Annali Di Igiene[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Eating and lifestyle habits and primary school health-related pro-grams: a survey involving Italian children and teachers.
Acito M, Cangelosi G, Petrelli F … +5 more , Moretti M, Villarini M, Celestino A, Sordoni E, Grappasonni I
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38236002 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity represent serious public health concerns in several countries worldwide, including Italy, where the highest prevalence in Europe of overweight and obesity among primary school...
BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity represent serious public health concerns in several countries worldwide, including Italy, where the highest prevalence in Europe of overweight and obesity among primary school children was recorded. Among others, primary schools represent suitable social environments for health education projects. In this perspective, to optimize resources and plan successful activities, it is necessary, first of all, to analyze the context of the intervention. STUDY DESIGN: A pilot survey involving children and teachers was conducted in a primary school in Jesi (Le Marche Region, Italy). METHODS: A questionnaire was submitted by teachers between May and June 2023 to 104 pupils (aged 6-11) from the five different primary school system classes. A qualitative questionnaire was also filled out by the same teachers (n = 5) who were present while the children were filling the eating/lifestyle questionnaire. RESULTS: Most of the children (96.1%) had breakfast before school, with milk and cereal (51.5%) representing the preferred com-bination. During recess, 59.2% of pupils usually have a sandwich, 23.3% usually have sweet snacks, whereas only 2.9% have a fruit. Over 55% of the sample preferred drinking high-sugar beverages to water, and 15.5% declared going to a fast-food restaurant more than once a week. Over 17% of children did sport only once a week or less often. Over 64% of children habitually played videogames, and 77.6% normally watched TV or played with a tablet/smartphone while eating. Finally, the teachers' interview highlighted that there were no active health-related projects addressed to the pupils, and the school did not normally organize me-etings with health professionals to increase children's and their parents' knowledge and awareness about healthy eating habits. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary investigation analyzed the context for a future health and nutrition education project and will assist researchers in planning successful activities and increasing the efficiency of the intervention.
Fluoride and caries prevention: a scoping review of public health policies.
Veneri F, Vinceti SR, Filippini T
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38236001 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most common infectious disease, affecting approximately 60 to 90% of the world population, especially young children, and disadvantaged communities. Due to the extremely high prevalence a...
BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the most common infectious disease, affecting approximately 60 to 90% of the world population, especially young children, and disadvantaged communities. Due to the extremely high prevalence and the significant negative impact on general health, well-being, and quality of life it is considered a global public health problem. Despite the improvement of policies to promote oral health care in the past decades, dental caries is still a healthcare challenge, characterized by increasing disparities among different social groups between and within countries. Fluoride-based prevention of dental caries is a cost-effective approach, that has been implemented since 1940's. It includes systemic and topical administrations, through community-based or individual programs. Preventive interventions should be tailored to individual and community caries risk assessment and estimate of cumulative fluoride intake, in order to maximize the preventive effect and avoid the risk of potential adverse effects associated with excessive fluoride exposure. Regulation of public health policies plays a major role in this context. STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: The aim of this scoping review was to report an overview of current guidelines regarding fluoride-based preventive strategies for dental caries and relevant policies on the matter, as well as to address current issues related to public health aspects of dental caries prevention. We searched for the relevant literature on the matter, focusing on policy documents, such as recommendations, position papers and guidelines, issued from the major scientific and regulatory institutions involved in oral health promotion and on publications concerning relevant aspects of public health law. RESULTS: Prevention of dental caries through fluoride can rely on topical fluorides for home-use (toothpastes and mouthrinses), professionally applied topical fluorides (gels, varnishes, silver diamine fluoride, fluoride-releasing restorative materials and sealants), fluoride supplements (tablets and drops), and community-based strategies (community water fluoridation, fluoridated salt and milk). Current relevant guidelines for all these preventive aids are outlined in the paper. A significantly greater preventive effect of topical fluorides has been widely established in the recent past, as compared to systemic effects. Furthermore, increasing concerns have emerged on potential adverse effects on general health associated with early and excessive systemic exposure to fluoride, especially for children, supported by recent meta-analyses. Also, community water fluoridation has raised significant aspects of relevance for health law and policies. In a public health perspective, healthcare policymakers should tackle social iniquities by promoting information and oral health literacy, through community and school-based programs, ensuring access to early dental visits and basic dental care and improving availability and affordability of fluoride topical products. Conclusions. Fluoride-based prevention can provide a simple and cost-effective approach to reduce the incidence of dental caries and the associated social burden. Among fluoride-based preventive strategies, systemic community-based administration of fluoride should be considered with great caution, due to the unfavorable risk-benefit ratio currently established. Topical fluoridated pro-ducts are generally preferred, given the optimal risk-benefit ratio. Further efforts must be made to identify and tackle the barriers to dental caries prevention and related social iniquities from a public health perspective. Policies and laws on oral health should promote access to caries prevention with targeted comprehensive strategies.
The key role of public health in renovating Italian biomedical doctoral programs.
