of daily cigarette smoking among adults in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationally representative household study was implemented between 2009 and 2010 to explore smoking pattern among the population aged 15 years and older. The smoking status and socio-demographic data were determined based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) questionnaire. Out of the 14 000 households selected for the survey, 7840 sampled persons completed the interviews, including 2162 respondents who declared daily smoking of cigarettes. Logistic regression models were applied to assess factors related to daily cigarette smoking. RESULTS: Over 33% of men and 21% of women (p < 0.01) reported tobacco smoking on a daily basis. The significantly higher risk of smoking on a daily basis was observed among the male and female 20-59 years of age compared to the 60 or older population (p < 0.05). For men and women with the lower educational (primary/vocational/secondary) level, the risk of smoking was significantly higher than for the subjects with university degree (p < 0.05). The unemployed men smoked daily significantly more frequently than the employed ones (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4-2.4). This association was not observed among women (p > 0.05). The residents of urban areas smoked significantly more frequently than people living in rural settings (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Actions to tackle socio-economic inequalities in smoking need to be intensified. The antismoking efforts should be focused on the population of Poles at large and people with lower educational levels, unemployed men, and residents of large urban settings in particular. The tobacco control interventions should also address the population of women at reproductive age.
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Comprehensive tobacco control measures--the overview of the strategies recommended by WHO.
Central European journal of public health. 03/2012; 20(1):81-6.
According to the World Health Organization, there are more than one billion smokers in the world, and tobacco is said to kill half of its users. The European Region of WHO, with only 15% of the world's population, faces nearly one third of the worldwide burden of tobacco related diseases. Millio... [more] According to the World Health Organization, there are more than one billion smokers in the world, and tobacco is said to kill half of its users. The European Region of WHO, with only 15% of the world's population, faces nearly one third of the worldwide burden of tobacco related diseases. Millions of lives could be saved with effective and comprehensive tobacco control strategy. In response to this, the World Health Organization has offered a wide range of information and recommendations to governments, organizations, health-care professionals, and tobacco users and non-users worldwide. This paper is focusing on various activities that governments, organizations or even individuals can undertake to help smokers to quit and decrease percentages of tobacco users and save millions of lives.
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Determinants of heavy smoking: results from the global adult tobacco survey in Poland (2009-2010).
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 03/2012; 25(1):66-79.
The aim of current analysis was to identify socio-demographic correlates of heavy smoking. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), a nationally representative household study was implemented in Poland between 2009 and 2010. We used data on representative sample of 1915 adults, age 25 years and older. Th... [more] The aim of current analysis was to identify socio-demographic correlates of heavy smoking. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), a nationally representative household study was implemented in Poland between 2009 and 2010. We used data on representative sample of 1915 adults, age 25 years and older. The Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for heavy smoking to the broad number of variables including age, age at smoking onset, education, occupational classification, living conditions, place of residence, place of residence at age about 14 years, awareness of smoking health consequences were tested in logistic regression model. Among daily smokers the rate of heavy smokers was 63% in males and 45% in females (p < 0.001). The present study indicated that three characteristics: age, early age at smoking onset and lack of awareness of smoking health consequences were significantly associated with heavy smoking among both genders. Significantly higher risk of heavy smoking was observed among the 50-59 years of age population compared to the youngest group. The heavy smoking rate was highest among males who started smoking under age 14 years (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.4-6.7; p < 0.001) and females that started smoking at age 14-17 years (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.5; p < 0.0001) compared to those who started smoking at age 21 years or older. Heavy smoking was significantly correlated to lack of awareness of adverse health consequences of smoking (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.03; p < 0.01 and OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2; p < 0.01 for men and women, respectively) compared to aware respondents. These outcomes should be taken into account while developing tobacco control measures. Among other things, educational interventions to increase knowledge of adverse tobacco health effects should be widely implemented.
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Awareness of cardiovascular prevention methods among residents of post-communist Polish provinces with highest mortality rates.
Central European journal of public health. 12/2011; 19(4):183-9.
