Annali Di Igiene[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Late diagnosis of HIV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary insights from an Infectious Diseases Unit in Apulia.
Bruno G, Buccoliero GB
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36626188 · Publisher ↗
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many HIV outpatient clinics were temporarily closed or their activities were reduced. Similarly, many infectious disease wards were converted into COVID-19 Units. Thus, an increase in late H...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many HIV outpatient clinics were temporarily closed or their activities were reduced. Similarly, many infectious disease wards were converted into COVID-19 Units. Thus, an increase in late HIV diagnoses was expected due to reduced access to testing, screening services and consultation with HIV infection specialists. A higher rate of late HIV diagnoses was reported during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the period before COVID-19. We analyzed all consecutive individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in our Center between January 1, 2017 and September 30, 2022. We did not observe differences in terms of late HIV diagnoses and AIDS between the two periods.
Stroke and the need for immediate assistance at the place of onset: the future of mandatory training for lay people in Italy.
Stirparo G, Pireddu R, Kacerik E … +5 more , Scognamiglio T, Andreassi A, Sechi GM, Zoli A, Signorelli C
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36515583 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Lay training is essential to manage emergencies properly, although patients or bystanders need increased recognition of medical urgencies such as strokes. In Italy, as defined by Legislative Decree 81/08, a...
INTRODUCTION: Lay training is essential to manage emergencies properly, although patients or bystanders need increased recognition of medical urgencies such as strokes. In Italy, as defined by Legislative Decree 81/08, all companies must train employees responsible for correctly recognizing and managing medical emergencies. Our study aims to evaluate the characteristics of medical emergencies concerning patients with a possible stroke in the Lombardy Region. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted. All missions performed by Regional Agency for Emergencies and Urgencies (Agenzia Regionale Emergenza Urgenza - AREU) in which the patient presented a possible stroke, recorded in the SAS-Areu database, were analyzed. The study period was from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. RESULTS: 10,201 patients with possible stroke were rescued, of whom only 540 (5.3%) occurred in workplaces. In workplaces, the percentage of males with a possible stroke was higher (62.2% vs 45.2%; p<0.01) and the mean age of rescued patients was lower (64.7 vs 77.5; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A stroke occurs less frequently in the workplace, while most events occur at home. Man-datory training on early stroke recognition should be extended to schools and conveyed through a media information campaign. Lay training is the first point in the chain of survival; redefining training is critical for the future.
Nutraceuticals and their role in promoting musculo-skeletal healthy aging.
Alalwan TA
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36515582 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Aging is a complex and gradual biological process that represents the major risk factor with respect to the development of chronic degenerative diseases, often associated with disability. Diet and nu-trition,...
BACKGROUND: Aging is a complex and gradual biological process that represents the major risk factor with respect to the development of chronic degenerative diseases, often associated with disability. Diet and nu-trition, coupled with proper physical activity have a significant impact on the health status of the elderly with a decreased risk of disease being indicative of successful aging. Musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia are the most frequently reported disorders among the elderly community. METHODS: This study presents a systematic review of the literature on the potential benefits of several nutra-ceuticals in promoting healthy aging and in reducing the risk of chronic diseases in elderly individuals. RESULTS: Dietary components including vitamins (vitamin C, B vitamin and vitamin K) flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, anthocyanins, and isoflavones), minerals (e.g., magnesium, zinc and potassium) and other nutrients such phytoestrogens, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids help in slowing the aging process, which ultimately results in increased lifespan and longevity. CONCLUSIONS: This paper highlights the key nutrients and phytochemicals of nutraceutical importance for the healthy aging of the elderly population. Although the scientific literature provides evidences of therapeutic effectiveness of nutraceuticals, more in-depth clinical investigations are needed.
Disinfecting Slush Machines by an Innovative Near Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode (UV LED) Technological System.
Salini C, Amodeo D, Cevenini G … +3 more , Nante N, De Palma I, Messina G
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36477098 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Microbial contamination of food and beverages is a topic of great interest. The most innovative technologies take advantage from UV light. This study aimed to evaluate a possible configuration of a nUV LED de...