Palandri L, Urbano T, Pezzuoli C … +11 more , Miselli F, Caraffi R, Filippini T, Bargellini A, Righi E, Mazzi D, Vigezzi GP, Odone A, Marmiroli S, Boriani G, Vinceti M
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38236000 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: A key renovation of doctoral programs is currently ongoing in Italy. Public health and its competencies may play a pivotal role in high-level training to scientific research, including interdisciplinary and m...
BACKGROUND: A key renovation of doctoral programs is currently ongoing in Italy. Public health and its competencies may play a pivotal role in high-level training to scientific research, including interdisciplinary and methodological abilities. METHODS: As a case study, we used the ongoing renovation of the Clinical and Experimental Medicine doctoral program at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. We focused on how the program is designed to meet national requirements as well as students' needs, thus improving educational standards for scientific research in the biomedical field, and on the specific contribution of public health and epidemiology in such an effort. RESULTS: The renovation process of doctoral programs in Italy, with specific reference to the biomedical field, focuses on epidemiologic-statistical methodology, ethics, language and communication skills, and open science from an interdisciplinary and international perspective. In the specific context of the doctoral program assessed in the study and from a broader perspective, public health appears to play a key role, taking advantage of most recent methodological advancements, and contributing to the renovation of the learning process and its systematic quality monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: From a comparative assessment of this case study and Italian legislation, the key role of public health has emerged in the renovation process of doctoral programs in the biomedical field.
Prevalence of stress and related factors among healthcare students: a cross - sectional study in Can Tho City, Vietnam.
Nguyen-Thi TT, Le HM, Chau TL … +6 more , Le HT, Pham TT, Tran NT, Ngo QPM, Pham NH, Nguyen DT
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38131144 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Stress is a major public health issue that can impact both physical and mental well-being. It is prevalent in many areas of modern life, including education. Healthcare students are at a high risk of experien...
BACKGROUND: Stress is a major public health issue that can impact both physical and mental well-being. It is prevalent in many areas of modern life, including education. Healthcare students are at a high risk of experiencing stress due to the unique demands of their fields of study. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted on 2,515 undergraduate students pursuing degrees in medicine, preventive medicine, pharmacy, and nursing at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Can Tho City, Vietnam. RESULTS: Using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), it was found that 35.2% of students reported mild stress, 62.7% had moderate stress, and only 2.1% experienced severe stress. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed nine significant factors associated with students' stress levels (p ≤ 0.05). Particularly, medicine students exhibited a significantly higher level of moderate and severe stress (95% CI = 1.22-2.01), 1.57 times higher than preventive medicine students. Sixth-year students had a stress level 1.58 times higher (95% CI = 1.11-2.26) than first-year students. Students achieving excellent and very good academic performances in the last semester had a stress level 1.60 times higher (95% CI = 1.16-2.22) than students with average and lower academic performance. Students living at home had a stress level 1.73 times higher (95% CI = 1.05-2.84) than students living in their relatives' houses. Students who rarely or never had a part-time job during academic years had a stress level 1.70 times higher (95% CI = 1.31-2.20) than those who often or sometimes had a part-time job. Students with a family history of smoking addiction had a stress level 1.69 times higher (95% CI = 1.28-2.22) than students without such a family history. Students who rarely or never received concern and sharing from family had a stress level 7.41 times higher (95% CI = 5.07-10.84) than students who often or sometimes received concern and sharing from family. Students who were often or sometimes cursed by family had a stress level 2.04 times higher (95% CI = 1.09-3.81) than students who were rarely or never cursed by family. Students without close friends had a stress level 1.46 times higher (95% CI = 1.11-1.91) than students with close friends. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of mild and moderate stress levels were significantly higher than severe stress level among healthcare students. Research has provided scientific findings as the basis for determining risk factors and imposing solutions that aim to reduce the rate of stress in students. Therefore, it helps students overcome difficulties and enhance their physical and mental health.
Expanded vaccination practice in 2-year-old children and maternal knowledge on expanded vaccination in Tien Giang, Vietnam.
Nguyen GLN, Nguyen GVT, Nguyen MTN … +7 more , Nguyen DV, Phan NTT, Tran V, Pham TT, Le MH, Nguyen DT, Pham TT
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38085560 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Vaccination plays a central role in protecting children against severe diseases and preventing child mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the rate and factors associated with complete and time...
BACKGROUND: Vaccination plays a central role in protecting children against severe diseases and preventing child mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the rate and factors associated with complete and timely vaccination in 2-year-old children, as well as maternal knowledge on expanded vaccination in Go Cong Tay district, Tien Giang province, Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 558 2-year-old children and their mothers residing in Go Cong Tay district, Tien Giang province, Vietnam. The study employed a systematic random sampling method from June to September 2021. RESULTS: The rate of complete vaccination in children was 74.7%. Factors associated with the rate of complete vaccination were occupation (OR=0.3; 95%CI: 0.1-0.7; p=0.006), economic status (OR=3.8; 95%CI: 1.7-8.6; p=0.001), and maternal general knowledge on expanded vaccination (OR=1.7; 95%CI: 1.1-2.6; p=0.01). The rate of timely vaccination was 47.8%. Factors associated with the rate of timely vaccination were maternal age group (OR=3.1; 95%CI: 1.6-6.0; p=0.001; OR=3.0; 95%CI: 1.3-6.6; p=0.006) and economic status (OR=0.4; 95%CI: 0.2-0.9; p=0.04). The rate of both complete and timely vaccination was 22.6%. Factors associated with the rate of complete and timely vaccination were maternal age group (OR=3.1; 95%CI: 1.3-7.2; p=0.009; OR=3.3; 95%CI: 1.2-9.1; p=0.02) and maternal general knowledge on expanded vaccination (OR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.0-2.4; p=0.03). The rate of maternal general knowledge on expanded vaccination was 57.5%. CONCLUSION: The rates of complete and timely vaccination are still low, and various factors influence expanded vaccination. The-refore, it is crucial to continue health education campaigns to improve knowledge on expanded vaccination, remind mothers of vaccination schedules, strengthen confidence in vaccination programs and vaccine safety, attract customers to vaccination services, provide adequate healthcare for children, and ensure vaccination activities during disease outbreaks.
Evaluating the Trend of VRE carriages in Health Facilities: A Retrospective Study from 2019-2022.
Cremona A, Bordino V, Vicentini C … +3 more , Morandi M, Vecchietti RG, Zotti CM
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38018764 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug resistance (MDR) are a growing public health threat and pose a risk to patient safety in healthcare facilities. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) are...
BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and multidrug resistance (MDR) are a growing public health threat and pose a risk to patient safety in healthcare facilities. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) are responsible for nosocomial infections and have intrinsic and acquired resistance to many antibiotics, including glycopeptides. VRE carriage can remain undetected, increasing the risk of contact transmission. Identifying colonized patients is crucial for the implementation of preventive measures. AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate the trend of VRE carriage based on rectal swab results between 2019 and February 2022 in a large Italian trust and the percentage of patients with VRE colonization at the time of hospitalization. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study based on results of rectal swabs performed for screening on admission between January 2019 and February 2022 in four hospitals part of a single trust in Turin, North-Western Italy. The study collected data on the date of specimen collection, type of specimen, isolated pathogen and the date of hospital admission. Descriptive analysis of data was performed, and duplicate samples were not considered. RESULTS: From January 2019 to February 2022 we collected 5025 rectal swabs performed in hospitals of the trust, of which 3037 were performed in 2019 (60%), 741 in 2020 (15%), 611 in 2021 (12%) and 636 in the first two months of 2022 (13%). VRE positivity was found in 162 (3%) rectal swabs, of which 2 cases in both 2019 (0.1%) and 2020 (0.3%), 95 in 2021 (15.5%) and 63 in the first two months of 2022 (9.9%). Furthermore, 52% (84/162) of positive rectal swabs were performed at admission, whereas the remaining 48% (78/162) of positive rectal swabs were performed after 48h. CONCLUSIONS: This study found an increasing trend of VRE carriage in the study population during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, highlighting the importance of screening patients for VRE carriage to prevent worsening clinical conditions, environmental contamination, and prolonged hospitalization.
Burnout symptoms, work motivation and their relationships among Italian ICU's nurses after COVID-19 emergency. A multicenter study.
Muschitiello V, Milani M, Marseglia C … +1 more , Damico V
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38018763 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Despite the end of the health emergency, healthcare professionals are at risk of developing long-term mental health problems. The aim of this study was to observe Burnout symptoms and work motivation among In...
BACKGROUND: Despite the end of the health emergency, healthcare professionals are at risk of developing long-term mental health problems. The aim of this study was to observe Burnout symptoms and work motivation among Intensive Care Nurses, one year after admission to the Intensive Care Unit of the last positive SARS-CoV-2 swab patients. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter cross-sectional study design was carried out and a national web-based survey was conducted between April, 2023 and May, 2023 among 21 Italian Intensive Care Units. METHODS: The survey consisted of single- and multiple-choice questions structured into 3 sections: demographic sample data, Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale for the assessment of Burnout-symptoms and Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale for the assessment of work motivation. RESULTS: Four hundred-nine surveyed and questionnaires were included in the study. Of these 272 were male (66.5%). Burnout-related symptoms were identified in at least 79% of ICU nurses. Symptoms of severe Burnout was observed in 169 nurses analysed (41.3%) and they are significantly among nurses who had COVID-19 or positive SARS-COV-2 swab during the pandemic (RR= 1.55; CI= 1.24-1.95, p= .0004) and among nurses with at least one child (RR= 1.37; CI= 1.07-1.76; p= .011). Motivated nurses for the intrinsic motivation's level have been 281 (68.7%). The risk of being intrinsically demotivated is significantly greater among nurses with 5-10 years of work experience (RR= 2.44; CI= 1.48-4.02; p= .0002). Emotional exhaustion was associated in increase in demotivation and introjected estrinsic motivation. Depersonalization was associated with demotivation. Personal accomplishment was associated with increase in external estrinsic motivation and amotivation. CONCLUSIONS: High level of Burnout has been observed among Italian ICU nurses associated with low work motivation after COVID-19 emergency. Interventions and strategies should be adopted to prevent burnout and improve work motivation.
Assessing the Great Resignation phenomenon: voluntary resignation of young Italian workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Borrelli I, Santoro PE, Gualano MR … +2 more , Moscato U, Rossi MF
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38018762 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has determined a radical change in workplace dynamics, with a reported increase in voluntary resignation from employment at a global level, especially among the young-est workers. The...
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has determined a radical change in workplace dynamics, with a reported increase in voluntary resignation from employment at a global level, especially among the young-est workers. The aim of this study is to investigate the social, demographic, and cultural characteristics of young people aged between 25 and 45 years who voluntarily resigned from their previous jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study; an ad hoc questionnaire was designed and admin-istered via an online link. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe the sample, and the Pearson analysis was performed to investigate statistically significant correlations; p values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 72 valid responses were gathered. Mean age was 32.6 years; 43.1% participants were males, 54.2% were married, and 80.6% had no children; most participants (68.1%) had a college level education. The most reported cause of job resignation was work dissatisfaction (38.9%), followed by inadequate remuneration (27.8%). The most reported perspective for people who had resigned or were planning on resigning, was a better salary (27.8%), followed by the pursuit of a higher work-life balance (25.0%). The perception that having resigned was the right choice was significantly correlated with the timeframe of resignation (p<0.01), with having suffered from COVID-19 (p<0.05), and with a close relative having suffered from COVID-19 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that voluntarily resigning was significantly correlated to having suffered from COVID-19, or a close relative having suffered from it; 84.9% of participants who had resigned thought that it had been the right choice. The COVID-19 pandemic could have changed workplace perception, making employees feel more at risk; the indirect impact of the pandemic should be further investigated, and prevention strategies should be implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees.
Missed Physiotherapy Appointment and Its Influence on Cost, Efficiency and Patients' Outcomes.
Fatoye F, Afolabi Olubukola E, Gebrye T … +4 more , Oyewole OO, Fatoye C, Fasuyi F, Mbada CE
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 38018761 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Missed appointments is a significant challenge to efficient running of physiotherapy departments and it has cost implications. In this study, wait time, and pattern, predictors and impact of Missed appointmen...
BACKGROUND: Missed appointments is a significant challenge to efficient running of physiotherapy departments and it has cost implications. In this study, wait time, and pattern, predictors and impact of Missed appointments (MAs) on cost, efficiency and recovery time was assessed among Nigerian patients receiving physiotherapy. METHOD: In this retrospective study a total of 3,243 physiotherapy appointments were booked between 2009 and 2019 at an Outpatient Physiotherapy Clinic in Nigeria. Data were collected on Missed appointments, on costs of of treatment and on socio-demographic characteristics. The total revenue loss due to missed appointments was calculated as a product of the total of Missed appointments and cost per treatment; recovery time was also estimated. RESULTS: Missed appointments were 1,701 out of 3,243 booked (52.5%) and the average wait time for the first appointment was 9.6 ± 23.2 days. The proportion of Missed appointments was higher among females (50.2%), patients who were not resident of the same location as the clinic (45.3%), patients with orthopaedic conditions (56.2%) and patients referred from an orthopaedic surgeon (32.8%). Females, those who live within the city, and those with neurological/medical conditions were 1.68, 1.24, and 1.52 times more likely to have Missed appointments compared to males (OR = 1.68, Confidence intervals = 1.44 - 1.96, p = < 0.001), those who live outside the city (OR = 1.24, CI = 1.05 - 1.46, p = 0.01), and to those who have orthopaedic conditions (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.20 - 1.93, p = < 0.001), respectively. Using per treatment schedule cost of N1000 (an equivalent of $ 2.31), a 52.5% Missed appointments rate resulted in lower efficiency of 76.6% with an efficiency ratio of 0.23. Further, a 52.5% Missed appointments rate could potentially impact patient recovery time by 3402 days if Missed appointments slow a patient recovery process by 2 days. CONCLUSIONS: Missed appointments for physiotherapy treatment pose a significant challenge in terms of costs, efficiency, and patient recovery time. Thus, an innovative reminder system may help reduce patients' non-attendance to physiotherapy and its consequences.
Study of the excess mortality associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the Local Health Authorities and Districts of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia - quinquennium 2017-2021.
Pani SM, Cadoni F, Minerba L
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 37991174 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Based on the indications of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Ministerial Decree n°77/2022, detecting specific populations' social-welfare needs is essential to reorganize the national...
BACKGROUND: Based on the indications of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Ministerial Decree n°77/2022, detecting specific populations' social-welfare needs is essential to reorganize the national and regional health service. The present analysis studies the impact of pandemic and pre-pandemic conditions in terms of mortality on Sardinian health service organizational subunits to indirectly investigate the need for specific social and health interventions. DESIGN: Retrospective observational mortality study on the Sardinian resident population, surveyed by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) from 2017 to 2021. METHODS: The database was built by crossing demographic data from the Istat divided into 21 five-year age groups (0-4 to 100+). Mortality and excess mortality were calculated with a focus on local health authorities and districts. The analysis were made considering three age groups (0-64, ≥ 65, 0-100+) and comparing the individual years 2020 and 2021 with the pre-pandemic triennium 2017-2019. To better understand the phenomenon of excess mortality, the old age index was calculated for the Local Health Authority and District for each year of the quinquennium considered. RESULTS: Standardized mortality ratios increased in the biennium of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic compared to the baseline 2017-2019. A global increaseof the Standardized mortality ratios in all districts (2021) was measured, including those with Standardized mortality ratios already increasing in 2020. Notably, the Standardized mortality ratios (2020 and 2021) were often increased by the 0-64 age group. The regional excess mortality (0-100+) confirmed an increase in mortality compared to the baseline, with a slight decrease from 2020 to 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Sardinia presents peculiar demographic and geographical characteristics. Monitoring mortality rates and excess mortality confirms to be crucial to constantly re-modulating health interventions and planning of the supply of services, including the equitable allocation of resources based on actual health needs. Sardinia should embrace the concept of "age-friendly community" and create communities designed to promote active aging and social participation.
Attitudes and perceptions of Italian Students in Healthcare Settings on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccinations strategies, one year after the immunization campaign.
Bechini A, Vannacci A, Salvati C … +7 more , Crescioli G, Lombardi N, Chiesi F, Shtylla J, Del Riccio M, Bonanni P, Boccalini S
Ann Ig · 2023 Oct · PMID 37916765 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The topic of vaccine confidence is increasingly relevant, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. This issue is even more critical for students in healthcar...
BACKGROUND: The topic of vaccine confidence is increasingly relevant, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. This issue is even more critical for students in healthcare settings, given their future role not only as vaccine recipients but also as advocates for vaccination. In light of this, achieving a good level of vaccine acceptance is crucial. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of healthcare students regarding vaccines and COVID- 19 vaccination. METHODS: Medical and pharmaceutical area students attended an Elective Teaching Activity on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination campaign, organized at the University of Florence (Italy) and participated in filling two anonymous questionnaires. The first questionnaire was submitted before the Elective Teaching Activity was focused on students' attitudes and perceptions toward vaccines. The second questionnaire was designed to evaluate the students' satisfaction with the course topics. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were performed on the results. In addition, the Vaccine Confidence Index was calculated to evaluate the propensity of students toward vaccinations. RESULTS: A total of 423 students attended the Elective Teaching Activity in the early beginnings of 2022. Overall, students have shown greater confidence in vaccines, compared to COVID-19 vaccines, especially as regards the safety profile. Students' Vaccine Confidence Index was very close to 0.25 value, which indicates being in favor of vaccinations. Nevertheless, in the satisfaction questionnaire filled in at the end of the course, the percentage of students in favor of COVID-19 vaccination increased for both medical (from 94% to 99%) and pharmaceutical area students (from 81% to 97%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that educational activities such as this Elective Teaching Activity, could be considered an effective teaching strategy to improve vaccine acceptance rates among students in healthcare settings.
Nurse managers' strategies promoting a Fundamentals of Care-based approach among nurses: A scoping review.
Lombardi Fortino D, Galazzi A, Chiappinotto S … +1 more , Palese A
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 37885356 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: In the last few years, shortcomings in caring for patient needs have promoted a growing interest in the Fundamentals of Care (FoC) to promote the quality of nursing care. However, which strategies nurse man...
INTRODUCTION: In the last few years, shortcomings in caring for patient needs have promoted a growing interest in the Fundamentals of Care (FoC) to promote the quality of nursing care. However, which strategies nurse managers should implement to facilitate a FoC-based nursing care approach have not been mapped to date; therefore, the intent of this study was to map those strategies related to the nurse manager role that have been documented as being capable of promoting (or hindering), a FoC-based approach among nurses. METHODS: A scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases and the conference proceedings of the International Learning Collaborative 2022 Annual International Conference were consulted. Studies exploring the relationship between FoC and nurse managers using any methodology, published from 2008 (year of birth of the FoC movement) to September 2022, in Italian or English, were eligible for inclusion. Findings were categorized narratively, according to their similarities and differences. RESULTS: Four qualitative studies, four discussion papers, two reviews and one mixed-method study, published from 2017 to 2021, predominantly in Australia, were included. Several strategies have emerged as promoting a FoC-based care approach by nurse managers. At the macro level, there is a need to disseminate a culture of attention towards patients that should be incorporated in the strategy of the entire system; moreover, synergies and effective leadership styles should be promoted by also providing education both in the undergraduate and continuing education settings. At the micro levels, among others, the required resources should be available, and the quality of the environment promoted. CONCLUSION: Nurse managers may facilitate a FoC-based approach among nurses through a set of strategies that should be included and considered in their educational pathways.
