Kinga Polańska

Publications of Kinga Polańska

• Comprehensive tobacco control measures--the overview of the strategies recommended by WHO.

  Authors: Adam Fronczak, Kinga Polańska, Bukola Usidame, Dorota Kaleta

  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 theAccording 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.

• Polish mother and child cohort study (REPRO_PL)--methodology of follow-up of the children.

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Joanna Jurewicz, Wojciech Sobala, Christian Madsen, Per Nafstad, Per Magnus

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 12/2011; 24(4):391-8.

  A prospective cohort study design gives the opportunity for identification, update of different exposures and their verification by biomarker measurements. The aim of The Polish Mother and ChildA prospective cohort study design gives the opportunity for identification, update of different exposures and their verification by biomarker measurements. The aim of The Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) is to evaluate the impact of exposure to different environmental factors during pregnancy and, after birth, on the pregnancy outcome, children's health and neurodevelopment. REPRO_PL cohort was established in 2007. From the cohort of 1300 mother-child pairs, 300 children are followed-up until they are two years old to asses the exposure, health status and neurodevelopment. Children are examined twice: at one and two years of age by a pediatrician and a psychologist/child development specialist. During each visit, detailed questionnaire is conducted with the mothers and supplemented with the information from the medical charts to have appropriate recognition of the child's health and development. Additionally, the current health status of the child is checked and his/her biometry is performed. A urine sample is collected from each child for the verification of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) exposure. Some children have a blood sample collected for the assessment of the lead and cadmium levels. Child's neurodevelopment is assessed based on Bayley Scales for Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III). The results of the study will become available within the next few years and will help to determine the impact of the environmental exposures on children's health and neurodevelopment. REPRO_PL cohort is a middle-sized cohort, very much focused on specific research questions with the potential for future extension and cooperation.

• Tobacco advertisements targeted on women: creating an awareness among women.

  Authors: Dorota Kaleta, Bukola Usidame, Kinga Polańska

  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 aIt 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.

• Predictors of environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons among pregnant women--prospective cohort study in Poland.

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Sławomir Brzeźnicki, Danuta Ligocka

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 03/2011; 24(1):8-17.

  The aim of the study was to characterize the PAH exposure level based on 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in urine of Polish pregnant women and to assess the relationship between PAH and factors such asThe aim of the study was to characterize the PAH exposure level based on 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in urine of Polish pregnant women and to assess the relationship between PAH and factors such as smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, place of residence, heating and cooking method. The study population included in this analysis consisted of 449 pregnant women who had been the subjects of the prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort study performed in 8 regions of Poland. The women were interviewed three times during pregnancy (once in each trimester). 1-HP concentration in urine was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAH. The urine sample was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The active and passive smoking exposure was verified by saliva cotinine, analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) and isotope dilution method. 1-HP concentration in urine ranged from 0.02 to 10.2 μg/g creatinine with the geometric mean (GM) 0.4 μg/g creatinine. The significantly higher concentration of urinary 1-HP in pregnant women was observed for summer collection (GM ratio: 1.1; p = 0.01), among smokers (GM ratio: 1.7; p < 0.001) and for the women living in big cities (GM ratio: 1.3; p = 0.001). The significantly higher concentration of urinary 1-HP in pregnant women was observed for summer collection, among smokers and those living in big cities.

• [Protection against environmental tobacco smoke exposure according to eu and Polish legislation].

  Authors: Katarzyna Konieczko, Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(4):415-24.

  Amendment to the Act on health protection against consequences of using tobacco and tobacco products, in force since 15 November 2010, has introduced a number of changes by extending the range ofAmendment to the Act on health protection against consequences of using tobacco and tobacco products, in force since 15 November 2010, has introduced a number of changes by extending the range of population protection against tobacco smoke exposure, of which the most controversial one for public was placing more restrictive ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. The changes in question caused that current legal bans, although more restrictive than earlier, are still not completely sufficient as far as the protection of all groups of workers against environmental tobacco smoke exposure is concerned. The text of WHO Framework Convention on Tobbacco Control, ratified by Poland, was discussed in the article together with the detailed WHO guidelines on the convention implementation in the field of workers' protection against tobacco smoke. In this paper the most important acts of EU, one of the convention parties, and current legislative situation in Poland were presented. Particular attention was paid to occupational groups, not yet fully protected against environmental tobacco smoke exposure and need to be the subject of future legislation.

• [Hospitality workers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke before and after implementation of smoking ban in public places: a review of epidemiological studies].

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Katarzyna Konieczko

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(2):211-24.

  Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure induces serious negative health consequences, of which the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory symptoms and poor pregnancyEnvironmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure induces serious negative health consequences, of which the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory symptoms and poor pregnancy outcomes appear to be most important. Taking into account those health consequences of ETS exposure most countries have introduced legislation to ban or restrict smoking in public places. In this paper the effectiveness of the introduced legislation was analyzed with regard to the protection of hospitality workers from ETS exposure in the workplace. The analysis of 12 papers published after 2000 covered the year of publication, type of legislation, study population, hospitality venue (pub, bar, restaurant, disco) and type of markers or self-reported perception of exposure to ETS. The analysis indicates that the legislation to ban smoking in hospitality venues protects workers from ETS exposure when the venues are 100% tobacco smoke free. The reduction of the cotinine level in biological samples after the implementation of smoke free law was 57-89%, comparing to the biomarker level in the samples taken before the new law was introduced. About 90% of reduction in nicotine and PM levels was also noted. In addition, the positive self perception reported by workers proved the effectiveness of new legislation protecting them from ETS exposure.

• [Impact of the legislation for smoke-free workplaces on respiratory health in hospitality workers--review of epidemiological studies].

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Katarzyna Konieczko

  Medycyna pracy. 01/2011; 62(3):297-308.

  Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) is a significant risk factor for the development of many diseases, including lung cancer, lower respiratory tract infections, asthma and eye, throat andEnvironmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) is a significant risk factor for the development of many diseases, including lung cancer, lower respiratory tract infections, asthma and eye, throat and nasal irritations. Hospitality workers form an occupational group with high exposure to ETS in their workplace. Taking into account the health consequences of ETS exposure and high prevalence of exposure in public places, including workplaces, many countries have implemented the smoking ban that prohibits or restricts smoking in workplaces, including restaurants and bars. The epidemiological studies have indicated a significant reduction in the exposure level after implementation of the smoking ban. Most studies have also indicated a significant reduction in respiratory and sensory symptoms. The impact of the smoking ban on the lung function measurements is still not clear.

• Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and newborn biometric indicators.

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Sławomir Brzeźnicki, Danuta Ligocka

  International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. 01/2010; 23(4):339-46.

  The aim of the study was to examine the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on foetal growth. The prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort study was performed in 8 regions of Poland.The aim of the study was to examine the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on foetal growth. The prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort study was performed in 8 regions of Poland. The study population consisted of 449 mother-child pairs All women were interviewed three times during pregnancy (once in each trimester). 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) concentration in urine was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAH. The urine sample collected from the participant women between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The active and passive smoking exposure was verified by determination of saliva cotinine level using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry/positive electrospray ionisation (LC-ESI+MS/MS) and isotope dilution method. The exposure to PAH measured by 1-HP level in urine of pregnant women was significantly associated with child birth weight (β = -158.3; p = 0.01), chest circumference (β = -0.7; p = 0.02) and cephalisation index (β = 4.2; p = 0.01) after adjustment for gestational age, child gender, pregnant woman marital status, educational level, season of last menstruation period (LMP), prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), and weight gain in pregnancy. After inclusion salivary cotinine levels into the analysis, the results were not statistically significant. Prenatal exposures to PAH adversely influence foetal development including child weight, length, head and chest circumference. Tobacco smoking is the important source of PAH. After controlling for active and passive smoking, the observed associations were not statistically significant.

• [Impact of prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure on birth parameters].

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(10):835-7.

  The aim of the study was to analyze the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and child anthropometric parameters at birth such birth weight, length, head and chestThe aim of the study was to analyze the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and child anthropometric parameters at birth such birth weight, length, head and chest circumference. The study population consisted of 107 pregnant women from Lodz district as the part of Polish Mother and Child Cohort study. The child prenatal ETS exposure was assessed based on questionnaire with mothers and cotinine level in saliva collected three times in pregnancy. The level of cotinine in biological samples was analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS ESI+). About 35% of the children were prenatally exposed to ETS. The birth weight of the children prenatally exposed to ETS was 335 g lower than the birth weight of non-exposed newborns p < 0.001 after adjustment for: maternal educational level, marital status, prepregnancy weight, child gender, and gestational age. The same refers to child length and chest circumference (coef. -1.1 cm; p = 0.03 and coef. -1.3 cm; p = 0.002 respectively). Taking into account the negative effect of prenatal exposure to ETS, more efforts need to be taken to eliminate child ETS exposure.

• [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.

• [Opinion of administrative personnel about smoke-free regulations].

  Authors: Piotr Wojtysiak, Kinga Polańska, Leokadia Bak-Romaniszyn, Karolina Czarnecka, Dorota Kaleta

  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 populationThe 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• [Exposure of smoking pregnant women to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons]

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Sławomir Brzeźnicki, Danuta Ligocka

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(2):103-8.

  BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. The most common sources of PAHs are cigarette smoke,BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. The most common sources of PAHs are cigarette smoke, coal-fired utilities, steel plants, coke-oven plants, graphite electrode manufacturing plant, Söderberg aluminum electrolysis plant, vehicle exhaust, wood-burning ovens and fireplaces, and charcoal-grilled and smoked food. The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of smoking pregnant women to PAHs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 189 pregnant women from the Lódź voivodeship (province). Smoking status was assessed based on saliva cotinine level analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The cutoff point 10 ng/ml was adopted for saliva cotinine level. 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) concentration in urine sample was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAHs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The mean concentration of 1-HP in urine of nonsmoking woman was 0.60 microg/g creatinine, whereas in smoking one 1.35 microg/g creatinine. Among the women with saliva cotinine level higher than 10 ng/ml, the mean concentration of 1-HP in urine was over twofold higher than that in women with cotinine level lower than 10 ng/ml after adjustment for the day of urine ample collection (ratio of geometric mean 2.3; 95% CI 1.7-3.0). The study confirmed a higher risk of exposure to PAHs in the group of women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy as compared to nonsmoking women. It should be stressed that cigarette smoking is not the only source of exposure to PAHs.

