Annali Di Igiene[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Validation of the Italian version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Bianconi A, Messina R, Ricci M … +7 more , Leccese V, Parma D, Bertini V, Rucci P, Marini S, Dallolio L, Masini A
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947879 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that physical activity during pregnancy may have significant health benefits. Self-reported questionnaires may represent an important instrument for gathering information a...
BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that physical activity during pregnancy may have significant health benefits. Self-reported questionnaires may represent an important instrument for gathering information and quantifying the amount of physical activity that women engage during pregnancy. In this study we analyzed the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. METHODS: The reliability and construct validity of the Italian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was analyzed in a sample of pregnant women. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to investigate the test-retest reliability of the Italian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire scores at baseline and after 1 week. Intraclass correlation coefficients >0.70 were considered to denote an adequate reliability. Validity was assessed using Spearman's rank order correlation coefficients between the Italian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire scores and the equivalent measures obtained by accelerometers. Coefficients (ρ) >0.50 were considered adequate for construct validity. RESULTS: The test-retest analysis revealed an adequate reliability for sedentary (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.785), moderate (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.751), and vigorous physical activity (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.931), while lower reliability was found for total (Intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.689) and light physical activity (Intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.632). All Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between the Italian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire and the accelerometers measures were <0.50 and non-statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the Italian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire has almost adequate reliability, while construct validity, based on correlation between Italian Version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire scores and accelerometer data, is very low. Still, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire may represent a useful tool to capture daily life activities of pregnant women.
The Development of Adolescent Empowerment for Health Promotion: A Scoping Review.
Iacobini V, Mazza E, Rinaldi M … +1 more , Galletti C
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947878 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Empowering adolescents has emerged as a critical strategy in health promotion, with significant implications for their well-being and development. AIM: This study aims to map the existing literature related...
INTRODUCTION: Empowering adolescents has emerged as a critical strategy in health promotion, with significant implications for their well-being and development. AIM: This study aims to map the existing literature related to adolescent empowerment and identify the fundamental elements that need to be considered in the process of health promotion to improve the lifestyle and well-being of adolescents. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the methodology outlined by Arksey and O'Malley. The reporting process was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The literature research was performed in the PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. Additionally, grey literature sources were manually searched. The keywords "adolescent," "empowerment," "development model", and "health promotion" were used, combined with the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" to refine the search strategy. RESULTS: The present study reviewed nine studies that highlight the multifaceted nature of empowerment in health promotion, with cultural, contextual and systemic factors influencing its effectiveness. Programs integrating participatory methodologies and aligning with adolescents' lived experiences show the greatest promise. CONCLUSION: Adolescent empowerment is a powerful mechanism for advancing health promotion goals. By equipping young indi-viduals with the tools and autonomy to make informed decisions, health interventions can achieve lasting impact. Future research should prioritize culturally adaptable frameworks and metrics to assess the sustainability of empowerment outcomes in diverse settings.
Outpatient "Specialist Practitioners" in Italy in the years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The case of the Piedmont Region.
Visca G, Angelone L, Obrizzo R … +1 more , Magi A
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947877 · Publisher ↗
AIM: Outpatient Contracted Specialist care represents in Italy, together with Family Medicine and Paediatrics, one of the three fundamental pillars of primary and community healthcare. Like General Practitioners of the N...
