Introduction: Recent studies show that treatment of arterial hypertension is unsuccessful. This is due to the patients' insufficient knowledge of about the therapeutic methods and the consequences of not treating arterial hypertension.

Introduction: The cosmetics industry is one of the most dynamically developing sectors globally, and Europe has the largest share of that market. In Poland, the cosmetics industry is one of the most significant economic segments. Currently, natural cosmetics remain a strongly developing sector of the cosmetics industry. The increasing self-awareness of consumers and the omnipresent trend of being “eco” influence the increased interest in natural cosmetics. The development of the natural cosmetics market is confirmed by the increasing production and growing willingness of consumers to purchase this type of product. Purpose: The study analysed the purchase frequency and the type of cosmetic products consumers choose. The most recognised natural cosmetics brands and certificates confirming their naturalness were also analysed. Additionally, the purchase preferences of consumers choosing natural cosmetics and those not in this category were examined. The focus was on factors affecting the choice of different cosmetic products. Methods: The study was conducted as an anonymous survey of 24 questions (19 single-choice and five multiple-choice questions). Volunteers participated in the study regardless of gender, age, occupation, or income. The survey questionnaires were conducted using Google Forms through a shared link. The study was carried out from October 12, 2021, to January 6, 2022. A total of 807 surveys were collected, and the analysis included 807 completed forms that met the criteria for proper completion. The statistical analysis was performed based on the Pearson Chi² coefficient with a significance level of p< 0.05. Results: The results obtained in the study indicate that the natural cosmetics market is intensively developing, mainly because of consumers’ increasing self-awareness and deepening knowledge of cosmetics. Moreover, the demand for natural cosmetics in Poland will continue to develop steadily in the coming years. Currently, the quality of a cosmetic is more important to consumers than its price. Internet sales channels are developing intensively, and Influencers and recommendations of products by friends and family are the most effective way of promotion. Conclusion: Significant changes in consumer attitudes toward the cosmetics market (after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak) have been observed. From the manufacturers’ perspective, it is advised to closely follow market trends and adapt to consumers’ changing preferences and requirements. An adequate solution is to popularise and develop the segment of natural cosmetics using various forms of promotion and distribution of products. Further research is recommended to confirm the results regarding the significance of the fast-growing natural cosmetics market in Poland and other countries.

Background: There is a need to investigate how adopting different strategies for treating obesity in different countries in the European Union affects the psychological well-being of patients. Aims: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative evaluation of psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery versus patients receiving conservative treatment for morbid obesity in Poland and Germany. Method: A multicentre international prospective cohort study with 155 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and 409 patients who received conservative weight reduction treatment. Evaluation of the psychiatric symptoms was carried out for each patient at baseline and after 12 months of active treatment using a standardised Depression Anxiety Stress Scale questionnaire (DASS-21) questionnaire. Results: After 12 months of active treatment, the level of psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) significantly decreased in both groups of patients: surgically treated versus conservatively treated patients from Poland and also from Germany. The median change in level of psychiatric symptoms among patients from both countries was significantly higher among surgically treated patients compared with conservatively treated patients (Poland P < 0.0001; Germany P < 0.0001). Improvements in the patient's mental health as a consequence of treatment were dependent on the specific strategy for treating obesity adopted in the analysed countries, the percentage of total weight loss and on gender. Conclusions: The use of bariatric surgery in both Poland and Germany compared with non-surgical treatment for obesity resulted in more measurable benefits in the form of a decrease in psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) and reduction in body weight.

Background: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is a component of the intercellular matrix of the dermis and is often used as a raw material in cosmetology. This substance was isolated for the first time in the first half of the twentieth century, while cosmetology treatments and aesthetic medicine have been developing rapidly and gaining popularity. The same applies to companies producing cosmetic care products which contain hyaluronic acid. This is related to the growing desire of the society to improve the quality of the skin and maintain its vitality and firmness.Aims: The study investigates different directions and possibilities of using hyaluronic acid in cosmetology. Moreover, the paper describes possible side effects observed after hyaluronic acid injections.Patients/Methods: The study was based on an anonymous questionnaire conducted between October 10, 2021, and February 21, 2022. 513 responses were collected.Results: The awareness and level of knowledge in this field of cosmetology among potential beauty salon clients are on the rise. Hyaluronic acid is used in injections, as well as in care cosmetics, oral and vaginal preparations. Various areas of the face are injected, most often the lips. Face creams are among the most frequently purchased skincare products.Conclusions: The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetology is multidirectional. It is mainly focused on skincare and specific anti‐aging activities. Treatments of this type help preserve the skin's vitality, which translates into an improved quality of life due to the satisfaction of the need for attractiveness.

The aim of the study was to compare the safety profiles (prevalence of both local and systemic side effects) of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer–BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford–AstraZeneca) among healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) administered with a first and a second dose of the vaccines. Another goal of the research was to evaluate potential demographic and clinical risk factors for the frequency and intensity of side effects. A post-marketing, cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 971 respondents (323 doctors, 324 nurses, and 324 pharmacists), all more than 18 years old, who have taken two doses of the following SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) (group 1), mRNA-1273 (Moderna) (group 2), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford–AstraZeneca) (group 3). A validated, self-administered questionnaire was developed and delivered online to the target population group of healthcare workers. The survey was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 (1 February 2021–1 July 2021) pandemic. It was based on the CAWI (computer-assisted web interview) method. Questionnaires were disseminated using selected social media. The BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) vaccine was the most commonly administered COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare professionals in Poland (69.61%). Side effects following a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were reported by 53.11% of respondents in group 1, 72% in group 2, and 67.59% in group 3. The following were the most common side effects regardless of the type of vaccine administered: pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fever, chills, and fatigue. The number and intensity of reported side effects following administration of a BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) vaccine were significantly lower than in the other two study groups (p < 0.00001). Risk factors for side effects following administration of one of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines subject to the analysis included being female, young, and suffering from a diagnosed allergy. Our results clearly show that the short-term safety profiles of the eligible COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer–BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford–AstraZeneca) are acceptable. Nevertheless, the two-dose COVID-19 vaccines available in Poland differ significantly in the frequency of both local and systemic side effects and their intensity. Women, young people, and patients diagnosed with allergies are particularly exposed to the risk of side effects. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines.