TREND DI NOTIFICA DELLE PRINCIPALI TOSSINFEZIONI ALIMENTARI IN CALABRIA E SICILIA PRIMA E DOPO L'ABOLIZIONE DEL LIBRETTO DI IDONEITA' SANITARIA PER ALIMENTARISTI

Intussusception before and after anti-rotavirus vaccination introduction (2009-2013)in Italy

Background Previous studies have identified a possible relationship between anti-rotavirus vaccines and intussusception risk although not confirmed by post licensure studies. In Italy some administrative regions started to introduce rotavirus vaccination in 2013. Monitoring intussusception in pre and post vaccination era will be crucial to ensure safety of the vaccine program. Methods An observational study was carried out to analyze age-specific (0-59 months) Italian trends in intussusception hospitalization rates before (2009–2012) and after (2013) anti-rotavirus vaccine introduction. Results A total of 2,728 hospitalizations for intussusceptions were observed in Italy from 2009 to 2013, …

VACCINATION AND IMMUNIZATION STATUS AGAINST VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES IN AN ITALIAN SAMPLE OF HEALTH-CARE WORKERS OPERATING IN GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTS

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important group of professionals exposed to infectious diseases transmitted through several ways. Nevertheless, vaccination coverages of HCWs are often lower than standards recommended by international Public Health authorities. Recently, the Italian Ministry of Health has issued the guidelines for recommended vaccination during pregnancy, child-bearing age and feeding-time. This study aimed at investigating knowledge, attitudes, practices and immunization status in a sample of Italian HCWs employed in gynaecology and obstetrics departments. A survey was conducted between November 2017 and February 2018 throughout an online self-administered questionnaire, p…

Hospitalization rates for intussusception in children aged 0–59 months from 2009 to 2014 in Italy

The real cause of intussusception is not fully understood and a variety of conditions have been associated with it (Meckel diverticulum, polyps, duplication cysts, parasites, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, cystic fibrosis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome and infectious gastroenteritis). Furthermore few European countries, following WHO recommendation to monitor baseline incidence of intussusception before implementation of immunization program for rotavirus, used intussusception rate as a baseline value to compare the same figures in the period before and after introduction of vaccination. In this study, data of intussusception hospitalizations occurred among Italian children aged 0 through 59 months …

A Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Study on Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multicentric Italian Survey Insights

In January 2020, Chinese health authorities identified a novel coronavirus strain never before isolated in humans. It quickly spread across the world, and was eventually declared a pandemic, leading to about 310 million confirmed cases and to 5,497,113 deaths (data as of 11 January 2022). Influenza viruses affect millions of people during cold seasons, with high impacts, in terms of mortality and morbidity. Patients with comorbidities are at a higher risk of acquiring severe problems due to COVID-19 and the flu—infections that could impact their underlying clinical conditions. In the present study, knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of the general population regarding COVID-19 and influenza…

L'ABOLIZIONE DEL LIBRETTO DI IDONEITA' SANITARIA PER ALIMENTARISTI PUO' AVER INFLUENZATO IL TREND DI NOTIFICA DELLE TOSSINFEZIONI ALIMENTARI? ANALISI DELLE NOTIFICHE DELLE PRINCIPALI TOSSINFEZIONI ALIMENTARI NELLE REGIONI MERIDIONALI ED INSULARI NEL PERIODO 1996-2009

The Socio-Economic Health Deprivation Index and its association with mortality and attitudes towards influenza vaccination among the elderly in Palermo, Sicily

Abstract Introduction Inequality levels are associated with vaccination coverage among the older and at risk population hypothesizing socio-economic status (SES) as a determinant of health status. The aim of the study was to evaluate the trend of health outcome and socio-health-economic-status deprivation index (IDPA) among elderly people in Palermo city, Italy . Methods The Palermo Unit of 2015 CCM project deal with collection of data useful to validate IDPA using the Italian census data from 2009 to 2015 on overall mortality and cause of death. The preventive outcome used to validate the IDPA index was vaccination coverage from 2009-2010 to 2014-2015 influenza season among Palermo elderly…

CONOSCENZE, COMPORTAMENTI ED ATTITUDINI NEI CONFRONTI DELLA VACCINAZIONE ANTINFLUENZALE DEI MEDICI IN FORMAZIONE SPECIFICA IN MEDICINA GENERALE DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

The Italian Version of the Adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (aVHS) for the Working-Age Population: Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity

The adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (aVHS) is valid and reliable for evaluating attitudes toward vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Italian version of the aVHS. After cross-cultural adaptation of the aVHS, internal consistency (IC), intra-class correlation (ICC), and content validity (S-CVI) were evaluated through a survey on 160 workers. Results of the ICC were analyzed on questionnaires administered twice at a distance of two months and revealed a satisfactory reproducibility (0.87). The IC of the aVHS was assessed by the Cronbach alpha coefficient test, with a result of 0.94, demo…

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI), SOVRAPPESO ED OBESITA' IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

Investigation and control of a Norovirus outbreak of probable waterborne transmission through a municipal groundwater system

During March 2011 an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in Santo Stefano di Quisquina, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. Within two weeks 156 cases were identified among the 4,965 people living in the municipality. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to characterize the outbreak and target the control measures. A case was defined as a person developing diarrhea or vomiting during February 27–March 13, 2011. Stool specimens were collected from 12 cases. Norovirus (NoV) genotype GII.4 variant New Orleans 2009 was identified in stool samples from 11 of 12 cases tested (91.7%). Epidemiological investigations suggested a possible association with municipal drinking water consumption. Water …

Surveillance of a municipal drinking-water supply after a Norovirus outbreak in Italy

COVID-19 Vaccine: A Survey of Hesitancy in Patients with Celiac Disease

(1) Background: COVID-19 vaccination campaigns offer the best hope of controlling the pandemic. However, the fast production of COVID-19 vaccines has caused concern among the general public regarding their safety and efficacy. In particular, patients with chronic illnesses, such as celiac disease (CD), may be more fearful. Information on vaccine hesitancy plays a pivotal role in the development of an efficient vaccination campaign. In our study, we aimed to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Italian CD patients. (2) Methods: an anonymous questionnaire was sent to CD patients followed at our tertiary referral center for CD in Milan, Italy. Patients were defined as willing, hesitant an…

CARATTERISTICHE EPIDEMIOLOGICHE DELLA VITA RIPRODUTTIVA E DEPRIVAZIONE SOCIO-ECONOMICA IN UN CAMPIONE DELLA POPOLAZIONE FEMMINILE ADULTA RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA SICILIANA

ESPOSIZIONE A RESIDUI DI FITOFARMACI IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE RESIDENTE IN UN COMUNE SICILIANO: DATI PRELIMINARI

Ten Actions to Counteract Vaccine Hesitancy Suggested by the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health.

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is one of the main causes of the widespread decline in vaccination coverage and has become the subject of ongoing debate among public health professionals. The present commentary is a “decalogue” of strategic actions to counteract vaccine hesitancy for public health professionals that comes from the cognitive and formative path put in place by the “Communication in Public Health” working group (WG) of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health. From the establishment of a national, multidisciplinary WG on VH to the activation of a national monitoring/surveillance system on vaccine hesitancy, several proposals are discussed. The identificati…

Educational Interventions on Pregnancy Vaccinations during Childbirth Classes Improves Vaccine Coverages among Pregnant Women in Palermo’s Province

Maternal immunization is considered the best intervention in order to prevent influenza infection of pregnant women and influenza and pertussis infection of newborns. Despite the existing recommendations, vaccination coverage rates in Italy remain very low. Starting from August 2018, maternal immunization against influenza and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis were strongly recommended by the Italian Ministry of Health. We conducted a cross sectional study to estimate the effectiveness of an educational intervention, conducted during childbirth classes in three general hospitals in the Palermo metropolitan area, Italy, on vaccination adherence during pregnancy. To this end, a questionnaire on kn…

Attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Vaccination in the Metropolitan Cities of Bologna and Palermo, Italy

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is known to play a relevant role in thwarting the efforts toward reaching satisfactory influenza vaccination coverage, and has caused similar difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe the phenomenon and produce insights on the reasons behind VH. A survey was administered between December 2020 and February 2021 to adults living in the cities of Bologna and Palermo. Of the 443 subjects enrolled, 47.3% were likely to get the influenza vaccination, while 75.6% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The most frequent determinants that motivated the willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine were trust in the safety of vaccines and belie…

Real-world impact of rotavirus vaccination in European healthcare settings: a systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION: Rotavirus is one of the most common pathogens causing diarrhea in children <5 years and has a major impact on childhood morbidity and mortality. Since the implementation of rotavirus vaccines into childhood immunization programs across Europe, there has been a reduction in rotavirus burden, including hospitalizations, outpatient cases, costs, and deaths. AREAS COVERED: A systematic literature review identified publications describing the clinical and economic impact of rotavirus vaccinations across Europe, from their introduction in 2006 to the end of 2020. A total of 3,137 articles were identified, of which 46 were included in the review. Included articles reported the impact…

Estimating the burden of hospitalization for pneumococcal pneumonia in a general population aged 50 years or older and implications for vaccination strategies

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of human infectious diseases worldwide. Despite this documented evidence, data on pneumococcal disease rates among general populations are scant because of the frequent lack of cultural identification. In this study we propose a model for estimating the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia on hospitalizations. The study was performed by analyzing administrative and clinical data of patients aged 50 years or older, resident in Sicily, and hospitalized, from 2005 to 2012. Demographic information, admission/discharge dates, discharge status, and up to 6 discharge diagnoses coded according to ICD-9 CM were collected for each hospitalized patient. During the…

Knowledge, risk perception and behaviours in swimming pool users of Palermo city, Sicily

Abstract To assess knowledge, risk perception and behaviours of a sample of swimming pool users in Palermo. A total of 498 subjects were interviewed by self-administered anonymous questionnaire including socio-demographic questions, knowledge/risk perception and behaviours. Overall, 289 subjects (58%) had a mean of 1.9±1.2 healthy behaviours. Age older than 30 years (OR=0.46; 95% CI=0.26–0.81), female sex (OR=0.52; 95% CI=0.35–0.76) and a high knowledge score (OR=0.15; 95% CI=0.03–0.69) were significantly associated with having healthy behaviours in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Unhealthy behaviours can be frequently found in swimming pool bathers and, particularly, in some tar…

Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Vaccination Acceptance/Hesitancy among the Community Pharmacists of Palermo’s Province, Italy: From Influenza to COVID-19

In Italy, following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, community pharmacies (CPs) were recruited on a voluntary basis in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines as part of their activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention, and vaccine acceptance/hesitancy towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations among the community pharmacists operating in the Palermo Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with two different questionnaires administered before and after the conduction of the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 at the COVID-19 vaccination center of the Palermo Univer…

Public Health physicians and empathy: are we really emphatic? The Jefferson Scale applied to Italian resident doctors in Public Health.

Large gaps in care quality resulting from ineffective communication between health providers, patients, and other health care organizations have been documented. Research suggests that effective, empathic communication positively influences health outcomes. Many studies focused on the assessment of clinicians empathy, while there is still a lack of evidence on the role and level of empathy for public health medical doctors,especially during their postgraduate education. The aim of this study was to assess empathy level of public health residents, and to investigate differences in empathy scores using a validated questionnaire. The Italian version of the Jefferson scale of Physician Empathy …

Determinants of European parents' decision on the vaccination of their children against measles, mumps and rubella: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Low measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization levels in European children highlight the importance of identifying determinants of parental vaccine uptake to implement policies for increasing vaccine compliance. The aim of this paper is to identify the main factors associated with partial and full MMR vaccination uptake in European parents, and combine the different studies to obtain overall quantitative measures. This activity is included within the ESCULAPIO project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health. ORs and CIs were extracted, sources of heterogeneity explored and publication bias assessed. Forty-five papers were retrieved for the qualitative study, 26 of which were i…

Survey sulle patologie asbesto-correlate osservate in una realtà italiana fortemente associata ad esposizione professionale ad amianto.

Obiettivi La Sicilia tra il 1993 ed il 2004 è stata la quinta regione italiana per numero di mesoteliomi. Inoltre, la Provincia di Palermo presenta il maggior numero di casi incidenti in tutta la Regione nel sesso maschile, ed è storicamente caratterizzata da una forte esposizione lavorativa ad amianto (cantieristica navale e ferroviaria). Partendo da questi presupposti, l’obiettivo principale del seguente lavoro è quello di effettuare un’analisi dei casi di asbestosi, placche pleuriche, carcinoma polmonare e mesotelioma asbesto-correlati osservati a Palermo e provincia nel periodo 2005-2009. Metodi Sono stati presi in esame i casi di patologia asbesto-correlata oggetto di delega di indagin…

Surveillance of Municipal drinking-water supply after a Norovirus outbreak in Italy

BACKGROUND Norovirus (NoV), in the family Caliciviridae, is the major causative agent of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis, whose possible routes of transmission include drinking water. During March 2011 an outbreak of gastroenteritis was identified by the local public health service in S. Stefano di Quisquina, Sicily, Italy. Over two weeks, 156 cases were identified and NoV genotype GII.4 v2010 was detected in stool samples from eleven out of twelve patients. The finding of identical genomic sequences between patients suggested a common infection source and an epidemiological investigation indicated a possible correlation to municipal drinking water consumption. One of the wells supplyin…

Surveillance Data for Eight Consecutive Influenza Seasons in Sicily, Italy

Influenza A and B outbreaks occur each year with different activity and molecular patterns. To date, knowledge of seasonal epidemiology remains a prerequisite not only to put in place the most effective immunization strategy against influenza but also to identify population groups at higher risk of developing serious complications. A retrospective analysis of influenza surveillance data from 2010 to 2018 aimed to explore the epidemiology of influenza in Sicily, at the primary care and hospital level. Overall, 6,740 patients with acute respiratory infection were tested, of which 3,032 (45.0%) were positive for influenza. The relative proportion of type A and B viruses markedly varied across …

Increased Vaccination Coverage among Adolescents and Young Adults in the District of Palermo as a Result of a Public Health Strategy to Counteract an ‘Epidemic Panic’

During the summer of 2016 four cases of invasive meningococcal disease in rapid succession among young adults in the district of Palermo, Italy, resulting in one death, were widely reported by local and national mass media. The resultant ‘epidemic panic’ among the general population overloaded the vaccination units of the Palermo district over the following months. Strategies implemented by the Sicilian and local public health authorities to counteract ‘meningitis fear’ included the following: (a) extension of active and free-of-charge anti-meningococcal tetravalent vaccination from age class 12–18 to 12–30 years old; (b) implementation of vaccination units during normal clinic hours in roo…

Prevalence of Pneumococcal Serotypes in Community-Acquired Pneumonia among Older Adults in Italy: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of mortality. Following the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in children, a decrease in the burden of the disease was reported. In parallel, an increase in non-vaccine serotypes was also noted. The objective of this study was to assess the current serotype-specific epidemiology of pneumococci among Italian older adults hospitalized for CAP. A prospective study was conducted between 2017 and 2020 in four Italian regions. Subjects aged ≥65 years hospitalized with confirmed CAP were tested for pneumococci using both pneumococcal urinary antigen and serotype-specific urine antigen tests able to identify all…

Prevalence and factors associated with bullying phenomenon among pre-adolescents attending first-grade secondary schools of Palermo, Italy, and a comparative systematic literature review

Abstract Background Bullying is recognized as one of the most significant social and health problems in the school environment for children and adolescents. In Italy, bullying involved 2 in 10 kids between 11–17 years that referred to have been bullied two or more times in a month. In Sicily, the estimated prevalence of children aged 11 to 15 that suffered at least one act of bullying in the last two months was 14% in 2011. Methods A questionnaire consisting of 30 items investigating physical, verbal and indirect bullying, observers of bullying, resiliency, and prosociality was administered to preadolescents of ten first-grade secondary schools within the Palermo Province in order to analyz…

Colonizzazione pneumococcica in bambini in eta' scolare e possibile trasmissione intrafamiliare: l'esperienza dello studio "BINOCOLO" in Sicilia.

INTRODUZIONE La colonizzazione orofaringea da pneumococco interessa il 90% dei bambini nel primo anno di vita ed i contatti familiari possono giocare un ruolo cruciale nella stessa. Per analizzare i fattori associati alla colonizzazione da pneumococco e alla possibile trasmissione intra-familiare, è stato realizzato il progetto BINOCOLO: "Bambini Insieme ai NOnni COntro LO Pneumococco" su una popolazione studentesca e relativi familiari co- residenti. METODI Per l'arruolamento dei partecipanti allo studio, sono state identificate due scuole primarie del Comune di Palermo. Per ogni soggetto reclutato, un questionario e un tampone orofaringeo sono stati raccolti attraverso un team opportuname…

Safety of Rotavirus Vaccination in Preterm Infants Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Sicily, Italy: A Multicenter Observational Study

Rotavirus (RV) is among the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in children under five years of age. Despite the severity of rotavirus pathology in early childhood, rotavirus vaccination for children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), who are often born preterm and with various previous illnesses, is not performed. This multicenter, 3-year project aims to evaluate the safety of RV vaccine administration within the six main neonatal intensive care units of the Sicilian Region to preterm infants. Methods: Monovalent live attenuated anti-RV vaccination (RV1) was administered from April 2018 to December 2019 to preterm infants with gestational age &ge; 28 weeks. Vaccine a…

Ospedalizzazioni per Zoster e neuropatia post-erpetica in Sicilia: quali sono le comorbosità più frequenti?

INTRODUZIONE L’Herpes Zoster (HZ) e la Nevralgia Post-Erpetica (NPE) sono patologie frequenti nell’adulto, specialmente in chi è affetto da comorbosità, e possono essere causa di ospedalizzazione. Oltre il 95% degli adulti italiani, avendo contratto la varicella, ne sono a rischio e l’unica METODIca di prevenzione è la vaccinazione. MATERIALI É stato condotto uno studio retrospettivo osservazionale delle Schede di Dimissione Ospedaliera dei soggetti residenti in Sicilia dal 2007 al 2015 per analizzare le variabili socio- demografiche e sanitarie tra cui la presenza di comorbosità dei ricoverati per HZ e PHN. I codici ICD9-CM utilizzati per identificare i casi HZ e NPE sono stati 053-053.9 p…

Percezione della importanza della vaccinazione antinfluenzale tra gli specializzandi in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva Italiani. Studio conoscitivo della Consulta dei Medici in Formazione Specialistica della S.It.I

Riassunto Uno studio conoscitivo condotto tra i medici in formazione specialistica in Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica italiani è stato condotto in 25 scuole di specializzazione italiane di tale disciplina (78,1% del totale). Ciascun partecipante è stato intervistato tramite un questionario anonimo ed autosomministrato con domande riguardo attitudini, pratiche e conoscenze sull’influenza e la relativa vaccinazione. La vaccinazione contro l’influenza stagionale 2010-2011 e 2011-2012 è significativamente associata con l’essersi vaccinato almeno 3 volte nelle ultime cinque stagioni influenzali. Gli specializzandi che hanno preso parte durante il loro percorso formativo a campagne …

Survey on attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of General Practitioner trainees towards influenza vaccination in Western Sicily (Italy)

Attitudes of Healthcare Personnel towards Vaccinations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vaccines constitute highly effective tools for controlling and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and are assessed to avert between two to three million deaths per year globally. Healthcare personnel (HCP) constitute a priority group for several vaccinations. However, studies indicate significant rates of vaccine hesitancy among them and, therefore, of acceptance of vaccination recommendations. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital in Southern Italy to assess the knowledge and attitudes of HCP about VPDs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, estimate their intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and search for determinants that may influence…

Prevalence of the bullying phenomenon in a schools sample of Palermo, Sicily: a pre-post intervention observational study among teachers

Background and aim of the work: Bullying involves a significant percentage of school-age children. According to the latest available surveillance data, in Sicily, the estimated prevalence among 11-15 years old children is 14%. This study aimed to estimate a prevalence of the bullying phenomenon, observed by teachers, in a sample of secondary schools of Palermo, Sicily. Moreover, after the conduction of preventive interventions among teachers, aimed to evaluate any modification in bullying prevalence. Methods: A cluster sampling selection according to socio-economic level of the school neighborhood was carried out. Two anonymous online questionnaires, pre and post-intervention, were administ…

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Leishmania seropositivity in a sample population of Western Sicily (Italy)

Background: Leishmania is a vector-borne parasite responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for Leishmania infantum seropositivity in a sample of Sicilian population.Methods: A total of 260 subjects were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire and requested for an venous blood sample.Results: Overall, 36 subjects (13.8%) were seropositive against L. infantum with a statistically significant higher prevalence of positivity in older subjects (p=0.04). After adjustment for age, a higher risk for Leishmania seropositivity was found in subjects who had pets living outdoors and untreated with anti-p…

L’aderenza ai programmi vaccinali per la prima infanzia nella popolazione di origine straniera regolarmente residente. L’esperienza di quattro centri vaccinali nella Città di Palermo.

