Wojciech Drygas

Publications of Wojciech Drygas

• Detection and treatment of hypercholesterolemia in Primary Health Care. The results of the POLKARD program of the Ministry of Health of Republic of Poland.

  Authors: Magdalena Kozela, Krystyna Szafraniec, Grażyna Broda, Izabela Cichocka, Wojciech Drygas, Zbigniew Gąsior, Tomasz Grodzicki, Marianna Janion, Andrzej Szpak, Barbara Wizner, Renata Wolfshaut-Wolak, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Andrzej Pająk

  Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej. 04/2012;

  INTRODUCTION About 90% of Polish men and women with hypercholesterolemia are not aware of their disease or are not treated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate hypercholesterolemia control in general practice andINTRODUCTION About 90% of Polish men and women with hypercholesterolemia are not aware of their disease or are not treated. OBJECTIVES To evaluate hypercholesterolemia control in general practice and to assess the implications of introducing the nationwide Program of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (PCVDP). PATIENTS AND METHODS 66 primary care clinics were invited to take part in the study. In half of them PCVDP was implemented (active clinics), the remaining half formed the control group. In each clinic persons aged 35-55 years without coronary heart disease, stroke or peripheral atherosclerosis and with medical records established before January 1, 2005 were considered for the study. Information on blood lipids and treatment was obtained from medical records for a random sample of eligible patients. Later, participants were invited for the examination which included interview, physical examination and blood lipids tests. RESULTS Availability of information on Total Cholesterol (TC) increased from19.2% to 40.5% in active clinics and did not change in the control group. Also availability of information on other blood lipids and hypercholesterolemia treatment increased more in active clinics. Patients of active clinics received information on increased TC more frequently. However, no difference between active and control clinics were found in the proportions of patients with high TC or Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and in proportion of patients who used statins. CONCLUSIONS PCVDP was an effective tool to identify persons with hypercholesterolemia but it's introduction had no effect on the proportion of persons reaching the recommended treatment targets.

• Smoking status, the menopausal transition, and metabolic syndrome in women.

  Authors: Magdalena Kwaśniewska, Małgorzata Pikala, Krystyna Kaczmarczyk-Chałas, Aleksandra Piwonńska, Andrzej Tykarski, Krystyna Kozakiewicz, Andrzej Pająk, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Wojciech Drygas

  Menopause (New York, N.Y.). 02/2012; 19(2):194-201.

  Data on the relationship between tobacco use and metabolic risk among women with regard to their menopause status are scarce. This study assessed the prevalence of metabolic disorders in relation toData on the relationship between tobacco use and metabolic risk among women with regard to their menopause status are scarce. This study assessed the prevalence of metabolic disorders in relation to smoking status in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. A cross-sectional analysis of 7,462 randomly selected women aged 20 to 74 years who are participating in the WOBASZ (Polish National Multicentre Health Survey) was carried out. Lifestyle and menopause status details were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured by standard methods. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The prevalence of MetS was 3.3-fold higher among postmenopausal than premenopausal women. Regardless of menopause status, the prevalence of central obesity was significantly higher among never and past smokers versus current smokers (P < 0.001). Past smoking was associated with a significantly higher probability of elevated blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and MetS (P < 0.05). However, premenopausal never and past smokers had a substantially lower prevalence of decreased HDL-C than did current smokers. Among postmenopausal nonsmoking women, high levels of leisure time and commuting physical activity were associated with a reduced likelihood of MetS (P < 0.01). Making an additional adjustment for calorie consumption did not substantially influence the results. Except for HDL-C level, not smoking is associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile in women, regardless of menopause status. High level of physical activity may reduce the prevalence of MetS among never and past smokers after the menopausal transition.

• Decline in mortality from coronary heart disease in Poland after socioeconomic transformation: modelling study.

  Authors: Piotr Bandosz, Martin O'Flaherty, Wojciech Drygas, Marcin Rutkowski, Jacek Koziarek, Bogdan Wyrzykowski, Kathleen Bennett, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Simon Capewell

  BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 01/2012; 344:d8136.

