Occupational risk assessment is the core of any practice in occupational health and safety at the workplace. In Italy, the implementation of the preventive measures required by law (DPCM of April 26, 2020 and subsequent...Occupational risk assessment is the core of any practice in occupational health and safety at the workplace. In Italy, the implementation of the preventive measures required by law (DPCM of April 26, 2020 and subsequent modifications and integrations) can exempt the employers from legal disputes in case of COVID-19 infection among employees. However, these laws have made meaningless the risk assessment process, which is the ideal setting where the preven-tive and protective measures must be identified and enhanced by individual employers, in collaboration with health and safety managers and occupational physicians, in the true exposure conditions. In this commentary, the authors stressed the role of workplace risk assessment and occupational health services for the valuable contribution that they may give to the battle against COVID-19, in terms of prevention, contact-tracing activity and COVID-19 rates of vaccinal coverage.
BACKGROUND: There are no papers exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the injection-based practice in patients affected by different rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis. The aim was to investigate the imp...BACKGROUND: There are no papers exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the injection-based practice in patients affected by different rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis. The aim was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on injection-based practice trough the Italian country. STUDY DESIGN: A survey-based retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: An Italian-language questionnaire was developed by a group of senior researchers and distributed by e-mail to some Rheumatology, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Units from different geographic areas of Italy. The survey included information about the number of injections performed during COVID-19 pandemic (stratified by injected agents and injected joint), in comparison to the pre-pandemic period, and the possible reasons behind an eventual reduction. Responses were collected and descriptive analysis calculated. RESULTS: Eleven centers of the National Health Service completed the survey. The activities of the injections services significantly decreased across the country with a percentage of reduction of 60% compared to the pre-pandemic period. A significant reduction of both intra-articular and peri-articular injections was registered. Among intra-articular. treatments, the most affected ones were the hyaluronic acid injections, when compared to corticosteroids. A significant decrease of the total amount of peri-articular injections was observed. The strict government restrictions and the fear of patients to become infected represented the most limiting factors. CONCLUSIONS: The reported decrease of the injection-based practice in our country during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of chronic musculoskeletal diseases with possible negative consequences in terms of disability and quality of life.
OBJECTIVES: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in China in December 2019 and has generated a worldwide pandemic. The objective of the research is to examine and describe...OBJECTIVES: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in China in December 2019 and has generated a worldwide pandemic. The objective of the research is to examine and describe (a) the symptoms that persist after the end of the acute stage and (b) their relationship with the severity of the disease. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kingdom of Bahrain on COVID-19 infected patients using an online survey questionnaire with a total number of 52 patient responses (29 females and 23 males). METHOD: A scale (0 no symptoms to 10 very high symptoms intensity) was assessed in patients after 3 months to detect the relevance of specific symptoms post-COVID-19 such as emotional and physical health, headache, dyspnoea, pain (muscles/joints/chest), anosmia, vertigo, neurologic symptoms, sarcopenia, delirium. RESULTS: The most common COVID-19 symptoms were reported to be fever (69.2%), headache (59.6%), and cough (50.0%). Data analysis showed that BMI was not correlated with any post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. Regarding the post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, this study showed that an increase of intensity of headache was associated with an increase of delirium; an increase of intensity of dyspnoea was associated with an increase of pulmonary dysfunction. The increase of anosmia and dysgeusia was associated with an increase in delirium. In addition, the increase of neurological symptoms and delirium were associated with the increase of sarcopenia. The most common persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms observed in this study were emotional stress, followed by loss of smell and taste, and neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, follow-up and rehabilitation care for COVID-19 patients must be focused on addressing the needs of these people in the longer term.
BACKGROUND: For many patients with end-stage disease, organ transplant often provides the only chance for survival. Organ donation (OD) is affected by legislation, cultural and ethnic background, and knowledge and attitu...BACKGROUND: For many patients with end-stage disease, organ transplant often provides the only chance for survival. Organ donation (OD) is affected by legislation, cultural and ethnic background, and knowledge and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting that concept. The present study aimed to assess differences in education level, perception, and willingness towards OD among Bosnian immigrants living in Sweden and respondents living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a quantitative cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire among 204 participants. METHODS: The questionnaire provided demographic characteristics, information about opinions, awareness, and knowledge on the donation process and religious approach to the subject, willingness to donate/receive organs, and possession of a donor card. RESULTS: All respondents supported OD, regardless of their education level. Only 2% of university-educated individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed to be donor card owners (p<0.001). Most of the university-educated respondents in Sweden, compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina, agreed that OD is needed and should be promoted (73.8% vs. 46.9%, p=0.007), opposite to the non-university-educated (51.4% vs. 66.0%, p=0.024). University-educated respondents stated that the donor card was informative enough (p=0.014) and considered self-perceived knowledge about OD to be sufficient or excellent (p<0.001). Most respondents were married and employed, practicing Muslims. Most of non-university-educated respondents from both countries believe their religion does not oppose OD (p=0.032). However, university-educated individuals strongly believe that OD does not have to be within the same religious group (p=0.016), while other participants did not have a definitive opinion. CONCLUSIONS: Public behavior towards OD is affected by the social environment and the educational level. The study highlights the importance of achieving a suitable social climate for donation. Also, it suggests that more efforts are needed to harvest the benefits of the substantial support for OD among the Bosnian population.
INTRODUCTION: In paediatrics, the word "humanization" means to care for the whole patient's family. It is vital to preserve a balanced relationship between family members to help the healing process for the young suffere...INTRODUCTION: In paediatrics, the word "humanization" means to care for the whole patient's family. It is vital to preserve a balanced relationship between family members to help the healing process for the young sufferer. How do we ensure that all the strategies adopted up to now have positively reached their objectives of humanization? How then can we measure hospital users' perception? The purpose of this research project is to identify the main factors that influence users' opinion about the quality of environment in paediatrics through a qualitative analysis on users' well-being. Monitoring the humanization level achieved by hospitals and testing the effectiveness of spaces devoted to host young people, may be considered essential phases in gathering new useful evidences as well as to identify potential emerging guidelines. METHODS: Operative measurements were supported by the LpCp-tool, an effective tool that includes a questionnaire-based investigation and a processing software. The tool was then adapted to the specific explored field. The investigation was applied in three hospitals in Lombardy Region (Italy). RESULTS: The most influent factors in users' perception were the space comfort and the standards of security services. Hospital staff generally had a worse opinion than patients/visitors on all items. Under no circumstances must users' involvement relevance be overlooked. CONCLUSIONS: The research highlights the relevance of the environmental well-being and involvement of users' in the decision-making processes, as well as the absolute requirement of a multicultural context.
Bianchin G, Palma S, Polizzi V
… +25 more, Kaleci S, Stagi P, Cappai M, Baiocchi MP, Benincasa P, Brandolini C, Casadio L, Di Sarro S, Farneti D, Galli A, Ghiselli S, Iadicicco P, Landuzzi E, Limarzo M, Locatelli C, Murri A, Nanni L, Rozzi E, Sandri F, Saponaro A, Zanotti S, Zarro N, Zucchini E, Ciorba A, Genovese E
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss, occurring in 1-3/1,000 newborns in the well-babies population, is one of the most common congenital diseases, and hearing screening at birth still represents the only means for its early detecti...BACKGROUND: Hearing loss, occurring in 1-3/1,000 newborns in the well-babies population, is one of the most common congenital diseases, and hearing screening at birth still represents the only means for its early detection. Since 2011 the Emilia Romagna Regional Health Agency has recommended Newborn Hearing Screening for all babies at its birth points and for newborns moving to the region. The aims of this study are to analyze the results of this regional-based Newborn Hearing Screening program and to discuss the impact of the legislative endorsement on the organization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational retrospective chart study. The recordings of well-babies and babies at Neonatal Intensive Care Units were collected during the period from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2020. The following data were included: Newborn Hearing Screening coverage, percentage of refer at otoacoustic emissions, prevalence and entity of hearing loss, unilateral/bilateral rate, presence of audiological risk factors. RESULTS: More than 99% of a total of 198,396 newborns underwent the Newborn Hearing Screening test during the period January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2020, with a coverage ranging between 99.6% and 99.9%. Overall, the percentage of confirmed hearing loss cases was about 17-30 % of refer cases, 745 children received a diagnosis of hearing loss (prevalence 3.7/1,000). Considering profound hearing loss cases, these represent 13% of bilateral hearing loss. CONCLUSION: A regional-based Newborn Hearing Screening program is valuable and cost-effective. In our experience, the centralization of the data system and of the data control is crucial in order to implement its efficiency and effectiveness. Healthcare policies, tracking systems and public awareness are decisive for a successful programme implementation.