Safety of in-neonatal intensive care unit administration of rotavirus vaccination among preterms

Abstract Background Rotavirus is among the most common vaccine preventable illness in children under 5 years old. Despite increased severity of rotaviral illness in early infancy, most neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) do not administer rotavirus vaccination. The present project aims to evaluate the safety of in-neonatal intenive care unit administration of the monovalent live, attenuated rotavirus vaccination to preterm newborns in Sicily. Methods From the first of March 2018 within the six most important NICUs of Sicily (three located in Palermo, two in Catania and one in Messina), and under the scientific coordination of the University of Palermo and of the Regional Health Department…

Could university training and a proactive attitude of coworkers be associated with influenza vaccination compliance? A multicentre survey among Italian medical residents

Background Although influenza vaccination has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, vaccination coverage rates among health care workers and among medical residents appear generally low. Several investigations have been performed worldwide to analyze the healthcare workers’ educational deficiencies. This multicentre survey aimed to investigate at a nationwide level training quality and work environment associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among Italian medical residents. Methods A retrospective cohort study was carried out from April 2012 to June 2012 on medical residents regularly attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities via an anonymous…

Patologie asbesto-correlate osservate a Palermo e Provincia tra lavoratori esposti ad amianto [Asbestos-related diseases observed in Palermo (Italy) among workers exposed to asbestos]

È stato realizzato uno studio su lavoratori professionalmente esposti ad amianto con l'obiettivo di esaminare i casi di patologia asbesto-correlata nella Provincia di Palermo tra il 2005 e il 2009. I dati sono stati raccolti dalle cartelle cliniche e dai verbali delle deleghe di indagine da parte delle Procure di Palermo e di Termini Imerese al Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro dell'Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP 6) di Palermo. La regressione logistica multinomiale evidenzia una associazione significativa tra fumo di tabacco e carcinoma polmonare e tra coloro che hanno cominciato a lavorare precocemente e la presenza di asbestosi e placche pleuriche. La casist…

RSV disease in infants and young children: Can we see a brighter future?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious seasonal virus and the leading cause of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI), including pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children. RSV-related LRTI cause approximately 3 million hospitalizations and 120,000 deaths annually among children &lt;5 years of age. The majority of the burden of RSV occurs in previously healthy infants. Only a monoclonal antibody (mAb) has been approved against RSV infections in a restricted group, leaving an urgent unmet need for a large number of children potentially benefiting from preventive measures. Approaches under development include maternal vaccines to protect newborns, extended half-life monoclon…

Real life hexavalent vaccination among children as a practical guide for public health professionals: Four years (from 2016 to 2019) of clinical practice in Sicily, Italy

Hexavalent (HV) vaccination is a priority for newborn protection and in Italy is included in the National Immunization Plan with a three doses cycle at 61, 121 and 301 days of age. A retrospective clinical study has been conducted to evaluate real life clinical practice of HV vaccination in the fourth most populous Italian Region. Data on the completion of the HV cycle, on the interchangeability between the two HV adopted in 2016–2017 (DTaP3-IPV-HB/Hib) and 2018–2019 (DTaP5-IPV-HB-Hib) and on the use above the established age, were collected in five Sicilian Local Health Authorities. Data showed an average 91.5% completion of the vaccination cycle at 24 months of age. The average age of adm…

Wastewater-based epidemiology for early warning of SARS-COV-2 circulation: A pilot study conducted in Sicily, Italy

There is increasing evidence of the use of wastewater-based epidemiology to integrate conventional monitoring assessing disease symptoms and signs of viruses in a specific territory. We present the results of SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance activity in wastewater samples collected between September 2020 and July 2021 in 9 wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) located in central and western Sicily, serving over 570,000 residents. The presence of SARS-CoV-2, determined in 206 wastewater samples using RT-qPCR assays, was correlated with the notified and geo-referenced cases on the areas served by the WTPs in the same study period. Overall, 51% of wastewater samples were positive. Samples we…

Strategies and actions of multi-purpose health communication on vaccine preventable infectious diseases in order to increase vaccination coverage in the population: The ESCULAPIO project.

The ESCULAPIO Project aims at increasing awareness on vaccine preventable infectious diseases (VPID) and vaccinations in different target populations and to spread the culture of prevention. Information/training interventions on VPID have been developed and health promotion activities for the general population, students and their parents, teachers and health care workers (HCWs) were set up. In Tuscany, educational courses on VPID in high schools were organized and students were stimulated to prepare informative materials on VPID for lower grade school pupils. In Liguria, an educational card game (named 'Vaccine at the Fair') was presented to children of primary schools. Stands in shopping …

Varicella vaccination as useful strategy for reducing the risk of varicella-related hospitalizations in both vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts (Italy, 2003-2018).

The present study summarizes evidences of the impact that varicella vaccination (VV) introduction and coverage can have on varicella attributable hospitalization rates.A retrospective observational study was carried out by considering hospital discharge records and VV coverage at 24 months collected from 2003 to 2018 by the Italian Ministry of Health. All hospitalizations records reporting an ICD-9 CM 052.X code as the principal diagnosis or any of the five secondary diagnoses were considered as related to varicella. The hospitalization rate reduction was evaluated by calculating average annual percent change (AAPC) through joint-point analysis.Hospitalization rates showed a decreasing tren…

Immunization Status against Measles of Health-Care Workers Operating at Three Sicilian University Hospitals: An Observational Study

Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) that also commonly affects health-care workers (HCWs). Measles immunization of HCWs was strongly recommended by international health authorities, in order to limit the spreading of the illness to susceptible patients and colleagues. An observational study, evaluating the immunization and vaccination status against measles of HCWs working at three Sicilian university hospitals, was conducted. All subjects not completely immune (vaccinated with only one dose in their lifetime), not immune (not vaccinated or not naturally immunized), and with an unknown immunization status were considered not immunized. Among HCWs operating in th…

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis screening: Could a school-based assessment protocol be useful for an early diagnosis?

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis screening still needs a considerable implementation, particularly throughout a school-based assessment protocol. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical examinations currently in use for the diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, through a survey carried out in secondary schools to standardize a screening protocol that could be generalized. METHODS: In their classrooms, the adolescents underwent an idiopathic scoliosis screening through three examinations: Adam’s test, axial trunk rotation (ATR) and plumb line. In case of single positivity to one of the three examinations, a column X-ray examination was recommen…

Studio multicentrico su attitudini, pratiche e conoscenze dei Medici in Formazione Specialistica relativamente alla vaccinazione antinfluenzale.

Analisi della scarsa attitudine alla vaccinazione antinfluenzale dei medici italiani del futuro: risultati di uno studio multicentrico condotto in 18 Università Italiane.

