Annali Di Igiene[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
The Erice 58 Charter on 'The health of migrants. An equity challenge for the public health system'.
Marceca M, Fara GM, Giammanco G … +30 more , Signorelli C, Vitale F, Declich S, Tosti ME, Fabiani M, Mazzucco W, Giorgi Rossi P, Barretta P, Affronti M, La Placa S, Petrona Baviera E, Aragona M, Mazzetti M, Baglio G, Eugeni E, Geraci S, Sparaco A, Immordino P, Russo ML, Giannini D, Turatto F, Gatta A, De Marchi C, De Marchi G, Siena L, Bellini A, Scarso S, Sabato M, Course Participant T5, Of The Final Document TOS
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37476887 · Publisher ↗
The Erice 58 Charter titled "The Health of Migrants: a Challenge of Equity for the Public Health System", was unanimously approved at the conclusion of the 58th Residential Course of the School of Epidemiology and Preven...
The Erice 58 Charter titled "The Health of Migrants: a Challenge of Equity for the Public Health System", was unanimously approved at the conclusion of the 58th Residential Course of the School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine 'Giuseppe D'Alessandro' entitled "The Health of Migrants: a Challenge of Equity for the Public Health System. Epidemiological, clinical-relational, regulatory, organisational, training and public communication aspects at international, national and local level', which took place from 28 March to 2 April 2022 in Erice (Sicily, Italy), at the 'Ettore Majorana' Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture. The Course was promoted by the Italian Society of Migration Medicine (S.I.M.M.) and the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SItI), with the collaboration and patronage of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). 72 learners participated (mainly resident doctors in 'Hygiene and Preventive Medicine' but also other health service professionals), whose average age was 37 years; on the basis of territorial origin, 13 of the 20 Italian regions were represented. During the intense learning experience, which consisted of 18 frontal lessons (with 20 lecturers from the bio-medical, socio-anthropological and journalistic fields) and 7 working group sessions (supported by 4 classroom tutors in addition to the lecturers) in 'blended learning' mode, the various dimensions and critical issues related to the possibility of guaranteeing truly inclusive health policies for foreigners/migrants, throughout the country, were identified and discussed from an 'Health Equity' perspective. This enabled a small editorial group to draw up the basic document that, in the last session of the Course, was discussed and modified by all participants into the version of the 'Erice 58 Charter' presented here.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on overall and exams-related energy drinks consumption among students of the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Šljivo A, Bostandžija A, Arnaout A … +8 more , Blekić A, Dujić T, Aljičević M, Tafi Z, Skopljak A, Kudić B, Kusturica J, Kulo Ćesić A
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37350123 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: A pilot study conducted in academic 2017/18 among undergraduates of the University of Sarajevo showed energy drinks to be most frequently consumed during academic activity, less frequently mixed with alcohol...
BACKGROUND: A pilot study conducted in academic 2017/18 among undergraduates of the University of Sarajevo showed energy drinks to be most frequently consumed during academic activity, less frequently mixed with alcohol in leisure, and rarely in the sports activity. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy drinks consumption among undergraduates of the same University, with a focus on their consumption during exams. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted by an online questionnaire. METHODS: The questionnaire, mainly based on the Consortium Nomisma-Areté questionnaire, was customized to compare energy drinks consumption before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and distributed among students between July 26th, 2020 and April 3rd, 2021. RESULTS: Out of 1,045 students who chose to participate in the study (participation rate of 14.7%), 653 students, mostly women, attending the lower study years, reported energy drinks consumption. Both be-fore and during pandemic, overall energy drinks consumption was most frequently reported as rare [281 (43.9%) before, 326 (51.2%) during the pandemic], and exams-related energy drinks consumption as once or twice a week [156 (43.8%) before, 130 (42.1%) during pandemic]. The pandemic increased the number of frequent consumers (consumption of 4-5 energy drinks per week) in both overall [35 (5.5%) before, 46 (7.2%) during pandemic] and exams-related energy drinks consumption [42 (11.8%) before, 48 (15.5%) during pandemic]. Study year (OR=0.842; 95% CI 0.77-0.921; p<0.001), being single and living alone [OR=0.512; 95% CI 0.296-0.883; p=0.016), or living with a partner and children [OR=0.377; 95% CI 0.168-0.847; p=0.018) were identified as negative independent predictors for exams-related energy drinks consumption, while being a regular smoker (OR=0.429; 95% CI 0.223-0.875; p=0.011) appeared its new negative independent predictor during pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic seemed to decrease both the overall and exam-related energy drinks consumption among undergraduates of the University of Sarajevo with the exception of a portion of already frequent energy drinks consumers.
