Individuals suffering from non-communicable NCDs often experience chronic pain, which can directly contribute to the development of kinesiophobia and fear of movement, significantly impacting the quality of life and physical activity (PA) of chronically ill patients. This review aims to examine the impact of kinesiophobia on PA, quality of life, and the rehabilitation process in patients with diabetes, cancer, and chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The research methodology is based on a systematic literature review using six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar), conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The review included 81 articles (comprising experimental studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews). The prevalence of kinesiophobia and fear of movement among patients with chronic diseases ranged from 42.85% to 93%, depending on the type of condition. The average prevalence rate of kinesiophobia in the entire analyzed group was 63.6%, which highlights the significance of the problem in relation to the chronic diseases discussed. The presence of movement-related fear in individuals with chronic illnesses represents a significant barrier to engaging in PA, which can directly impact their quality of life. Future research is recommended to focus on identifying risk factors and the influence of kinesiophobia on various aspects of life, allowing for clearer understanding and coherence.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of mortality worldwide, require a multidisciplinary approach, with cardiac rehabilitation being a recommended component. The rehabilitation process may be directly influenced by social support, which enhances motivation to cope with the disease and fosters its acceptance. Aims: This study aims to assess the level of social support among patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation and its impact on disease acceptance. Methods: The study included a sample of 150 patients currently participating in cardiac rehabilitation. Data were collected through direct contact using the validated, anonymous Acceptance of Illness Scale questionnaire, supplemented with a demographic section addressing social support. Results: The majority of respondents reported receiving strong family support (51.3%) and good institutional support (47.3%) during treatment. The mean score for illness acceptance was 29.6 ± 6.9, indicating a high acceptance level observed in most patients (57.3%). The p-values for the association between illness acceptance and support from family and institutions were p = 0.43 and p = 0.82, respectively, suggesting no statistically significant relationship. Conclusions: Patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation generally experience strong family support, good institutional support, and a high level of disease acceptance. No statistically significant relationship was observed between family or institutional support and the level of disease acceptance.

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer survivors often experience adverse body composition changes and reduced quality of life (QoL) after chemotherapy. This study aimed to assess changes in body composition in postoperative breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and to examine their associations with physical activity and QoL. Methods: This longitudinal observational pilot study included two repeated assessments (after surgery and before the third chemotherapy cycle – six weeks period). Sixty women (mean age 57 ± 10 years) who had undergone breast cancer surgery and were scheduled for chemotherapy were assessed twice: after surgery and prior to the third chemotherapy cycle. Body composition was analyzed using anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance methods. Physical activity was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Long Form (IPAQ-L), while QoL was measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life–bref version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire as well. Results: During chemotherapy, participants showed significant increases in body weight (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), and muscle mass (p = 0.001), with stable fat percentage. Physical activity levels improved overall, particularly in moderate activity (p = 0.001), while sedentary time decreased (p = 0.020). QoL remained generally stable, with significant improvement in the environmental domain (p = 0.028). Higher fat percentage correlated negatively with physical (p = 0.040) and social (p = 0.049) QoL, while BMI correlated inversely with psychological well-being (p = 0.020). Waist-to-hip ratio was also negatively associated with psychological QoL (p = 0.017). Conclusions: Vigorous activity showed an association with more favorable body composition, whereas sedentary behavior correlated with higher BMI and muscle mass.

Introduction and objective: Children and adolescents are a group particularly exposed to nutritional consequences resulting from the consumption of potentially harmful food products. School-age children should eat 5 meals a day with 3–4 hour breaks between meals. It is also acceptable...

Background: Permanent colostomy after colorectal cancer surgery constitutes a major life change that may influence patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. This study aimed to evaluate these outcomes in patients with a permanent colostomy and to explore differences according to age, gender, and place of residence. Material and methods: The study included 150 adult patients with a permanent colostomy following colorectal cancer treatment. Participants were recruited during oncological follow-up visits in Poland. Quality of life was measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire – Brief Version (WHOQoL-BREF), illness acceptance using the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and psychosocial functioning using an author-designed questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables included age, gender, and place of residence. Statistical analyses were performed using independent-sample t-tests and analysis of variance with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Older participants demonstrated significantly higher quality of life, greater illness acceptance, and better psychosocial functioning than younger patients. Men reported higher quality of life and illness acceptance than women, while psychosocial functioning did not differ significantly by gender. Urban residents achieved significantly higher scores across all assessed domains compared with rural residents. Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors significantly influence adaptation to life with a permanent colostomy. Younger patients, women, and individuals living in rural areas may require additional psychosocial support and targeted interventions.

Introduction: The effects of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of many individuals are now becoming increasingly apparent, especially among health care workers, who not infrequently develop the so-called post-pandemic stress syndrome, referring in essence to post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a consequence of the fact that medics, especially those who worked on the front lines during the pandemic experienced enormous challenges and difficulties every day that burdened and/or exceeded their individual abilities to adapt. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess well-being and the incidence of stress and anxiety among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: 182 people participated in the study, belonging to the representatives of medical personnel. The study used a questionnaire technique, by providing a survey with questions in electronic form. The survey consisted of both original questions and standardized psychometric tools, i.e. WHO-5, PSS-10, GAD-7. Results: Based on the scales, 78.6% of respondents were found to have elevated levels of stress and anxiety with a concomitant decrease in well-being in relation to COVID-19 work. Conclusions: Disturbing mental health implications were found among health care workers. Those surveyed showed elevated levels of experiencing anxiety and stress, as well as reduced well-being while working during the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure optimal mental well-being among medical professionals, he recommends guaranteeing access to mental health support and assistance programs for health care workers.