Introduzione: Nel corso della stagione influenzale, gli Operatori Sanitari (OS) rappresentano una delle categorie lavorative maggiormente investite dalla responsabilità di limitare la diffusione della patologia influenzale tra i pazienti ospedalizzati e contemporaneamente di proteggere se stessi garantendo la continuità dell'assistenza sanitaria nei periodi di maggiore assenteismo lavorativo e sovraccarico delle attività assistenziali (picco influenzale stagionale). La vaccinazione antinfluenzale, ormai riconosciuta sicura ed efficace, rappresenta ancora oggi una argomento di dibattito tra gli OS, nonostante le raccomandazioni dei Center for Disease Control and Prevention Statunitense ed Eu…

Attitudes and beliefs on influenza vaccination during the covid-19 pandemic: Results from a representative italian survey

The last 2019/20 northern hemisphere influenza season overlapped with the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Italy was the first western country where severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread to a significant extent. In this representative cross-sectional survey, we aimed to describe some opinions and attitudes of the Italian general population towards both influenza vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify potential modifiers of the decision-making process regarding the uptake of the 2020/21 influenza vaccine. A total of 2543 responses were analyzed. Although most (74.8%) participants valued influenza vaccination positively …

Livelli biologici di inquinanti organici persistenti in un campione di popolazione generale di Calatafimi-Segesta (TP): risultati preliminari dello studio EPHICS

Impact on rotavirus gastro-enteritis hospitalisation during the first year of universal vaccination in Sicily

Rotavirus (RV) vaccines represents the best strategy for reducing rotavirus gastro-enteritis (RVGE) among children and the introduction of RV vaccination in immunization programmes is strongly recommended by international health authorities.1,2

Qualitative analysis of determinants of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine uptake in European parents

Background Parental concerns about measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination negatively influence decision to vaccinate their children, this leading to the recently reported vaccine coverage drop in Europe. The ESCULAPIO project, funded by the Italian National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health (CCM), is investigating the main factors underlying decisions on vaccinations, in order to implement targeted campaigns and plan effective strategies. Methods A systematic literature review was carried out on studies describing the determinants underlying MMR vaccination uptake in European parents. Results A total of 45 studies were included in the analysis. The mo…

Conosci realmente le MST? Risultati di una survey sulle malattie sessualmente trasmesse condotta tra gli studenti della Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo.

Introduzione Secondo l’Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità l’incidenza annuale delle malattie sessualmente trasmesse (MST) è di circa 448 milioni di nuovi casi nel mondo nei soggetti di età compresa tra i 15 ed i 49 anni. A tal proposito la Scuola di Specializzazione in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva dell'Università degli Studi di Palermo ha condotto un'indagine per valutare le conoscenze degli studenti dei 6 anni del Corso di Laurea in Medicina e Chirurgia dell'Università degli Studi di Palermo in quanto, proprio per la loro specifica formazione, saranno coinvolti in prima persona nel counselling delle popolazioni a rischio di contrarre le MST. Materiali e Metodi Lo studio si è basato sulla…

Communication about vaccination: A shared responsibility

ABSTRACT Vaccine hesitancy is an important issue to be addressed, due to the risk of decrease of vaccination coverage and consequent control of preventable diseases. While it is not considered a specific determinant, poor or inadequate communication can contribute to vaccine hesitancy and negatively influence vaccination uptake. As a contribution to the ongoing discussion regarding this theme and in the perspective of the implementation of the upcoming national vaccination plan in Italy, the Erice Declaration was drafted by experts in the field of immunization following a 5-day residential, independent workshop regarding communication topics in vaccinology. The aim of the current letter is …

Universal rotavirus vaccination program in Sicily: Reduction in health burden and cost despite low vaccination coverage

ABSTRACT Rotavirus is considered the main cause of severe gastroenteritis and nosocomial infections in Pediatric units, especially during late winter and early spring season in temperate region. In 2013 Sicilian Region, for the first time in Italy, introduced universal Rotavirus vaccination. This study aims to estimate health and economic impact on rotavirus Gastroenteritis (RVGE) among children aged 0–59 months in Sicily, after rotavirus vaccine introduction. We analyzed hospital discharge records including a diagnosis of RVGE occurred from 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2016 among hospitalized children aged 0 to 59 months, residents in Sicily. RVGEs were defined as all hospitalizations…

Potential Risks and Factors of Women’s Health Promotion

In addition to diseases shared by both sexes, there are a number of illnesses and injuries that are primarily associated with women [...]

An Italian Guidance Model for the Management of Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Patients in the Primary Care Setting

An outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 started in China's Hubei province at the end of 2019 has rapidly become a pandemic. In Italy, a great number of patients was managed in primary care setting and the role of general practitioners and physicians working in the first-aid emergency medical service has become of utmost importance to coordinate the network between the territory and hospitals during the pandemic. Aim of this manuscript is to provide a guidance model for the management of suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the primary care setting, from diagnosis to treatment, applying also the recommendations of the Italian Society of Ge…

Multidimensional Frailty and Vaccinations in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study

It is known that influenza, herpes zoster, pneumococcal and pertussis infections may increase morbidity and mortality in older people. Vaccinations against these pathogens are effective in older adults. Frailty seems to be an important determinant of vaccination rates, yet data supporting this association are still missing. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of four recommended vaccinations (influenza, herpes zoster, pneumococcal and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) and the association with multidimensional frailty assessed using a self-reported comprehensive geriatric assessment tool, i.e., the multidimensional prognostic index (SELFY-MPI). Older participants visiting the outpa…

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Results of intratympanic steroids as salvage treatment

Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy and the safety of intratympanic dexamethasone to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss as salvage therapy. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients affected by idiopathic sudden hearing loss who were treated before with some systemic therapy, but without recovery of the hearing The patients able to undergo the study, but who refused salvage treatment were considered as control group. A solution of Dexamethasone 4 mg/ml was then injected through the posterior–inferior quadrant filling completely the middle ear. The follow-up in the following 6 months included an audiogram every month. Results: Th…

VALUTAZIONE DELL'ESPOSIZIONE A FITOFARMACI IN POPOLAZIONE GENERALE DI UN COMUNE SICILIANO: DATI PRELIMINARI

Analisi dei dati di notifica delle malattie trasmesse con gli alimenti (MTA), in Italia dal 1996 al 2009, in relazione all’abolizione del libretto di idoneità sanitaria per l’alimentarista (LISA).

Introduzione La procedura della certificazione del LISA prevista da una legge del lontano 1962, è stata messa in discussione, quale strumento efficace e costo-efficace di prevenzione primaria, fin dalla fine degli anni ’80. La sua abolizione ha modificato il programma di Sanità pubblica in cui era inserito, facendo maggiore spazio a strumenti di autocontrollo, formazione sanitaria e responsabilizzazione del personale della filiera alimentare. Lo scopo del presente lavoro è di effettuare, per tutto il territorio italiano, un confronto fra i dati delle notifiche delle principali MTA relativi al periodo antecedente con quelli del periodo successivo all’abolizione del LISA. Materiali e Metodi I…

Sicurezza in sala operatoria: il recepimento delle Direttive Ministeriali in due strutture ospedaliere della Provincia di Palermo.