Correlation of self-esteem with oral hygiene behaviour and oral health status among adult dental patients.
Billa AL, Sukhabogi JR, Doshi D … +2 more , Jummala S, Turaga SS
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37350122 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is a psychological construct that has been consistently linked to general and oral health. However, most studies interpolating self-esteem and oral health behaviour have been focused on children a...
BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is a psychological construct that has been consistently linked to general and oral health. However, most studies interpolating self-esteem and oral health behaviour have been focused on children and adolescents, and there is a dearth of scientific literature on adults. Hence, this study, that is aimed to correlate self-esteem with oral hygiene behaviour and oral health status in Telugu-speaking adult dental patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving adult dental patients who were 35-44 years of age and visited the Government Dental Hospital in Hyderabad city, India, was conducted. Self-esteem was assessed using the Telugu-translated version of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, oral health behaviour was determined using the Oral Hygiene Behaviour Index and oral health assessment was performed using the World Health Organization Dentition status, the modified Community Periodontal Index and the Loss of Attachment. RESULTS: A total of 456 patients were included in this study. Most of the participants reported low self-esteem, with a mean score of 11.8 ± 2.7. Patients with primary school education reported higher self-esteem scores than those with high school and university education (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, low Oral Hygiene Behaviour Index scores (64.9%) in the study population and high Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth scores in females (5.7 ± 4.4; p = 0.09) were noted. None of the variables (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth scores, Oral Hygiene Behaviour, gingival bleeding and Loss of Attachment) were significantly correlated with self-esteem. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that younger age, lower educational level and presence of dental caries resulted in higher odds for high self-esteem (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings indicated a significant association between self-esteem and oral health. Indivi-duals with dental caries had significantly higher odds for high self-esteem. Thus, this study emphasises the relevance of psychosocial factors, such as self-esteem, as the mediator of oral health.
Psychometric properties of the Telugu version of Rosenberg Self-esteem scale (RSES-T).
Billa AL, Sukhabogi JR, Doshi D … +1 more , Jummala S
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37350121 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) is the most commonly used tool for measuring global self-esteem. Till date, RSES has been translated into different languages and the reports are good for their validity...
BACKGROUND: The Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) is the most commonly used tool for measuring global self-esteem. Till date, RSES has been translated into different languages and the reports are good for their validity and reliability. Telugu being the fourth most spoken language in India, it is timely to translate and validate the Telugu version of RSES. The aim of this study thus is to assess the psychometric properties of the Telugu version of Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES-T). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was carried out to assess the psychometric properties of RSES-T among undergraduate students of a dental college. For this purpose, the English version of RSES was translated into Telugu and was administered to the participants along with the revised English version of Self-Liking/Self-Competence Scale (SL/SC-R) to evaluate the construct validity. The internal consistency of RSES-T was assessed using Cronbach´s α and the temporal stability was tested by test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the underlying dimensional structure of the questionnaire by assessing the cor-relation of RSES-T with SL/SC-R. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a positive one-factor structure with Model 3 showing the best fit to data. Internal consistency for RSES-T was found to be good with Cronbach's α of 0.82 at follow-up and the test-retest reliability was found to be satisfactory (0.42) after a two weeks' interval. Furthermore, the item-wise mean score differences showed higher scores for male students than females. Likewise, the item-total correlation of RSES-T showed positive correlation with scores varying from 0.17 to 0.69 at the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Telugu version of RSES exhibited a unidimensional structure and showed good psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, construct validity and reliability. Hence, these findings provide empirical support to evaluate global self-esteem among Telugu speaking population in future.
The hesitancy in the nutritional prevention.
Alonzo E, Bonaccorsi G, Cairella G … +5 more , Carreri V, Guberti E, Nucci D, Panunzio MF, Valerio E
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37313798 · Publisher ↗
Our letter discusses the concept of 'Nutritional Prevention Hesitancy', comparing it to the well-studied phenomenon of 'Vaccine Hesitancy'. Both hesitancies can be fueled by 'infodemics', the rapid spread of accurate and...