  To examine how much of the observed rapid decrease in mortality from coronary heart disease in Poland after the political, social, and economic transformation in the early 1990s could be explained byTo examine how much of the observed rapid decrease in mortality from coronary heart disease in Poland after the political, social, and economic transformation in the early 1990s could be explained by the use of medical and surgical treatments and how much by changes in cardiovascular risk factors. A modelling study. Sources of data included controlled trials and meta-analyses, national surveys, and official statistics. Population of adults aged 25-74 in Poland in 1991-2005. Number of deaths prevented or postponed in 2005 attributable to specific treatments for coronary heart disease and changes in risk factors. A previously validated epidemiological model for coronary heart disease was used to combine and analyse data on the uptake and effectiveness of specific cardiac treatments and changes in risk factors. The observed fall in deaths from coronary heart disease from 1991 to 2005 was then partitioned among specific treatments and risk factor changes. From 1991 to 2005, the death rate from coronary heart disease in Poland halved, resulting in 26,200 fewer coronary deaths in 2005 in people aged 25-74. About 37% (minimum estimate 13%, maximum estimate 77%) of this decrease was attributable to treatments, including treatments for heart failure (12%), initial treatments for acute coronary syndrome (9%), secondary prevention treatments after myocardial infarction or revascularisation (7%), chronic angina treatments (3%), and other treatments (6%). About 54% of the fall was attributed to changes in risk factors (minimum estimate 41%, maximum estimate 65%), mainly reductions in total cholesterol concentration (39%) and an increase in leisuretime physical activity (10%); however, these were partially offset by increases in body mass index (-4%) and prevalence of diabetes (-2%). Blood pressure fell in women, explaining about 29% of their decrease in mortality, but rose in men generating a negative influence (-8%). About 15% of the observed decrease in mortality was attributable to reduced smoking in men but was negligible in women. Over half of the recent fall in mortality from coronary heart disease in Poland can be attributed to reductions in major risk factors and about one third to evidence based medical treatments.

• Awareness of cardiovascular prevention methods among residents of post-communist Polish provinces with highest mortality rates.

  Authors: Małgorzata Pikala, Dorota Kaleta, Wojciech Bielecki, Irena Maniecka-Bryła, Wojciech Drygas, Magdalena Kwaśniewska

  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 adultThe 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.

• Physical Activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity across an Adult Lifespan of Men.

  Authors: Jacek Chrzczanowicz, Anna Gawron-Skarbek, Joanna Kostka, Dariusz Nowak, Wojciech Drygas, Anna Jegier, Tomasz Kostka

  Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 09/2011;

  PURPOSE:: The aim of the study was to determine the association between the long-term physical activity (PA) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood serum and their association withPURPOSE:: The aim of the study was to determine the association between the long-term physical activity (PA) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood serum and their association with coexisting risk factors of cardiometabolic diseases in a group of relatively healthy men. METHODS:: The research was conducted among 422 males aged 19.2-89.8, either sedentary or involved in recreational sports activities. Anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, glucose and uric acid levels were performed in every man. Current PA, historical PA and aerobic fitness (Physical Working Capacity - PWC85%HRmax) were assessed. TAC was determined by means of two spectrophotometric methods: the Ferric Reducing Ability of Serum (TAC-FRAS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (TAC-DPPH) tests. RESULTS:: TAC was not related to the age of the subjects. Higher current and historical PA were associated with a more favorable cardiometabolic risk profile but not TAC. In fact, current PA level was connected with lower values of TAC-FRAS. Values of both TAC-FRAS and TAC-DPPH decreased with an increase of aerobic capacity. Individuals with coexisting anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and with elevated values of arterial pressure had higher TAC. Values of both TAC-FRAS (r=0.66) and TAC-DPPH (r=0.39) were strongly positively correlated with uric acid level. CONCLUSION:: Overweight, obesity, higher blood pressure, unfavorable blood lipid profile and especially higher uric acid levels are connected with greater TAC of blood serum across an adult man's life. High PA and fitness are associated with more favorable overall risk profile of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases but are related to lower TAC.

• [Physical activity and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic middle-aged men].

  Authors: Magdalena Kwaśniewska, Mieczysław Pasowicz, Magdalena Tlałka, Bartosz Laskowicz, Anna Jegier, Wojciech Drygas

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2011; 68(9):571-5.

  Few studies have examined the effect of physical activity (PA) on subclinical atherosclerosis. Those that have been conducted were not based on longitudinal observation of lifestyle and objectiveFew studies have examined the effect of physical activity (PA) on subclinical atherosclerosis. Those that have been conducted were not based on longitudinal observation of lifestyle and objective measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of PA level on subclinical atherosclerosis in a long-term prospective observation (mean 17.9 +/- 4.21 years) of asymptomatic middle aged-men. We studied 27 men with stable high PA level (mean age 57.1 +/- 6.6 years) and 27 pair matched controls with sedentary lifestyle (mean age 56.1 +/- 6.6 years). PA level was assessed by detailed questionnaire based on the CINDI Health Monitor Questionnaire. Objective measurements of aerobic capacity was evaluated by exercise tests. Subclinical atherosclerosis was measured by assessing coronary calcification score (CCS) according to Agatston's method by means of the multi-slice computed tomography. Mean CCS was significantly lower among highly active men than among sedentary controls (28.3 +/- 70.6 vs 211.4 +/- 344.9; respectively, p<0.02). Active men had also more often CCS=0 (15 vs 7 persons). Not even one case of advanced calcification (CCS > 400) was noted among active men. Additional analysis of the active men group revealed that persons with CCS=0 had significantly higher energy expenditure, PA volume and better aerobic capacity as compared to other active men, but with CCS>0. Long-term high PA may be associated with a lower risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic middle-aged men.

• Polish Forum for Prevention Guidelines for screening procedures for cardiovascular diseases.

  Authors: Adam Windak, Maciej Godycki Ćwirko, Piotr Podolec, Grzegorz Kopeć, Andrzej Pająk, Andrzej Rynkiewicz, Anetta Undas, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Piotr Jankowski, Wojciech Drygas, Ryszard Piotrowicz, Danuta Czarnecka, Grzegorz Opala, Jerzy Stańczyk, Elżbieta Kozek, Waldemar Banasiak, Tomasz Guzik

  Kardiologia polska. 01/2011; 69(12):1311-3.

• Polish Forum for Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases Guidelines on prophylactic pharmacotherapy.

  Authors: Piotr Podolec, Grzegorz Kopeć, Anetta Undas, Andrzej Pająk, Maciej Godycki-Ćwirko, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Piotr Jankowski, Wojciech Drygas, Andrzej Rynkiewicz, Ryszard Piotrowicz, Danuta Czarnecka, Marek Naruszewicz, Grzegorz Opala, Jerzy Stańczyk, Elżbieta Kozek, Adam Windak, Waldemar Banasiak, Tomasz Guzik

  Kardiologia polska. 01/2011; 69(2):195-7.

• The impact of the Polish national Programme of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention on the quality of primary cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice.

  Authors: Andrzej Pająk, Krystyna Szafraniec, Marianna Janion, Andrzej Szpak, Barbara Wizner, Renata Wolfshaut-Wolak, Grażyna Broda, Izabela Cichocka, Wojciech Drygas, Zbigniew Gąsior, Tomasz Grodzicki, Tomasz Zdrojewski

  Kardiologia polska. 12/2010; 68(12):1332-40.

  Despite a decline since 1991, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major burden on public health in Poland. To assess the impact of the national Programme of Cardiovascular Disease PreventionDespite a decline since 1991, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major burden on public health in Poland. To assess the impact of the national Programme of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (PCVDP) on the quality of primary CVD prevention in clinical practice. Sixty six primary care centres were invited to join the project (2-6 in each province). Half of these centres participated in the PCVDP (in other words, they were 'active' clinics) and the other half was included in the control group. A random sample of 300 patients aged 35-55, free of coronary heart disease, with no history of stroke or peripheral artery disease, and with medical documentation going back at least to 1 January 2005 was selected for the study in each centre. From the total of 3,940 patients in active clinics, 3,162 were judged to be eligible for the study and their medical records were reviewed. All were invited for examination. This was finally attended by 2,314 patients from active clinics and 2,101 from the control group. Before the introduction of the PCVDP, the percentage of patients with available information on risk factors in medical records was similar in the active and in the control clinics, and varied from more than 40% (hypertension) to less than 5% (weight and waist circumference). After the introduction of the PCVDP, the proportion of subjects with available information on risk factors greatly increased in the clinics which took part in the PCVDP. Knowledge of CVD risk factors was similar in the two studied groups. When asked, about 10% of patients in both groups could not list a single CVD risk factor. Smoking was the most frequently recognised risk factor (named by more than 60% of patients) and diabetes the least (less than 15%). No significant difference was found between the active and control clinics in the frequency of counselling as to smoking, diet, weight reduction or exercise. Only about 40% of smoking patients had received advice on smoking cessation. Counselling on diet had been received by about 40% of patients. Less than 20% of patients had been advised to reduce weight, with about 25% having received advice to increase their physical activity. Control of risk factors was poor and there was no significant difference between the active and control clinics in terms of the proportion of patients who reached prevention targets. 1. The PCVDP appears to be effective in identifying high risk patients. 2. The effectiveness of the routine management of risk factors in primary care is very low. 3. Addressing via the PCVDP all decisions as to the extent and means of intervention on risk factors to primary care physicians appears to be ineffective. 4. There is a need to introduce an effective structured intervention on risk factors and add it to the PCVDP.

• Commuting physical activity and prevalence of metabolic disorders in Poland.