AIM: Outpatient Contracted Specialist care represents in Italy, together with Family Medicine and Paediatrics, one of the three fundamental pillars of primary and community healthcare. Like General Practitioners of the National Health Service in England and Italy, these "Specialist Practitioners", mostly medical doctors but also Psychologists and other professionals, play a key role in the management of chronic patients in community settings, as in a "barefoot specialists" model. Few data are however available to precisely define their workforce "input" in community and hospital settings. To partially overcome this issue, the Regional Joint Committee for Outpatient Contracted Specialists of the Piedmont Region has conducted since 2017 an annual survey to monitor the amount of healthcare hours delivered for each specialty. The present study describes the results of the data analysis from 2017 to 2023, also as compared to the visits provided before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Data were gathered through electronic spreadsheets submitted annually by each regional Local Health Authority to the Committee. Regional totals were compared to the available national totals for the year 2023. Finally an analysis was performed on the available data on first visits provided by Local Health Authorities and Hospital Trusts and on booked first visits per inhabitants in 2023. RESULTS: From 2017 to 2023, the weekly hours of Outpatient Contracted Specialist medical care regionally provided declined from 20,535 to 17,264 (-15.93%). The greatest reductions were recorded for Dentistry, Dermatology and Ophthalmology. In contrast, the hours delivered by contracted psychologists increased from 8,136 to 9,532 (+17.16%). In 2023 the provision of Outpatient Contracted Specialist medical care per inhabitants in Piedmont was 34.66% lower than the national average, whereas Psycho-logists' hours were 199.12% higher. Vacant medical weekly hours increased from 856 to 2,940 (+243.46%) reaching 14.74% of the total hours of Outpatient Contracted Specialist medical care demanded by Local Health Authorities in 2023. Local Health Authorities' demand for Outpatient Contracted Specialist Medical Care in the years 2017-2023 went down by 5.05%. The lowering was recorded mainly for Dentistry, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry and Child Neuropsychiatry. The number of first visits provided by Local Health Authorities in the first semester of 2023 was 27.34% lower than that of 2018. In contrast, an increase of 4.18% was observed in the number of first visits provided by Hospital Trusts. The number of Local Health Authorities' booked first visits every 1,000 inhabitants in 2023 was 34.48% lower than the average national number and more than two-thirds lower than that of a neighbouring region. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a progressive decline in the public provision of Outpatient Contracted Specialist medical care in Piedmont during the years 2017-2023, despite the increase of waiting lists lengths, out-of pocket private expenditure and renounce to health services. The phenomenon has been enhanced, but not induced, by the COVID-19 pandemic and had its origins mainly in the lack of medical applications, in the shifting of part of financial resource towards psychologic care, but also in an objective decline in the demand of medical job positions from regional Local Health Authorities. The observed reduction is likely to hinder access to public outpatient specialist medical care, mostly in community settings, and to undermine basically the implementation of Proximity Health Networks as outlined in Ministerial Decree n. 77 of 2022.
Research on how entrepreneurial capacity and opportunity factors influence the intention of medical staff in the Mekong Delta to start a business in the healthcare sector.
Hung NP, Huong VTM, Minh NTT … +5 more , Tu PA, Anh NV, Quynh HTT, Quynh NN, Vinh NP
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947876 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognized as a solution to the challenges of the market economy, especially in the medical field. STUDY DESIGN: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive method with...
BACKGROUND: Entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognized as a solution to the challenges of the market economy, especially in the medical field. STUDY DESIGN: The study used a cross-sectional descriptive method with convenience sampling for data collection. METHODS: The study employed random sampling for convenience based on output questions and in accordance with sampling cri-teria for the Mekong Delta provinces. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 20.0. This is done by calculating the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and applying the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method to identify the main factors, thereby determining the official set of questions for the study. EFA is used to find the relationship between independent and dependent variables, as these variables can affect the final results. RESULT: Gender: Females constitute 70.7% of the participants, while males make up 29.3%. Occupation: The majority of participants are pharmacists, accounting for 74.7% in the medical field. Business orientation: Among the businesses targeted by the partici-pants, trading businesses account for 48.6%. The CFA results indicated good model fit: Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.945; Compara-tive Fit Index = 0.950, Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.817 (> 0.8), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.069 (< 0.08), and Chi-Square Minimum Discrepancy divided by Degrees of Freedom = 4.980 (< 5), indicating a good fit with the actual data. The Structural Equation Modeling results include the following fit indexes: Chi-Square Minimum Discrepancy = 4.590; Comparative Fit Index = 0.955; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.950; Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.837; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.066; and Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.809. Entrepreneurial capacity factor and opportunities have a statistically significant impact on start-up intention, with significance levels <0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the research results, it is evident that the majority of medical staff surveyed recognize the importance of starting a business and have equipped themselves with relevant knowledge. According to the analysed data, the study indicates that entrepreneurial capacity and opportunity factors influence startup intentions. Therefore, developing these factors for each medical staff member is crucial for successful startups. Measures should be implemented to support and foster the entrepreneurial spirit among healthcare professionals in the Mekong Delta and throughout Vietnam.
A Survey on Italian General Practitioners' Perspectives Regarding the Reorganization of Primary Care Services.