The aim of the study was to estimate the awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviours in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention and to find out possible determinants of this knowledge among adult residents of Polish provinces with the highest CVD mortality rates. A cross-sectional analysis of randoml... [more] The aim of the study was to estimate the awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviours in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention and to find out possible determinants of this knowledge among adult residents of Polish provinces with the highest CVD mortality rates. A cross-sectional analysis of randomly selected representative sample of 2,211 (51.9% women) aged 20-74 years from Łódź and Lublin voivodeships participating in the National Polish Health Survey WOBASZ. Knowledge on CVD prevention, sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood pressure, anthropometrics, plasma lipids and glucose were measured according to the WHO MONICA protocol. Approximately 68% of participants, had poor awareness of preventive methods and majority of them were not able to name any specific approach. Most often mentioned method of CVD prevention was relaxing/avoiding stress (51.2%). The least known healthy behaviour was a reduction of salt intake and adequate fruit/vegetables consumption, mentioned by 18.2% and 23%, respectively. About 16.4% of women and 23% of men with risk factors of CVD were not aware of any non-pharmacological preventive method. Poor knowledge of CVD prevention was significantly more prevalent among persons aged > or = 65 years, with elementary education level, lower income, living in the rural settings, declaring poor self-rated health. Dietary and physical activity advice given by a primary care physician was significantly related to better knowledge among men with CVD risk factors. There is a need to focus on increasing educational level in this regions, especially in rural settings. Due to important role of primary care physicians in health education, more attention should be paid to individuals with CVD risk factors as their preventive knowledge level is very low and comparable to the level of low-risk individuals.
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Tobacco advertisements targeted on women: creating an awareness among women.
Central European journal of public health. 06/2011; 19(2):73-8.
It has been always believed that men smoke more than women, but the trend of smoking in women is increasing nowadays. In some countries there are even more female smokers than male smokers. This is a major health risk because women are present and future mothers, and increasing number of smoking wom... [more] It has been always believed that men smoke more than women, but the trend of smoking in women is increasing nowadays. In some countries there are even more female smokers than male smokers. This is a major health risk because women are present and future mothers, and increasing number of smoking women will enlarge the number of exposed children. Relatively few women are aware of gender-specific health risks, including cervical cancer, osteoporosis, poor pregnancy outcome and early menopause. Tobacco related diseases are on the rise in women, considering the fact that more women now die of lung cancer than breast cancer. Tobacco companies have invented various ways to target women through tobacco advertising despite the various bans. This inevitably leads to the increase in female smoking rates. There are various recommendations from the World Health Organization which include the need for governments to pay particular attention to protect women from the tobacco companies' attempts to lure them into lifetimes of nicotine dependence and to take up counter advertisements against the tobacco companies.
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[Comparison of behaviour concerning smoking tobacco among male and female students who begin their studies in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 academic years at the Health Science Department].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):958-61.
Despite the many years of systematic antinicotine action worldwide and In Poland, the percentage of people inhaling tobacco smoke in our country is still high. This fact is reflected in the number of people who begin their university career. The cause of a particular anxiety is great popularity of s... [more] Despite the many years of systematic antinicotine action worldwide and In Poland, the percentage of people inhaling tobacco smoke in our country is still high. This fact is reflected in the number of people who begin their university career. The cause of a particular anxiety is great popularity of smoking among the students of medical universities and departments. The aim of this work is to present the direction of changes that take place in the behavior concerning smoking tobacco among those starting their education at the Health Science Department. The subject of the analysis is the results of research concerning frequency of smoking among male and female students of the first years of all the chairs of the Health Science Department at the Medical University of Łódź. In order to collect the empirical material, an auditory survey was used. In the tests carried out in 2007/2008, 479 men and women took part (93.5% of all the students), and in 2008/2009 473 people (93.1% of all the students). In 2007/2008, 34.2% of respondents admitted to smoking (164 people) and the following year 39.7% (188 people). In 2008/2009, among female students of the first years, 27.4% (86 people) of them smoked and among male students 47.3% (78 people). In 2007/2008, 34.2% (164 people) admitted to smoking and the following year 39.7% (188 people). In 2007/2008, among the female students of the first years, 27.4% (86 people) of them smoked and among the male students 47.3% (78 people). In 2008/2009, the ratio of smoking women was 37.1% (104 people) and men 43.5% (84 people). Participation of people inhaling tobacco smoke among those studying at the first year of Health Science Department at the Medical University of Łódź in 2008/2009 was higher in comparison with the year before. Worryingly grew the number of smoking females, whereas the number of smoking males lowered.
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[Behaviour concerning smoking among people from the closest environment of students who begin their studies at the Health Science Department].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):979-82.