BACKGROUND: Microbial contamination of food and beverages is a topic of great interest. The most innovative technologies take advantage from UV light. This study aimed to evaluate a possible configuration of a nUV LED device at a wavelength of 405 nm installed on slush machines in order to reduce the microbial contamination. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Study Design and Methods. The study was conducted in the Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Italy. A nUV LED device with 408 nm wavelength was installed and used on the slush machines. The inner walls of the machine tanks were fouled with contaminated slush, to evaluate the effectiveness of nUV radiation in reducing microbial contamination over time. RESULTS: Experiment results on the slush machine showed a statistically significant logarithmic microbial reduction, in relation with the distance from the nUV LED light source. It has also been shown that the reduction of microbes is possible with a proper management of some parameters: the exposure time, the power and wavelength of the light source, the distance and the obstacles between the light source and the target to be irradiated. CONCLUSION: To reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases it is necessary to take all necessary precautionary measures, and the use of nUV technology has proved to be a crucial element in achieving this goal.
The safety of pneumococcal vaccines at the time of sequential schedule: data from surveillance of adverse events following 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal and 23-valent polysaccharidic pneumococcal vaccines in newborns and the elderly, in Puglia (Italy), 2013-2020.
Di Lorenzo A, Martinelli A, Bianchi FP … +4 more , Scazzi FL, Diella G, Tafuri S, Stefanizzi P
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36477097 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, two types of anti-pneumococcal vaccine are available: pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), first licensed in the United States (US) in 2013, and pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccaridic va...
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, two types of anti-pneumococcal vaccine are available: pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), first licensed in the United States (US) in 2013, and pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccaridic vaccine (PPSV23), first licensed in the US in 1999. These vaccines are recommended in Italy for the immunization of newborns and of the elderly, using a combined sequential schedule for the latter. This report aims to describe the PCV13- and PPSV23-related AEFIs notified in Puglia in 2013-2020, in order to design these products' safety profile in a real-life scenario, three years after the official recommendation about the sequential schedule for people over 60 years of age. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. Data were gathered from the list of AEFIs notified following PCV13 and PPSV23 administration in Puglia in 2013-2020. The number of administered vaccine doses was obtained from the regional immunization database. AEFIs were classified according to WHO's algorithm, and causality assessment was carried out in case of serious AEFIs. RESULTS: From January 2013 to December 2020, 764,183 doses of PCV13 and 40,382 doses of PPSV23 were administered in Puglia. In the same period, 71 PCV13 AEFIs (Reporting Rate: 9.29 x100,000 doses) and 5 PPSV23 AEFIs (Reporting Rate: 12.4 x100,000 doses) were reported. The overall male/female ratio in AEFIs was 0.85. The majority of AEFIs occurred in subjects aged less than 2 (64/76, 84.2%), while 10 out of 76 (13.2%) occurred in patients aged 60 or older. 22 AEFIs were classified as serious and for 12 (54.5%) causality assessment showed a consistent relationship with immunization. The most commonly reported symptoms were fever (Reporting Rate: 4.72 x100,000 doses) and neurological symptoms (Reporting Rate: 3.23 x100,000 doses). Only one death was notified, classified as non-vaccine-related. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of pneumococcal vaccination appears to be greater than the risk of AEFIs for both PCV13 and PPSV23. In fact, AEFIs occur in less than 0.1‰ of patients and the majority of AEFIs are mild and self-limiting.
Factors Influencing Water Consumption in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Environmental Consequences of Bottled Water Consumption.
Freije AM, Hammad LH, Al-Mannai M … +1 more , Perna S
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36354162 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The drinking of bottled water has remarkably increased at a global scale even in the regions possessing other adequate water sources. This study elaborates on the factors influencing the consumption of tap, f...