Causio FA, Gentili A, Beccia F … +6 more , De Maio L, Melnyk A, Quaranta G, Russo L, Savoia C, Cascini F
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947875 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study investigates the perspectives of primary care doctors in Italy regarding recent healthcare reforms, including the introduction of Community Hospitals and Community Homes. METHODS: An online survey...
BACKGROUND: This study investigates the perspectives of primary care doctors in Italy regarding recent healthcare reforms, including the introduction of Community Hospitals and Community Homes. METHODS: An online survey was conducted with 43 General Practitioners from various regions of Italy. RESULTS: The results reveal diverse opinions on the potential benefits of Community Hospitals and Community Homes in enhancing primary care and reducing inappropriate emergency room visits. While some GPs expressed optimism, a substantial portion raised concerns about inadequate dissemination of information and lack of clarity regarding admission criteria and functions. The study also highlights disparities in digital literacy and utilization of electronic health records and telemedicine platforms among GPs. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the need for improved communication, training, and support to ensure successful implementation of healthcare reforms and digital transformation in Italy's primary care system. HIGHLIGHTS: Italian GPs express diverse opinions on the potential benefits of Community Hospitals and Community Health Houses in enhancing primary care. The study findings highlight the different perspectives and challenges faced by General Practitioners in Italy, regarding the reorganization of Primary Care Services and, in particular, the implementation of community hospitals, community health homes and digital healthcare initiatives. Disparities in digital literacy and utilization of electronic health records and telemedicine platforms among GPs highlight the need for targeted training and support programs.
Psychometric properties of the Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (PNKAS). An Italian multisite cross-sectional validation study.
Bonfrate I, Loia A, Ferri A … +14 more , Demoro G, Cossalter L, Murano L, D'Alessandro A, Fermi L, Milani M, Russello G, Cataldi G, Margosio V, Valdati G, Sahra BF, Colombo D, Damico V, Adrario E
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947874 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several studies have highlighted a lack of nursing knowledge regarding the assessment and management of pediatric pain. Because there is currently no specific tool for the assessment of pain knowledge...
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several studies have highlighted a lack of nursing knowledge regarding the assessment and management of pediatric pain. Because there is currently no specific tool for the assessment of pain knowledge in pediatric nursing professionals in Italy, the aim of the study was to translate into Italian, adapt, and validate the questionnaire "Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain, in order to analyze its psychometric properties, providing a suitable tool for the assessment of pain. STUDY DESIGN: A multisite cross-sectional validation study was conducted and a convenience sample of italian nurses was enrolled. RESULTS: A total of 233 nurses responded. Analyses demonstrated the "Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain" factorial validity and internal consistency. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.728. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between the test and retest phase, obtaining a value of r = 0.712 (p < .001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.801 (95% confidence interval = 0.428-0.806). The Infit and Outfit statistical analysis fell within acceptable ranges from 0.85 to 2.50. The item difficulty ranged from -2.64 to 2.51. Out of total of 9,553 questions, 5,717 were answered correctly (correct answer rate 59.8%). No questionnaire had 80% or less of the correct answers. CONCLUSION: The scale designed in this study is valid and reliable for use in the Italian context and is applicable where one wants to evaluate nursing knowledge on the subject of pediatric pain.
Gender dynamics in hand hygiene practices: A survey in a specialized dermatological Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care.
Altamura G, Laurenti P, Heidar Alizadeh A … +8 more , Raspolini GM, Facchiano A, Virgili R, Nurchis MC, Raponi M, Cavarra M, Panebianco A, Damiani G
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40947873 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: A high adherence to hand hygiene procedures is regarded as cost-effective for preventing healthcare-associated infections. How important it is perceived by healthcare workers may determine the level of adhere...