Belfiore A, Mastroianni F, Ventrella F
… +13 more, Errico M, Suppressa P, Tomai M, Sabatino S, De Palma G, Pappagallo F, Erbi A, Simone O, Longo S, Vendemiale G, Balsamo M, Tartaglia I, Guida P
BACKGROUND: The prevalence and mortality of sepsis in Internal Medicine Units (IMUs) is poorly understood as most of the data derive from studies conducted in Intensive Care Units. Aim of SEpsis Management in INternal me...BACKGROUND: The prevalence and mortality of sepsis in Internal Medicine Units (IMUs) is poorly understood as most of the data derive from studies conducted in Intensive Care Units. Aim of SEpsis Management in INternal medicine Apulia (SEMINA) study was to determine the prevalence of sepsis and the characteristics and outcomes of patients with Sepsis-3 criteria admitted in Apulia's Internal Medicine Units for over six months. METHODS: The SEpsis Management in INternal medicine of Apulia study was a prospective, multicentre, observational study. Adult admissions to the 13 Apulia Region's Internal Medicine Units between November 15, 2018 and May 15, 2019 were screened for sepsis according to the Sepsis-3 criteria. Medical data were collected in electronic case report form. RESULTS: Out of 7,885 adult patients of the Internal Medicine Units, 359 (4.55%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 65 of them (18.1%) met the septic shock criteria. The patients enrolled were elderly, suffering from chronic poly-pathologies and from cognitive and functional impairment. The respiratory system was the most common site of infection and the most common pathogens isolated from blood cultures were Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp. and Acinetobacter spp. The in-hospital fatality rate was 31.2% and was significantly higher for septic shock. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, dementia and infections from Acinetobacter spp. were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of sepsis and a high fatality rate were detected in Apulia Region's Internal Medicine Units. The high fatality rate observed in our study could be related to the underlying diseases and to the vulnerability of elderly patients admitted to our Internal Medicine Units.
Dallolio L, Gallè F, Masini A
… +25 more, Valeriani F, Ceciliani A, di Cagno A, Galeone D, Pecoraro P, Valerio G, Liguori G, Romano Spica V, Brandi G, Baldelli G, Capelli G, Coco D, Corradi M, Cortis E, Deiana P, Di Rosa E, Marini S, Mulato R, Parisi A, Pesce C, Riegger S, Staiano A, Siniscalco A, Trombetta M, Ubaldi F
School Active Breaks are short bouts of physical activity (5-15 minutes) conducted by appropriately trained teachers and delivered during or between curricular lessons. They are a good strategy to counteract sedentary be...School Active Breaks are short bouts of physical activity (5-15 minutes) conducted by appropriately trained teachers and delivered during or between curricular lessons. They are a good strategy to counteract sedentary behaviors, and a growing body of evidence shows that they can represent also a tool to promote and improve health, school wellbeing and academic achievements. On 19 February 2022, the Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health organized an Awareness Day on the effectiveness, usefulness and feasibility of School Active Breaks, opened to teachers, educators, school leaders, pediatricians, personnel from Departments of Prevention and Public Health and Health Policy-makers. During the event, the testimonies about the experiences already carried out in Italy showed that School Active Breaks are an effective intervention that each school can easily include in its educational offer and apply in any context.
