Environmental conditions and strenuous cognitive workload necessitate optimization of nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a predominantly plant-based product in improvement of the vitamin and mineral status of people engaged in intellectual labor. The formula for the product was developed after assessment of the said status and working conditions of the participants. The treatment group (n = 30) has been supplementing its diet with the product for 21 days, while the control group (n = 30) has not. The blood plasma levels of vitamins (B9 and B12, and 25(OH)D) and minerals (K, Na, ionized and total Ca, Fe, Mg, and P) were determined. By degree of strain, the considered occupations were classified as harmful strenuous work (class 3.2).  Initially, the level of vitamin B9 in each group was in the "low−normal" zone. Through the experiment, in the treatment group it increased by 3.2−3.8%, while in the control group the said level dropped by 3.7−3.9%; the level of vitamin B12  increased by 36.7−46.7% and decreased in 23.3−36.7%, respectively, and that of 25(OH)D increased by 3.0% (p = 0.02) and decreased by 3.3% (p = 0.03). The level of ionized calcium in the treatment group increased by 7.0% (p = 0.001) and decreased by 50.0−53.3% in the control group. Iron levels increased by 3.1% in 80% of the treatment group participants (p = 0.04), and sodium levels increased by 0.9% (p = 0.04), which was 46.7−60.0% higher than the baseline values; in the control group, sodium levels dropped by 23.3−26.7%. No significant changes were recorded for the levels of K, total Ca, P, Mg, but at the level of individual indicators we observed multidirectional changes.  Thus, the use of the multicomponent plant-based product demonstrates the promise of this approach for preventing vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
VIEWS 774
Systematic and purposeful campaigns designed to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth are a strategic task for the healthcare system and the state in general. This study aimed to explore the hygienic features of the lifestyle of medical students. It involved 109 students of medical faculties aged 18-26 years, who participated in an anonymous online survey created in Yandex Forms in accordance with MR (methodical recommendations) 2.1.10.0033-11. We calculated the relative values and their confidence intervals, and the significance of the differences was assessed using the chi-square test (χ2) at p < 0.05. It was found that active smoking remains a significant behavioral risk among medical students, particularly males (27.3%). The majority of medical students do not engage in adequate levels of physical activity (64.2%) and do not get sufficient sleep at night (77.9%). As for the patterns of behavior in the context of medical assistance, those rather common among medical students are categorized as irresponsible: many visit a doctor only in case of serious symptoms of the disease (54.1%), undergo medical checkups in an untimely fashion (31.5%), do not follow doctor's instructions and stop course treatments early (37.6%), practice self-medication (85.3%), resort to traditional medicine (55.1%). Every fifth respondent did not follow the rules of hand washing, and 17.4% did not take daily care of their body. Unsafe forms of sexual behavior are typical for every fifth medical student. Thus, prevention and correction of the identified lifestyle risk factors hold significant potential for preserving the health of medical students.
VIEWS 456
The persistently high rate of infectious diseases requires constant monitoring, in-depth analysis of age-related characteristics of the disease spread and dynamics, and also necessitates improving the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population, specifically, children, adolescents, and their parents. The study aimed to to study epidemiological trends and identify the most vulnerable age groups among the pediatric population in the context of the incidence of key infections, such as acute intestinal infections (AIIs), enterovirus infection, viral hepatitis A, measles, whooping cough and enterobiasis. A retrospective epidemiological analysis of official statistical data over a seven-year period (2018−2024) was carried out covering the pediatric population of the Western Administrative Okrug (ZAO) of Moscow. Age differences in the structure of infectious morbidity have been determined. In children under one year, viral AIIs (rotavirus, norovirus) and airborne infections prevailed. A similar trend for viral AIIs is reported in children aged 1−2 years. High prevalence of enterobiasis is reported for children aged 3−6 years (attending preschool educational institutions), and a significant increase in the incidence of enterovirus infection and airborne infections is reported in all age groups, especially in school students and adolescents. As for the viral hepatitis A incidence, the situation remains stable throughout the assessed period in all age groups. High incidence of key infections among children persisting in all age groups demonstrates an urgent need for the development and implementation of the targeted and adapted hygiene education programs for pediatric population and parents.
VIEWS 714
Novokuznetsk and Kemerovo, major industrial centers in Kuzbass, participate in the "Clean Air" federal project. Since 2018 and 2023, respectively, they have been implementing Comprehensive Action Plans devised to decrease contaminating emissions and thus improve the quality of the air and the quality of life of the population. The Plans are part of the "Ecology" national project. This study aimed to hygienically assess the quality of atmospheric air as part of the implementation of the "Clean Air" federal project, which involves improving the air monitoring system in the industrial centers of Kuzbass. Hazard identification and assessment of exposure levels were performed using the methodology provided in MR (methodological recommendations) 2.1.6.0157-19. In Novokuznetsk, air pollutant emissions decreased by 18.1%, while in Kemerovo they increased by 12.4%. The atmospheric pollution index was rated as "extremely high" and "high", respectively. As part of the study, we evaluated the spatial relationship between stationary and route air quality monitoring stations, identified emission impact zones for major industrial complexes, assessed the rationality of observation point locations, and implemented the necessary adjustments. Improving air quality monitoring will make it possible to obtain adequate and timely information on air quality and develop measures to improve the living environment and public health.