BACKGROUND: A high adherence to hand hygiene procedures is regarded as cost-effective for preventing healthcare-associated infections. How important it is perceived by healthcare workers may determine the level of adherence to recommendations. This survey aimed at investigating perceptions, practices, and gender dynamics surrounding hand hygiene among healthcare professionals. STUDY DESIGN: This study followed a cross-sectional design, involving a questionnaire administered only once to each participant. METHODS: The study was set in a dermatological Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (SIRHHC) in Italy. An internet-based survey was made available to every SIRHHC's healthcare worker for two months of 2024. Surveyed population consisted of healthcare professionals involved in patient care within the SIRHHC, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff. The questionnaire was based on the World Health Organization Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework 2010 and involved both open-ended questions and Likert-scale items. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analyses were used to identify themes and quotes related to hand hygiene. To examine the relationship between the percentage of inpatients who will suffer from a healthcare-associated infection and predictor variables, a generalized linear model was fit. Tests were conducted to assess the robustness of results. RESULTS: Answers from 172 respondents, predominantly nurses (66.86%) and female workers (69.6%), were analyzed. Training emerged as a critical determinant of awareness, with participants reporting higher perceived compliance (86.98%) than general compliance rates (77.52%). However, workload pressures and perceived effort required for adherence (rated 5.70/7) were identified as barriers to consistent practice. Institutional support for hand hygiene, reflected in training initiatives and leadership prioritization (rated 3.87/4), was strong, yet patient involvement remained underutilized (rated 4.55/7). While gender differences in beliefs about healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) were not statistically significant, the high representation of women highlighted their pivotal role in infection prevention and the potential for leadership in hygiene promotion. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides actionable insights into improving hand hygiene practices and fostering a culture of safety within healthcare settings.
The added value of Web Listening Analysis to understand communication needs regarding HIV, AIDS, and STDs in Italy.
Valli R, Colucci A, Gallo P … +16 more , Santolini G, Fanales Belasio E, Schwarz M, Dalla Torre R, D'Agostini A, Bongiovanni A, d'Ari A, Furiozzi F, Mirabile M, Fedele E, Bertani T, Bertinato L, Bilucaglia S, Fiorillo G, Brambilla M, Iavicoli S
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40927924 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Institutional communication on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and sexually transmitted diseases requires the knowledge of people's information needs and tools mainly used fo...
BACKGROUND: Institutional communication on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and sexually transmitted diseases requires the knowledge of people's information needs and tools mainly used for information on health issues. To this goal, a web listening analysis was conducted by Istituto Superiore di Sanità jointly with the Ministry of Health and experts in the field. METHODS: Spontaneous listening on the web and on social channels, in relation to conversations referring to human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or sexually transmitted diseases was recorded through an integrated Social Listening platform. A database of over 2 billion indexed documents was scanned and analyzed to extract documents containing at least one selected keyword on human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, published between October 1st 2021 and September 30th 2022. RESULTS: Web conversations on sexually transmitted diseases took place mainly on Facebook, which is the source of almost half of overall mentions and of the 66% of total messages. However, Instagram and TikTok were the sources where most users interacted. In the sexually transmitted infections corpus of documents, the mostly used terms on the web were human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. People living with the human immunodeficiency virus expose themselves very scarcely on the public web places. In the public sphere, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are faced impersonally, with opinion based on theoretical knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Data analysis shows how the perception and discussions on human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immu-nodeficiency syndrome are different among the general population compared to what occurs among people living with human immunodeficiency virus disease. For the general population, the recurring elements of the analysis are seasonality, attention to news events, knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome linked to the past. People living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome do not expose themselves publicly on thr web, using more protected web places; consequently, stigma is certainly present.
Pediatric Bone Fractures: Challenges In Differential Diagnosis Between Child Abuse And Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
Cianci V, Luppino G, Mondello C … +7 more , Sapienza D, Češpivová M, Morabito LA, Gualniera P, Asmundov A, Esposito E, Capra AP
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40728335 · Publisher ↗
Bone fractures are referred as a common condition in childhood. Despite that, the clinical approach to pediatric patients with bone fractures is still considered complex, especially because of the anatomical, biomechanic...
Bone fractures are referred as a common condition in childhood. Despite that, the clinical approach to pediatric patients with bone fractures is still considered complex, especially because of the anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological differences in bone composition during childhood and adolescence. In the clinical-diagnostic algori-thm of patients with non-traumatic bone fractures, a clear anamnestic evaluation and a careful clinical and radiological analysis are essential to suspect rare conditions, such as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or to intercept frequent alarm conditions related to child abuse. OI is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by increased bone fragility and decreased bone mass, leading to frequent fractures. Bone fractures in patients with OI differ according to the type of genetic mutation, age, site of location, and recurrence of fractures. In child abuse, a public health concern worldwide, fractures are considered the second most common injury after skin injuries. The number of fractures, site of location, anamnestic and radiological evaluation, and additional specific signs must be sought to suspect a condition of child abuse. The purpose of this review is to address the complexities of the differential diagnosis of bone fractures caused by childhood abuse and OI.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, an emerging infection: a Systematic Review.