Our letter discusses the concept of 'Nutritional Prevention Hesitancy', comparing it to the well-studied phenomenon of 'Vaccine Hesitancy'. Both hesitancies can be fueled by 'infodemics', the rapid spread of accurate and inaccurate information that can lead to public confusion and mistrust in authoritative sources. Drawing parallels between the two, the text highlights that nutritional prevention hesitancy can result in individuals not adopting evidence-based nutritional strategies, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. The text emphasizes the critical role of diet in preventing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, and underscores the need for multifaceted strategies to combat misinformation and promote healthier dietary habits.
Urban-rural disparities in acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination among women in Can Tho, Vietnam.
Tran NT, Phan TNT, Pham TT … +9 more , Le TT, Le HM, Nguyen DT, Lam AN, Pham TT, Le HT, Dang NB, Tran KC, Tran VD
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37313797 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In Vietnam, cervical cancer is a significant public health concern for women. Unfortunately, despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, low vaccination rates persist. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the...
BACKGROUND: In Vietnam, cervical cancer is a significant public health concern for women. Unfortunately, despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, low vaccination rates persist. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the discrepancy between urban and rural areas in the willingness to receive HPV vaccination with or without fees. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 648 women aged between 15 and 49, living in two urban and two rural Vietnamese districts of Can Tho, between May and December 2021. RESULTS: The overall vaccination rate was 4%, with urban women having a higher rate of 4.9% compared to rural women at 3.1%. Among unvaccinated women, those from rural areas expressed a significantly higher desire to receive the free vaccine (91.4%) than urban women (84.4%). However, the intention to vaccinate declined when rural women and urban women were advised to pay the cost (63.4% and 57.1%, respectively). A strong correlation was found between a positive attitude and intention for vaccination, irrespective of its price or free availability. Education and access to information about the HPV vaccine were also identified as the most significant factors influencing the intention to vaccination among urban and rural women. CONCLUSION: The low HPV vaccination rates among women aged 15-49 living in both urban and rural regions of Vietnam are a notable public health concern. These outcomes emphasize the critical need for effective programs of vaccine laterization, as an introduction to the offer of affordable and accessible HPV vaccines for women in Can Tho, Vietnam.
How to reduce erroneous Emergency Department admissions for the frail elderly.
Guarducci G, Lorenzini C, Ciacci D … +3 more , Righi L, Pastorelli M, Nante N
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37219889 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Readmission after a first hospitalization is a common occurrence. It may be due to incomplete treatment, poor care for underlying problems or reflect bad coordination with health services at the time of disch...
BACKGROUND: Readmission after a first hospitalization is a common occurrence. It may be due to incomplete treatment, poor care for underlying problems or reflect bad coordination with health services at the time of discharge. The aim of this study was to identify the factors and classify the pathologies that expose elderly patients to erroneous access to the Emergency/Urgency Department (EUD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2019 we studied patients who had at least one readmission to the EUD in the six months following discharge. All EUD accesses of the same patient that occurred for the problem treated during the previous hospitalization were identified. Data was provided by the University Hospital of Siena. Patients were stratified by age, gender, and municipality of residence. We used an ICD-9-CM coding system to describe health problems. Statistical analysis was carried out with Stata software. RESULTS: We studied 1,230 patients (46.6% females) the mean age was 78.2 ± 14.3. Most of them, 721 (58.6%) were ≥80 years old, 334 (27.1%) were 65-79, 138 (11.2%) were 41-64, and only 37 (3.0%) were ≤40. Patients who lived in Municipality of Siena had a lower probability to return than to those living in other municipalities (OR 0.76; 95%CI: 0.62-0.93; p<0,05). The main causes of readmission for ≥65 years old were "symptoms, signs and ill-defined conditions" (18.3%), "respiratory diseases" (15.0%), "injury and poisoning" (14.1%), "cardiovascular diseases" (11.8%), "classification of factors influencing health status and contact with health services" (9.8%), "genitourinary diseases" (6.6%) and "digestive diseases (5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: We observed that patients residing a greater distance from the hospital facilitates the risk of readmission. The factors that were exposed could be used to identify frequent users and initiate measures to reduce their access.
Long-term consequences in Covid-19 and Non-Covid-19 patients survivors of critical illness. A descriptive study.
Damico V, Margosio V, Nattino G … +1 more , Crimella F
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37184376 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients may develop health problems related to their illness, injury, mechanical ventilation or other treatments. Such problems cannot be totally prevented and can continue after the patient l...
BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients may develop health problems related to their illness, injury, mechanical ventilation or other treatments. Such problems cannot be totally prevented and can continue after the patient leaves the hospital. AIM: To explore the level of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress Intensive Care Unit and quality of life in Intensive Care Unit survivors. A comparison analysis between Covid-19 patients and Non-Covid-19 patients was conducted. METHODS: A prospective observational study exploring psychological, emotional, and behavioral difficulties experienced in patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit was performed. The study was conducted in an Italian adult 8-bed Intensive Care Unit, from July 2020 to April 2021, and followed-up until 25th May 2022. Data were collected during Intensive Care Unit stay (data collection of demographic and clinical characteristics) and 6 and 12 months after Intensive Care Unit discharge (interviews). RESULTS: A total of 143 patients participated in the study, of which 54 were admitted for Covid-19 (37.76%). Depression symptoms were observed more among Non-Covid-19 patients compared to Covid-19 patients at six months (p= .037) and 12 months (p< .001) after Intensive Care Unit discharge. The quality of life perceived by the Intensive Care Unit patients surveyed improved between 6 and 12 months after discharge (Eq-VAS mean=62.03, + 11.2 vs Eq-VAS mean=66.6, + 9.8) (p=.034). Six months after Intensive Care Unit discharge, the mean of the perception of quality of life, for Covid-19 patients was 63.91 (sd ± 9.30), greater than Non-Covid-19 patients of the same period, which was 60.18 (sd ± 8.63) (p= .038). CONCLUSIONS: Within 1 year from the acute infection, most hospital survivors of Covid-19 had good physical and functional recovery over time with better outcomes than other Intensive Care Unit patients and had returned to their original work and life.
The Communicative-Relational Operating Model of the Italian National Institute of Health for an Effective Telephone Intervention in Public Health, Structured on Basic Counselling Skills.
Luzi AM, Colucci A, Gallo P … +6 more , De Mei B, Mastrobattista L, De Santis M, Pacifici R, Taruscio D, Gallo C
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37184351 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Communication has a crucial role in public health, because it becomes an essential component of prevention; it is also a proactive tool in health promotion. From a planning perspective, it is appropriate to...
INTRODUCTION: Communication has a crucial role in public health, because it becomes an essential component of prevention; it is also a proactive tool in health promotion. From a planning perspective, it is appropriate to use communication means that can help the bidirectional communication process, such as face-to-face communication and telephone communication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In relation to this, the Italian National Institute of Health has developed the "Modello Operativo Comunicativo-Relazionale" (the "Communicative-Relational Operating Model"). It is based on the fundamental skills of the counselling, this gives a protocol to the health professionals that is replicable and organized and it allows health professionals to carry out a telephone communication that is efficient with the user through technical-scientific and communication-relational skills. The goal is to answer in a customized way to the various users' health needs. The Operating Model was created by experts of the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Helpline of the Operational Unit of Psycho-Socio-Behavioural Research, Communication, Training, of the Infectious Diseases Department. Later, the Operating Model was proposed to the experts of the Helplines in the National Centre on Addictions and Doping and the National Helpline of the National Centre for Rare Diseases in the National Institute of Health that integrated this method into their telephone approach. RESULTS: The Operating Model illustrated above was applied to several helplines of the National Institute of Health as an example of correct scientific information, updated and customized on sexual transmitted infections, addictions and rare diseases. CONCLUSIONS: This article aims to illustrate the Operating Model, the theoretical prerequisites that subtend it and its possible application in the different public health structures that use the telephone for a profes-sional relationship with their users.
Evaluating the effect of COVID-19 incidence on Emergency Departments admissions. Results from a retrospective study in Central Italy during the first year of pandemic.
Quercioli C, Bosco R, Bova G … +5 more , Mandò M, De Marco MF, Dei S, Gusinu R, Messina G
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37082931 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the Healthcare System, changing the patterns of Emergency Department access. In fact, accesses for trauma and less severe cases decreased significantly. This...