BACKGROUND: The drinking of bottled water has remarkably increased at a global scale even in the regions possessing other adequate water sources. This study elaborates on the factors influencing the consumption of tap, filtered, and bottled water in the Kingdom of Bahrain and on the environmental consequences of bottled water consumption. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 483 participants in the Kingdom of Bahrain between April and May 2019. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to assess the preferred water type, to estimate the amount of bottled water consumption per year/capita, and other water consumption-related information. RESULTS: The study revealed that filtered (35.90%) and bottled (34.50%) waters were predominantly consumed in the Kingdom, while the consumption of tap water was negligible (8.90%). The total consumption of bottled water was 0.51 liters/day, which is equivalent to 184.69 liters/year. Thus, 295.50 liters/capita/year of bottled water were consumed based on the approximate 1.6 million population in 2019. This consumption rate is extremely high in comparison to other countries. CONCLUSIONS: The study recommended improving population satisfaction of tap water, conducting tap water marketing campaigns, investments in recycling infrastructures, and introducing educational plans to properly dispose of water bottles.
Tuberculosis incidence and its socioeconomic determi-nants: developing a parsimonious model.
Sorokina M, Ukubayev T, Koichubekov B
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36255408 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a widespread communicable disease, which is one of the top 10 causes of demise globally. Several regression models have been built, and then utilized for the Tuberculosis incidence projections...
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a widespread communicable disease, which is one of the top 10 causes of demise globally. Several regression models have been built, and then utilized for the Tuberculosis incidence projections. However, when fitting a multiple linear regression model, an analysis must account for multicollinearity aspects. The present study aimed to develop a parsimonious model that produces unbiased results based on socioeconomic variables as predictors of Tuberculosis incidence. STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHODS: Data were collected from the Karaganda Regional Center of Phthisio-pulmonology and Bureau of National Statistics. By multiple linear regression model, we investigated associations between Tuberculosis incidence rate and socioeconomic determinants in Karaganda region, Kazakhstan, during 2001-2019. A Principal components analysis was performed on the socioeconomic variables with oblique rotation. Furthermore, associations of Tuberculosis incidence with the principal components derived from the Principal components analysis were assessed. RESULTS: The incidence of Tuberculosis in Karaganda region decreased over the period of 2001-2019. Economic development and healthcare capacity were negatively correlated with Tuberculosis incidence. A multiple linear regression equation on Tuberculosis incidence (y) was developed with economic development (x1) and healthcare capacity (x2) clustering two components (utilizing Principal components analysis) to eliminate collinearity: y = 1442 - 454.3x1 - 211.4x2. The incidence of Tuberculosis decreased with the increase of economic development and healthcare capacity. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the study indicated that economic development and healthcare capacity are closely associated with the incidence of Tuberculosis. The findings support the implementation of optimal preventive measures for Tuberculosis control, including improving the level of economic status, increasing social protection, health expenditure, and strengthening health sector capacity, which are key determinants of the incidence of Tuberculosis.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of Emergency Departments in Italy.
Sanmarchi F, Golinelli D, Lenzi J … +3 more , Grilli R, Fantini MP, Gori D
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36255407 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: During 2020, COVID-19 had a diversified distribution in Italy, the first nation in Europe to experience the outbreak of the epidemic. This was linked to geographical differences in population density and dist...
BACKGROUND: During 2020, COVID-19 had a diversified distribution in Italy, the first nation in Europe to experience the outbreak of the epidemic. This was linked to geographical differences in population density and distribution of healthcare facilities, including Emergency Departments (EDs). This study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on ED utilization in 2020 across different subpopulations and geographical locations in Italy. METHODS: We used anonymized data from a survey conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics on 25,000 families to analyze the yearly rate of people who used EDs from 2015 to 2020. The rate of persons who accessed ED services in 2020 per 1,000 population was compared with those of the previous non-pandemic years. RESULTS: The number of people accessing EDs in 2020 was 32.3% lower, although this reduction was not uniform across the 21 regions / autonomous provinces. People aged 0-14 years experienced the highest reduction in ED visits. In 2020, low educational level people exhibited a steeper reduction in the use of EDs. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant drop in EDs use especially by children; the population section mostly affected by the effects of the pandemic. This study also confirms that education and socio-economic status are important determinants of ED use. The heterogeneous reduction in ED use across the regions of Italy highlights the need to further investigate the impact of this pattern on the health of the population, as well as to define adequate preparedness strategies to face future emergencies.
COVID-19 vaccination: public preference and intention in Vietnam.