Cofone L, Paglione L, Grassi F … +4 more , Patania F, Pindinello I, Quarantiello A, Sabato M
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40711428 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In the past few years there has been a dramatic change in the prevalence of the genotype VII of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a dermatophyte fungus commonly found in wild, te...
BACKGROUND: In the past few years there has been a dramatic change in the prevalence of the genotype VII of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a dermatophyte fungus commonly found in wild, terrestrial and burrowing animals such as rabbits, that has now adapted to an anthropophilic environment and is responsible of an emerging zoonosis. STUDY DESIGN: A thorough background research and a systematic review have been done to show the effect of this emerging dermatophytic infection on humans. METHODS: Three electronic databases were searched for eligible studies: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. All the articles found were then screened, first, by title and abstract and, then, by full text. A quality assessment was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). RESULTS: 28 articles were found. 4 of which were included in this review. These articles were produced in France, Switzerland, the USA and Germany. They showed interesting clinical evidence regarding how this inter-human multidrug resistant mycosis could easily become an epidemic sexually transmitted infection. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review emphasizes how the spread of this pathogen, genotype VII, in humans must not be underestimated. Consequently, in order to facilitate early intervention and, thus, avoid a multi resistant epidemic growth of this infection, new diagnostic measures are required.
Chemsex: Emerging Threats Facing the MSM Experience - A Cross-Sectional Study.
Ly AH, Huynh MT, Dap TG … +7 more , Dinh CT, Luu BCH, Bui PON, Le QT, Khuu VN, Nguyen TD, Nguyen TTH
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40711427 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The trend of male homosexuality is progressively rising. The preference for chemsex (use of recreational drugs during sexual encounters) is also becoming more prevalent among the men who have sex with men (MS...
BACKGROUND: The trend of male homosexuality is progressively rising. The preference for chemsex (use of recreational drugs during sexual encounters) is also becoming more prevalent among the men who have sex with men (MSM), which increases sexual excitement during intercourse. This, in turn, heightens the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of chemsex in same-sex relationships and related behaviors among MSM. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 MSM in the community of Can Tho city, Vietnam, from March to October 2023. RESULTS: 42.3% of MSM engage in chemsex. The most commonly used substance in chemsex is popper (94.8%). Six factors are associated with chemsex: (a) MSM working in office jobs (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.1 - 4.3, p = 0.030); (b) Having more than 5 sexual partners (OR = 7.2, 95% CI 2.6 - 20.1, p < 0.0001); (c) Engaging in sex work or exchanged sex for money (OR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.3 - 18.6, p = 0.017); (d) Participating in group sex (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 2.4 - 11.4, p < 0.0001); (e) Never using condoms during sex (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 - 2.0, p = 0.003); and (f) Using recreational drugs (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 - 3.5, p = 0.024). Factors influencing chemsex behavior include easy access to stimulants, lack of understanding about the harms of chemsex, trust in sexual partners, desire to enhance sexual pleasure, and pain reduction during intercourse. CONCLUSION: Chemsex among the MSM group is on the rise, and this likely leads to increased rates of HIV and STI transmission, as well as long-term health consequences. Healthcare workers and the community need to reduce stigma, discrimination, and narrow-minded attitudes towards individuals who use substances during sexual activity, as these barriers can prevent them from seeking harm reduction information and professional assistance for the issues they face.
Interest in online information about cigarettes and tobacco among adolescents.
Gazibara T, Cakic M, Cakic J … +2 more , Grgurevic A, Pekmezovic T
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40711426 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: While growing up, adolescents find themselves in various situations, where they are exposed to harmful factors, such as tobacco and psychoactive substances (PAS). Expectedly, they might want to know more abou...