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the Healthcare System, changing the patterns of Emergency Department access. In fact, accesses for trauma and less severe cases decreased significantly. This decline has generally been attributed to both the effects of the lockdown, imposed by the government, and the fear of being infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital. However, the correlation between these elements is not yet clear, since the accesses to the Emergency Department did not increase either at the end of the lockdown or in the summer when the epidemiological situation was more favorable. Aim: To evaluate the association between trends of Emergency Department accesses and COVID-19 incidence in 2020. METHODS: Data on Emergency Department accesses, by month and severity triage code, from 14 hospitals in southeastern Tuscany (Italy) were obtained from hospitals' data warehouse. Official data on new cases of COVID-19 infection were used to calculate incidence. Hospitals were classified into 4 categories. Differences in Emergency Department access by month, triage code, and hospital type were investigated using Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Association between Emergency Department accesses and COVID-19 incidence was evaluated using a random-effect panel data analysis, adjusting for hospital type and triage code. RESULTS: The trend of 268,072 Emergency Department accesses decreases substantially at the first pandemic peak; thereafter, it increased and decreased again until the minimum peak in November 2020. COVID-19 incidence appeared to be overlapping with an inverse direction. Monthly differences were significant (p<0.01) except for most severe codes. There was a significant inverse association between Emergency Department accesses and COVID-19 incidence (Coef. =-0.074, p<0.001) except for most severe cases (triage code 1: Coef. =-0.028, p=0.154). CONCLUSION: Emergency Department admissions trend followed the COVID-19 incidence, except for the most severe cases. Fear of infection seems to discourage patients from accessing Emergency Department for illnesses perceived as not serious.
Ensuring safety requirement to home food and home restaurant: focus on a regional experience based on sector legislation, and future perspectives.
Marzocca P, Daleno D, Orsi GB … +2 more , Napoli C, Marcotrigiano V
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37082930 · Publisher ↗
The sharing economy provides many new business opportunities, particularly in local areas where culinary traditions guarantee major appreciable sensorial features. In this context, home food and home restaurant find thei...
The sharing economy provides many new business opportunities, particularly in local areas where culinary traditions guarantee major appreciable sensorial features. In this context, home food and home restaurant find their place. The first one refers to businesses that, in a home kitchen or in premises used mainly as a private home, produce food for retail, while the second one is defined as food businesses producing and administering food and beverages in a private dwelling house. This manuscript analyses the sector legi-slation applicable to these new business forms, the adherence to the requirements prescribed by the recent guidelines, the executive compliance applicable to the inspection phases, as well as the perspectives and future challenges that healthcare workers designated for food safety official controls will face.
The "Nutritional Prevention" within Italy's National Prevention Plan 2020-25.
Alonzo E, Bonaccorsi G, Cairella G … +5 more , Carreri V, Guberti E, Nucci D, Panunzio MF, Valerio E
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37082929 · Publisher ↗
Italy's National Prevention Plan 2020-25 is the first to address nutritional prevention, highlighting its importance in combating chronic diseases. This letter discusses the relationship between food safety, nutritional...
Italy's National Prevention Plan 2020-25 is the first to address nutritional prevention, highlighting its importance in combating chronic diseases. This letter discusses the relationship between food safety, nutritional security, and the need for nutritional prevention in the plan. Chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, are significant public health concerns in Italy, with poor nutrition being a critical risk factor. Incorporating nutritional prevention can promote healthy eating habits, food security and sustainability, reduce healthcare costs, and promote social cohesion and equality. Successful implementation will require cooperation among the government, the private sector, and the civil society to ensure healthier food choices and prevent chronic diseases in Italy.
Knowledge, attitudes and adherence towards influenza and other vaccinations among healthcare workers at the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy, during the first COVID-19 pandemic season (2020/2021).
Costantino C, Bonaccorso N, Balsamo F … +15 more , Belluzzo M, Carubia A, D'Azzo L, Grimaldi F, Sciortino M, Vitello T, Zagra L, Graziano G, Maida CM, Maida CM, Pieri A, Mazzucco W, Tramuto F, Vitale F, Restivo V
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37057652 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Increasing adherence to influenza vaccination among healthcare workers is a public health priority, stated that actually remains far below than international recommendations. During the 2020/2021 pandemic sea...
