Purpose and methods: We surveyed a large sample of health-related sciences undergraduate students at the Medical University of Gdańsk (MUG), Poland in a pilot study to assess self-reported somatic/mental health-related issues, measure the level of burnout using Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the presence of depressive symptoms with Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) and assess the problematic alcohol intake (CAGE questionnaire). Additionally, stress coping mechanisms were investigated. Results: A total of 864 students participated in the survey. The mean total OLBI and PHQ-9 scores equalled 43.3 ± 2.7 and 11.3±5.8 points, respectively. The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 21.6% of students. Three most prevalent stress coping mechanisms included TV binge-watching, binge-eating and cigarette chain smoking (51.0%, 45.0% and 28.0% respectively). Conclusions: Future studies are required to confirm the obtained results, assess, and monitor trends and set-up interventions to improve the welfare of health-related science MUG students.

Objectives: In this study, we intended to examine the psychological welfare, burnout, and stress-related coping mechanisms of medical students at the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. Under the hypothesis that depressive symptoms and screening for problem alcohol drinking would predict the risk of burnout, we intended to study the relationship between selected variables (e.g., demographic and socioeconomic) and burnout risk and the effects of abandonment of social isolation restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods: Medical students completed an online survey assessing general mental health and stress coping mechanisms. We used copies of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9); Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener (CAGE) questionnaire; and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), to quantify depressive symptoms, screen for problematic alcohol drinking, and assess the risk of burnout. Results: The mean total OLBI score ± standard deviation was 44.6 ± 7.3 (N = 700), with 91.1% of participants scoring ≥ 35 points. Female students had significantly higher total and exhaustion domain OLBI scores than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). About 76% of all respondents reported high levels of studies-related stress and 44% of survey participants agreed/strongly agreed that they considered dropping out of university courses due to the stress. The suicidal/self-harm ideations were found in 33.6% of students. Most students (64.4%) were screened positively for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, and 19% of them for risky alcohol use. Students with OLBI scores ≥ 35 achieved notably higher PHQ-9 and CAGE results. The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that PHQ-9 (p < 0.05) and CAGE (p < 0.05) questionnaire significantly predicted the OLBI score. Conclusion: Medical students are a vulnerable group at risk of developing mental health problems. A great number of survey participants screened positively for the presence of depressive symptoms, risky alcohol use, and burnout. The PHQ-9, and CAGE results, was significant predictor of OLBI outcomes. The improvement of COVID-19 pandemic-related social isolation restrictions did not produce a marked improvement in somatic/mental health-related quantifiers as compared to the time of strict social restrictions.

Background: Like in other industrialized countries, the development of Polish psychiatry has followed a typical trajectory, initially marked by the establishment of large mental health hospitals using an isolation-based care model. Subsequently, there has been a decline in these institutions, characterized by a reduction in the number of hospital beds, and an ongoing evolution toward decentralized community psychiatry, specifically mental health-care centers. The hospitalizations are for emergency/acute care only. The authors describe how clinical services and personnel training in Poland that have been adjusted in response to societal changes and global trends in mental health care. Methods: The authors collected and critically reviewed information based on literature relevant to the organization of mental health care in Poland. In addition, official government publications such as reports from the Central Statistical Office and Ministry of Health were perused to gather data on the population structure, gross domestic product, and the organizational structure of the mental health care and relevant health-care indices. Results: Mental health care in Poland is evolving and gradually improving, providing more opportunities for collaboration and networking among nongovernmental organizations, patients’ associations, and psychiatrists working toward common goals. Training curricula have been updated and/or modified, with new specialty and subspecialty trainings being offered to meet the demands of health-care professionals and patients alike. Conclusion: Demographic changes, the presence of Ukrainian war refugees, and global trends in psychiatry profoundly influence the delivery of mental health-care services in Poland.