Introduction: Early detection of cervical cancer is a matter of great importance as the prognosis depends on the stage of the disease. The objective of the study consisted in the assessment of the impact of HPV self-sampling on the efficacy of populational screening programs aimed at early CC detection. Methods: The analysis was performed taking into account the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines for systematic reviews. The analyzed articles were searched for in the following databases: Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library. Results: From a total of 60 citations, 16 studies were included in this review. The HPV test is highly sensitive and specific although the diagnostic accuracy of tests carried out in self-collected samples is slightly lower than that of tests carried out in samples collected by clinicians. The results of meta-analyses for HPV tests performed on self-collected samples indicate that the sensitivity for detecting CIN2+ ranges from 74% to 86% (depending on the publication and the analyzed population), and for CIN3+ from 75% to 86%. One publication showed a clearly lower sensitivity of 42% in detecting CIN3+, but the result is for a high-risk population and comes from only 1 RCT. The specificity of the assay exceeds 80% and 79.5% with regard to the detection of CIN2+ and CIN3+, respectively. As shown by the studies included in the review, both the offering of HPV self-sampling kits to patients and the mailing of such kits significantly increase the uptake of and participation in cervical cancer screening programs. In addition, self-sampling was found to be acceptable by the female subjects. Conclusions: HPV self-sampling is an innovative and cost-effective way to perform screening tests. In addition, self-sampling significantly increases the willingness to participate in screening programs among female subjects.

Preventive screening is a highly cost-effective public health intervention. The COVID-19 pandemic may impact preventive healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the frequency of preventive health screening, as well as to identify the factors associated with compliance with health screening guidelines among adults in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional survey was carried out between October and December 2021, among Internet users in Poland. Respondents were asked about the last date that they performed seven different screening tests. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 102,928 adults aged 18–99 years, and 57.2% were female. The most common screening tests performed in the past 12 months were blood pressure measurement (83%), blood count (66.2%), and blood sugar (63.3%). Moreover, more than half of respondents had a urinalysis (53.1%) and lipid panel (55.1%) in the past 12 months. Out of 58,904 females, 69.2% had a cervical cytology in the past 3 years. Older age, having higher education, living in urban areas, being occupationally active, having at least one chronic disease, and visiting a doctor in the past 12 months were significantly associated (p < 0.001) with a higher level of compliance with screening guidelines. This study revealed a significant gap in the performance of preventive health screening.

Education was significantly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Online learning affects the quality of learning as well as the mental health status of students. Regular screening for COVID-19 may be crucial to provide practical classes during the pandemic. The present study aimed to analyze the usefulness of rapid antigen tests for on-campus COVID-19 screening in real-life conditions at a medical university in Poland. This screening study was carried out among students attending practical classes at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland between November 15 and December 10, 2021, during which a series of rapid antigen tests (Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device, nasal) were performed by healthcare professionals (nurses). Out of 104 student groups selected for the study (n=1847 students), 423 individuals from 63 student groups were tested at least once (22.9% response rate). A total of 2295 samples were collected. Among the participants, 3.4% (n=15) had positive test results. Out of 15 COVID-19 cases, 14 were vaccinated. At least 1 positive COVID-19 case was detected in 8 student groups. In 3 student groups, we observed ≥2 infections that occurred at intervals, which may suggest student-to-student SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This study produced real-world data from a COVID-19 screening study and confirmed the usefulness of the rapid antigen test (Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device nasal) for on-campus COVID-19 screening prior to practical classes. Maintaining a high percentage of participants is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of on-campus COVID-19 screening.

