IntroductionThe Cantril Scale (CS) is a simple visual scale which makes it possible to assess general life satisfaction. The result may depend on the health, living, and studying conditions, and quality of social relations. The objective of this study is to identify key factors influencing the CS score in Polish adolescents.Material and methodsThe survey comprised 1,423 parent-child pairs (54% girls; age range: 10–17; 67.3% urban inhabitants; 89.4% of parents were mothers). Linear and logistic models were estimated; the latter used alternative divisions into “satisfied” and “dissatisfied” with life. In addition to age and gender, child-reported KIDSCREEN-52 quality of life indexes were taken into account, along with some information provided by parents – child physical (CSHCN) and mental (SDQ) health, and family socio-economic conditions.ResultsAccording to the linear model, nine independent predictors, including six dimensions of KIDSCREEN-52, explain 47.2% of the variability of life satisfaction on the Cantril Scale. Self-perception was found to have a dominating influence (ΔR 2 = 0.301, p < 0.001). Important CS predictors also included Psychological Well-being (ΔR 2 = 0.088, p < 0.001) and Parent Relations (ΔR 2 = 0.041, p < 0.001). The impact of socioeconomic factors was more visible in boys and in older adolescents. According to logistic models, the key factors enhancing the chance of higher life satisfaction are Moods and Emotions (cut-off point CS > 5) and School Environment (CS > 8 points). None of the models indicated a relationship between the CS and physical health.ConclusionsThe Cantril Scale can be considered a useful measurement tool in a broad approach to psychosocial adolescent health.

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Aim : To gather and review data describing the epidemiology of schizophrenia and clinical guidelines for schizophrenia therapy in seven Central and Eastern European countries, with a focus on negative symptoms. Methods : A literature search was conducted which included publications from 1995 to 2012 that were indexed in key databases. Results : Reports of mean annual incidence of schizophrenia varied greatly, from 0.04 to 0.58 per 1,000 population. Lifetime prevalence varied from 0.4% to 1.4%. One study reported that at least one negative symptom was present in 57.6% of patients with schizophrenia and in 50–90% of individuals experiencing their first episode of schizophrenia. Primary negative symptoms were observed in 10–30% of patients. Mortality in patients with schizophrenia was greater than in the general population, with a standardized mortality ratio of 2.58–4.30. Reasons for higher risk of mortality in the schizophrenia population included increased suicide risk, effect of schizophrenia on lifestyle and environment, and presence of comorbidities. Clinical guidelines overall supported the use of second-generation antipsychotics in managing negative symptoms of schizophrenia, although improved therapeutic approaches are needed. Conclusion : Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental illnesses and poses a considerable burden on patients and healthcare resources alike. Negative symptoms are present in many patients and there is an unmet need to improve treatment offerings for negative symptoms beyond the use of second-generation antipsychotics and overall patient outcomes.

PurposeThe landscape of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (mBC) treatment is changing due to the availability of new anti-HER2 drugs. The purpose of this study was to assess the current treatment patterns and sequences used in HER2+ mBC in the real-world setting. Secondary objectives were to describe the factors that influence the decision to prescribe a first and second-line antitumour treatment.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 3068 cases in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.ResultsFirst and second-line treatments and regimens are consistent with the clinical guidelines, especially for recently initiated treatments. Age and performance status (PS) of patients impact treatment patterns: younger patients received more innovative treatments than elderly patients. In addition, while most patients received a first antitumor treatment, the rate of patients who continue to subsequent lines of therapy is low (55% transitioning from 1st to 2nd line; 58% from 2nd to 3rd line). Age and PS are key factors in the decision to prescribe further antitumor treatment.ConclusionFewer HER2+ mBC patients than expected receive a second and third line therapy. Guidelines should make specific recommendations for older patients or those with a poor PS.

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