BACKGROUND: The built environment, especially in the context of the neighborhood, affects older people's health. This umbrella review aims to summarize the associations between factors and interventions in the built envi...BACKGROUND: The built environment, especially in the context of the neighborhood, affects older people's health. This umbrella review aims to summarize the associations between factors and interventions in the built environment as regards modifying or improving mental health, well-being, social inclusion and participation in the elderly. METHODS: We searched articles in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Avery Index, Sage, Web of Science, Health Evidence, and Google Scholar, without any time limits. The factors and interventions examined have been classified into three categories (urban infrastructure, green infrastructure, built environment), and we have assessed their relationships with each of the health outcomes. RESULTS: Eight reviews have been included. The results show a positive association between factors and interventions and health outcomes, even though this tends to differ with respect to some of the elements (study design, sample size, built environment and health outcome measurements, and the quality of the primary studies included in the reviews) in the selected studies. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study suggests and confirms that acting on the built environment has a positive impact on mental health and social inclusion.
AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of cigarette, hookah and marijuana consumption among undergraduate students of Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: The first part of the do...AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patterns of cigarette, hookah and marijuana consumption among undergraduate students of Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: The first part of the double cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students of the University of Sarajevo from 22nd to 26th January 2020, prior to the first COVID-19 case in the country (study period 1), and the second part from March 25th to August 26th 2021, during the third wave of COVID-19 outbreak (study period 2). RESULTS: The majority of the 1,230 respondents were women (N1 70.9%, N2 70.1%), pursuing medical sciences (N1 60.0%, N2 55.0%), in their 3rd year of study (N1 26.3%, N2 26.7%), and living in urban environment (N1 84.9%, N2 86.4%). Similar proportion of cigarette smokers (N1 38.5%, N2 39.2%), and smaller, similar portions of hookah smokers (N1 19.3%, N2 21.1%) were classified in both study periods, while the smallest portion of marijuana smokers (N2 8.0%) was classified during COVID-19. Similar number of cigarettes per day, types of cigarettes consumed and consumption frequency in the last 30 days, with the similar independent predictors of cigarette consumption (being woman and living in rural environment associated with decreased risk, and age older than 22 associated with increased risk) were identified both before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to before COVID-19 pandemic, increased trends in intentions (73.6% vs. 81.2%) and attempts (51.9% vs. 75.1%) to smoking cessation among cigarette smokers, but decreased determination not to smoke in the coming year among cigarette non-smokers (N1 72.2%, N2 51.6%) and decreased awareness of smoking harmfulness among both cigarette smokers (N1 68.0%, N2 46.5%) and especially cigarette non-smokers (N1 60.9%, N2 22.9%) were seen during COVID-19 pandemic. Also, risky behavior among hookah smokers was evident during COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic seemed to positively affect intentions and attempts to smoking cessation among cigarette smokers while negatively affecting attitudes towards cigarette smoking among cigarette non-smokers.