Tran VD, Huynh TMD, Pham DT … +3 more , Le MH, Dorofeeva VV, Dewey RS
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36222608 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUNDS: Understanding public opinion in relation to vaccination is critical, as there are several COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess public COVID-19 vaccine preferences and int...
BACKGROUNDS: Understanding public opinion in relation to vaccination is critical, as there are several COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess public COVID-19 vaccine preferences and intention in Can Tho, Vietnam. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed between September 20 and October 20, 2021. in people aged 18 and over living in Can Tho, Vietnam, A questionnaire captured demographic information, vaccination intention, preference for vaccine selection, and barriers and motivations related to COVID-19 vaccination. Predictors for vaccination willingness among unvaccinated people were determined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of the proposed vaccines that have been approved by the Vietnam Ministry of Health, AstraZeneca (31.4%), Pfizer (23.5%), and Moderna (14.7%) were the most preferred by participants. Out of 1,470 respondents, 35.8% have received at least one vaccine dose, and of these, 76.9% intended to continue to receive vaccinations. Among the unvaccinated, 74.8% reported that they would be willing to complete the vaccination. Most participants stated that they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine if provided with adequate information on effectiveness and safety (92.7%). The possibility of side effects after vaccination (75.4%) was the most important barrier to vaccination. Education, health status, and prior flu-vaccination were associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among those who had not previously received one. CONCLUSIONS: Many unvaccinated adults were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, with AstraZeneca being the preferred choice. These findings could help in the planning of vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination uptake in Vietnam.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA viability on high-touch surfaces and evaluation of a continuous-flow ozonation treatment.
Diella G, Caggiano G, Apollonio F … +9 more , Triggiano F, Stefanizzi P, Fasano F, Pace L, Marcotrigiano V, Sorrenti DP, Sorrenti GT, Galante D, Montagna MT
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36222607 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 emergency has highlighted the importance of prevention systems and environ-mental microbiological monitoring as fundamental elements in the response to epidemics and other such threats to individ...
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 emergency has highlighted the importance of prevention systems and environ-mental microbiological monitoring as fundamental elements in the response to epidemics and other such threats to individual and collective health. The use of automated "No-touch" room disinfection systems eliminates or reduces the dependence on operators, thus allowing an improvement in the effectiveness of terminal disinfection. STUDY DESIGN: In the present study, we focused on possible SARS-CoV-2 contamination of surfaces of com-mercial services, and the effectiveness of ozone treatment on the virus. METHODS: Analyses were conducted on 4-7 October and 27-30 December 2021 in four supermarkets in an Apulian city; supermarkets A and B were equipped with an ozonisation system, while C and D were without any environmental remediation. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR only in December, in 6% of the surfaces tested, and all examined samples were found to be negative after viral culture, since no cytopathic effect was observed. A statistically significant difference emerged from the comparison of October vs. December (p = 0.0289), but no statistically significant difference (p = 0.6777) emerged from the comparison between supermarkets with and without the ozonisation system. CONCLUSIONS: Although no important changes were observed by treating the environments with ozonisation systems, further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of environmental treatments with airborne disinfectants.
The synergies of University Education and Primary Health Care to meet populations health needs.
Blandi L, Odone A
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36222606 · Publisher ↗
In the last decades, the World Health Organization has sensitized all countries to adopt a Primary Health Care approach in their health systems. It is also important to invest in education about primary health care. Inde...
In the last decades, the World Health Organization has sensitized all countries to adopt a Primary Health Care approach in their health systems. It is also important to invest in education about primary health care. Indeed, we need to spread this comprehensive culture of health, starting from university education, and continuing during the whole work-life cycle. Due the current medical model, approaching patient by specific pathology or discipline, inefficiencies have been generated due to a lack of communication and integrated management of chronicity. Public Health can build dynamic models and mechanisms that pursue the health needs expressed by populations and education plays a crucial role in enhancing a country's resilience and protecting the health of its inhabitants. All the health workers should consider all the aspects of health, beyond the specific phases of diagnosis and treatment. Continuous education and training are key elements to focus on, to satisfy our population's health needs.
A new paradigm of hospital care for SARS-COV-2 patients in the post-emergency phase in Italy.