Introduzione La necessità di migliorare la qualità delle prestazioni ospedaliere ha sensibilizzato il Ministero della Salute all’elaborazione ed emanazione di Linee Guida sulle attività di sala operatoria per avere su tutto il territorio nazionale un documento unico e ufficialmente riconosciuto, adattabile alle esigenze locali. Obiettivi L’iter operatorio si compone di almeno tre grandi variabili: la complessità intrinseca caratterizzante tutte le procedure chirurgiche, la multidisciplinarietà delle figure professionali coinvolte e la componente organizzativo-strutturale. Si è confrontato il recepimento delle Linee Guida ministeriali in materia di sicurezza in sala operatoria in due realtà …

La Promozione della Salute nelle scuole: misure antropometriche in un campione di una popolazione scolastica di un Comune Siciliano.

POSSIBILI FONTI DI ESPOSIZIONE A FITOFARMACI IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DI POPOLAZIONE NELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

Misuse and addiction to mobile phone in a sample of first-grade secondary school students of Palermo

Abstract Background Nowadays, smartphone overuse affects massively teenagers and young adults. From 2014 to 2018 in Italy, for the 11-17 years age group, there has been an increase from 79.9% to 85.8% of daily mobile phone users. This project aims to investigate usage prevalence and misuse/addiction of mobile phones in a representative sample of first-grade secondary school students of the Province of Palermo, Italy, carrying out educational interventions to promote a proper and conscious use of smartphone. Materials and Methods An anonymous, standardized and previously validated pre-intervention questionnaire consisting of 39 items on general socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes an…

Percezione della necessità di svolgere tirocini formativi in ambito internazionale (International Health Electives) tra i medici in formazione specialistica dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo.

Introduzione Nell’attuale scenario mondiale, ricevere una formazione in salute globale (global health) e poter intraprendere una esperienza formativa in ambito internazionale (International Health Elective, IHE) rappresentano validi strumenti per migliorare il percorso educativo della futura classe medica. Pochi studi hanno valutato l’impatto che una IHE può esercitare nei confronti dei medici in formazione specialistica. Considerato che in Italia è stato riscontrato un interesse crescente nei confronti degli IHE, lo scopo dello studio è stato quello di analizzare i dati relativi alla percezione della necessità di svolgere esperienze formative internazionali in un campione di medici in form…

Perceived need for an International Elective Experience among Italian Medical Residents.

In the contemporary society an International Health Elective (IHE) represents a strategic tool in order to implement future medical doctor’s education. In Italy, in the last decade, an increasing interest of trainees and residents to IHE and opportunities was documented and supported by the reorganization of the Italian residency programs, provided by the Ministry for Education, University and Research (MIUR). Aim of the present study was to collect data on perceived need of medical residents for an IHE. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to medical residents of Palermo’s University who underwent their annual visit to the Occupational Health Physician Ambulatory (OHPA…

La vaccinazione anti-rotavirus: nuova sfida per la promozione della salute

ATTITUDINI E CONOSCENZE SULLA VACCINAZIONE ANTINFLUENZALE TRA I MEDICI IN FORMAZIONE SPECIALISTICA PRESSO L'UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI PALERMO

Motivational aspects and level of satisfaction of Italian junior doctors with regard to knowledge and skills acquired attending specific general practice training courses. A national web survey

The demographic and epidemiological transitions resulted in a pressing need to reformulate the health workforce demand and to revise pre-and post-graduate training to prepare the medical profiles to meet the new health needs focused on chronic diseases. The Italian Junior Doctors Association and the Giotto Movement carried out a web survey to identify the motivational aspects and the level of satisfaction of Italian junior doctors regarding knowledge and skills acquired after attending the General Practitioners’ specific training (GP-ST). Three-hundred-forty-seven General Practitioners (GPs), 302 trainees and 45 newly qualified trainees answered a web questionnaire. Significant differences …

Valutazione di un modello applicativo per lo screening del carcinoma colon-rettale nella Provincia di Palermo.

The impact of mandatory vaccination law in Italy on mmr coverage rates in two of the largest italian regions (Emilia-romagna and sicily): An effective strategy to contrast vaccine hesitancy

Background: Vaccine hesitancy has increased worldwide, leading to reduction in vaccination coverage rates. In particular, reduction in the coverage for the trivalent Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine has led to an increase of measles cases. The aim of this study is to analyze the coverage rates for the MMR vaccine in the Emilia-Romagna Region (RER) and Sicily Region (SR) between 2009 and 2018, and to correlate any significant change to index events which could have modified the trend of vaccination rates. Methods: Official aggregate data on vaccination coverage at 24 months provided by the RER and the SR were analyzed through trend analysis and related to important index events. Results: The tw…

Survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices of Italian Resident of Public Health towards influenza vaccination

Background: Public Health Residents (PHRs) have to be considered of relevant interest among health care workers (HCWs) since they are strongly asked to recommend and perform influenza vaccination to other HCWs and general population. Despite this consideration, Italian HCWs have influenza vaccination rates significantly below the 75% coverage proposed by International Public Health guidelines. In order to increase future coverage towards influenza vaccination, the aim of this study is to assess determinants associated with influenza vaccine uptake among Italian PHR. Methods: A survey was carried out on PHRs attending 25 out 32 Post-Graduate University training programmes on Public Health in…

Human papilloma virus infection and vaccination: Pre-post intervention analysis on knowledge, attitudes and willingness to vaccinate among preadolescents attending secondary schools of palermo, sicily

In recent years, vaccination coverage rates against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Europe have shown a decreasing trend and remain below the required standard. The present study aims to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding HPV infection and vaccination among a representative sample of preadolescents of Palermo, Italy. A survey was carried out throughout two questionnaires, before and after carrying out an educational intervention scheduled during school hours. A total of 1702 students attending first-grade secondary schools of the province of Palermo were enrolled (response rate 68.9%). Students attending third classes (adj OR = 1.18

Pneumococcal Colonization in the Familial Context and Implications for Anti-Pneumococcal Immunization in Adults: Results from the BINOCOLO Project in Sicily

The spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae within families has been scarcely investigated so far. This feasibility study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pneumococcal carriage in school-aged children and co-habiting relatives and to explore the potential link between the family environment and the sharing of pneumococcal serotypes covered by the vaccine. Oropharyngeal samples of 146 subjects belonging to 36 different family groups were molecularly tested for pneumococcal detection and serotyping. The overall prevalence of pneumococcal carriage was 65.8% (n = 96/146), whereas it was higher among schoolchildren (77.8%, n = 28/36); subjects of seven years of age had the highest odds of being co…

Residui di prodotti fitosanitari in campioni biologici umani ed impatto sulla salute.

Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in Italy: could mandatory vaccination be a solution to protect patients?