BACKGROUND: The rigorous isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacted children's lifestyles. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to collect and analyze information about physical act...BACKGROUND: The rigorous isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacted children's lifestyles. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to collect and analyze information about physical activity habits of children and their parents during the social distancing period resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online questionnaire was administered to 363 families (507 children aged 5-13) recruited by convenience sampling, asking for physical activity type and frequency before, during, and after the lockdown period (9th March - May 3rd 2020), education, outdoor spaces, and children's weight gain perception. RESULTS: Results show a remarkable decrease in children's physical activity during lockdown (88.9 vs 39.8% active children) associated with older age and low availability of outdoor spaces (p<0.001). Parents' physical activity was related to educational level, and a slight but significant correlation between parents' education and children's physical activity was found, especially with father's university degree (p<0.05). Active mothers significantly influenced children's physical activity during the lockdown, especially if not engaged in smart working. The return to an active lifestyle by children did not reach previous levels (75.9% active children) and was directly related to parent's physical activity. Finally, the risk of weight gain was lower in active children during the lockdown (OR = 0.46; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This work highlights the importance of physical activity during a pandemic event to prevent the risk of gaining weight, and underlines the relevance of the entire family system as a source of promotion of healthy behaviors in children.
BACKGROUND: Electronic waste is a continuously increasing hazardous and toxic waste in this digital era. Socioeconomic and demographic status contribute to the increase in electronic waste generation. STUDY DESIGN: Ecolo...BACKGROUND: Electronic waste is a continuously increasing hazardous and toxic waste in this digital era. Socioeconomic and demographic status contribute to the increase in electronic waste generation. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHODS: The aim of this study was to analyze the socioeconomic and demographic factors that are related to the increase of e-waste generation in 44 sub-districts in Jakarta. Data from the Jakarta Provincial Environment Department, Statistics Indonesia, and Open Data Jakarta were used for this study. Data were analyzed using correlation tests. RESULTS: The results show that the increase in electronic waste generation is related to the male gender (p = 0.036, r = 0.316) and a moderate education level (p = 0.038, r =0.313). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that the Jakarta Provincial Government provides electronic waste collection points in all areas; however, the area in which its population is dominated by males and has a moderate education level should be prioritized.
We appreciate that Dr. Zulfiqar showed us that they had already demonstrated the validity and reliability of his ZFS scale. Still, it is evident that, in our paper, we could not take it for granted because all the articl...We appreciate that Dr. Zulfiqar showed us that they had already demonstrated the validity and reliability of his ZFS scale. Still, it is evident that, in our paper, we could not take it for granted because all the articles they quote have been published after we handed out ours to the Managing Editor of Ann Ig.
Once read the paper by Formosa et al in Ann Ig 2022 Mar 18. Online ahead of print, where the Authors ask for more studies to assess validity and reliability of the short tool to evaluate frailty proposed by me, through t...Once read the paper by Formosa et al in Ann Ig 2022 Mar 18. Online ahead of print, where the Authors ask for more studies to assess validity and reliability of the short tool to evaluate frailty proposed by me, through this letter I intend to demonstrate that its validity and reliability have been proved by a series of applications already published in the last past months.
BACKGROUND: The severe, acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019 quickly became a global pandemic that has resulted in over 100 million infections and more than 2 million deat...BACKGROUND: The severe, acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 that was first reported in China in December 2019 quickly became a global pandemic that has resulted in over 100 million infections and more than 2 million deaths. STUDY DESIGN: This study aimed to assess the awareness level of university students regarding the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19. In order to achieve this objective, we assessed the students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors using an online survey questionnaire offered to a total of 300 students. RESULTS: A positive response regarding awareness of COVID-19 symptoms was registered by more than 70% of the students, whereas 62% felt that wearing a mask did not give full protection against infection, approximately 30% agreed that antibiotics and antivirals did not treat COVID-19, and 62% agreed that vitamin C was helpful in treating common symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, around 31% of the students believed that COVID-19 is a man-made virus. Students who had gotten infected with SARS-CoV-2 believed that wearing a mask gives full protection (p=0.018). In response to survey questions related to attitude, 80% of students cancelled and postponed meetings with friends, and 90% agreed that mask-wearing is the most precautionary measure used to prevent the infection. In addition, 82% avoided coughing in public, 82% avoided contact if they felt flu-like symptoms and 80% washed their hands far more often due to the pandemic. Interestingly, 76% carried hand sanitizer, 66.5% avoided shaking hands, and 42.7% were taking vitamin C supplements. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the participants had a positive awareness of COVID-19 transmission, symptoms, and treatments misconceptions and mistaken beliefs related to treatments and the origin of the virus were also common and should be addressed. This study thus provides a baseline for a population-based surveillance program that could help local authorities to improve pandemic preparation plans, particularly with regard to governmental education and media campaigns.
