Rural Areas In Poland Research Articles

Epidemiology of Traditional Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents in Poland: Analysis of Sociodemographic Risk Factors

Background: E-cigarettes are electronic nicotine-dispensing systems in the form of an aerosol. Their popularity among adolescents is growing at an exceedingly fast pace. Methods: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes and identify demographic risk factors for the use of these products by adolescents in large and small cities and rural areas in Poland. This cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 aimed to assess the prevalence of traditional cigarette and e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 12–18 in Poland, while identifying demographic risk factors associated with their usage. A total of 10,388 adolescents participated, predominantly from rural areas. Results: Findings revealed that 12.3% were traditional cigarette smokers, with 90% smoking in the past month, while 14.9% were e-cigarette users, with 84.7% using them in the past month. Dual users accounted for 6.4% of respondents. Non-smokers were younger, and e-cigarette users were more likely to be boys from larger cities. Moreover, mothers of non-smokers tended to have higher education levels than those of traditional cigarette smokers. Conclusions: This study provides important new insights into demographic predictors associated with the use of specific devices, which can help inform targeted interventions to reduce e-cigarette use.

Problems and prospects of thermal modernization of farm buildings in rural areas in Poland

BackgroundThermal upgrading is an important element in the economic transformation of Poland towards a low-emission economy. This paper presents the results of research into the current status and plans of inhabitants of rural areas in Poland with regard to thermal upgrading of residential buildings and other buildings used in the agricultural activity of the study participants. The main purpose of the article is to identify thermal modernization needs and to analyse factors influencing individual thermal modernization plans in terms of replacement or modernization of heating systems. A key element of the analyses was the issue of upgrading priorities and the dependency between declared intentions in terms of thermal upgrading work and the production and economic features of the farms studied.ResultsThe main research material were surveys conducted with a randomly selected sample of 480 farming households in Poland. The analyses used, amongst others, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to determine and assess the relationships between the variables studied. Detailed correspondence analysis shows that there are strong dependencies between plans for thermal upgrading of farm buildings and the system of agricultural production (φ2 = 0.1503), the economic size of farms (φ2 = 0.1100), and the location of farms (φ2 = 0.0947).ConclusionsThe research showed that there is a need for thermal upgrading in the examined area of study, especially with regard to the replacement or modernisation of heating systems. The issue of thermal upgrading of residential and farm buildings in rural areas in Poland requires support and engagement at all levels of administration, as well as the modernisation of assistance programmes.

Use of a multidimensional comparative analysis to evaluate a synthetic indicator measuring environmental management in rural areas in Poland

The main objective of this study has been to measure and evaluate changes in the values of metrics applied to environmental management systems implemented in rural areas in the years 2010 and 2022. The study included three provinces in Poland representing different socio-economic development classes. Two strategic research groups were distinguished within the provinces: rural municipalities and rural areas in urban-rural municipalities. With the Perkal method, a synthetic indicator was constructed to measure environmental performance in rural areas. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied, leading to the results which substantiated the conclusion that the highest improvement of the environmental management indicator value was achieved in the province at the highest socio-economic development level, even though the sub-indicators did not improve between 2010 and 2022 in all the analysed groups. The management of the environment is a task mostly delegated to local governments. Proposing an environmental monitoring method can support making decisions at the level of local governments as regards directions in the management of the environment in a given area because the synthetic indicator created in this study comprises only these elements that can be moulded by actions undertaken by local governments.