BACKGROUND: While growing up, adolescents find themselves in various situations, where they are exposed to harmful factors, such as tobacco and psychoactive substances (PAS). Expectedly, they might want to know more about them, but are often not willing to ask anyone in person. AIM: To explore the prevalence and factors associated with the online information seeking about tobacco smoking in a sample of high school students. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: This study included 702 students from four public high schools in Belgrade, Serbia. Data were collected by using an anonymous questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, use of online platforms and interest in topics such as cigarettes/tobacco, psychoactive substances and fitness. The study outcome was opting for cigarettes/tobacco as a topic when searching for online information. Electronic health literacy was examined by the electronic health literacy. RESULTS: The prevalence of online information seeking about cigarettes/tobacco was 9.4% (66/702). Having a lower grade point average, having parents of a higher education level, using social media and websites run by health institutions and searching for information about psychoactive substances online were independently associated with the online information seeking about cigarettes/tobacco. CONCLUSION: To help high school students understand health-related implications of tobacco exposure, it would be useful to provide hands-on education about tobacco in high schools. These could include online learning platforms, such as websites run by health institutions and social media. Addressing tobacco in the context of health education in high schools might be relevant for future health behavior.
Designing hospital services: findings from a prevalence study on clinical and care complexity in the Internal Medicine Units of Bologna's Local Health Authority.
Mazzoli S, Ricci M, Golfieri C … +7 more , Canto F, Paciotti M, Iannone P, Carnuccio V, Lazzari C, Gori D, Rallo F
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40711425 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Hospital services face significant challenges: responding to patients' increasingly complex care and assistance needs and optimizing the scarce resources available. In this context, the following study aims...
INTRODUCTION: Hospital services face significant challenges: responding to patients' increasingly complex care and assistance needs and optimizing the scarce resources available. In this context, the following study aims to map and analyze the clinical and care complexity required by patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Units of the Local Health Authority of Bologna through a variant of the Triage in Corridor tool. STUDY DESIGN: Prevalence Study. METHODS: Two measurements were carried out at six Internal Medicine Units of the Ospedale Maggiore (Main Hospital with the role of Hub hospital) and six Internal Medicine Units of six Spoke hospitals of the Local Health Authority of Bologna. The National Early Warning Score and the Assistance Dependency Index scores were measured and then combined in a variant of the Triage in Corridor tool to evaluate the intensity of care required by patients. RESULTS: Data were collected from 342 patients at the first and 319 at the second measurements. In the Hub hospital, 33.1% of patients had low levels of modified Triage in Corridor at first and 29.3% at the second measurements, while in the Spoke hospitals, it was 37.2% and 39.0%, respectively. Intermediate levels included most patients: in the Hub hospital, 49.7% at the first measurement and 47.6% at the second, while in the Spoke, it was 46.1% and 47.1%, respectively. High levels affected 17.2% of patients at the first measurement in the Hub hospital and 23.1% at the second measurement, compared with 16.8% and 14.0% in the Spoke hospitals. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that almost half of the patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Units included in the study had a modified Triage in Corridor medium level regarding the intensity of care required. Patients with a low level represented approximately one-third of the total, opening the doors to alternative scenarios to the traditional acute hospital where this type of patient can be assisted.
Nirsevimab: a change of paradigm in the prophylaxis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus disease among infants.
Rezza G, Cereda D, Rizzo C … +4 more , Cuciniello R, D'Amelio AC, Villani A, Signorelli C
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40503651 · Publisher ↗
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Prevalence of Rotavirus among Children in Baghdad, Iraq, detected by molecular methods.
Kareem Ali M, Shia JS
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40488734 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Rotavirus, a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children, has a significant global impact due to its high prevalence and potential for causing severe dehydration. STUDY DESIGN: This study was co...
BACKGROUND: Rotavirus, a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children, has a significant global impact due to its high prevalence and potential for causing severe dehydration. STUDY DESIGN: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of rotavirus among children under five years old in Baghdad, Iraq using molecular technique. METHODS: Between November 2022 and August 2023, 120 stool specimens were collected from children exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea at a pediatric hospital. Rotavirus infection was assessed using immunochromatographic test and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to detect and characterize the VP7 gene, a key marker of rotavirus infection. RESULTS: It was observed that 97 out of 120 specimens tested positive for rotavirus, with immunochromatographic test detecting 110 cases (91.8%) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction identifying 97 cases (80.8%) positive for the VP7 gene. The highest infection rates were observed in males (63.92%) and children aged 13-24 months (50.5%). Statistical analysis revealed an 80.8% overall prevalence of rotavirus among the study population. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the significant burden of rotavirus infection in Baghdad and highlight the effectiveness of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in detecting rotavirus strains. The results align with previous studies in Iraq, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and vaccination efforts to control rotavirus-related diarrhea and reduce its impact on young children in the region.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices about Cannabis light among a sample of Italian undergraduates.