• [Tobacco smoking and other negative lifestyle behaviors among economically active individuals]

  Authors: Dorota Kaleta, Teresa Makowiec-Dabrowska, Kinga Polańska, Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Wojciech Drygas

  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 toBACKGROUND: 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.

• [Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and psychomotor development of children]

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2009; 60(1):15-20.

  BACKGROUND: In Poland, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is observed in about 30 percent of children and postnatal in over 50 percent of children. This exposure has serious health consequences,BACKGROUND: In Poland, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is observed in about 30 percent of children and postnatal in over 50 percent of children. This exposure has serious health consequences, including the negative effect on child neurodevelopment. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on child psychomotor development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 63 children with well assessed prenatal ETS exposure (a threefold analysis of cotinine level in saliva of pregnant women). To assess ETS exposure in infants within one year after birth a questionnaire-based interview was conducted with mothers. The Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development (BESID-III) was used for the evaluation of child neurodevelopment. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis (including gender, birth order of the child and parental educational status) indicated the statistically significant association between prenatal exposure to ETS and cognitive child development (b = -4.0; p = 0.04). ETS exposure has also a negative impact on motor (b = -2.7; p = 0.2) and language (b = -3.4; p = 0.08) abilities of the child although the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal smoking was found to be related to a decrease in child neurodevelopment, however, it was impossible to separate the prenatal from postnatal exposure. A lot of effort should be made to eliminate ETS exposure of children.

• [Prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke].

  Authors: Kinga Polańska, Wojciech Hanke, Wojciech Sobala, Danuta Ligocka

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2009; 66(10):554-7.

  The aim of the study was to evaluate the prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The study population consisted of 83 women from Lodz, Poland among which detailThe aim of the study was to evaluate the prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The study population consisted of 83 women from Lodz, Poland among which detail questionnaire was conducted three times during pregnancy period. From all women included into the study the saliva sample was collected to verify smoking status in pregnancy. One year after delivery the second questionnaire was performed and urine sample from all children was collected. The cotinine level in saliva and urine was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS ESI+). About 22% of the children were expose to ETS during prenatal and 46% in postnatal period. Cotinine level in children's urine statistically differentiated children from smoking mothers (Geometric Mean (GM) 11.4 ng/ml; 95% CI 7.1-18.3) and exposed homes (GM 7.3 ng/ml; 95% CI 3.6-15.0) compared with non-exposed homes (GM 1.3 ng/ml; 95% CI 0.9-1.7) (p < 0.001). Children should be more protected from ETS exposure in prenatal and postnatal period.

• [Polish nurses' smoking behavior and environmental tobacco smoke exposure].

  Authors: Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Kinga Polańska, Leokadia Bak-Romaniszyn, Wojciech Drygas, Dorota Kaleta

  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 conductedThe 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%).

• [Evaluation of nurses' knowledge about heath effects of active and passive smoking and their attitude towards providing smoking cessation activities].

  Authors: Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Kinga Polańska, Leokadia Bak-Romaniszyn, Wojciech Drygas, Dorota Kaleta

  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 populationThe 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.

• [Smoke-free environment--nurse attitudes towards smoke-free regulations].

  Authors: Dorota Kaleta, Kinga Polańska, Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Leokadia Bak-Romaniszyn, Karolina Czarnecka, Wojciech Drygas

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2009; 66(10):844-7.

  The aim of the study was to analyze the nurse attitudes towards smoke-free regulations in public places. The study population consisted of 299 nurses. Among the study population questionnaire wasThe aim of the study was to analyze the nurse attitudes towards smoke-free regulations in public places. The study population consisted of 299 nurses. Among the study population questionnaire was conducted including socio-demographic characteristic, smoking and ETS profile, knowledge about health effects of smoking and abilities for conduction of antismoking counseling. Detail information was collected about nurse opinion on smoke-free public places such as offices, other workplaces, health and educational buildings, restaurants and bars. About 18% of study participants declared current tobacco smoking and 25% were former smokers. Almost all participating in the study women (85%-98%) are in favor of smoking ban in offices, health and educational buildings. 75% supported smoking ban in workplaces but 15% of them were somewhat opposed. Most of the nurses were in favor of smoke-free restaurants (64%) but they were less likely to support smoke-free bars, pubs and clubs (45%). Unfortunately 63% of interview women do not accept smoking ban in private cars. The percentage of women who support total ban of smoking in the presence of pregnant women was 93% and in the presence of children 79%. It is important to conduct educational and informational activities to increase public awareness on health consequences of active and passive smoking and the ways of elimination of such exposures.