Determinants of the Tendency for Migration of Nursing Students Living in Rural Areas of Eastern Poland

The economic emigration of young people from rural areas in Poland, and in particular the emigration of young medical personnel, is a relatively little-recognized phenomenon. What distinguishes this study from many works on related topics is that the subject of the study is the tendency or desire to migrate itself, and not the study of the migration motives of people who have already emigrated. The main aim of the research was to identify the migration conditions of young nurses from rural areas. An additional goal was to determine the directions and types of foreign migrations and their impact on the competitiveness and sustainable development of the studied region. The research was conducted in five voivodeships of Eastern Poland among students at state medical universities. The research tool was a survey, the essence of which was to provide data on the purpose of migration of young people, chances of finding a job abroad, and identification of push and pull migration factors. Based on the logistic regression model, a number of factors were identified explaining the tendency to migrate, such as economic factors, gaining professional experience, and prospects. The influence of factors pushing migration should be reduced through state policy tools. The intensity of migration may significantly impact the sustainable development of healthcare in Poland in the near and distant future.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR REVITALIZATION OF RURAL AREAS IN POLAND AND BULGARIA AFTER THE WAR IN UKRAINE

As a result of the armed conflict in Ukraine, nearly a third of Ukrainians have been forcibly displaced from their homes. This is one of the largest displacement crises in the world and in our time. Bulgaria and Poland were among the first EU countries to welcome the migrant wave in the early hours of the war. The aim of this paper is to identify the current problems and certain socio-economic prospects of Ukrainian migrants in Poland and Bulgaria after the start of the military conflict The article also aims to try to answer the question of whether it is possible to revive rural areas in Poland and Bulgaria, given the potential that incoming foreigners (mostly Ukrainian citizens) represent for our countries. To achieve the set goal, the authors use quantitative and qualitative methods, representative official statistical data from the NSI, migration services, non-rovernmental organizations, results of primary research, office studies, Internet sources etc. The application of the scientific method, as well as the inductive and deductive methods helps to analyze demographic and socioeconomic processes in their dynamic development and highlight their impact on the socio-economic environment in Bulgaria and Poland. The authors reveal the need to make more effective use of the economic and social potential of migrants and the opportunities for rural revitalization in both host countries. The integration of migrant business into the economic environment of Bulgaria and Poland requires not only training of the migrants themselves, but also of the institutions and society as a whole regarding the benefits of this activity. This is definitely an underestimated area with huge potential that is underutilized for the socio-economic development of rural areas and ensuring a normal and peaceful existence for Ukrainian families in the chosen host country. Key words: refugees, migration, Ukraine, rural areas JEL: J15, J24, F51

Wykorzystanie elementów dziedzictwa kulturowego i tożsamości lokalnej a jakość przestrzeni publicznej na obszarach wiejskich w Polsce

Celem pracy jest wskazanie powiązań między wykorzystaniem elementów dziedzictwa kulturowego i tożsamości lokalnej a jakością projektów przestrzeni publicznych realizowanych na terenach wiejskich. Badanie, przeprowadzone przez autorkę na próbie 231 inwestycji, które zostały dofinansowane ze środków Unii Europejskiej na operację pod nazwą „Kształtowanie przestrzeni publicznej”, w ramach działania „Podstawowe usługi i odnowa wsi na obszarach wiejskich” objętego Programem Rozwoju Obszarów Wiejskich na lata 2014–2020, wykazało, że polska wieś jest miejscem rozwoju ogólnodostępnych funkcji sportowych i rekreacyjnych, jednak przeważnie w przestrzeniach o niskim stopniu innowacyjności, schematycznych oraz niewykorzystujących swoich lokalnych potencjałów i tradycji. Jednocześnie analiza projektów zrealizowanych w ramach Programu potwierdziła, że podkreślenie tożsamości lokalnej i historii danego miejsca jest związane z innowacyjnym podejściem do projektowania ruralistycznego, a w efekcie może oddziaływać na holistyczną ocenę i walory danej inwestycji. Wykorzystanie elementu genius loci stanowi czynnik, który w istotnym stopniu wpływa na wartość przestrzeni publicznej, pozwala na zachowanie odrębności oraz wspiera rozwój poszczególnych miejscowości w Polsce. Wyniki badania sugerują, że odwołanie do elementów dziedzictwa kulturowego i tożsamości lokalnej może przyczynić się do odwrócenia negatywnych zjawisk obserwowanych w fizjonomii obszarów wiejskich w ostatnich latach, takich jak typizacja form architektonicznych narzucająca powszechną unifikację, a także odcięcie od lokalnych zwyczajów i tożsamości miejsca.