Marotta D, Borzì S, Pozzoli A … +4 more , Vitale K, Gazzanelli S, Vitali M, Protano C
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40488733 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, the market for "cannabis light", substance with a tetrahydrocannabinol content of less than 0.6% (according to Italian law), has become established. The aim of the present study was t...
BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, the market for "cannabis light", substance with a tetrahydrocannabinol content of less than 0.6% (according to Italian law), has become established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices about cannabis light products among a sample of Italian undergraduates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the academic year 2023/2024. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire regarding socio-demographic data, knowledge about cannabis light products and their effects, attitudes and practices related to these products. Responses on knowledge were aggregated into a dichotomous variable ("good knowledge" and "poor knowledge"). A multivariate analysis was performed on the knowledge variable using age, gender, type of secondary school attended, tobacco use and having used cannabis light-containing products as independent variables. RESULTS: Only 24.6% of the sample stated that they had used a product containing cannabis light at least once and 70.1% showed poor knowledge about such products. Students from technical or vocational secondary schools were significantly less likely to have good knowledge (OR=0.4; 95%CI=0.19-0.88). In contrast, those who had used these products at least once were more likely to have good knowledge (OR=4.8; 95%CI=2.84-8.25). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increasing popularity of cannabis light products, the level of knowledge among university students remains low. Therefore, interventions are needed to fill knowledge gaps about these products and to guarantee their informed use.
The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the energy expenditure of public Italian healthcare organizations - A nationwide interrupted series analysis.
Guidotti E, Di Marco M
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40488732 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Healthcare organizations are complex systems characterized as highly energy intensive structures. Italian healthcare organizations are under increasing pressure due to the external energy dependency, especial...
BACKGROUND: Healthcare organizations are complex systems characterized as highly energy intensive structures. Italian healthcare organizations are under increasing pressure due to the external energy dependency, especially following the Russia-Ukranian conflict. Indeed, the ongoing war has generated low energy availability and outbreaking energy costs, thus leading to the aim of the study that is to measure the effect of the Russia-Ukraine war on the energy expenditure of public Italian healthcare organizations. STUDY DESIGN & METHODS: An Interrupted Times Series analysis was conducted across the period 2017-2022. Details were provided for the nineteen regions and two autonomous provinces. The outcome used was the energy expenditure amount across public healthcare organizations, a Poisson regression model was used. The revenues of public healthcare organizations were included as an offset variable to convert the outcome into a rate and adjust for any potential changes in revenues over time. RESULTS: The model suggested that there is strong evidence of a rise in the energy expenditure following the conflict, with an increase of 56% [relative risk (RR) 1.75] in Italy. All the Italian regions registered a notable increase of the energy expenditure in public healthcare organizations after the conflict, despite inter-regional variability was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Several interventions have been carried out to support enterprises and healthcare organizations in managing energy expenditure increases, though National strategies and investments should be set up to guarantee public healthcare organizations' sustainability in the long run.
Mediterranean diet pattern behaviors and related socio-demographic factors in a sample of nurses: results of an observational study in Italy.
Shaholli D, De Lucia F, Ferrante C … +5 more , Moretti L, Vezza F, Barletta VI, Cocchiara RA, La Torre G
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40488731 · Publisher ↗
BACKGOUND: Interest in the dietary habits of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, has increased in recent years. Nurses play a key role in promoting healthy habits among patients, yet often struggle to maintain...
BACKGOUND: Interest in the dietary habits of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, has increased in recent years. Nurses play a key role in promoting healthy habits among patients, yet often struggle to maintain a balanced diet due to the demanding nature of their profession. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: The sample identified consisted of working students who attend the master's degree course in "Nursing and Midwifery Sciences" at the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and nurses inscribed in several Italian nurses' groups on Facebook, like "Infermiere professionista della salute", "Infermieri attivi", "Infermieri di Roma e Provincia" and "Infermieri Roma". A snowball sampling was used. This observational study was carried out from May to September 2020 through an online platform, and explores the dietary habits of 549 nurses, examining correlations between eating behaviors (Mediterranean Diet Score) and work conditions, such as shift patterns, work hours, and contract types. RESULTS: The Mediterranean Diet Score had a mean value of 7.50 (SD = 1.69). Results show that 90.2% of participants can take short breaks (5-10 minutes) for meals, although stress often affects the quality of these breaks. Nurses with permanent contract (β = 0.098; p = 0.021) and part-time schedules (β = 0.106; p = 0.012) reported healthier eating habits and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for improved access to healthy food during long shifts and the implementation of nutritional education programs to support healthier eating habits among nurses.
