Przeglad epidemiologiczny最新文献

Introduction: The epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2022 was influenced by the cancellation of the COVID-19 epidemic and the introduction of an epidemic threat. Decisions related to the gradual easing of restrictions on social contacts and the abolition of the obligation to wear masks caused the number of pertussis cases to slowly start to increase. The most effective strategy for preventing pertussis remains the immunization of children in accordance with the National Immunization Program, and in the case of adults, vaccination repeated systematically every 10 years and immunization of pregnant women in the second/third trimester of each pregnancy. Pertussis remains a public health problem because the immunity obtained through vaccination does not last a lifetime.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years, with particular emphasis on assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the vaccination status of children against pertussis.

Material and methods: The assessment of the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland was made based on the results of the analysis of individual reports on pertussis cases registered at the NIPH NIH - NRI in the Epibaza system and data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" and the bulletin "Vaccinations in Poland in 2022".

Results: In 2022, 371 cases of pertussis were recorded. The incidence was 0.98/100 000 and was 104% higher than in 2021. The highest incidence of pertussis occurred in children aged 0-4 years (6.7/100 000), and high in children aged 5-9 years (2.0/100 000). Over 51% of cases concerned people over 15 years of age. A higher incidence was observed in women in general compared to men, and a higher incidence in cities than in rural areas. In 2022, among people with pertussis, 151 (41%) required hospitalization. In 2022, the vaccination rate of children aged 2 years with 4 doses of the pertussis vaccine was 94.3% in total. In 2022, one case of disease resulting in death due to pertussis was reported to the epidemiological surveillance system.

Conclusions: In Poland, in 2022, there was an increase in the number of pertussis cases compared to the previous year, which was undoubtedly influenced by the gradual lifting of restrictions on social contacts and the obligation to wear masks. The increase in the number of people susceptible to pertussis may lead to the occurrence of compensatory epidemics in the future, therefore a high level of vaccination of the population (above 95%) should be maintained to prevent new cases.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) tuberculosis remains a worldwide health problem.

Objective: To evaluate the TB epidemiology in 2022 in Poland and compare it with European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries.

Material and methods: Analysis of cases registered in 2022, drug susceptibility results, Central Statistical Office data on deaths due to tuberculosis, NIZP PZH - PIB data on tuberculosis as an AIDS-indicative disease, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control report.

Results: In 2022, 4314 cases of TB were registered in Poland (11.4 per 100 000), including 4148 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Pulmonary TB was confirmed bacteriologically in 81.9% (9.0 per 100 000). 98 patients had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The highest incidence was in older age groups. The incidence in men was three times higher than in women. Foreigners (295) accounted for 6.8 per cent of all patients. Number of cases with HIV co-infection is unknown, just like the treatment outcomes. 472 persons died from TB (mortality 1.2 per 100 000).

Conclusions: In 2022, TB incidence in Poland was higher than in 2021 (by 17.5%). The percentage of TB cases with bacteriological confirmation was 80.9%, in EU/EEA countries 70.6%. The percentage of MDR-TB among cases with known drug susceptibility was lower than in EU/EEA countries (3.1% vs. 4.4%). In Poland the highest incidence was in older age groups, in EU/EEA countries in persons aged 25 to 44. Children represented 1% in total, in the EU/EEA countries 3.5%. In Poland, the incidence of tuberculosis in males was three times higher than in females, in EU/EEA countries twice. Foreigners made up 6.8% of all, in the EU/EEA countries 33.3%. In the EU/EEA countries the percentage of tuberculosis patients infected with HIV was 4.1% of cases with known HIV status, data not known for Poland. Treatment outcomes not reported in Poland. TB mortality in Poland has not decreased.

Background: In 2022 due to increase in the number of migrants from Ukraina changes in HIV epidemiological situation in Poland was noticed e.g., double number of new infections, increase among women and children.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of newly diagnosed HIV infections, AIDS cases and death among AIDS cases in Poland in 2022 in comparison to the changes in preceding years.

Material and methods: Analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on reports of newly detected HIV and AIDS cases received from doctors and laboratories and the results of the annual survey of HIV testing conducted among the laboratories throughout the country. A dataset on clients from anonymous Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VCT) network was also used. They are coordinated by the National AIDS Center, which anonymously collects epidemiological and behaviour data on people who come for testing.

Results: In 2022 there were 2 604 HIV cases newly diagnosed in Poland (diagnosis rate 6.88 per 100,000), including 753 among non-Polish citizens. The number of newly detected HIV infections increased by 78.2% compared to the previous year and was higher by 97.7% compared to the median in 2016-2020 years. The number of non-Polish citizens increased by 219,1%. The total number of AIDS cases was 137 (incidence 0.36 per 100,000). The HIV infection was most often detected in the age group 30-39 (36.6%) and among men (67.2%). Among cases with known transmission route, 42.9% concerned among men who had sexual contact with men and 41.9% by heterosexual contacts. The percentage of AIDS cases diagnosed at the same time with HIV diagnosis increased by more than 6 percent points in comparison to 2021.

