Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction with Healthcare Services in Poland - Article abstract #948225

Background: From 1 January 2024, Poland legally banned the sale of energy drinks (EDs) containing caffeine and taurine to minors under 18. EDs are rich in stimulants, making them particularly popular among adolescents and young adults seeking energy boosts. Their consumption is associated with adverse health effects and engagement in risky behaviors. This descriptive snapshot study explores energy drink consumption, motivations, and risk perception among Polish adults. Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey (N = 1121) was conducted over a three-day period using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method. The sample was representative of the adult Polish population in terms of gender, age, and geographical location. Data collection occurred 14 months after the implementation of legal restrictions on ED sales to minors. Results: Among 1121 adults (54.3% female), 15.1% reported weekly ED consumption, 9.7% monthly, 13.3% less than monthly, and 62.0% never. Younger age (p < 0.05), male gender (aOR = 1.63 [1.25–2.13]; p < 0.001), and active occupational status (aOR = 1.63 [1.19–2.24]; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with ED use. Overall, 83.0% of respondents perceived EDs as harmful, and 87.2% supported the sales ban to minors, although only 45.6% considered the ban effective. Additionally, 31.8% had observed minors consuming EDs in the past 30 days. Sociodemographic characteristics were associated with risk perception and support for regulation: women (aOR = 1.50), individuals with higher education (aOR = 1.44), and those with good financial status (aOR = 2.35) were more likely to perceive EDs as harmful and endorse regulatory measures. Conclusions: Educational interventions should prioritize young adults, particularly males, who constitute the primary consumers. There is also a need to enhance enforcement mechanisms to limit minors’ access to energy drinks and curb their marketing and availability, thereby improving public health protection.

From 1 January 2024, the sale of energy drinks (EDs) containing caffeine (CAF) and taurine (TA) was legally banned in Poland for minors (under age 18 years). EDs pose a significant public health concern, with their consumption steadily rising among young people globally. These beverages are rich in CAF, sugar, and other stimulants, making them particularly attractive to adolescents seeking energy boosts during physical or mental exertion. ED consumption patterns vary based on sociodemographic factors, with gender playing a notable role. The consumption of EDs by children and adolescents has been linked to adverse health effects and risky behaviors, potentially affecting their overall well-being. Excessive ED consumption is a widespread issue, prompting numerous countries to implement regulatory measures, such as sales restrictions for under those under age 18 years, warning labels, and mandatory disclosure of CAF content. This review examines ED consumption among people under age 18 years in Poland, focusing on the associated health and regulatory challenges of the newly introduced sales prohibition. Despite the growing popularity of EDs among young people, Poland lacks systematic studies on their consumption, particularly among children, adolescents, and young adults. Beyond legal restrictions, coordinated health policies and education about the risks of ED consumption and natural alternatives are crucial to addressing this issue. This article aims to review the background to the reasons for the ban of sale of energy drinks to young people in Poland from January 2024.

Background: Energy drink [ED] consumption is common among young adults and has been linked to adverse health effects and risky behaviors. This study compared medical and non-medical university students to assess whether health education influences knowledge, consumption, and attitudes toward EDs. Although medical and non-medical students are not minors, their opinions on the national ban on EDs sales to individuals under 18 provide valuable insight into attitudes toward regulation. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 871 students (42.1% medical, 57.9% non-medical). The questionnaire assessed demographics, ED consumption, knowledge, motivations, and regulatory attitudes. It was pilot-tested on 30 students to ensure clarity, and internal consistency was confirmed (Cronbach’s α = 0.78 for knowledge; α = 0.81 for attitudes). Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis) and chi-square analyses compared groups. Results: Participants’ mean age was 22.1 years; most were female (73.2%). Medical students demonstrated significantly better knowledge of ED ingredients (simple sugars, B vitamins, L-carnitine, electrolytes; p < 0.01) and adverse effects (e.g., irritability, dizziness, nausea; p < 0.05). However, ED consumption frequency did not differ between medical and non-medical students. The main reasons for ED use were energy and concentration; social motives were less frequent. Female students more often supported the ban on ED sales to minors and additional advertising restrictions (p < 0.001), while overall confidence in enforcement was low. Conclusions: Despite greater awareness, medical students consume EDs at rates comparable to non-medical students. Educating medical students on safe caffeine use is crucial, since shift work may promote stimulant intake. Combining targeted education with stronger enforcement could enhance the impact of regulatory policies and reduce risky consumption among young adults.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Mental Health Treatment - Article abstract #948302

Background: Medical cannabis has been legally available in Poland since 2017, yet its integration into routine clinical practice remains limited. This study investigates public attitudes toward medical cannabis, therapeutic awareness, and the perceived readiness of the healthcare system 7 years after legalization.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2025 using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method on a nationally representative sample of 1,113 adults (aged 18–84). The questionnaire assessed opinions on the legalization of medical cannabis, willingness to undergo cannabinoid-based therapy, perceptions of physician and patient knowledge, and support for home cultivation under medical supervision. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of key attitudes.Results: A substantial majority of respondents supported the legalization of medical cannabis (81.1%) and expressed willingness to undergo treatment if medically indicated (84.3%). However, only 4.2% reported having received a recommendation for medical cannabis from a physician. Confidence in physicians’ (29.9%) and patients’ (16.1%) knowledge about medical cannabis was low. Oncological conditions (57.4%) and chronic pain (49.8%) were the most frequently recognized therapeutic indications. Support for home cultivation was associated with prior medical cannabis use, male gender, younger age, and urban residence. Older adults (≥50 years) were more likely to support legalization, whereas those aged 30–39 and individuals with moderate household income were less accepting.Conclusion: While public support for medical cannabis in Poland is high, its clinical implementation remains limited. Bridging this gap will require comprehensive educational initiatives and evidence-based guidelines to support healthcare professionals and inform patients.