Purpose Circadian rhythms are synchronized, through the endogenous biological clock, with the 24-hour cycle, and associated with numerous changes in human functioning, both in physical and mental aspects. It is assumed that daily fluctuations in cognitive performance are a consequence of...

The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the changes in sexual function in cervical cancer survivors. The additional objective was to exhibit the role of sexual communication in adapting to these changes. A systematic search was performed across four electronic databases. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The most common sexual dysfunction was pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, decreased level of satisfaction and sexual interest. Some changes in vaginal anatomy and effects on psychosocial functioning were described. We confirmed that sexual communication with healthcare professionals and partners may be essential to help improve sexuality in CC survivors.

Background: Digital well-being encourages balanced mobile use. The Perceived Digital Well-Being in Adolescence Scale measures this in adolescents but has been validated only in Slovenia, raising questions about its relevance for other age groups and cultural contexts. Objective: This study had three primary objectives: (1) confirm the 3-factor structure of an English version of the Perceived Digital Well-Being in Adolescence Scale, renamed the Perceived Digital Well-Being Scale (PDWS), in samples of young adults from the United States and the United Kingdom; (2) examine the associations between PDWS dimensions and participants’ sociodemographic characteristics; and (3) explore the relationships between PDWS scores and patterns of smartphone use. Methods: A total of 1854 young adults from the United States and the United Kingdom (ages 18‐25 years; mean 22.4, SD 2.1; 892, 48.1% female, 872, 47.0% male, 90, 4.9% nonbinary) participated in an online survey including the PDWS, digital flourishing, and digital stress measures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlations, t tests, chi-squared tests, and moderation-mediation analysis. Results: Smartphone screen time and smartphone time for nonessential activities were statistically higher in the US sample than in the UK sample (mean 6.95 vs mean 6.13; t ₁₈₅₂ =4.97; P <.001; d =0.27 and mean 3.62 vs mean 3.29; t ₁₈₅₂ =5.57; P <.001; d =0.25, respectively). The digital well-being total score was statistically higher among US participants when compared with the UK counterparts (mean 3.49 vs mean 3.38; t ₁₈₅₂ =3.33; P <.001; d =0.15). Male participants were significantly more represented among the group with higher PDWB scores ( χ ² ₁₃₆ =478.45; P <.001). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the adequacy of the 3-factor model (emotional, social, and cognitive), indicating strong model fit (critical indices ≥0.90). Evidence of convergent validity was established through significant associations between PDWS scores and measures of digital flourishing and digital stress (most correlation coefficients being significant at P <.001). Measurement invariance testing confirmed the scale’s equivalence across US and UK samples ( χ ² ₂₄₆ change=17.90; P =.21); however, strict invariance across gender (male vs female) was not supported ( χ ² ₂₄₆ change=200.91; P <.001). Gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and education level significantly influenced PDWS scores. Gender and socioeconomic status also moderated the relationship between smartphone use or screen time and PDWS scores ( b =0.048; P =.03 and b =0.020; P =.03, respectively), indicating that these factors affect how smartphone usage relates to psychological distress or well-being in different demographic groups. Conclusions: The PDWS showed good psychometric properties in the US and UK samples. The scale offers a promising tool for identifying individuals at risk of adverse outcomes associated with digital connectivity.

Introduction: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between body image, perceived stress, partner and patient-provider sexual communication, and sexual functioning in women with advanced stages of cervical cancer (CC) after the cancer diagnosis. Methods: In this pilot study, cancer patients (n = 30) and healthy women (n = 30) were compared. A study was conducted from January to March 2022. Sexual functioning and its predictors were assessed using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES), the self-administered questionnaire contributing the patient-provider sexual communication, and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). The data was collected from January to June 2022. Results: Women with cervical cancer after the diagnosis reported impaired sexual functioning, which was associated with self-efficacy in sexual communication, feeling comfortable discussing sexual issues with a healthcare provider, perceived stress, and body image. Compared to the control group, CC patients had significantly lower sexual functioning (mean 8.83 vs 19.23; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sexual functioning in women with CC is significantly impaired even after the diagnosis and is associated with psychosocial variables. The expanded study will include other predictors of sexual functioning and quality of life in women with CC on the larger group of patients. Policy Implications: As cancer becomes a more chronic disease that affects even younger individuals, social policy should promote the sexuality issues in cancer patients, as it is an integral part of every person’s life, regardless of health status or age.

Background: This study aimed to analyse the attitudes of medical students, Polish and classical philology students and trainee doctors towards the legalisation and practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide, to explore their beliefs about palliative care and to identify the cognitive, behavioural and emotional factors influencing these attitudes. Methods: An anonymous 22-question survey was sent by email to 670 participants, who comprised students of medicine, students of Polish and classical philology and trainee physicians. Results: Out of the 670 people invited to the survey, 313 (46.72%) responded; 215 (68.69%) and 112 (35.80%) participants supported the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide, respectively. No differences were found between the respondent groups studied. The respondents’ attitudes were influenced by religion, place of residence and professed values in the doctor–patient relationship. Among the medical students and trainee doctors surveyed, the declared willingness to perform euthanasia was lower, with 90 (43.7%) people, than the support for its legalisation, with 135 (65.5%) people. Significantly higher support for palliative care was expressed by fifth- and sixth-year medical students and trainee doctors, with 88 respondents (89.89%), less support was expressed by first- and fourth-year medical students, with 74 respondents (68.5%), and the lowest support was observed among Polish and classical philology students, with 63 respondents (58.9%). Conclusions: The legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide was supported by more than two-thirds and one-third of all the respondents, respectively, with the majority of medical students and trainee doctors surveyed expressing uncertainty or lack of readiness towards their practice. More than 70% of all the respondents showed a positive opinion towards palliative care, with the lowest support being among Polish and classical philology students.

Introduction: Online dating is a common phenomenon. The manageability and access of the application allows people to quickly reach many potential partners, which can increase risky sexual behaviors. The Problematic Tinder Use Scale (PTUS) was developed and validated in a Polish population by analyzing the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the responses given by Polish-speaking participants. Methods: Two samples of adult Tinder users were recruited online. The first study aimed to perform the reliability coefficient Cronbach’s, interrater analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The second sample was recruited to investigate the factor structure by combining it with the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). The sociodemographic data, such as hours of use and number of dates, were also investigated. Results: The Polish participants’ responses to the PTUS (sample 1: N = 271, sample 2: N = 162) revealed the one-factor structure of the tool. The reliability of the measurement was α = 0.80. The construct validity was confirmed. The results showed a significant, negative, and weak correlation between the PTUS and SSBQ scores and their subscales: risky sexual behaviors (r = −0.18), condom use (r = −0.22), and avoidance of body fluids (r = −0.17). Moreover, the number of partners met in the real world had a statistically significant, moderate relationship with the PTUS scores. Conclusions: The PTUS measurement is valid and reliable for the Polish population. The findings highlight the need for harm prevention strategies related to potentially addictive Tinder use, as well as the possible risky sexual behaviors associated with dating app use.