It can be seen from many researches that popularity of smoking among the students is still high. Due to that fact, there is a necessity to search for factor that would influence the behavior and attitude to smoking among female and male students as early as their first year at university, and also i... [more] It can be seen from many researches that popularity of smoking among the students is still high. Due to that fact, there is a necessity to search for factor that would influence the behavior and attitude to smoking among female and male students as early as their first year at university, and also include this in preventive programmes. The aim of the work is to present the behavior concerning smoking among people from the closest environment of students who begin their studies at the Health Science Department and determine their influence on behavior and attitudes of the tested towards smoking. The subject matter of the analysis are selected fragments of research carried out between the years 2007/2008 and 2008/ 2009 among students who began their studies at The Health Science Department at the Medical University of Łódź. For collecting the empirical material, auditorial questionnaires were used. In every academic year that was studied, over 470 people took part in the test, which is over 93% of students who are on dean's lists. Among the people smoking in the closest environment, respondents pointed to their friends most frequently: in 2007/2008 it was 49.1% of the surveyed (235 people) and in 2008/2009 57.1% (270 people). The second place belonged to "one smoking parent". In 2007/2008, 31.7% of the tested students (152 people) lived with one parent inhaling tobacco smoke before beginning their studies at university and the year after that, 30.2% (143 people). In 2007/2008, 16.1% of the tested (77 people) claimed that no-one smoked in their closest environment and a year later, the same answer was given by 15.2% of the tested (72 people). Among the surveyed on the first years of studies, the ratio of smoking students in whose closest environment there was no-one smoking, was different significantly to the ratio of smoking students who had people inhaling tobacco smoke in their environment.
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[Smoking prevalence and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among school administrators].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):992-5.
The aim of the study was to evaluate smoking prevalence and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among school administrators. The study population consisted of 320 administrative workers in schools from Lodz district. Among the study participants self-administrative questionnaire was conducted. T... [more] The aim of the study was to evaluate smoking prevalence and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among school administrators. The study population consisted of 320 administrative workers in schools from Lodz district. Among the study participants self-administrative questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire focused on socio-demographic characteristics, detail information about active smoking and environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Current tobacco smoking was indicated by 19% of women and 28% of men (p = 0.06). Only 35% of the study subjects declared willingness to give up the habit. Significantly less men than women felt that they should quit smoking (36% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.05). Only small part of the study population expected the help in quitting smoking from specialists, physicians or school. It is crucial to increase awareness among the school administrators about negative effects of smoking and to motivate them to give up the habit. About 7% of study subjects (5% of women and 11% of men, p < 0.05) declared that smoking is allowed in school building and 13% of them indicated that there are no regulations on it or did not know such regulations.
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[Opinion of administrative personnel about smoke-free regulations].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):996-9.
The aim of the study was to analyze the opinion of administrative personnel in school on smoke-free regulations. The study population consisted of 320 subjects. Among the study population questionnaire was conducted including socio-demographic characteristic, smoking and SHS profile. Detail informat... [more] The aim of the study was to analyze the opinion of administrative personnel in school on smoke-free regulations. The study population consisted of 320 subjects. Among the study population questionnaire was conducted including socio-demographic characteristic, smoking and SHS profile. Detail information was collected about opinion on smoke-free public places such as offices, other workplaces, health and educational buildings, restaurants and bars. About 22% of study population declared current tobacco smoking. More current everyday smoking was observed among men comparing to women (17.8% vs. 9.1%; p < 0.05). The study indicated that high percentage support total ban of smoking in public offices (84%), health care buildings (89%), and educational buildings (86%). 60% of the study subject were in favor of smoke-fee restaurants and 38% sypport smoke-free burs, pubs and clubs. The strong approval for ban on tobacco product advertising was indicated by 41% of respondents and 38% of them expect pictorial warnings on tobacco packs.
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[Recommendations of the World Health Organization Tobacco Control Research Team regarding electronic nicotine delivery devices].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):1088-90.
Negative health, social and economic consequences of smoking tobacco are widely known. Recent years have seen the emergence of many commercially sold appliances for inducing nicotine into the airways, including products such as "e-cigarette", "E-cigar" and "green cigarette&q... [more] Negative health, social and economic consequences of smoking tobacco are widely known. Recent years have seen the emergence of many commercially sold appliances for inducing nicotine into the airways, including products such as "e-cigarette", "E-cigar" and "green cigarette". These products are often promoted as potential alternatives to nicotine replacement therapy. It transpires, however, that there is a lack of conclusive evidence concerning the health effects of long-term use of chemical substances applied via those electronic nicotine inhalers. Reliable data on the exact chemical composition of the cartridges used in the inhalers is also missing. The objective was to present the main conclusions and recommendations of the World Health Organization Tobacco Control Research Team regarding electronic nicotine delivery devices, which were formulated against the principles of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Based on several analyses, WHO recommends a ban on disseminating information that suggest that electronic nicotine vaporisers are safer than cigarettes, or that they are an effective way of combating nicotine addition, until appropriate evidence can be provided. According to the WHO recommendations, references to efficacy of electronic vaporisers for quitting smoking or to their health effects must be backed by reliable pharmacokinetics studies, safety and efficacy tests and appropriate certification from regulatory bodies.
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Effective protection from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in Poland: The World Health Organization perspective.
International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2010; 23(2):123-31.
Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of death in the world today, killing approximately half of the people who use it. Several strategies have been proved to reduce tobacco use. However, more than 50 years after the health effects of smoking were scientifically proven, and more than 20 y... [more] Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of death in the world today, killing approximately half of the people who use it. Several strategies have been proved to reduce tobacco use. However, more than 50 years after the health effects of smoking were scientifically proven, and more than 20 years after evidence confirmed the hazards from exposure to second-hand smoke, few countries have implemented effective and recognized strategies to control the tobacco epidemic. This paper summarizes the World Health Organization recommendations for effective protection from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke along with the existing tobacco control programs and legislation in force in Poland.
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1.26Impact points
Epidemiology of physical inactivity in Poland: Prevalence and determinants in a former communist country in socioeconomic transition.
Public health. 09/2009;
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify physical activity patterns and determinants of physical inactivity in a representative sample of Polish adults. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of 14 769 randomly selected individuals (52.7% women and 47.3% men) aged 20-74 years participatin... [more] OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify physical activity patterns and determinants of physical inactivity in a representative sample of Polish adults. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of 14 769 randomly selected individuals (52.7% women and 47.3% men) aged 20-74 years participating in the National Polish Health Survey, WOBASZ (2002-2005). METHODS: Sociodemographic and lifestyle details were collected. Assessment of physical activity was based on selected questions from the CINDI Health Monitor Questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately 35% of Polish adults are not physically active in leisure time, whilst 39.5% declare sufficient level of leisure-time physical activity. Leisure-time inactivity is significantly less likely in persons aged <35 years, those with university education and those living in rural areas. Almost 48% of men and 28.4% of women employed full- or part-time report highly active work, whilst sedentary work is reported by 42.7% of women and 30.2% of men. Low occupational activity is more prevalent in young adults, persons with university education and those living in large urban areas. Nearly 67% of the entire working population report no active commuting. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to promote various forms of physical activity, with special attention on active commuting and leisure-time activities across both genders and all age groups. Public health policies and programmes should focus on substantial differences between various sociodemographic groups.
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Factors influencing self-perception of health status.
Central European journal of public health. 09/2009; 17(3):122-7.
The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective health status of Łódź adult population and to determine the factors affecting their self-perception of health. The study population consisted of randomly selected 1,056 adults aged 20-74 years from L6di district. Logistic regression model was applied ... [more] The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective health status of Łódź adult population and to determine the factors affecting their self-perception of health. The study population consisted of randomly selected 1,056 adults aged 20-74 years from L6di district. Logistic regression model was applied to assess the factors influencing the self-perception of health. More than 30% of study subjects described their health as poor or very poor. There were no statistically significant differences between men and women regarding self-perception of health (p>0.05). Older people more frequently reported their health as poor and very poor compared to those younger than 25 years of age. Four percent of men and 10% of women younger than 25 years of age described their health as poor or very poor whereas in age category 45-54 years that percentage increased to more than 40% (men RR=16.3; p<0.001, women RR=7.5; p<0.001), in 55-64 to 60% (men RR=18.6; p<0.001, women RR=10.0; p<0.001) and for people older than 64 years of age to 60% for men (RR=12.6; p<0.01) and 72% for women (RR=13.4; p<0.001). People with lower educational degree perceived their health as worse compared to those with university diploma (men RR=5.3; p<0.001; women 4.6; p<0.001). The risk of indicating the health as poor or very poor was 3.4 times higher for unemployed men comparing to employed (p<0.001) and 1.5 for unemployed women compared to employed (p>0.05). Men indicating no leisure-time physical activity significantly more frequently described their health as poor or very poor than men with satisfactory level of recreational physical activity (RR=2.2; p<0.01). Current and former smoker men described their health as worse compared to non-smokers (current smokers RR=1.5; p>0.05; former smokers RR=1.8; p>0.05). Preventive programs aimed at improving self-perceived health should concentrate on increasing recreational physical activity and elimination of smoking. Those actions should in particular target people in older age category.
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Healthy behaviours, lifestyle patterns and sociodemographic determinants of the metabolic syndrome.
Central European journal of public health. 04/2009; 17(1):14-9.
AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of healthy behaviours, lifestyle patterns and sociodemographic factors on risk of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in adult residents of rural, small town and large urban areas in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of randomly se... [more] AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of healthy behaviours, lifestyle patterns and sociodemographic factors on risk of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in adult residents of rural, small town and large urban areas in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of randomly selected representative sample of 1,187 men and women aged 20-74 years participating in the nationwide health survey WOBASZ. Metabolic syndrome was defined by AHA/NCEP criteria (2005). Analysed healthy behaviours included nonsmoking, healthy weight, adequate fruits and vegetables consumption, regular leisure-time physical activity. The 4 lifestyle factors were summed to create a lifestyle index (range 0-4). RESULTS: Regardless of gender healthy weight, adequate fruits and vegetables consumption and physical activity were associated with lower odds of MS. Non-smoking was significantly related to the lower odds ratio of MS only among men. Following all 4 lifestyle factors was the strongest protective factor against having MS. Being higher educated, in the 20- 34-years-old cohort, living in the rural area were the most important sociodemographic factors reducing risk of MS. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results support the need for effective promotion of healthy behaviors and lifestyle patterns, especially in demonstrated high-risk sub-populations. Due to important differences in metabolic risk between various sociodemographic groups, health promotion interventions should be specific in respect to the targeted subpopulations.
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[MPOWER--strategy for fighting the global tobacco epidemic]
Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(2):145-9.
It is estimated that tobacco use may cause death of 5 million people in 2008, which is higher than the number of deaths attributed to tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and malaria taken together. By 2030, the number of deaths related to the tobacco epidemic could exceed annually even 8 million. Despite ma... [more] It is estimated that tobacco use may cause death of 5 million people in 2008, which is higher than the number of deaths attributed to tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and malaria taken together. By 2030, the number of deaths related to the tobacco epidemic could exceed annually even 8 million. Despite many difficulties, a growing number of countries undertake intensive actions aimed at tobacco control. The objective of this paper was to discuss the major objectives of the MPOWER Report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). The MPOWER package consists a set of six key and most effective strategies for fighting the global tobacco epidemic: 1) Monitoring tobacco consumption and the effectiveness of preventive measures; 2) Protect people from tobacco smoke; 3) Offer help to quit tobacco use; 4) Warn about the dangers of tobacco; 5) Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and 6) Raise taxes on tobacco. It is proven that these strategies implemented in the compatible way, effectively decreases tobacco use. In addition, MPOWER comprises epidemiological data, information on implemented tobacco control measures and their efficiency. MPOWER is the only one document of a somewhat strategic nature that is a source of information on the spread of tobacco epidemic, as well as of suggestions concerning specific actions for supporting the fight against this epidemic.
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[Tobacco smoking and other negative lifestyle behaviors among economically active individuals]
Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(1):7-14.
BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking, lack of recreational physical activity, unbalanced diet, overweight and obesity are the major modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of smoking and the other lifestyle behaviors among economically active adults. ... [more] BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking, lack of recreational physical activity, unbalanced diet, overweight and obesity are the major modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of smoking and the other lifestyle behaviors among economically active adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 442 randomly selected economically active adults from the Lódź and Lublin districts, Poland. The prevalence and different possible combination of four major risk factors for chronic diseases was determined. RESULTS: About 40% of men and 28% of women smoke at least one cigarette per day. Only 3.5% of men and 1.9% of women meet the recommended guidelines for four common health life style factors. Only about 2% of smokers obey the rules relating to other healthy behaviors. In women smoking cigarettes, the risk for not being physically active is twice as high as that in nonsmokers. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic programs for healthy lifestyle behaviors should be addressed to all economically active individuals, taking into account their level of education, the type of work performed and income.
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[Global Adult Tobacco Survey in Poland--the aim and current experiences]
Medycyna pracy. 01/2009; 60(3):197-200.