Home-care educational interventions to prevent complications in patients with Ventricular Assist Devices: a systematic review.
Franceschini G, Talevi G, Maso S … +4 more , Comparcini D, Porfiri M, Cicolini G, Simonetti V
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 37885355 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The implantation of ventricular assist devices is the only effective alternative to cardiac transplantation in patients with chronic heart failure, in terms of survival and quality of life. However, their imp...
BACKGROUND: The implantation of ventricular assist devices is the only effective alternative to cardiac transplantation in patients with chronic heart failure, in terms of survival and quality of life. However, their implantation can lead to physical and psychological complications, potentially preventable, especially in the long term, through patients' education. This research aimed to summarize the current best evidence on educational strategies towards patients after implantation of ventricular assist devices, in home-care setting, to reduce the major related complications, namely driveline infections, gastrointestinal bleeding and psychological complications. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Title and abstract selection, full-text screening, study quality assessment, and data extraction followed the PRISMA protocol and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search was conducted through consultation of databases such as Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science, during the period from March 2022 to December 2022, in relation to English-language articles, from search strings processing and inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Of the 1,231 items identified, 9 were selected because consistent with the inclusion criteria. The most effective educational interventions toward patients with ventricular assist devices were identified, delivered by multidisciplinary teams coordinated by a professional expert in management of ventricular assist devices, and regularly conducted. In particular, gastrointestinal bleeding and driveline infections could be prevented and reduced by complex, multimodal educational interventions, including telephone and app interventions. Educational strategies based on verbal instructions, hands-on demonstrations, innovative technologies, and active involvement of families/caregivers were particularly effective in preventing psychological complications. CONCLUSIONS: Investing time and resources in educating patients with ventricular assist devices is mandatory, given the significant impact of educational outcomes on complications' reduction. Moreover, educational interventions geared towards patient's psychological well-being, brings positive outcomes on patient's compliance too, resulting in promising clinical outcomes. However, more in-depth research is needed, to support professionals in developing effective educational plans for such fragile and complex patients.
How do chronotype and sleep patterns impact young athletes' aerobic performance during Ramadan intermittent fasting?
El-Jaziz A, Lofti S
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37796472 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Ramadan observance has been practiced by many faith groups and cultures worldwide. Mo-reover, recently, it has been adopted as a natural alternative to promote public health. During Ramadan, our circadian rhy...
BACKGROUND: Ramadan observance has been practiced by many faith groups and cultures worldwide. Mo-reover, recently, it has been adopted as a natural alternative to promote public health. During Ramadan, our circadian rhythm can be altered. This study investigates how athletes' chronotype and sleep patterns impact aerobic fitness during Ramadan intermittent fasting. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort design with repeated measurements was adopted. We measured the chronotype, maximal Oxygen Uptake as a measure of aerobic performance, and sleep patterns before and during Ramadan intermittent fasting. Then we explored the correlation among these variables. METHODS: 50 amateur athletes (Mean age = 17.22 years SD = 1.15) from Morocco participated in this study. The maximal Oxygen Uptake was measured with the 20-m shuttle-run test. The chronotype was assessed by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. The sleep timing was assessed by Sleep Timing Question-naire. We also assessed sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We examined the difference between variable means before and during Ramadan, also considering chronotype and sleep patterns of participants. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in sleep quality and maximal Oxygen Uptake during the Ramadan Intermittent Fasting. Also, we found a significant correlation between the chronotype, time in bed and time spent asleep. However, chronotype and sleep quality did not affect maximal Oxygen Uptake during the Ramadan intermittent fasting. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep and chronotype do not influence physical performance during Ramadan Intermittent Fasting. More research is needed to identify the leading cause of the drop in aerobic performance.
Drug utilization and medical expenses in psoriasis treatment at a dermatology hospital in Vietnam, 2019-2021.
Hung NP, Huong VTM, Kieu DTV … +3 more , Quan LT, Minh NTT, Thuy NP
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37796471 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a persistent, chronic, inflammatory cutaneous disorder that recurs frequently and has negative impacts on the living quality of sufferers. METHODS: Data from the Inpatient and Outpatient Depart...
INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis is a persistent, chronic, inflammatory cutaneous disorder that recurs frequently and has negative impacts on the living quality of sufferers. METHODS: Data from the Inpatient and Outpatient Department medical records at Can Tho dermatology hospital were used to generate a descriptive statistics report on medicines and medical costs for psoriasis therapy in 2019-2021. RESULTS: The average number of prescription medications varied annually, averaging roughly 0.62±85.4% per prescription. Corticosteroids and calcipotriol were the most commonly recommended drugs for psoriasis. Antihistamines were the most often used medication, with over 12,000 instances among the 28,397 individuals studied. The peak in average per-treatment expenses occurred in 2021 when they fluctuated between US $120 and US $160. In contrast, examination expenses were the most costly, ranging from US $93-$107. CONCLUSION: The bulk of psoriasis therapy treatments were topical agents, whose quantities rose progressively. Direct examination expenses accounted for the greatest proportion.