Validity, reliability and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Nurses' Cancer Pain Management Competency Scale.
Damico V, Pedrini M, Demoro G … +7 more , Cossalter L, Murano L, D'Alessandro A, Fermi L, Milani M, Russello G, Margosio V
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40488730 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Nurses' Cancer Pain Management Competency Scale (NCPMCS) is a tool to explore nurses' competencies and subjective experiences in cancer pain management, and to help nurses understand their current...
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Nurses' Cancer Pain Management Competency Scale (NCPMCS) is a tool to explore nurses' competencies and subjective experiences in cancer pain management, and to help nurses understand their current shortcomings in cancer pain management in medical oncology departments. In the hypothesis that cancer pain is not a problem exclusively specific to the oncology context, we tested the psychometric characteristics of the scale on the general Italian nurses population. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used in which a sample of nurses was enrolled from 16 hospital in Northern, Southern and Central Italy. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit Italian nurses who met the eligibility criteria completed the study for developing the Italian version of the Nurses' Cancer Pain Management Competency Scale. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis. Data collection took place in July 2024. RESULTS: The sample involved 128 nurses who met the inclusion criteria. The sample was predominantly female (68%). The factor loads of the NCPMCS ranged between 0.81 and 0.92, and the t value was greater than 1.96 for all 14 items. On a 4-point scale for total competency, the mean score was 1.94 ±0.81. The multidimensional nature of pain (2.01 ±0.93) was the factor that showed the highest mean score, whereas the management of pain factor was the lowest (1.87 ±0.83). The Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.806 and ranged from 0.719 to 0.836. The results showed that the chi-square degree of freedom ratio was 2.662, the goodness-of-fit index was 0.854, the root mean square of approximate error was 0.037, the value-added fitting index was 0.876, the comparative fitting index was 0.928. CONCLUSION: The scale is valid and reliable for the evaluation of nursing competencies in managing cancer pain even among nurses who do not work in medical oncology departments.
Environmental Sustainability in Next-Generation Hospitals. Identifying Needs and Requirements from Healthcare Organizations and Industry Stakeholders.
Dolcini M, Brambilla A, Mangili S … +1 more , Capolongo S
Ann Ig · 2025 · PMID 40357533 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hospitals are among the most resource-intensive infrastructures, consuming significant amounts of energy, water, and materials while contributing 5.2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Despite growing aware...
BACKGROUND: Hospitals are among the most resource-intensive infrastructures, consuming significant amounts of energy, water, and materials while contributing 5.2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Despite growing awareness and international commitments, hospitals face financial, structural, and operational barriers in implementing sustainability strategies. STUDY DESIGN: The study assesses the maturity of healthcare stakeholders regarding environmental sustainability, exploring key drivers, barriers, and strategies for integrating sustainability into healthcare facilities. METHODS: A national web-based survey was conducted within the Joint Research Partnership Healthcare Infrastructures between November 2022 and January 2023, gathering 30 responses from 32 partners (94% participation rate). The analysis focuses on the environmental sustainability dimension, using descriptive statistics to identify trends, challenges, and best practices. RESULTS: Healthcare stakeholders selected the most relevant Sustainable Development Goals for hospitals. Sustainability is widely recognized as a priority, yet resource allocation emerges as marginal. The most frequently cited constraint for improving environmental sustainability was financial constraints (n=27/30). Indeed, some hospitals are implementing energy-efficient retrofitting, high-efficiency thermal power plants, and sustainability building certification. The adoption of Building Energy Management Systems and retrofit interventions to maximise energy efficiency suggests increasing interest in sustainability performance measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Despite growing awareness, financial and regulatory support must be strengthened to facilitate hospital sustainability investments. Early integration of sustainability principles, access to public and private models and multi-stakeholder collaboration are crucial. Future research and action should foster multi-stakeholders approaches, develop sector-specific sustainability frameworks and assess the long-term impact of sustainability initiatives in healthcare.
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