Polish-Romanian Joint Research Projects with a Focus on Internal Peripheries in Poland and Romania – Role of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Their Development Processes

Scientific collaboration between Polish and Romanian geographers is based on a very good and long tradition. It was long developed between human and physical geographers alike. The common bilateral projects had in view aspects related to the impact of natural and human process on the planning of mountain and hilly areas, the social-economic transformations in the Romanian and Polish suburban zones, the regional development in Central and Eastern Europe, the socio-economic development of rural areas in Poland and Romania. The last bilateral project on Internal peripheries in Polish and Romanian regions – role of endogenous and exogenous factors in their development processes, coordinated by Prof. Konrad Czapiewski from the Polish side, had as main research findings identifying common solutions serving the practical problems connected with the economic and social development of the internal peripheries in both countries.

Agricultural Chambers in the Process of Transfer of Knowledge and Innovations for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas in Poland

Agricultural chambers together with agricultural advisory centers and other entities are part of the European Union Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). The system consists of a network of entities whose activities are focused on the introduction of new products, technologies, and organizational forms for use in agriculture. The AKIS is also defined as a network of research institutes, advisory centers, agricultural chambers, agricultural schools, and other non-governmental organizations that help farmers to upgrade the innovativeness and competitiveness of their farms and solve agriculture-related problems. In Poland, the activities of self-government in the agricultural sector are specified by the Act on Agricultural Chambers of 14 December 1995. An important research problem is the assessment of the activities of agricultural chambers in terms of the transfer of knowledge and innovations in agriculture in Poland and the determination of their place in the AKIS. This study of the impact of agricultural self-government on the transfer of knowledge and innovations in agriculture was carried out through the analysis of selected agricultural chambers in various regions of Poland taking into account the differences in the average surface area of agricultural land belonging to one farm. The research shows that agricultural chambers’ activities had a substantial impact on the rate of absorption of EU funds under the Rural Development Program in the analyzed regions. The comparison of the effectiveness of the agricultural chambers in Poland with the activities of chambers in the other EU Member States indicates a weak influence of the former on developmental processes in agriculture. Agricultural chambers should actively participate in the formulation of the national agricultural policy, take greater measures to ensure the stability of agricultural income and the flow of information, and be an important partner for farmers in representing their interests.

Family medicine in rural area- perspectives and development opportunities.

Access to health care should be universal and equal regardless of health needs, socio- economic status and place of residence. Empirical research confirms, however, that there are differences in access to health care between urban and rural areas. 40% of Poles currently live in rural areas. Until 2050, 27% of them will be of post-productive age, compared to 19% in 2020. What’s important, access to health care in rural areas of Poland is diverse. In some provinces the availability of services is optimal, in others access is severely restricted. The main challenges for the health care system in rural areas are staff shortages, lack of coordination between primary care, outpatient specialized care and hospitals, greater distance from large hospitals, difficult access to specialist and preventive services, and lower effectiveness of emergency care. 
 Practical solutions that can help organization of care in primary healthcare in rural areas have been identified. 
 1.Horizontal and vertical collaboration between healthcare professionals (HCPs).
 Collaboration between HCPs should happen both at level of medical professionals within primary healthcare (PHC) and in collaboration with outpatient specialist care. Delegation of some of doctors’ responsibilities to other professions (nurses, midwifes, care coordinators) will allow for more effective use of recourses. Investing in correct skill-mix for PHC teams is also crucial. 
 2.Financial motivators for HCPs working in rural areas
 Additional financial motivation does not exist in Poland, but it’s implementation is crucial to motivate staff to work outside the larger centers, thus improving care for patients in rural areas. The reward for working in remote and sparsely populated areas should apply to all members of the PHC team – doctors, nurses, midwives, coordinators. An adjustment of the capital increase rate on the basis of three conditions, which add up depending on the circumstances, Degurba index, population density and distance from the Medical University, could be a good solution for the Polish system.
 3.Effective use of modern technologies
 Overcoming technical barriers and effectively implementing telemedicine services can dramatically improve the organization of care, particularly in rural areas facing shortages of staff. Many telemedicine solutions are already successfully introduced in Poland, such as e-prescriptions, e-referrals, phone consultation, electronic doctor’s note. Those should be supplemented by online patient case conferences, access to patients’ electronic health records (EHRs) and sharing of an individual patient plan. 
 Considering main challenges of rural areas, modern technologies based on self-care and remote monitoring of patients' health are likely to greatly improve quality of care received by patients. 
 Study analyzed practical solutions which could improve the organization of primary healthcare in rural areas. Effective and efficient care for the population must be consistent with the concept of care coordination.