  Authors: Magdalena Kwaśniewska, Krystyna Kaczmarczyk-Chałas, Małgorzata Pikala, Grażyna Broda, Krystyna Kozakiewicz, Andrzej Pająk, Andrzej Tykarski, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Wojciech Drygas

  Preventive medicine. 12/2010; 51(6):482-7.

  The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between walking or cycling to work and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Cross-sectional analysis of 6401 randomlyThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between walking or cycling to work and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Cross-sectional analysis of 6401 randomly selected individuals (3297 men and 3104 women) aged 20-74 years, who participated in the National Multicentre Health Survey WOBASZ, Poland (2002-2005). Commuting physical activity (PA) was assessed by asking about type and time spent on transportation to/from work using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG) and high-density cholesterol, (HDL-C) were measured by standard methods. MetS was defined according to the NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria. Active commuting was associated with decreased likelihood of abdominal obesity (WC≥94 cm), lower HDL-C and elevated TG in men and abdominal obesity (WC≥80 cm) in women. In a subgroup of postmenopausal women (n=317) active commuting was favourably associated with abdominal obesity, low HDL-C and elevated FPG. Prevalence of MetS was significantly lower among those who spent above 30 min/day daily on walking/cycling to work than among other gender subgroups. Increasing of commuting PA level may have an important influence on reducing the prevalence of metabolic disorders.

• Polish Forum for Prevention Guidelines on cardiovascular diseases prevention in children and adolescents.

  Authors: Jerzy Stańczyk, Beata Kierzkowska, Piotr Podolec, Grzegorz Kopeć, Barbara Cybulska, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Andrzej Pajak, Anetta Undas, Maciej Godycki-Cwirko, Wojciech Drygas, Andrzej Rynkiewicz, Danuta Czarnecka, Marek Naruszewicz, Grzegorz Opala, Elzbieta Kozek, Ryszard Piotrowicz, Adam Windak, Department of Paediatric Cardiology

  Kardiologia polska. 05/2010; 68(5):605-8.

• Mortality from ischaemic heart disease in Poland in 1991-1996 estimated by the coding system used since 1997.

  Authors: Bogdan Jasiński, Piotr Bandosz, Bogdan Wojtyniak, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Marcin Rutkowski, Jacek Koziarek, Walerian Piotrowski, Wojciech Drygas

  Kardiologia polska. 05/2010; 68(5):520-7.

  Official statistical data on deaths due to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease in Poland in 1991-2005 are not consistent because of the changes in the coding system introduced after 1996.Official statistical data on deaths due to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease in Poland in 1991-2005 are not consistent because of the changes in the coding system introduced after 1996. Between 1996 and 1999, the number of deaths due to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) increased considerably, while the number of deaths due to atherosclerosis decreased. Considering the magnitude of these changes, any analyses of mortality trends in these periods treating these data as consistent are practically impossible. This also applies to international comparisons of IHD mortality data. To develop a method of estimating the number of deaths that would approximate the real numbers of deaths due to IHD in Poland in 1991-2005. Sets of individual death records from the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and data from the WHO Mortality Database were used. The IHD mortality data documented officially in Poland were obtained using two different coding systems used consistently before and since 1997. IHD mortality was highly consistent in each of these periods. The applied version of the regression model makes use of both these properties. The system of certifying death causes which was used in Poland before 1997 resulted in underestimating the real number of IHD deaths in Poland in 1991 by around 35% compared to the numbers estimated using a more correct system of certifying death causes used after 1997. Approximate relative error of the official number of deaths due to IHD in 1991 in age groups of 45-54, 65-74, 75-84, and > or = 85 years was 30%, 24%, 49% and 67%, respectively, in men, and 27%, 25%, 52% and 72%, respectively, in women. An increase in the IHD mortality rate in Poland in 1996-1999 noted by CSO was an apparent phenomenon resulting from inaccuracies in coding death causes before 1997. These inaccuracies were mainly related to IHD, atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular disease. Our method enabled correction of the number of deaths between 1991 and 1996, yielding figures much closer to the real ones. Using this method, it is also possible to assess long-term mortality trends, including evaluation of the effectiveness of different methods of treatment and prevention. In particular, it also refers to the use of the IMPACT model to analyse reasons of changes in IHD mortality in Poland.

• [Measure methods of tobacco abstinence according to recommendations--own and Canadian research finding].

  Authors: Marzenna Broszkiewicz, Wojciech Drygas

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):914-9.