INTRODUCTION: It is known in the literature that the main cause of physical impairment in children with severe disabilities is falling, which can worsen their already compromised condition. There are no specific scales f...INTRODUCTION: It is known in the literature that the main cause of physical impairment in children with severe disabilities is falling, which can worsen their already compromised condition. There are no specific scales for this population in the literature, neither in Italian nor in other languages. We created and validated a scale for assessing the risk of falling in children with severe disabilities. STUDY DESIGN: Observational prospective study. METHODS: We enrolled children (inpatients or day-hospital) admitted to the "Santa Maria Bambina Centre" of the "Fondazione Onlus Sacra Famiglia" in Cesano Boscone, Milan; the Content Validity Index of the Scale was calculated to assess the content validity of a new scale (ALICE). Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) was used to examine internal consistency, Spearman's rho coefficient to test inter-rater reliability. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Out of 48 patients enrolled, 14 fell (29.2%). The ALICE scale, with cut-off set at 16, showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 88.2%, a positive predictive value of 77.8% and a negative predictive value of 100%. The Content Validity Index of the Scale (=0.93), inter-rater reliability (rho=0.91, p<0.001) and Cronbach's alpha (=0.72) were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The ALICE scale seems reliable and valid in the disabled population and can be applied by nurses. Further studies with larger samples and a multicentre design are needed.
BACKGROUND: Low health literacy is associated with high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify challenges of health literacy and strategies for its promotion in patients...BACKGROUND: Low health literacy is associated with high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify challenges of health literacy and strategies for its promotion in patients with acute coronary syndrome, using the patients҆ and nurses' experiences. METHODOLOGY: Data gathering was done through applying semi-structured interviews with participation of 29 patients and nurses. The informants were selected using purposive sampling method with the maximum variation. Data analysis was done through conventional content analysis and using MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Obstacles and challenges of health literacy in participants were categorized in four themes inclu-ding irresponsibility, social apathy, perceptual and cognitive problems, and inappropriate distribution of the resources. In addition, possible strategies to promote health literacy were presented in the form of 68 strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Given that successful management of many acute or chronic diseases is influenced by patients' perceptions of health information, providing strategies to people who have difficulty in understanding this information can have a positive effect on health outcomes. Increasing health literacy abilities of patients should be a priority of health system.
BACKGROUND: Cultural competence is a valuable and intangible heritage of knowledge, relationships and identity. Cultural competence is fundamental in nursing: sharing the objectives of all patients - not only foreigners...BACKGROUND: Cultural competence is a valuable and intangible heritage of knowledge, relationships and identity. Cultural competence is fundamental in nursing: sharing the objectives of all patients - not only foreigners - promotes patient's participation in healthcare and supports nurses' professional development, enhancing the intellectual capital that guides quality care. The aim of this study is to evaluate nurses' self-perceived cultural competence. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: A self-administered cultural-competence questionnaire was used. Nurses working in hospitals and territorial healthcare settings in Rome, Italy, were involved in this study, from March 2017 to February 2018. RESULTS: This study involved 192 nurses. The mean age was 46.2 ± 7.9. Most of the nurses (77.6%) were women. The nurses' mean work experience was 21.4 ± 8.8 years; 65.1% of them had never attended any type of course concerning multiculturalism. The mean score of the nurses' cultural competence was 4.19 ± 0.57 (range = 2.75-5.71). In all, 41.7% of the nurses did not consider themselves neither competent nor incompetent. CONCLUSION: The results show that nurses have an acceptable level of cultural competence, slightly higher in the territorial context.