BACKGROUND: Increasing adherence to influenza vaccination among healthcare workers is a public health priority, stated that actually remains far below than international recommendations. During the 2020/2021 pandemic season, COVID-19 vaccines were not yet available until the end of December 2020, and influenza vaccines were the only one available to protect against seasonal respiratory diseases. The main objective of the present study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and adherence to influenza and other vaccinations recommended by the National Immunization Plan 2017-2021 for healthcare workers. METHODS: Enrollment lasted from October and December 2020 at the vaccination unit of the University Hospital of Palermo. Data were collected through an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire, divided into 5 sections and 31 items. RESULTS: Among 734 healthcare professionals that completed the survey, a significantly higher adherence to influenza vaccination was observed among healthcare workers that were more prone to receive COVID-19 vaccination (OR=4.02; 95% CI: 1.63-9.91). Moreover, higher influenza vaccination rates were observed among healthcare professionals that received influenza vaccination during previous 2019/2020 season (OR=15.3; 95% CI: 5.17-45.1) and that were favorable to the possible impact on increasing adherence of influenza mandatory vaccination (OR=4.88; 95% CI: 2.43-9.80). CONCLUSIONS: Propensity of healthcare workers to undergo vaccinations recommended in the National Immunization Plan increased during the first pandemic season. At the end of the vaccination season, flu vaccination coverage reached highest rates ever at the University Hospital of Palermo (around 60%), remaining anyway below the recommended minimum value of 75%. During next seasonal flu vaccination campaigns, it becomes essential to promote communication and information strategies to increase flu vaccination among healthcare workers, also focusing on co-administration with the anti-COVID-19 booster/seasonal doses.
Occupational exposure to work-related stress, a proposal of a pilot study to detect psychological distress in collar-workers.
Borrelli I, Rossi MF, Santoro PE … +4 more , Gualano MR, Tannorella BC, Perrotta A, Moscato U
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 37057651 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Work-related psychosocial risks have been identified as significant occupational health and safety risks; the occupational physicians must assess and monitor the health status of workers in order to verify...
INTRODUCTION: Work-related psychosocial risks have been identified as significant occupational health and safety risks; the occupational physicians must assess and monitor the health status of workers in order to verify that work is not a source of harm to exposed operators. The aim of the study was to investigate the outcomes related to anxiety and depression traits in workers exposed to stress-related work. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to a large population of Italian public administration workers; the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure depression, the Self rating Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety, the UK Management Standards Indicator tool questionnaire was used to assess work adjustment. A descriptive analysis, a multivariate analysis, as well as logistic regression models were used to assess the health outcomes related to stress. RESULTS: A total of 292 workers participated in the study; 100% of participants had a Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale score over the cut-off; 41.78% had a Self rating Anxiety Scale score over the cut-off; the results support a correlation between the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale results and the UK Management Standards Indicator tool results; and a correlation between Self-rating Anxiety Scale results and the UK Management Standards Indicator tool results. CONCLUSIONS: The Demand, Management, Support and Relationship results were associated with mental health outcomes, and it could be a useful tool in occupational medicine, to identify workers at risk for negative mental health outcomes, becoming an essential tool in workers' health assessment and for prevention of mental health disorders.
Evaluating attitudes, behaviors, and relevant factors in dispensing antibiotics without prescription by pharmacies: a cross-sectional study in Vietnam.
Hung PN, Phu HL, Huong VTM … +5 more , Phuong TN, Tuong VL, Tram HN, Vinh QD, Minh NL
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36960886 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To standardize a questionnaire about drug dispensers' attitudes and behaviors in dispensing antibiotics without prescription, and to evaluate drug dispensers' attitudes, behaviors, and relevant factors in dis...
OBJECTIVES: To standardize a questionnaire about drug dispensers' attitudes and behaviors in dispensing antibiotics without prescription, and to evaluate drug dispensers' attitudes, behaviors, and relevant factors in dispensing antibiotics without prescription at community pharmacies in Can Tho City, Vietnam. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Can Tho City, Vietnam from June to December 2022. A self-administered questionnaire designed according to the Theory of Planned Behavior was used for data collection. The questionnaire was composed of 33 statements scored on the 5-point Likert scale, which was completed by interviews with 180 pharmacy dispensers to Can Tho. Exploratory Factor Analysis was also utilized to uncover major determinants of dispensing antibiotics without prescription. RESULTS: Of the 180 participants, 65% of drug dispensers were female (n=117), 59.4% were university graduates (n= 107), and 80.6% had experience of less than 10 years (n=145). A pharmacy is the first destination people think about when they have a health issue. Unfortunately, dispensing antibiotics without a valid prescription is not in compliance with governmental regulations. In the study, perceived behavioral control factors were found to be the most critical determinants of the behavior, followed by subjective norms. By contrast, attitudinal factors presented no impact on intention to dispensing antibiotics without prescription. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of non-prescription is primarily influenced by the perception of the distributors and external factors. Developing interventions is necessary to increase public awareness of the misuse and misunderstanding of antibiotics.