VIEWS 1809
Currently, there is an increase in the consumption of caffeinated beverages, including coffee, in all age groups, including adolescents and young adults.  The health risks associated with caffeine consumption are especially high in the youth, which results from the features of their physiological development and behavioral factors. For many age groups, including children, adolescents, and young adults, safe daily caffeine intake levels have not been established. The study aimed to perform hygienic assessment of coffee and caffeinated beverage consumption by medical students, as well as to determine possible health risks. A questionnaire survey of students of the medical and pediatric faculties (n = 300) was conducted using the standardized quastionnaire. Statistical data processing was performed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings highlight the heterogeneity of caffeine consumption patterns among students. Along with those who do not experience any noticeable effects from coffee, there is a significant group that experiences both positive (energy boost, calmness) and negative (tachycardia, sleep problems) consequences. The study found that frequent consumption of caffeinated beverages has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system and sleep. The regular consumption of those causes anxiety and leads to tolerance. The findings emphasize the relevance of the problem uncontrolled and early consumption of caffeine among young people. It is recommended to develop and implement the measures to inform the youth about safe levels of caffeine consumption.
VIEWS 847
A significant change in the lifestyle of modern children associated with the active use of digital devices in educational and leisure activities can affect their psychomotor development. The study aimed to assess the effect of using smartphones and computers on psychomotor function indicators in primary school students. A questionnaire survey of 333 parents of the 1−4-year students attending Zemskaya Gimnasia in Balashikha on issues of children's life was conducted. The students’ screen time when using a computer and smartphone throughout the day and week was estimated. To assess the students’ psychomotor functions, the Little House test and motometric test conducted by teachers were used. Assessment of the effect of computer use on psychomotor development indicators revealed a correlation. Thus, when using a computer, a deterioration in fine motor skills was noted; the correlation coefficient (r) for the parameters of visual-motor coordination and the duration of computer use per day was 0.320 (p = 0.002). The correlation coefficient for the duration of computer use and the primary school students’ final psychomotor development score was 0.235 (p = 0.028). The same result was obtained for the integrated assessment of fine motor skill development and its association with the duration of computer use per day: r = 0.253 (p = 0.025). However, there was no correlation between screen time when using a smartphone and psychomotor functions. The findings can be used in the development and justification of preventive technologies to prevent the negative impact of digital devices on the development of psychomotor functions in children, especially at the initial stage of systematic education.
VIEWS 581
Living in ecologically compromised regions can significantly increase the risk of malignant neoplasms in the female reproductive system, including uterine body cancer (UBC). This study aimed to calculate the relative risk (RR) and the frequency of primary incidence of UBC among women aged 41–60 years living in areas with different levels of exposure to radiation, chemical, and combined environmental factors. The analysis considered high-, moderate-, and low-grade forms of UBC over a 20-year period (2000–2019). Information for the study was provided by Bryanskstat (Bryansk Region Statistical Bureau), Bryansk Regional Oncological Dispensary, Rospotrebnadzor and Rostechnadzor. We found that the RR of initial occurrence of high-grade forms of UBC in women living in ecologically compromised regions was considerably higher than that in female population of ecologically safe (control) territories, reaching the mean value of 1.28 (95% CI: 1.00–1.64); p = 0.047). Other findings include an increased RR of occurrence of both high- and, to a greater extent, low-grade forms of UBC in areas with high radioactive and chemical contamination — 1.19 (95% CI: 0.87–1.63) and 1.36 (95% CI: 0.70–2.65), respectively; the relative risks for combined and chemical contamination areas were 1.18 (95% CI: 0.90–1.55) and 1.34 (95% CI: 0.75–2.39), respectively; no increase was observed between the territories with combined and radioactive contamination — 0.99 (95% CI: 0.67–1.46) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.44–2.21). In all likelihood, the data from this study indicate that accident-related radiation contamination plays a more significant role in the development of high-grade — and especially low-grade — forms of UBC than does chemical contamination.
VIEWS 674
At the current stage of societal development, there is an increasing need to introduce innovative approaches to the pedagogical process to enhance the quality and accessibility of postgraduate education. The specifics of modern education are the widespread use of computer technology and the Internet, which provide connection to intelligent information systems and technologies. Such tools enable training when there is a significant distance between the student and the teacher. Telecommunication and network technologies are well integrated into postgraduate education, including programs for paramedics. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of distance learning in delivering advanced training programs in "Hygiene and Sanitation" and "Hygienic Education" to postgraduate paramedics enrolled in a part-time curriculum. We surveyed 30 general hygiene assistants. The main research methods were logical analysis, generalization, systematization of published information, and reflection on digitalization experience. In the survey ranking, the highest mean score — 6.84 (6.77; 6.91) — was assigned to three questions related to the organization of the advanced training cycle and the clarity of learning goals and content. The lowest score, corresponding to the third rank, was given to the question on the effectiveness of distance learning. Although this question received a mean score of 5.37 (5.23; 5.51), it was still above the neutral level of 4 points. The results of the survey allowed suggesting that the introduction of distance learning significantly increases motivation to learn and reduces the time spent on periodic professional development.
VIEWS 981