The Influence of Introducing Free Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae on the Uptake of Recommended Vaccination in Poland.

Since 2017, pneumococcal vaccination has evolved from a recommended chargeable vaccination to a mandatory, and therefore free, vaccination for all children. While a 10-valent vaccine is commonly used, parents have the option to use a 13-valent vaccine for a fee. This study aimed to investigate whether and how the introduction of free pneumococcal vaccination affected the uptake of recommended vaccination and to assess the association of chargeable pneumococcal vaccination with recommended vaccination. Data from 1595 vaccination record cards kept by six primary care clinics in urban and rural areas of Poland were collected and analyzed for children born between 2015 and 2018. Belonging to the clinic and the year of birth were the only inclusion criteria. Following the introduction of free universal pneumococcal vaccination, more children were vaccinated with the recommended vaccination (61.2% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.026). The most significant change was in vaccination against rotavirus (48.5% vs. 54.4%, p = 0.018) and against meningococcal B bacteria (4.8% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001). Children who received chargeable pneumococcal vaccination were also significantly more likely to be vaccinated with recommended vaccines (54.6% vs. 75.9%, p < 0.001). In particular, this was the case for multivalent vaccinations-against rotavirus, chickenpox, and meningococcal C bacteria. Reducing the impact of the economic factor, for example, by introducing free vaccinations, should have a positive impact on the uptake of other recommended vaccinations.

Do Local Socio-Economic Structures Determine the Spatial Distribution of Human Capital? Analysis of Connections for Rural Areas in Poland

The article has an empirical nature. The subject of detailed analysis is the variations in spatial distribution of human capital in rural areas of Poland and the analysis of the correlation of this phenomenon with local structures of the socio-economic development process. The diagnosis and assessment of variations in the spatial distribution of human capital were performed based on an author’s indicator—a synthetic measure of human capital level (HCI—human capital index). The characterisation of local socio-economic structures was based on the typology of rural areas according to Rural Development Monitoring (RDM 2014 and 2023). The study was conducted for rural areas in Poland defined by the Main Statistical Office based on the administrative criteria of rural and rural-urban municipalities. A total of 2172 municipalities were covered by the study. The data analysis was conducted spatially at the NUTS 5 level and comparatively at the NUTS 2 level for the years 2013–2018. The assumption was verified that the processes of human capital concentration in rural areas in Poland are related to local socio-economic structures of development processes, and the local structure factor that influences the existing differences is the degree of use of agricultural functions. The results of statistical tests positively verify this relationship as statistically significant. Moreover, the article provides strong arguments for shaping regional and rural policy and its implementation. The assumption about the need to change the approach to the study of rural space was positively verified; it is suggested to move away from analyses conducted at the level of the NUTS 2 region to the level of the NUTS 5 municipality. Research on rural areas makes sense only from a local perspective; it allows for a more accurate illustration of the specificity of local communities, revealing their development potentials and barriers, and, as a result, more effective programming of instruments supporting local development, dedicating specific support programs individually for each municipality, while the regional approach presents the state of differences too generally and may often lead to incorrect interpretation. In the empirical part of the article, taxonomic methods of hierarchy (patternless) and classification of multi-featured objects were used. As a result, each object (municipality) was assigned a synthetic measure—the relative human capital level index (HCI). Based on the HCI index, an ex-post hierarchical classification of municipalities was carried out. The main sources of data (diagnostic variables) for the construction of the HCI index were the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office (BDL GUS), the national census of NSP 2011, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, and District Examination Boards. The source of data on local socio-economic structures expressed based on the typology of rural areas according to the Rural Development Monitoring (RDM) methodology was the European Fund for the Development of Polish Villages (EFRWP).