Bianchi FP, Bianchi FP, Cuscianna E … +7 more , Di Lorenzo A, Daleno A, Mele F, Marra M, Porfido R, Migliore G, Tafuri S
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36222605 · Publisher ↗
In Italy, at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the main organizational model of hospital care was represented by the physical or functional division of hospitals and wards into COVID and non-COVID areas, in order...
In Italy, at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the main organizational model of hospital care was represented by the physical or functional division of hospitals and wards into COVID and non-COVID areas, in order to separate SARS-CoV-2-infected patients from the others. Now that the emergency phase has reached its long-awaited end, it is necessary to develop a new hospital care paradigm that may deal with SARS-CoV-2-positive patients discriminating between those who are hospitalized because of COVID-19 and those who are diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection immediately before or after the first access to healthcare facilities.
A cross-sectional study on smartphone uses among pregnant women attending childbirth classes in the Metropolitan Area of Palermo, Italy: The Stop-Phone study.
Costantino C, Mazzucco W, Bonaccorso N … +11 more , Sciortino M, Cimino L, Pizzo S, Conforto A, Calò I, Gilimberti D, Gambino CR, Segreto D, Maiorana A, Vitale F, Casuccio A
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36190310 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of mobile device addiction has increased over the years; both women and men have assimilated the mobile phone as a central component of their personal existence: integrating it into their lifestyle...
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of mobile device addiction has increased over the years; both women and men have assimilated the mobile phone as a central component of their personal existence: integrating it into their lifestyle or becoming so dependent on it that life without it has become unimaginable. Smartphones generate radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. While short-term exposure in adults was considered quite safe, effects of long-term exposure or exposure during pregnancy on fetuses or during breastfeeding on newborns are not well studied yet. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and usage characteristics of smartphones among a sample of pregnant women, and promote the correct and conscious use of the smartphone. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a questionnaire administered during childbirth classes and - after the questionnaire administration - an educational intervention focused on promoting the correct and conscious use of smartphones was carried out by psychologists and psychotherapists. RESULTS: The findings of our study suggest that a significant number of the participants suffered addiction to mobile phone usage, but were not aware of it. More than two third of the sample (67.2%) have not changed their smartphone use habits since the beginning of their pregnancy and even more significant data shows that almost all future moms (98.3%) never speak with their doctor about smartphone use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Data collected suggest a lack of attention to the proposed topic, especially in relation to pregnancy. It seems necessary to sensitize future mothers on this topic. The promotion of a more conscious and controlled use of electronic devices can help reduce the radiation to which the unborn child may be exposed, but has a fundamental role even after birth, to ensure an adequate psychomotor and relational development of the child and do not affect, due to uncontrolled use of smartphones, the mother-child relationship.
Availability of open data related to COVID-19 epidemic in Italy.
Di Federico S, Filippini T, Marchesi C … +1 more , Vinceti M
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36178129 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, health authorities have released epidemiologic data about this disease. These data were the most important sources of information which were periodically...
BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, health authorities have released epidemiologic data about this disease. These data were the most important sources of information which were periodically updated and analyzed by researchers to predict the spread of the epidemic. However, comprehensive and timely data on the evolution of COVID-19 have not always been made available to researchers and physicians. METHOD: The aim of our work is to investigate quality, availability and format of epidemiologic data about COVID-19 in Italy in different territorial and temporal areas. We tried to access the online resources made available by each of the 19 Italian Regions and the two autonomous Provinces, and in more detail by the Local Health Authorities of one of them, the Emilia-Romagna Region. We analyzed the main sources and flows of data (namely new and cumulative cases of infection, total swabs, new and cumulative COVID-19 deaths, overall and divided by sex), describing their characteristics such as accessibility, format and completeness. We eventually reviewed the data published by the Italian Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Health (ISS) and the Civil Protection Department. The Tim Berners-Lee scale was used to evaluate the open data format. RESULTS: The flow of COVID-19 epidemiologic data in Italy originated from the Local Health Authorities that transmitted the data - on a daily basis - to the regional authorities, which in turn transferred them to the national authorities. We found a rather high heterogeneity in both the content and the format of the released data, both at the local and the regional level. Few Regions were releasing data in open format. ISS was the only national source of data that provided the number of COVID-19 health outcomes divided by sex and age groups since Spring 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Despite multiple potential useful sources for COVID-19 epidemiology are present in Italy, very few open format data were available both at a macro geographical level (e.g. per Region) and at the provincial level. The access to open format epidemiologic data should be eased, to allow researchers to adequately assess future epidemics and therefore favor timely and effective public health interventions.