Several studies have reported that influenza infections in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to nosocomial outbreaks. HCWs can potentially be infected with influenza every year, and may continue to work, encouraging the spread of the virus. Different strategies, such as informative interventions on influenza and influenza vaccination, ‘onsite’ vaccination weeks, communicative strategies through dedicated web and social media pages, and mandatory informed dissent form, were organized for HCWs working at the University Hospital of Palermo, during previous influenza seasons. However, the increased vaccination rates observed among HCWs still remain far from the 75% recommended by Public Healt…

Systematic review and meta-analysis of determinants associated with HPV vaccination uptake in Europe

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are the most important strategy to prevent HPV-related cancers and benign lesions. However, low immunization levels observed in several countries requires a deeper analysis of determinants associated with HPV vaccination uptake. Aim of the research is to identify the main determinants associated with HPV vaccination uptake among European adolescents, through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods The research was conducted on electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS, identifying 1147 studies. Original articles published between 2000 and 2018 were retrieved, with restriction criteria applied to the Eur…

Information sources and knowledge on vaccination in a population from southern Italy: The ESCULAPIO project

Vaccine knowledge of the general population is shaped by different information sources and strongly influences vaccination attitudes and uptake. The CCM-Italian Ministry of Health ESCULAPIO project attempted to identify the role of such information sources, in order to address adequate strategies to improve information on vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases. In the present study, data on 632 adults from Southern Italy regarding information sources were collected, and their perceived and actual knowledge on vaccinations were compared and analyzed in relation to socio-demographic characteristics and information sources. The main reported reference sources were general practitioners (GPs…

Adverse Reactions to Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on an Active Surveillance System

To date, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide. To counteract the pandemic scenario, several vaccines against the etiological factor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were developed and tested. At the end of December 2020, BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) was the first and only authorized vaccine in Italy for selected categories, such as healthcare workers, fragile patients and people aged over 80 years old. To master our knowledge about BNT162b2 adverse reactions (ARs), an active surveillance system based on instant messaging was realized for voluntary participants who had been vaccinated at COVID-19 Vaccination …

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding influenza vaccination among Hygiene and Preventive Medicine residents in Calabria and Sicily.

Vaccinating health care workers is considered to be one of the most important steps in preventing the transmission of the influenza virus to vulnerable patients. Public Health physicians are the main promoters and executors of influenza vaccination campaigns for both healthcare workers and the general population. The objective of the present survey was to analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding influenza vaccination among Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Residents. 64% of the participants had not been vaccinated against the influenza virus in the past 5 years, and 29% had been vaccinated only occasionally , with only 7.2% of the study popu-lation having been vaccinated every…

Diagnosis of Influenza: Only a Problem of Coding?

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Objective:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; To evaluate the characteristics of hospital discharge diagnoses of influenza measured by using specific International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Subjects and Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The study was conducted for the 3 years 2007, 2008 and 2011. The database included (1) administrative and clinical data on Sicilian patients admitted to acute care hospitals and (2) data from the influenza virological surveillance of 10 European countries (FluNet database). All Sicilian patients diagnosed with at least 1 ICD-9 CM code for influenza (487.0, 487.1 and 487.9) were considere…

La Formazione del Giovane Igienista per le nuove sfide di Sanità Pubblica

Introduzione La Consulta dei Medici in formazione specialistica (già Consulta degli Specializzandi) è un organo della Società Italiana di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica (S.It.I.). Nasce nel 1998 e nel 2012 viene riconosciuta come componente ufficiale nello statuto della Società. E’ composta da due rappresentanti per ciascuna Scuola di Specializzazione; attualmente sono rappresentate tutte le 33 Scuole italiane. Fin dalla sua istituzione la Consulta si è impegnata per favorire lo sviluppo di una rete tra colleghi, promuovere il miglioramento del percorso formativo degli “specializzandi” igienisti attraverso il confronto e la crescita delle Scuole di Specializzazione e favorire…

The relevance for Public Health of the mid-term and interim analyses of seasonal influenza vaccination effectiveness

Worldwide, influenza is commonly recognized as a respiratory virus that causes a high number of deaths every year, especially among elderly adults and people with chronic illnesses. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality, many countries have implemented, in the last decades, universal influenza vaccination programs with special attention on groups at increased risk of developing the disease, such as pregnant women, children aged 6–59 months, elderly adults and individuals with specific chronic medical conditions. In real-world conditions, observational (nonrandomized) studies on vaccine effectiveness (VE) could measure,the risk reduction of contracting a disease and are considered the g…

Rilevazione della prevalenza del Bullismo in un campione di scuole di Palermo

Il bullismo è uno dei problemi sociali e sanitari più rilevanti in ambito scolastico per i bambini e gli adolescenti di tutto il mondo. Dal 2007, il Ministero Italiano della Pubblica Istruzione (D.M. n°16 del 5 febbraio 2007) promuove attività per il contrasto e la prevenzione del fenomeno in scuole di ogni ordine e grado, ed allo stesso tempo le aziende sanitarie locali o provinciali dovrebbero farsi carico di una risposta socio-sanitaria efficace al problema. Nella città di Palermo, negli ultimi anni, sia alcune scuole che alcuni distretti sanitari hanno messo in atto attività ed interventi per cercare di contrastare il fenomeno in questione. La mancanza di un dato rilevato in maniera uni…

Evaluation of the Burden of HPV-Related Hospitalizations as a Useful Tool to Increase Awareness: 2007–2017 Data from the Sicilian Hospital Discharge Records

In light of the implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention strategies, epidemiological studies in different geographical areas are required in order to assess the impact of HPV-related diseases. The purpose of the present study was to describe the burden of HPV-related hospitalizations in Sicily. A retrospective observational study estimated 43,531 hospitalizations attributable to HPV from 2007 to 2017. During the observed period, there was a decrease for all HPV-related conditions with a higher reduction, among neoplasms, for cervical cancer (annual percent change (APC) = &minus

Impact of the abolition of food handler certification on notification rates of foodborne diseases in Italy

to assess the trends of foodborne diseases in respect of the abolition of food handler certification by Italian Regions.

First detection of SARS-CoV-2 A.23.1 sub-lineage in migrants arriving to Italy via the Mediterranean Sea and public health implications

ANALISI DESCRITTIVA DELLE PATOLOGIE ASBESTO-CORRELATE DELLA PROVINCIA DI PALERMO NEL PERIODO 2005-2009

HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents of female adolescents: a pre-post interventional study

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in female adolescents. The highest infection rate is found among individuals aged 15-24 years, and the HPV vaccine represents an opportunity to reduce the burden of cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18. The World Health Organization has defined girls aged 9e13 years as the priority target for HPV vaccination. In Italy, in accordance with international public health guidelines, HPV vaccination wasfree and actively offered to all girls during their 12th year of life (from the completion of 11 years until the age of 12 years) between 2007 and 2008, establishing a target vaccination coverage of 95% within 5 ye…

Sexual habits and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases among medical students of Palermo’s University in 2010–2011.