The Sapienza count-down for a healthy and sustainable diet.
Donini LM, Berry EM, Pinto A … +4 more , Giusti AM, Muzzioli L, Lenzi A, Poggiogalle E
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36896954 · Publisher ↗
The prevalence of obesity and of other non-communicable diseases related to overnutrition is significantly increasing in the past few years. Policy makers are called to counteract this pandemic, orienting consumers towar...
The prevalence of obesity and of other non-communicable diseases related to overnutrition is significantly increasing in the past few years. Policy makers are called to counteract this pandemic, orienting consumers towards a healthier and more sustainable diet. Most of the proposed initiatives are dedicated to the content of nutrients with "unfavourable" effects but, in fact, focusing the attention only or mainly on single foods or nutrients is not effective in decreasing the incidence/prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Whole dietary patterns play by far a more important role than specific dietary components in promoting health and modulating survival; and the adherence to eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases. The challenge is therefore to be able to transmit information relating to a healthy eating pattern through positive messages in a few simple indications which in turn represent the nutritional, but also the socio-cultural, environmental and economic characteristics of a healthy and sustainable dietary model. The Mediterranean Diet is normally proposed through a graphic depiction that represents a pyramid which is a simple and effective representation but not of immediate impact. For this reason, we are proposing to adopt the "Sapienza Count-down for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet" that will integrate the pyramid with a more immediate approach.
National Recovery and Resilience Plan and Health: qualitative analysis on the sustainability of the interventions on healthcare.
Cascini F, Gentili A
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36866601 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Sars-CoV2 epidemic was the cause of death of more than 180,000 Italian citizens. The sever-ity of this disease showed to policymakers how easily Italian health services, and particularly hospitals, could be o...
BACKGROUND: Sars-CoV2 epidemic was the cause of death of more than 180,000 Italian citizens. The sever-ity of this disease showed to policymakers how easily Italian health services, and particularly hospitals, could be overwhelmed by requests and needs from patients and the general population. As a consequence of the clogging of health services, the government decided to allocate a consistent investment to the com-munity and proximity assistance with a specific section (Mission 6) of the so called "National Recovery and Resilience Plan". OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyse the economic and social impact of the Mission 6 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with particular regard to the most relevant interventions (Community Homes, Community Hospitals, Integrated Home Care), in order to understand its future sustainability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative research methodology was chosen. Documents containing all the relevant information regarding the sustainability of the plan (called in short "Sustainability Plan") were taken into consideration. In case of missing data regarding the potential costs or expenditure of the afore-mentioned structures, estimates will be made reviewing literature for similar healthcare services, already implemented and active in Italy. Direct content analysis was chosen as the methodology for data analysis and final reporting of results. RESULTS: The National Recovery and Resilience Plan states that it will create savings of up to €1.18 bil-lion thanks to the re-organization of healthcare facilities, the reduction of hospitalizations, the reduction of inappropriate access to the emergency room, and the containment of pharmaceutical expenditure. This amount will be used to cover the salaries for the healthcare professionals employed in the newly planned healthcare structures. The analysis of this study has taken into account the number of healthcare profes-sionals that will be needed to operationalize the new facilities, as described in the plan and compared them with the reference salaries for each category (doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers). The annual cost for healthcare professionals has been stratified for each structure, with the following results: € 540 million for the personnel of the Community Hospitals ("Ospedali di Comunità"); € 1.1 billion for the personnel of Integrated Home Care Assistance ("Assistenza Domiciliare Integrata"); and € 540 million for the personnel of Community Homes ("Case della Comunità"). DISCUSSION: The expected € 1.18 billion expenditure is implausible to be sufficient to cover the cost for salaries of all the healthcare professionals needed, which is expected to be around € 2 billion. The National Agency for the Regional Healthcare Services ("Agenzia nazionale per i servizi sanitari regionali") calculated that in Emilia-Romagna (the only region in Italy to have already implemented a healthcare structure based on the one described in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan), the activation of Community Hospitals and Community Homes reduced the rate of inappropriate access to emergency rooms by 26% (while in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan expectation is a reduction of at least by 90% for "white codes", the identified code for stable and not urgent patients). Moreover, the hypothesis for the daily cost of stay in the Community Hospital is roughly € 106, while the average current cost in the active Community Hospitals in Italy is € 132 (much higher than the National Recovery and Resilience Plan estimate). CONCLUSION: The underlying principle of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan is highly valuable since it strives to enhance the quality and the quantity of the healthcare services in the country that are too often left out of national investments and programs. Nevertheless, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan has critical issues due to the superficial prevision of cost. The success of the reform appears to be established by decision makers and by their long-term prospective, oriented to overcome the resistance to change.