  Tobacco abstinence measure in smoking cessation interventions is the key methodological issue. We can find different methods of short- and long-term tobacco abstinence measure and outcome comparisonsTobacco abstinence measure in smoking cessation interventions is the key methodological issue. We can find different methods of short- and long-term tobacco abstinence measure and outcome comparisons in the scientific papers. The methodological guidelines have been provided by recommendations of the Society of Research on Nicotine and Tobacco 2001, 2002, 2003 and the Society for the Study of Addiction 2005. Preparation of the rules of tobacco abstinence rates calculation from extremely conservative to extremely liberal ones according to recommendations and comparison of own research and Tom Baker Cancer Centre Study TBC Calgary, Canada outcomes. The own empirical data gathered in 2001-2007 for 627 participants of group-based smoking cessation program with follow-up in 2008-2009 and the TBC data gathered in 1986-1990 for 971 participants of group behavior intervention with follow-up in 1995 were used in the analyses. Tobacco abstinence rates were differentiated depending on an observation period (range from 12% do 17%) and the methodological approach from extremely conservative to liberal one (range from 17% to 30%). To improve the scientific quality of long-term outcomes of smoking cessation interventions and comparisons the list of ten key methodological questions were prepared for researcher to answer them on the conceptualization stage of the project. Further research regarding smoking cessation interventions using methodological guidelines of the SRNT Work Groups recommendations are needed.

• [Smoking prevalence and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among school administrators].

  Authors: Dorota Kaleta, Kinga Polańska, Piotr Wojtysiak, Leokadia Bak-Romaniszyn, Alina Kowalska, Adam Rzeźnicki, Wojciech Drygas

  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 inThe 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.

• Effective protection from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in Poland: The World Health Organization perspective.

  Authors: Dorota Kaleta, Kinga Polańska, Piotr Wojtysiak, Anna Kozieł, Magdalena Kwaśniewska, Paulina Miśkiewicz, Wojciech Drygas

  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,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.

• Polish forum for prevention guidelines on psychosocial cardiovascular disease risk factors.

  Authors: Andrzej Pajlak, Piotr Podolec, Grzegorz Kopeć, Dominika Dudek, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Wojciech Drygas, Anette Undas, Maciej Godycki-Cwirko, Jerzy Stańczyk, Elzbieta Kozek, Marek Nanuszewicz, Grzegorz Opala, Danuta Czarnecka, Adam Windak

  Kardiologia polska. 09/2009; 67(9):1048-51.

• Factors influencing self-perception of health status.

  Authors: Dorota Kaleta, Kinga Polańska, Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Drygas

  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 ofThe 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.

• Polish Forum for Prevention Guidelines on physical activity.

  Authors: Ryszard Piotrowicz, Piotr Podolec, Grzegorz Kopeć, Wojciech Drygas, Artur Mamcarz, Jerzy Stańczyk, Tomasz Zdrojewski, Elżbieta Kozek, Maciej Godycki-Ćwirko, Marek Naruszewicz, Anetta Undas, Andrzej Pająk, Danuta Czarnecka, Grzegorz Opala, Tomasz Grodzicki

  Kardiologia polska. 06/2009; 67(5):573-575.

• Healthy behaviours, lifestyle patterns and sociodemographic determinants of the metabolic syndrome.

  Authors: Magdalena Kwaśniewska, Dorota Kaleta, Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Wojciech Drygas

  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,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.

• [Smoking-related behavior in the families of persons at the productive age who participated in the "Quit and win" competition]

  Authors: Alina Kowalska, Wojciech Drygas

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(2):125-9.

  BACKGROUND: Tobacco combustion at high temperature in the form of a cigarette, pipe or cigar is a chemical process. All chemical compounds go into the smoker's body, as well as into the body ofBACKGROUND: Tobacco combustion at high temperature in the form of a cigarette, pipe or cigar is a chemical process. All chemical compounds go into the smoker's body, as well as into the body of everyone who remains in the polluted environment. The aim of the research was to learn about smoking-related behavior at home among persons at the productive age who participated in the'Quit and Win' competition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material is an element of a long-term study carried out on 1700 participants of the "Quit and Win" competition initiated in 1996. The subject of the analysis was the material obtained through a postal survey in August 2006. The completed questionnaire was returned by 648 people, which makes 38.1% of all the competition participants. Among the respondents, 521 people (80.4%) were at the productive age. RESULTS: Of the 521 respondents, 389 persons (74.7%) claimed not to have been smoking at all for at least seven recent months and 132 people (25.3%) stated that they had failed to quit smoking. Of the 132 ever smokers 20 persons (15.1%) reported that they had smoked outside home and 112 people (84.9%) smoked in their homes. CONCLUSIONS: A vast majority of ever smokers at the productive who participated in the 'Quit and Win' competition smoked at home, exposing the other household members to the danger of passive smoking.