Human semen quality and environmental and occupational exposure to pollutants: A systematic review.
Cofone L, Pindinello I, D'Ancona G … +4 more , Grassi F, Antonucci A, Vitali M, Protano C
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37796470 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the correlation between the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants and possible alteration of semen quality, focalizing the attention...
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the correlation between the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants and possible alteration of semen quality, focalizing the attention on the studies performed using a biomonitoring approach. METHODS: The review was conducted from inception to May 11 2023, according to the PRISMA Statement 2020 and using the following databases: Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023405607). Studies were considered eligible if they reported data about the association between exposure to environmental pollutants and alteration of semen quality using human biomonitoring. The quality assessment was carried out by the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. RESULTS: In total, 21 articles were included, conducted in several countries. The main matrices used for biomonitoring were urine and blood and the most sought-after contaminants were bisphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other inorganic trace elements. The results of the studies demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the increase of the pollutants' levels in the biological matrices examined and some alterations of the semen quality indicators, such as a decrease in motility, concentration and morphology of the spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS: Male fertility can be negatively affected by the exposure to environmental and/or occupational pollutants. Human biomonitoring programs may be considered a useful tool for specific surveillance programs devoted to early highlight subjects who are more exposed to environmental pollutants in order to reduce risk exposure.
Analysis of a direct access testing system for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the paediatric population attending school.
Bert F, Lo Moro G, Barbaro S … +6 more , Barbero S, Boietti E, Minutiello E, Sinigaglia T, Fagioli F, Siliquini R
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37796469 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the paediatric population plays a minor role in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, in order to keep schools open and reduce SARS-CoV spreading, it is necessary to ident...
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the paediatric population plays a minor role in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, in order to keep schools open and reduce SARS-CoV spreading, it is necessary to identify and isolate early SARS-CoV-2 positive paediatric patients even if they are asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to describe a setting for SARS-CoV 2 testing based on the spontaneous presentation of paediatric patients attending school without a medical prescription and explore its appropriateness. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study performed between September 2020 and March 2021 among a sample of 13,283 paediatric patients who underwent a swab in four different hospital settings (school hot spot, emergency department, day hospital setting and hospital wards). For each patients we collected: date of swab execution, type of swab, execution setting of the swab, result of the swab, information about community spread of the virus in the 14 days prior to the swab execution, sex and age. RESULTS: In our sample, females accounted for 45.8%. The median age was 6.8 years (IQR 3.0-11.2) and the most frequent age category was between 6 and 11 years (27.9%). At multivariable models with a swab tested positive as outcome. The swabs executed in all the hospital settings had a lower likelihood of resulting positive compared with the school hot spot setting. Compared with adolescents aged between 14 and 19 years old, new-borns below 3 months (adjOR 1.83, 95% C.I. 1.14-3) and patients aged between 11 and 14 years old (adjOR 1.32, 95% C.I. 1.07-1.63) reported a higher probability of a swab tested positive. Instead, children aged between 3 months and 3 years (adjOR 0.77, 95% C.I. 0.61-0.96) and children aged between 3 years and 6 years (adjOR 0.66, 95% C.I. 0.53-0.83) were less likely to result positive. The higher was the mean of pooled Rt in the 14 days preceding the swab, the higher was the likelihood of resulting positive (adjOR 1.75, 95% C.I. 1.53-1.99). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we found a high incidence of paediatric patients positive to the test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 at the school hot spot compared with other settings during the period of observation. The free access modality to the nasopharyngeal swab was effective in identifying patients with COVID-19. Public health authorities should implement these testing modality in order to help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in school settings.
Investigations on the risk factors of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) among under-five children in Depok City, Indonesia.
Wulandari RA, Fauzia S, Kurniasari F
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 37772476 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Acute Respiratory Infections are caused by pathogens that spread rapidly. Acute Respiratory Infections include upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections. According to the World...
BACKGROUND: Acute Respiratory Infections are caused by pathogens that spread rapidly. Acute Respiratory Infections include upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections. According to the World Health Organization (2019), Acute Respiratory Infections rank fourth among diseases that affect children with high morbidity. Indonesia's under-five mortality rate due to Acute Respiratory Infections rank first among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Under-five mortality due to Acute Respiratory Infections in Indonesia accounts for 22.30% of the total under-five mortality cases. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 100 mother and child pairs selected by simple random sampling. Internal and external factors, including nutritional status, maternal age, maternal education level, presence of a smoker in the house, house ownership, household size, temperature, humidity, lighting, ceilings, floors, walls, and ventilation were investigated as the risk factors of Acute Respiratory Infections among under-five children in this study. RESULTS: Our cross-sectional study found that 68 out of 100 under-five children in this study were infected with Acute Respiratory Infections during the study period. Among the risk factors, our multivariate analysis suggests that presence of smokers, maternal age, and inadequate ceiling conditions were the potential determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections among under-five children in Depok City. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of this study, we believe our results could give a comprehensive overview of the risk factors of Acute Respiratory Infections in under-five children.