Impact of the healthcare reorganization of the Local Health Authority services in Rieti (Italy) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
De Luca A, Flammini G, Vittorini P … +7 more , Muselli M, Mastrantonio R, Cipollone C, Gentile M, Petti A, D'Innocenzo M, Fabiani L
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36795478 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The need to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced national and local organizations to define and implement targeted emergency response and management measures. As the knowledge about the in...
BACKGROUND: The need to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced national and local organizations to define and implement targeted emergency response and management measures. As the knowledge about the infection grew, a wider range of organizational measures were deployed. METHODS: This study involves the SARS-CoV-2 infected people managed by the Local Health Authority of Rieti (Italy). Diagnostic test waiting times and hospital admission rates in the Province of Rieti are investigated as the pandemic evolved. Trends were analyzed in relation to the tempora spreading of SARS-CoV-2, to the organizational actions taken by the Local Health Authority of Rieti, and to the deployment of actions across the territory. A municipalities classification of the province of Rieti was conducted after a cluster analysis based on the diagnostic test waiting times and the hospital admission rates. RESULTS: Our findings show a declining trend, thus indicating a possible positive effect of the measures taken to contain the pandemic. The cluster analysis of the municipalities of the Province of Rieti makes evident an inhomogeneous geographical distribution of examined parameters (diagnostic test waiting times and the hospital admission rates), demonstrating the capability of Local Health Authority of Rieti to reach even the most disadvantaged areas and implying that the differences are due to the demographical variabilities. CONCLUSION: Despite some limitations, this study outlines the importance of management measures in response of the pandemic. These measures should adapt to social, cultural and geographical nature of the territory involved. The findings of the present study will contribute to the update of further pandemic preparedness plans of the Local Health Authorities.
Reshaping EU Legislation for Air Pollution Control: Main Features of the Proposed Directive in Comparison with the US Legislation.
Vinceti SR
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36753334 · Publisher ↗
In October 2022, the European Commission released a draft of a new Directive aimed at securing more effective control and prevention of outdoor air pollution in Europe through the recasting and update of previous Europea...
In October 2022, the European Commission released a draft of a new Directive aimed at securing more effective control and prevention of outdoor air pollution in Europe through the recasting and update of previous European legislation. The proposal is intended to reshape the current regulations in the field within the EU and its implementation at the Member State level and achieve lower air pollution in light of the recent advancements in environmental health and novel indications in the field from the World Health Organization. In addition, the proposed Directive provides a legal framework for air pollution control that falls within the wider legal context of the EU Green Deal and NextGenerationEU initiatives. The new rules are also remarkably consistent with corresponding and updated US regulations, though stricter in terms of air pollution control and more open to interactions with local authorities. In sum, the proposed EU Directive appears to take better stock of the emerging scientific evidence on the adverse effects of air pollution and may provide an effective legal instrument for adequate public health protection.
Reorganizing Italy's Territorial Healthcare: the Ministerial Decree No. 77/2022 and its Comparative Significance.
Vinceti SR
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36753333 · Publisher ↗
As approved by the European Commission in 2021, Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan encompasses a far-reaching reform in the governance and structure of the national health service (NHS) that should shift the f...
As approved by the European Commission in 2021, Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan encompasses a far-reaching reform in the governance and structure of the national health service (NHS) that should shift the focus of assistance from large, centralized hospitals to a tight network of numerous smaller health centers dislocated in the country. In this respect, the adoption of the Ministerial Decree no. 77 on May 23, 2022, represented a key step in the execution of the intended reform, to the extent that the Decree set forth the main terms of the primary care reorganization process. This review summarizes the key elements of the Decree, foreshadows its legal and public health implications, acknowledges the uncertainties about the economic feasibility of the reform, and highlights its possible comparative significance for health systems facing similar challenges, especially those - such as the UK NHS - that share a comparable type of funding system and organizational framework.
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