Background: Population aging in Poland has led to rising healthcare needs, but comprehensive evidence on long-term utilization patterns is limited. This study aimed to analyze healthcare use and disease burden among older adults, with particular focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effects on care pathways, continuity of services, and differences between urban and rural populations. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using anonymized medical records from a primary healthcare network in Poland between January 2020 and December 2024. The sample included 42,844 patients aged 60 years or older patients aged ≥60 years, with a total of 738,300 consultations. Data on demographics, visit type, prescriptions, referrals, diagnostic tests, and follow up were analyzed using chi-square tests, logistic regression, and nonparametric comparisons. Results: The mean age of patients was 77.5 years (SD 9.4), and 63.7% were women. The mean number of visits in the preceding 12 months was 10.3 (range 0–460). Prescriptions were issued in 56.9% of visits, referrals in 33.5%, and diagnostic tests in 21.4%. Patients with chronic diseases were more likely to receive diagnostic tests than those without (32.4% vs. 21.1%, χ² = 1570.42, p < 0.0001), but less likely to return within 30 days (23.4% vs. 39.4%, χ² = 2243.76, p < 0.0001). First visits generated more referrals than follow ups (41.6% vs. 32.9%, χ² = 1620.51, p < 0.0001). Completed visits were strongly associated with prescription issuance (63.2% vs. 16.4%, χ² = 1048.76, p < 0.0001). Return analyses showed that patients with more prior visits were significantly more likely to re-engage at 30, 60, and 90 days (all p < 0.0001). Age correlated positively with total number of visits (ρ = 0.136, p < 0.05) with the oldest adults more likely to return at 60 and 90 days. Visit realization decreased during early pandemic phases but increased significantly post-COVID (OR = 1.76, p < 0.001). Psychiatric referrals increased the odds of return within 30 days (OR = 1.42) and 60 days (OR = 1.36). Conclusions: Older adults in Poland demonstrate high healthcare utilization, with patterns shaped by age, chronic disease status, and pandemic-related disruptions. While statistical associations were robust, effect sizes were small, highlighting the need to focus on clinically meaningful differences in planning geriatric care. The findings highlight that COVID-19 acted as a major modifying factor of healthcare engagement, revealing the vulnerability of geriatric care continuity to system-level disruptions.

Introduction: Disease-related stress is a common phenomenon. It also occurs in neoplastic diseases. Since physical and mental health are interrelated, it is important to make sure that treatment covers these two areas. Therefore, it is essential to learn how patients with neoplastic diseases can cope with stress. Materials and Methods: The respondents are 306 patients suffering from neoplastic diseases, associated in patient advocacy groups. The method is the Brief-COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) questionnaire. Results: The following stress management strategies were most commonly adopted by the patients: acceptance (median 2.25; 25–75% IQR 2.0–3.0), active coping (median 2.0; 25–75% IQR (interquartile range) 1.5–2.0), planning (median 2.0; 25–75% IQR 2.0–2.0), emotional support (median 2.0; 25–75% IQR 1.5–2.0), instrumental support (median 2.0; 25–75% IQR 2.0–2.0), self-distraction (median 2.0; 25–75% IQR 1.5–3.0), and venting (median 2.0; 25–75% IQR 1.5–3.0). A decision to adopt a particular stress management strategy by patients with neoplastic diseases was highly affected by demographic factors (p < 0.05), such as sex, education, age, place of residence and employment. Conclusions: Teaching stress management strategies should be a part of the education process among patients with neoplastic diseases. Before or in the course of treatment, an oncology patient should be educated on the prevention of mental health disorders. The ability to cope with stress is one of the key competences for the course of neoplastic diseases and it can affect the treatment process. Stress management in chronic diseases, including neoplastic diseases, should be approached not only at the level of an individual person but also at the level of the health system as a whole.

Background and Objectives: Sexual violence constitutes a major public health concern that undermines safety, bodily integrity, and autonomy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and preventive strategies related to sexual misconduct in party-related social settings in Poland. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 18 and 27 March 2025 among a representative sample of 1000 adults using computer-assisted web interviews. The questionnaire covered perceived risk, preventive measures, and personal or witnessed experiences of sexual violence. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: More than half of respondents reported unwanted touching (53.8%) or persistent harassment (46.9%), and 54.1% had encountered sexual comments. Drug-facilitated assaults were reported by approximately 10% of participants, while 12.3% indicated forced sex. Despite frequent reliance on precautionary measures (e.g., returning home with friends in 64.2% of cases), concerns about sexual victimization were widespread. Multivariable analysis showed that women (aOR 1.91), young adults (aOR 2.80 for those aged 18–24 years), and sexual minorities were disproportionately affected. Conclusions: This study highlights that sexual violence in party-related settings is a structural rather than marginal problem in Poland. Women, young adults, and sexual minorities are disproportionately affected. Effective prevention requires multilevel interventions, including bystander programs, venue-level safety policies, and broader public health strategies to reduce tolerance for sexual harassment and violence.