UNO's Sustainable Development Goals in academic courses: a pilot analysis on the programs of an Italian university.
Saramin A, Del Pin M, Miotto E … +6 more , Smaniotto C, Cadez L, Kodilja R, Marangon F, Parpinel M, Brunelli L
Ann Ig · 2024 · PMID 37724579 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Universities are critical in educating tomorrow's citizens and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Organization. The aim of this study was to investigate the integration of these...
BACKGROUND: Universities are critical in educating tomorrow's citizens and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Organization. The aim of this study was to investigate the integration of these goals in the curricula of an Italian university. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: In February 2021, as part of the annual Syllabus preparation for each course, the teaching staffs at the University of Udine (Italy) were asked to complete an additional section in which they could indicate up to three Sustainable Development Goals for their courses. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to determine whether the professors' sex, age, or department affected the likelihood of mentioning Sustainable Development Goals. RESULTS: In 723 courses, 360/1040 professors 59% male, mean age 53 years (range 30-73), mentioned one (29%), two (23%), or three (31%) Sustainable Development Goals. No Sustainable Development Goals were mentioned in 16% of courses, the majority of which were from the Mathematical, Computer and Physical Sciences Department (58%). The top six Sustainable Development Goals quoted were: Good health and well-being (35%), Responsible consumption and production (22%), Quality education (17%), Industry, innovation and infrastructure (13%), Gender equality (13%), Decent work and economic growth (13%). The least frequently mentioned Goal was Life below water (1%). Women (p<0.0001) and senior professors (p=0.0148) were more likely to consider at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals, while Mathematical, Computer and Physical Sciences Department showed a negative correlation (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Gaps were identified with respect to specific Sustainable Development Goals, but discrepancies between departments may indicate deficits in respondent awareness. A transparent description of the Sustainable Development Goals in courses is recommended, to increase students' and university's engagement in sustainability.
The role of air temperature in Legionella water contamination and legionellosis incidence rates in southern Italy (2018-2023).
Montagna MT, Brigida S, Fasano F … +8 more , Leone CM, D'Ambrosio M, Spagnuolo V, Lopuzzo M, Apollonio F, Triggiano F, Caringella ME, De Giglio O
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37724578 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Legionnaires' disease is caused by inhalation or aspiration of small water droplets contaminated with Legionella, commonly found in natural and man-made water systems and in moist soil. Over the past 5 years,...
BACKGROUND: Legionnaires' disease is caused by inhalation or aspiration of small water droplets contaminated with Legionella, commonly found in natural and man-made water systems and in moist soil. Over the past 5 years, notification rates of this disease have almost doubled in the European Union (EU) / European Environmental Agency (EEA), from 1.4 in 2015 to 2.2 cases per 100,000 population in 2019. Some studies show that the greater presence of the microorganism in the water network and the increase in cases of legionellosis could be related to the variations in some environmental factors, such as air temperature, which may influence the water temperature. STUDY DESIGN: Climate change is currently a prominent topic worldwide because of its significant impact on the natural environment. It is responsible for the increase in numerous waterborne pathologies. The purpose of this study was to correlate the air temperature recorded in Apulia region from January 2018 to April 2023 with the presence of Legionella in the water networks of public and private facilities and the incidence rates of legionellosis during the same period. METHODS: During the period from January 2018 to April 2023, water samples were collected from facilities involved in legionellosis cases and analyzed for Legionella. During the same period, all the cases notified to the regional epidemiological observatory (OER-Apulia) were included in this study. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk test to determine whether the Legionella load was distributed normally, the Wilcoxon rank sum test to compare the air temperatures (average and range) of the negative and positive samples for Legionella detection, and the multivariate analysis (Poisson regression) to compare the Legionella load with the water sample temperature, average air temperature, and temperature range on the day of sampling. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used to compare legionellosis cases between the warmer and colder months. RESULTS: Overall, 13,044 water samples were analyzed for Legionella and 460 cases of legionellosis were notified. Legionella was isolated in 20.1% of the samples examined. The difference in the air temperature between negative samples and positive samples was statistically significant (p-value < 0.0001): on days when water samples tested positive for Legionella a higher temperature range was observed than on days when water samples tested negative (p-value = 0.004). Poisson regression showed a direct correlation between Legionella load, water temperature, and average air temperature. The incidence of legionellosis cases in warmer months was higher than in colder months (p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a significant increase in the load of Legionella in the Apulian water network, and an association between warmer temperatures and legionellosis incidence. In our opinion, further investigations are needed in different contexts and territories to characterize the epidemiology of legionellosis, and to explain its extreme variability in different geographical areas and how these data may be influenced by different risk factors.
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