Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for 20–30% of pharyngitis in children and 5–15% in adults. The ineffective treatment of group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections can result in postinfectious sequelae. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of GAS pharyngitis and assess the management of patients with pharyngitis and antibiotic use. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective analysis of medical records from nine primary care centers in Poland. The study enrolled 1949 medical records of patients (children 67.4%, adults 32.6%). An infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, based on a rapid strep test, was diagnosed in 830 patients (42.6%). In the comprehensive study group of 1949 patients, 1054 (54.1%) were given antibiotics. Notably, 224 patients had a negative rapid strep test result but still received antibiotic treatment, underscoring the complexity of treatment decisions. The most commonly used antibiotics were oral penicillin V in 431 cases (41%) and amoxicillin in 219 cases (20.8%). We observed no significant difference between positive rapid strep test results and patients’ sociodemographic data and comorbidities. The prevalence of GAS was 42.6% in the analyzed records of patients with pharyngitis, and 54.1% were prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics were overprescribed for sore throats. Strategies are needed to promote rational antibiotic use.

Obesity is a complex disease with numerous health complications, influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, mental health, societal impact, economic status, comorbidities, and treatments. This multicenter study included adults aged ≥35 years referred to a CVD prevention program, where sociodemographic data, anthropometric examinations, laboratory tests, and HLPCQ responses were collected. The study analyzed 1044 patients with a mean age of 47.9 years. Among them, 22.2% (232 patients) were diagnosed with obesity. These patients exhibited higher blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels (all p < 0.001). A comparative analysis showed that obese patients had significantly lower scores in healthy dietary choices, dietary harm avoidance, daily routine, organized physical exercise, and overall HLPCQ scores. These results indicate that individuals considered healthy were actually living with obesity and its associated complications. Consequently, family physicians should proactively identify patients at risk of obesity using existing programs. The Polish healthcare system urgently needs systemic solutions, including effective health promotion and the creation of obesity prevention programs at an early stage of adult life. These measures are essential to address the growing obesity epidemic and improve public health outcomes.

Introduction and objective: The article analyzes the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination strategy in Poland, and compares this strategy to other programmes implemented in Europe and worldwide. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness and identify the strengths and weaknesses...

Introduction: This document presents recommendations of the Polish Respiratory Society on discharge instructions following hospitalization for an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: The Delphi method was applied to achieve consensus among independent experts. Results: Fourteen recommendations were formulated. Experts emphasized that discharge summaries require clear graphical and editorial design to ensure readability for both patients and healthcare professionals. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team was recommended to provide coherent and comprehensive documentation. Discharge instructions should be discussed with the patient during hospitalization and supplemented with standardized educational materials provided separately. These materials should cover inhaler technique, smoking cessation, physical activity, pulmonary rehabilitation, and vaccination. For patients with respiratory failure, home oxygen therapy or non-invasive ventilation must be addressed. Discharge recommendations should highlight modifications in baseline COPD treatment and management of comorbidities. A personalized action plan for future exacerbations is essential, and dietary consultation is advised. Finally, discharge summaries should specify follow-up appointments and include prescriptions for inhaled medications. Conclusions: The Polish Respiratory Society recommends that discharge instructions be provided to all patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation.

Obesity is a chronic disease that is widespread worldwide. Its diagnosis is based on specific criteria, including a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 or waist circumference measurement. The consequences of obesity include type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, an increased risk of infectious complications, cancer, and even death. Patients living with obesity are subjected to constant negative evaluation by society through the process of stigmatization. Available data suggest that people with obesity experience stigma in the workplace, at school, on the Internet, and in healthcare settings. Stigmatization is largely driven by a lack of understanding and knowledge about obesity and its underlying causes. People living with obesity are often judged as lazy and accused of having excessive body weight as a consequence of an inappropriate lifestyle. In Poland, the high level of stigmatization of patients with obesity is accompanied by a low level of knowledge about the disease. However, the willingness to help patients, as declared by medical professionals in Poland, offers hope that appropriate education may improve access to effective treatment. Well-designed educational interventions, social campaigns, and the activities of medical societies in developing guidelines, recommendations, and communication manuals for healthcare professionals working with patients living with obesity should constitute essential elements in the fight against stigma. In addition, cooperation with decision-makers to prevent the exclusion of patients with obesity from the healthcare system is necessary.