Can a validated website help improve university students' e-health literacy?
Conte A, Brunelli L, Moretti V … +6 more , Valdi G, Guelfi MR, Masoni M, Anelli F, Parpinel M, Arnoldo L
Ann Ig · 2023 · PMID 36178128 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The fight against fake news, mainly spread through Internet, is a major public health issue, even among undergraduate students. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a website promoted by the Itali...
BACKGROUND: The fight against fake news, mainly spread through Internet, is a major public health issue, even among undergraduate students. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a website promoted by the Italian Federation of the Provincial Orders of the Medical Doctors as a first aid communication kit for health topics. STUDY DESIGN: Pre-post study using a web-based survey, conducted in April-May 2019 on Medical students and October-November 2020 on Communication Sciences students at the University of Florence (Italy). Methods. Undergraduate students of both schools were exposed to the use of the "dottoremaeveroche" website. Primary and secondary outcomes measures: the Italian-electronic Health Literacy Scale self-assessment tool was used to examine subjects' electronic Health literacy, and source quality. All responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Changing in perception of abilities were examined using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The 362 participants felt moderately confident in electronic Health Literacy, with an initial Italian-electronic Health Literacy Scale overall mean score of 3.6±0.7 for medical and 3.2±0.8 for communication students. Medical students had a good idea of how to find helpful sources (3.9±0.8) and communication students felt confident in recognizing their quality (3.5±1.0). In contrast, their confidence in using Web information to make health decisions was low (medical: 2.9±1.1; communication: 2.8±1.1). All items improved significantly after "dottoremaeveroche" use (p<.001), with the overall mean score of Italian-electronic Health Literacy Scale increasing to 4.3±0.6 for medical and 4.1±0.8 for communication students. CONCLUSIONS: Low electronic health literacy levels can affect public health efforts, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of "dottoremaeveroche" among students showed the usefulness of online educational interventions that, if further implemented, could help combat the spread of infodemic.
COVID-19 emergency: from a general hospital to a covid hospital in one week, an Italian experience.
Azzolini E, Furia G, Cerquetani F … +8 more , Speranza F, Chiaradia S, Marchianò V, Mainelli MT, Vescia M, Zoppegno A, Quintili M, Chierchini P
Ann Ig · 2022 · PMID 36040399 · Publisher ↗
Aim of this letter is to describe the reconversion process of our general hospital, in just one week, into a COVID-19 Hospital. The working strategy allowed to quickly find the spaces, identify the working group, reshape...
Aim of this letter is to describe the reconversion process of our general hospital, in just one week, into a COVID-19 Hospital. The working strategy allowed to quickly find the spaces, identify the working group, reshape the hospital organizational structure, redesign the flows and patient/health workers pathways. The hospital provided for a progressive activation of COVID-19 beds following the philosophy of the intensity of care. The main results were on management, flows, PPE and hygiene areas. Although some problems came out in the beginning, this fast hospital reconversion model may be replicated in the future to face similar epidemic or pandemic outbreaks.
Readiness for practice in undergraduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.
Basso I, Gonella S, Londa M … +5 more , Airoldi C, Chilin G, Follenzi A, Dal Molin A, Dimonte V
Ann Ig · 2022 · PMID 36040398 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted nursing students' opportunity to gain experience through clinical placement, potentially threatening their readiness for practice and their...
BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively impacted nursing students' opportunity to gain experience through clinical placement, potentially threatening their readiness for practice and their clinical competence. The aim of this study was to explore whether and to what extent the third-year undergraduate nursing students perceived that their readiness for practice was impacted by changes to clinical placement and classroom learning implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study was conducted in a university of North-western Italy that provides nursing education across five sites. All sites stopped in-person classroom learning at the beginning of March 2020, but each site was free to decide whether to continue in-person clinical placement based on the local epidemiological situation. All 228 third-year nursing students who completed their degree by June 2020 were invited to participate. Data were collected via online questionnaire, which included the question "What impact do you think that COVID-19 safety measures employed by your nursing programme had on your readiness for practice?" Answers were given on a 5-point Likert scale (none, minimal, moderate, major, and severe). Explanatory variables were collected at the individual, nursing programme, and university site levels. RESULTS: A total of 126 (response rate 55.3%) nursing students completed the questionnaire. Overall, 84 (66.7%) perceived that COVID-19 safety measures had a moderate to severe impact on their readiness for practice. These students often had lower grade point averages (p=0.037) and received no clinical placement during the pandemic (72.6% vs 90.5% of students who reported no or minimal impact, p=0.022). Average duration of third-year clinical placement was also lower among these students, though it was not statistically significant. No differences emerged at the university site level. CONCLUSIONS: Despite important advances in technology-based educational activities, clinical placement remains the best educational strategy to allow nursing students to feel prepared to work effectively during a pandemic.
Evaluation of Phobia, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about SARS-CoV-2 Infection, a Study on Healthcare Workers and Their 1st Degree Relatives.
Hosseinzadeh R, Hosseini SM, Karbasi A … +6 more , Maghari A, Fathi-Ashtiani A, Heiat M, Bahardoust M, Ranjbar R, Badri T
Ann Ig · 2022 · PMID 36040397 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Phobia as a psychological disorder seems to be aggravated during health crises like the current COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, people's knowledge about a situation can help decrease the resulting fear....
BACKGROUND: Phobia as a psychological disorder seems to be aggravated during health crises like the current COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, people's knowledge about a situation can help decrease the resulting fear. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional analytical study to evaluate the COVID-19 related phobia and to measure knowledge, attitude, and practice of our target Iranian population about COVID-19. METHODS: In this study, DSM-5 specific phobia questionnaire, adapted to SARS-CoV2-19 infection, was used to evaluate the COVID-19 related phobia. Moreover, the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire, specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection, was applied. RESULTS: Phobia score was significantly higher in 1st-degree relatives of healthcare staff (20.38±5.82) than healthcare staff (18.36±5.68) (p=0.021). Females showed a significantly more severe phobia (20.27±5.41) than males (17.72±5.35, p=0.001). COVID-19 phobia was significantly more severe in those with past psy-chiatric conditions than in those without psychiatric history (p<0.05). The 1st-degree relatives of healthcare staff had a significantly lower level of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection (8.19±1.65) than healthcare staff (9.08±1.28, p=0.001). Additionally, age had a positive significant correlation with knowledge and practice towards SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Both Iranian healthcare staff and 1st-degree relatives of healthcare workers are suffering from moderate COVID-19 phobia. Females are more concerned than males about COVID-19. Phobia is more severe in people with underlying psychiatric conditions than other people. The knowledge level of Iranian healthcare workers and 1st-degree relatives of healthcare staff about COVID-19 is acceptable but it needs improvement in certain areas.
In response to the Letter to the Editor by R. Mungmunpuntipantip and V. Wiwanitkit re/ our publication Gjini E, Moramarco S, Carestia MC, et al. "Parents' and caregivers' role toward childhood vaccination in Albania: assessment of predictors of vaccine hesitancy". (Ann Ig. 2022 May 6. doi: 10.7416/ai.2022.2521. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35532052).
Gjini E, Moramarco S, Carestia MC … +5 more , Cenko F, Ylli A, Mehmeti I, Palombi L, Buonomo E
Ann Ig · 2022 · PMID 35861725 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Comment on: Gjini E, Moramarco S, Carestia MC, et al. Parents' and caregivers' role toward childhood vaccination in Albania: assessment of predictors of vaccine hesitancy. (Ann Ig. 2022 May 6. doi: 10.7416/ai.2022.2521. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35532052).
Mungmunpuntipantip R, Wiwanitkit V
Ann Ig · 2022 · PMID 35861724 · Publisher ↗
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