Poland is one of the countries, where smoking is widely spread and smoking-induced diseases have become a significant health and socio-economic issue. Since 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in cooperation with partner organizations have ... [more] Poland is one of the countries, where smoking is widely spread and smoking-induced diseases have become a significant health and socio-economic issue. Since 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in cooperation with partner organizations have been working on the implementation of the global control system known as the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS). This system expands the opportunities of individual countries in the area of designing, implementing and evaluating comprehensive anti-tobacco programs. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) has been incorporated into the GTSS system in 2007. The aim of the work is to explain and promote the objectives of GATS and the process of its implementation in Poland based on current experiences of the WHO Country Office for Poland. GATS concentrates on monitoring of tobacco use by adults (aged over 15 years). It is a representative, national survey of households, standardized on a global scale. GATS is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies as a part of the Bloomberg Global Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use. Two executive agencies, the M. Skłodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology, Warsaw and the Warsaw Medical University, have been assigned to implement the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in Poland. The prepatory works for pre-testing and further stages of the survey implementation are currently under the final phase. Data gathered by GATS will enable us to learn more about the use of tobacco by the adult population in Poland. They will also indicate the most effective methods of the tobacco control in our country.
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[Pictorial health warnings on tobacco products packages as a part of tobacco epidemic control]
Medycyna pracy. 01/2009; 60(5):399-403.
The use of tobacco products has been described by the World Health Organization as the risk factor responsible for six out of eight causes of death in the world. Informing about the harm of smoking may be presented in many ways like media campaigns, text warnings, or graphic warnings placed on tobac... [more] The use of tobacco products has been described by the World Health Organization as the risk factor responsible for six out of eight causes of death in the world. Informing about the harm of smoking may be presented in many ways like media campaigns, text warnings, or graphic warnings placed on tobacco products. The aim of this article is to describe the role of graphic warnings placed on tobacco products in light of tobacco control. In this work, the available current data, including researches and reports of WHO, have been used. Graphic warnings may be a very valuable source of knowledge about health consequences of smoking. They are also much more visible, draw attention much better compared with text warnings and more clearly communicate the threats of tobacco use. They also have a stronger impact, are better memorized and better motivate to quit smoking. Pictorial warnings are also approved by the society. Smokers themselves perceive them as more effective than text warnings. Moreover, this kind of labeling makes tobacco products less attractive. The introduction of legal regulations enforcing these types of warnings does not cost anybody but the tobacco companies. This kind of solution helps to gain public acceptance for other methods of tobacco control like totally free tobacco smoke places.
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[Polish nurses' smoking behavior and environmental tobacco smoke exposure].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2009; 66(10):738-40.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the nurses' exposure to active and passive smoking. The study population consisted of 299 nurses. Among the study population detailed questionnaire was conducted incusing sociodemographic characteristic, smoking profile and environmental tobacco smoke exposur... [more] The aim of the study was to evaluate the nurses' exposure to active and passive smoking. The study population consisted of 299 nurses. Among the study population detailed questionnaire was conducted incusing sociodemographic characteristic, smoking profile and environmental tobacco smoke exposure. About 18% of nurses indicated current tobacco smoking and 25% smoking in the past. Only 13% of the study population declared complete ban of tobacco smoking in their homes and 20% indicated exposure to tobacco smoke in the workplaces. The women were most frequently exposed to inhaling tobacco smoke in bars and pubs (97%), restaurants (65%) and in private cars (64%).
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[Evaluation of nurses' knowledge about heath effects of active and passive smoking and their attitude towards providing smoking cessation activities].
Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2009; 66(10):841-3.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the nurses' knowledge about health effects of active and passive smoking and their attitude towards providing smoking cessation activities. The study population consisted of 299 nurses. About 57% of the women thought that some kind of cigarettes can be less d... [more] The aim of the study was to evaluate the nurses' knowledge about health effects of active and passive smoking and their attitude towards providing smoking cessation activities. The study population consisted of 299 nurses. About 57% of the women thought that some kind of cigarettes can be less dangerous than other. Almost all of the nurses indicated that tobacco smoking may lead to addiction. Unfortunately only 67% of study population thought that sidestream smoke contains substances dangerous for health. All nurses indicated that tobacco smoking causes lung cancer and 77% of them that it can cause cardio-vascular diseases and only 26% that it increases the risk of bladder cancer. Almost all women indicated that environmental tobacco smoke exposure is dangerous for pregnant women and the faetus. The nurses were educated about health effects of active and passive smoking but they have limited knowledge about the methods used in antismoking counseling.
Following (2)
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Wojciech Hanke
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine -
Teresa Makowiec-Dabrowska
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
Topics (4)