Conclusions: In 2022 the number of newly detected HIV infections increased significantly in Poland compared to the previous year, probably due to HIV infection registered among Ukrainian migrants.

Background: Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne zoonotic infection in Europe and North America, caused by Borrelia spp., primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodes ticks. The disease has become a significant public health concern in Ukraine, with the number of reported cases steadily increasing since the initiation of official registration in 2000. Despite this trend, the epidemiological characteristics of LD in Ukraine, particularly its geographic distribution and the influence of socio-political events on its prevalence, remain underexplored.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of LD in Ukraine from 2000 to 2023.

Material and methods: The study utilized official statistical data of registered LM cases in Ukraine from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and relevant literature sources.

Results: Over the 23-year period (2000-2023), a total of 45,371 cases of Lyme disease (LD) were recorded in Ukraine, with an annual average of 1,890 ± 1,662 cases. A significant increase was observed in 2015, with an additional rise in 2022, both likely linked to socio-political events such as the reorganization of health services and the war-related population displacement. The highest incidence was recorded in 2023, at 14.08 cases per 100,000 population. Geographic analysis revealed that Kyiv and the Kyiv region had the highest incidence rates, with urban areas being disproportionately affected. Notably, 83.2% of the cases were recorded among urban residents, reflecting a clear urban-rural disparity.

Conclusions: The incidence of Lyme disease in Ukraine has significantly increased over the past 23 years, particularly in urban areas. The peaks in 2015 and 2022 suggest potential links to socio-political disruptions, such as changes in health services and population displacement due to the war. These findings underscore the need for improved public health strategies, with a particular focus on managing LD in urban settings, and addressing the urban-rural disparity in case distribution.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are characterized by pain and dysfunction affecting the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles. TMD prevalence in the general population is estimated at 5-12%, with psychological factors like anxiety and depression contributing to its onset and progression. TMD's impact extends to various health conditions and psychological distress. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated musculoskeletal pain, with studies indicating a heightened prevalence of TMD among those affected.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in individuals affected by COVID-19 in Central India.

Material and methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in Central India from January to April 2024 and included 400 patients attending the hospital OPD. Participants were selected via convenience sampling, with a focus on those affected by COVID-19. Data was collected through a pre-tested, self-administered structured questionnaire, validated through expert consultation and a pilot study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0, assessing data distribution and significance.

Results: Among participants, 24.5% were aged 56 years or above, with 120 (30%) diagnosed with TMD. Of these, 46.67% were diagnosed post-COVID, with jaw pain being a prominent symptom. The pandemic worsened symptoms for 55.56% of participants, with many attributing this to increased stress. A significant number of participants sought medical help during the pandemic, but satisfaction with treatment options was low. Challenges such as increased pain and difficulty eating were reported, and most participants faced additional health issues post-COVID.

Conclusions: The study reveals that TMD diagnosis and symptoms were notably affected by COVID-19, with increased pain and functional challenges reported. Despite seeking treatment, participants expressed dissatisfaction with available options, highlighting need for enhanced management and support strategies for TMD in the context of post-COVID health challenges.

Introduction: In Poland, Lyme disease has been subject to mandatory reporting and registration since 1996, and following EU law, cases of neuroborreliosis have been reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) since 2019. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus, and humans become infected through the bite of an infected tick. Due to the varied symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult and usually involves two-stage serological diagnostics. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years.

Material and methods: The epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland was assessed on the basis of the data sent to NIPH NIH - NRI by voivodeship sanitary-epidemiological stations and published in the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2022".

Results: In 2022, 17 369 cases of Lyme disease were registered, including 776 hospitalizations. This was a significant increase in cases by 38.96% and hospitalizations by 88.81% compared to the previous year. The seasonality that characterizes Lyme disease was noticeable in individual quarters, i.e. an increase in the number of cases from 1 151 in Q1 to 7 267 in Q3 and a decrease in Q4 to 5 708. At the voivodeship level, the highest incidence was recorded in the Podlaskie (81.2 per 100 000), Małopolskie (79.8 per 100 000) and Lubelskie (76.8 per 100 000) voivodeships.

Conclusions: The epidemiological situation of Lyme disease is gradually returning to the state before the COVID-19 pandemic. The percentage of hospitalized cases increased slightly (from 3.3% in 2021 to 4.5% in 2022), which, combined with the increase in the number of cases, meant an increase in the number of hospitalizations due to Lyme disease by almost 89%. The highest incidence was consistently observed in the eastern part of Poland (Podlaskie, Warmińsko-mazurskie, Lubelskie voivodeships).