A Sustainable Approach to Tourism Development in Rural Areas: The Example of Poland

The research presented in this article concerns the issue of rural tourism, which is associated with significant economic and landscape changes in the countryside. It is important that tourist development in these areas be subject to the principles of sustainable development, which are important for the preservation of the environment in which tourism operates. The research topic is related to two of the most salient features of rural tourism today, environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behavior, which are considered the right ways to achieve sustainability goals. The main research aim presented is to indicate which of the postulates of sustainable development are being implemented and how concerning the functioning and development of rural tourism is on the Polish tourism market. Another goal is to indicate what types of resources in the rural environment are the basis for the preparation of a tourist product; for whom and how these resources are to be used; as well as the participation of the local community in the management of the resources that constitute its own environment, one of the basic principles of sustainable development. The primary method used was a document analysis and an analysis of selected websites presenting rural environmental resources used in this form of tourism. The research identified that sustainable approaches to tourism development in rural areas in Poland are appropriate with respect to the resources available there and to both natural and cultural values. For resources used in a rural environment, emphasis is placed on the protection of both elements. It has been identified that one idea for their protection is sustainable sharing, which assumes rational use to an extent that would not affect the nature of the assets but at the same time could benefit the local community. Both values are used in different ways but, in addition to their purely recreational value, their educational value is equally important each time.

Models of farms in spatial terms in sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas in Poland

AbstractThe study aimed primarily to develop spatial farm models in sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas. The secondary objective was to define the matrix of possible farm models, visualize their dislocation, and recommend multifunctional rural development. It was assumed that the types of model farms depend on the criteria that make it possible to assess the agricultural development potential and the size of agricultural production. Thus, it was assumed that agricultural production conditions influence the farm model but are not always of crucial importance. There are many possibilities for developing various production activities that are not strictly related to agricultural production conditions. The research was carried out with the GIS tool using multi‐criteria and spatial analysis techniques. The research made it possible to determine the models of farms in the rural areas in a specific region, however, the proposed model is suitable for use in other regions or countries.

Rural Wellbeing in Poland – Subjective Perspective

Rural Wellbeing in Poland – Subjective Perspective

ALLOCATION OF COHESION POLICY FUNDS IN RURAL AREAS IN POLAND

The article examines the scale of absorption and spatial distribution of European Union (EU) funds for the implementation of the Cohesion Policy (CP) in rural areas in Poland. The study covered all 2,173 rural and urban-rural municipalities in Poland in 2007-2018 during two financial perspectives of the EU: 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. The hypothesis was verified, i.e. municipalities located in provincial capitals functional urban areas (FUA) are characterized by a higher level of CP funds absorption than municipalities located in the rest of the country. Data for the study were obtained from the databases KSI-SIMIK 07-13 (2007-2013 perspective) and SL2014 (2014-2020 perspective). In the analyzed period, approximately PLN 500 billion was allocated in Poland from CP, of which 38% was to rural areas. Most funds were spent in rural areas on transport investments and infrastructure, while the least spent were on environmental protection and digitization projects. The spatial distribution of CP funds per capita has been presented using the Jenks Natural Breaks Classification optimization method. Three classes of municipalities were obtained according to the level of absorption: low (57% of communes), average (28% of communes), and high (15% of communes). The study confirmed that municipalities located in provincial capitals FUAs, despite the fact that they constitute 10% of the surveyed communes and 17% of the surveyed population, are characterized by 2.5 times higher absorption of CP funds per capita compared to other municipalities.

