Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate healthcare workers’ physical exercise levels linked to their quality of life. Healthcare workers’ from all departments of a General hospital participated in the study. The instruments used for data collection regarding quality of life and physical exercise (Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form). Results Regarding the lack of physical exercise, the participants mainly put the blame on lack of free time (58%, n = 106), work hours (41% n = 75), but also pure negligence (37%, n = 67). The SF-36 scores showed that the existence of health problems can affect in a negative way and aggravate almost every quality of life parameter. Regarding physical activities in the past 7 days prior to the survey, most of them were about housekeeping and household-related chores (42.3%), followed by out-of-the-house errands (13.2%). There were also differences among mental health and postgraduate education level. According to our findings, a major factor that could boost healthcare professionals’ physical activity, is to increase knowledge and raise awareness about the benefits linked to physical activity.

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IntroductionIt is reported in global literature that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may cause a wide range of psychological effects, some of them not fully explored. The aim of this study is to investigate if patients with COPD experience intense feelings of shame.ObjectivesTo find differences in shame experience between males and females, and if there is a correlation of shame with other socio-economic factors.MethodUsing the “Experience of Shame Scale” questionnaire (ESS) in 191 patients with COPD (104 men and 87 women) treated in Primary Health Care services in Greece.ResultsStatistical analysis showed relatively low scores (M 39.5 sd 14.9) for the experience of shame in COPD patients. There is no statistically significant difference of shame for marital status, education level or disease stage. Statistically significant difference shown between males and females (bodily shame P: 0.001, total shame P: 0.031), and between smokers and those who quit smoking. (characterological shame: P: 0.007 behavioral shame P: 0.030, total shame P: 0.009). Also statistically significant difference appears for bodily shame among Body Mass Index (BMI) groups (P: 009) and economic status of the patients (P: 0.008).ConclusionsPatients with COPD seem to have not heavy burden with experience of shame. Any associations of shame with some patient groups are rather expected for cultural and social reasons.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Background: Disease Management (DM) is an approach to health care that coordinates resources across the entire health care delivery system and throughout the course of a disease. Objectives:The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the DM implementation in a country like Greece, with distinct geographical characteristics and non-symmetrical distribution of health care services. Methods:Recent bibliographic data about DM were gathered from electronic databases emphasizing on the Greek status and the Greek Health Care System (GHCS). Results:The present article discusses the current role, the future contribution and the expected results of DM in Greece. DM still is not well applied in Greece. This is due to the economical, geographical and organisational particularities of the country. There is a big gap between the GHCS and the requirements of the Institute Of Medicine. The percentage of Greek population receiving screening services is low. Posttreatment guidelines for patients are also limited. Numerous initiatives have taken place for the creation of national disease registries but remain incomplete. Despite the increased prevalence of some diseases, few seek health care services, which can be primarily attributed to erroneous beliefs, so the need for education and prevention programs is increasing. Conclusion:We will be able to count for a high level health care system in Greece when the philosophy of DM changes and modifi cations is applied properly, especially when patient education and behavioral commitment will evolve as the major contributors to the successful treatment.