Introduction: Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, usually affecting children. It is characterized by a rash with rapid seeding of small red papules. The course of the disease is mild, but in people with weakened immunity it may be severe.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years.

Material and methods: Data from epidemiological surveillance, including mandatory reporting of cases by physicians, were used to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland.

Results: In 2022, 171 708 cases of chickenpox were recorded, of which 87.5% were children under 9 years old. Hospitalization due to chickenpox was not one of the most common, the percentage of hospitalized cases oscillated between 0.12% and 1.24% depending on the voivodeship. Analyzing the incidence for the whole of Poland for the last 10 years, we see a drastic decrease from 470.6 in 2019 to 186.6 in 2020 and another decrease in 2021 to 151.1 per 100 000, to then return to an incidence of 453.9 in 2022.

Conclusion: The incidence of chickenpox in 2022 returned to pre-pandemic levels, similar to those seen in 2016-2018. Despite preventive measures taken throughout the pandemic, significant incidence was observed, underlining the key role of vaccination in preventing this disease. The use of a quadrivalent vaccine against rubella, measles, mumps, and varicella could help reduce the costs associated with chickenpox, with a small increase in the costs of the vaccination program.

Background: In 2022, more than 650,000 new cases of cervical cancer and more than 340,000 deaths were registered worldwide. Poland has some of the highest incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer in Europe, despite the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program implemented for many years. Nowadays, with more information available, women should not die from cervical cancer (CC). In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to raise women's awareness about prevention, and to educate them about health-promoting behaviours.

Objective: Assessing Knowledge of CC prevention in a pilot study conducted at a private gynecological clinic in Cracow.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 153 women aged 18 years and older visiting a private gynecological practice in Krakow, regardless of their place of residence. The study was conducted via the Internet, using a questionnaire consisting of a general part (socio-epidemiological data) and a specific part on knowledge of CC prevention (8questions). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica13.3software.

Results: The majority of women declared regular gynecological examinations, with 125 (81.7%) respondents visiting a gynecologist every 0.5-2 years. Only 10 (6.5%) female respondents answered all the knowledge survey questions correctly, excluding the question about RSM symptoms, which was correctly answered by only one person (0.6%). The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between respondents' age their knowledge of CC risk factors and the timing of the first cytological examination. The results indicate that older respondents have lower levels of knowledge on these topics. Women with higher education from large cities provided the most correct answers.

Conclusions: The surveyed women's knowledge of CC prevention is inadequate even in the group of women who report regularly for gynecological examinations. There is a need to continue educational activities on the principles of cytological examination, as well as the asymptomatic course of CC in its early stages. Although most women in the study group reported regular gynecological examinations, their knowledge about preventive screenings and CC is primarily acquired online. This suggests a need to intensify educational efforts within medical offices.

Background: Maintaining good oral hygiene through effective toothbrushing is crucial for preventing dental issues in adolescents. Conventional oral health education (OHE) and video demonstration approach are passive means of OHE, that often fail to engage this age group. This study introduced an innovative approach to OHE by combining jigsaw puzzle and visual aids to improve oral health outcomes among adolescents.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Jigsaw Puzzle-assisted Visual Reinforcement (JPVR) technique on toothbrushing knowledge, practices, and clinical oral health parameters compared to conventional OHE and video demonstration among adolescents.

Material and methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial involved 195 adolescents aged 12-15 years randomly allocated to three groups: conventional OHE (control), video demonstration and JPVR. Interventions were administered, and assessments were carried out at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Prior to the start of the study, the oral hygiene aids used were standardized. Outcomes were measured using a self-designed, validated closed-ended questionnaire to assess the toothbrushing knowledge and practices. This was followed by clinical examination carried out using gingival and plaque indices by a blinded examiner.

Results: At baseline, groups had comparable knowledge, practices, and clinical parameters. At 3 months, the JPVR group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge, better practices, lower plaque, and reduced gingival scores compared to other groups.

Conclusions: The JPVR technique improved toothbrushing knowledge, practices, and clinical oral health parameters among adolescents. This approach fostered active learning and knowledge retention and is a cost-effective strategy for promoting positive oral health outcomes among children.

AI is revolutionizing medical diagnostics around the world, innovating in a variety of contexts, from leading US hospitals to facilities in developing countries. Below we present examples of AI implementations in medical diagnostics from different regions, taking into account the effectiveness and results of these solutions and forecasts for the development of this technology. Regarding the future of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, the article considered potential innovations such as the development of deep learning algorithms and integration with 5G technologies and the Internet. Attention is paid to the possibilities of further personalization of healthcare and to the challenges related to the need to adapt legal regulations and data management. It also indicates the directions of future research that may contribute to the further development of AI in medical diagnostics and the improvement of the quality of healthcare not only in Poland, but around the world.