Identification with Place and Place Identity: The Perspective of the Mental Maps of the Inhabitants of Enclaves of Poverty

Enclaves of poverty are spaces of social stigmatization that can foster exclusion as well as enhance the impression of it. At the same time, they are milieus in the lives of specific human beings who co-inhabit and co-create these spaces; they are a home base – a place of safety, one that is the source of satisfaction and identification. The circumstances constituting and distinguishing these specific ecosystems were the inspirations for research conducted in 2014–2016 in enclaves of poverty – located in two large cities and in rural areas in Poland – to identify the ways of valuing and mental mapping performed by people living there. Based on the results of the author’s research, the article discusses three complementary issues covering the ways of identifying a space, identifying with a place and place identity. It focuses on the cognitive and practical value of such findings, which go beyond simplified and generalized thinking about enclaves of poverty, revealing the potentials of various neighbourhoods and the complexity of people’s connections with a place.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROCESSES AND PROBLEMS IN RURAL AREAS OF POLAND AND BULGARIA

This report aims to analyse and assess the trends in the development of demographic processes in rural areas of Poland and Bulgaria and their consequences which affect the development of the rural areas. Trends in the demographic processes in rural areas in 2010 – 2021 were analysed and assessed. Different coefficients of demographic replacement and trends in their changes were established. On this base, comparisons between were made and conclusions about the worsening of the demographic structures and the possibilities for the development of the local economies and communities in both countries were made.

The importance of ticket price in public transport in nonmetropolitan rural areas in Poland

The need to move is an inherent feature of every human life. Public transport should be one of the means of transport available to every human being. A fare-free public transport (FFPT) policy is under constant debate. Research among residents in rural areas provides an opportunity to discover whether FFPT is a key element of socially equitable development and understand the role of price, which can, at the same time, reduce car dependency. This research aims to understand the role of public transport fares in the travel decisions of people living in non-metropolitan rural areas in Poland. The primary data source used in this study is a survey conducted with the residents of 12 peripheral communes. This study revealed that price might not be as crucial in mobility strategies regarding free or paid public transport in non-metropolitan locations. This is mainly due to the poor quality of public transport.

Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in Poland since 2004 in the Light of Sustainability Indicators

Sustainable development of a region requires sustainability of its rural parts, as a source of supplies and resources for the urbanized regions. The current climate changes, loss of biodiversity, limited resources, depopulation, deterioration of economic conditions or even poverty may limit the sustainable development of rural populations. This paper presents the study concerning assessment of sustainable development of rural areas in Poland since 2004, the date of Poland entrance to the European Union, in light of the selected Sustainable Development Indicators. The assessment was based on the set of 38 indicators covering environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability. The results of this study indicate the significant progress in some aspects of rural development in Poland since 2004. However, several serious limits for rural sustainability were identified, including limited access to basic services including sanitation, anthropopressure on the natural environment, limited access to clear and renewable energy, depopulation, ageing, unfavorable economic conditions and relatively low productivity of agriculture.

The Smart Village Concept and Transport Exclusion of Rural Areas—A Case Study of a Village in Northern Poland

The aim of the article is to present transport accessibility in rural areas in Poland, with a particular emphasis on the problem of transport exclusion. The following research methods were used in the study: literature review, statistical data analysis and GIS analysis. The article presents a transportation picture of rural areas and identifies the main problem issues related to the insufficient accessibility of public transport. The conducted analyses show a significant alienation of the study area which results from underdeveloped public transport and road infrastructure, including pedestrian and bicycle routes. Measures taken by local authorities in this regard show awareness of the problems of the local community, but those authorities do not take sufficient action. The transport exclusion of inhabitants of the analyzed area can be reduced by developing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure connecting villages with the existing railway network, characterized by a high frequency of trains.