Background The Residency Program in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at Palermo’s University has conducted a survey among the students of the local Medical School regarding their knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), with the aim to detect possible risk factors frequently associated with STDs. Objectives The study has been conducted with an anonymous questionnaire delivered, during classes, to the students attending the six years of Medical School. The medical residents on Hygiene and Preventive Medicine of the Department of Sciences for Health Promotion at Palermo’s University had previously made a short introduction about the study and its purpose and answered students’ que…

Pre-post school educational intervention assessment on HPV vaccination attitudes and willingness

Abstract Background In Italy, vaccination coverage against human Papilloma Virus (HPV) showed a decreasing trend during last years. Different reasons could lead to a decrease in HPV vaccination confidence, such as not taking part to school seminars on HPV infection and vaccination. A pre-post intervention study was conducted in order to assess the improvement of knowledge, attitudes and behavior on HPV-related diseases and willingness on HPV vaccination among secondary school students. Methods Two anonymous pre-post intervention questionnaires made up of 25 and 8 items, respectively, were administered to a representative sample of students attending secondary schools of Palermo, Italy. Betw…

Analisi sulle difformità dei percorsi formativi degli specializzandi di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva in Italia: le scuole di specializzazione sono in grado di formare pienamente gli specialisti in Sanità Pubblica del futuro?

Introduzione Il percorso formativo dello specialista in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva dovrebbe garantire adeguate conoscenze tecnico-scientifiche e professionali nei campi della medicina preventiva, della promozione della salute e della programmazione dei servizi sanitari secondo quanto indicato anche dal DM 285/2005. La Consulta degli Specializzandi, da sempre coinvolta in attività di monitoraggio della formazione a livello nazionale, si prefigge l'obiettivo di valutare l'omogeneità delle proposte formative tra le diverse sedi italiane, non solo per segnalare le criticità, ma anche per evidenziarne le opportunità. Materiali e Metodi Lo studio, di tipo cross-sectional, è stato condotto media…

Riemergenza del poliovirus ed implicazioni per la vaccinazione anti-poliovirus in Italia

Nel 1988, l’Organizzazione mondiale della Sanità (OMS) ha approvato il piano di eradicazione mondiale della poliomielite con l’obiettivo di annullare la circolazione del virus a partire dall’anno 2000. Tale target, per motivi economici, organizzativi, culturali, bellici e financo religiosi, è stato successivamente spostato in avanti negli anni fino a giungere attualmente al 2015. A seguito di questo impegno, negli anni si è registrata una riduzione dell’incidenza di poliomielite di oltre il 99%, passando dai 350.000 casi annui di polio paralitica documentati nel 1988 in 125 paesi, alle poche centinaia di casi riscontrati nel 2013 sia negli ultimi 3 paesi endemici (Nigeria, Afghanistan, Paki…

Coverage rates against vaccine-preventable diseases among healthcare workers in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Background Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) reduces the risk of occupational vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), prevents their nosocomial transmission and preserves healthcare delivery during outbreaks. Extensive implementation of vaccination programmes for HCWs allowed the elimination or control of several VPDs within healthcare facilities; despite these, the vaccine adherence rates among HCWs are persistently suboptimal. Methods A questionnaire was self-administered by HCWs to assess their vaccination rates against several VPDs and self-reported immunity in two university hospitals of Southern Italy (Catania and Palermo). Results A total of 2586 questionnaires were anal…

Effects of an intervention to prevent the bullying in first-grade secondary schools of Palermo, Italy: the BIAS study

Abstract Background Bullying is one of the most common expressions of violence in the peer context during school years. This study investigates the prevalence of bullying and the short-term effects on students’ bullying perceptions of a preventive intervention conducted among teachers of first-grade secondary schools in Palermo, Sicily (Italy). Methods Between the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 school years, a pre-post intervention study was conducted among nine school institutions, sampled and categorized by neighbourhood socioeconomic index. A questionnaire investigating physical, verbal, and indirect bullying, the role of observers, prosociality, and resiliency in bullying was administered befo…

EUROMEDITERRANEAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL: THE RENEWED MANUSCRIPT LAYOUT AND WEB RENDERING FORESHADOW FURTHER JOURNAL IMPROVEMENT

In January 2006, a new journal, Capsula Eburnea, was born into the Italian scientific publishing scene with the initial goal of creating, at the same time, “an open scientific forum and a blog”, based on the premise that “in medicine, nothing should be considered stable, immutable or unsusceptible to critical review at any time, by any scientist”. The Editorial Team progressively sought to improve the quality of the manuscripts published, introducing the requirement for all articles to be written in English, and changed the Journal’s name to EuroMediterranean Biomedical Journal in 2012. Over the last five years, approximately 125 articles by young doctors (including original articles, revie…

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Propensity towards HPV Vaccine of Young Adult Students in Italy

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), representing the main cause of genital warts and cervical cancer. This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge and attitudes about HPV infection, related diseases, and prevention and propensity towards HPV vaccine among undergraduate students. Methods: An online and written survey about HPV and its prevention, targeted to young adults of both genders, was addressed to students attending health sciences and other schools at Universities of Genoa and Bari. Results: The overall median knowledge and attitude scores were 56.3% (25&ndash

Volume Atti seconda Edizione delle Giornate degli Specializzandi in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva della Società Italiana di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica “Realtà e Prospettive dei Giovani nella Sanità Pubblica: esperienze a confronto"

Immunization against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in a Cohort of Nursing Students Two Decades after Vaccination: Surprising Feedback

Health-care students can be exposed to biological risks during university training. The persistence of long-term immunogenicity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was analyzed in a cohort of nursing students two decades after primary vaccination. A total of 520 students were enrolled at the University of Palermo and were evaluated for levels of anti-HBsAg antibodies. The students were examined during the first year of their Degree Course and were checked two years later. All students with anti-HBsAg &lt

Influenza vaccination coverage among medical residents: An Italian multicenter survey

Although influenza vaccination is recognized to be safe and effective, recent studies have confirmed that immunization coverage among health care workers remain generally low, especially among medical residents (MRs). Aim of the present multicenter study was to investigate attitudes and determinants associated with acceptance of influenza vaccination among Italian MRs. A survey was performed in 2012 on MRs attending post-graduate schools of 18 Italian Universities. Each participant was interviewed via an anonymous, self-administered, web-based questionnaire including questions on attitudes regarding influenza vaccination. A total of 2506 MRs were recruited in the survey and 299 (11.9%) of t…

Vaccination Coverage Increase among Adolescent and Young Adults of the Palermo District (Italy) as a Result of a Public Health Strategy to Contrast an &amp;ldquo;Epidemic of Panic&amp;rdquo;

During summer 2016 in the District of Palermo, Italy, the rapid succession of four cases of invasive meningococcal disease among young adults, with one death, have had an extraordinary emphasis by Local and National mass media. The resultant &amp;ldquo;epidemic of panic&amp;rdquo; among general population overloaded vaccination Units of the Palermo District during following months. Strategies implemented by Sicilian and Local Public Health Authorities to counteract &amp;ldquo;meningitis fear&amp;rdquo; were: a) extension of active and free of charge anti-meningococcal tetravalent vaccination from age class 12&amp;ndash;18 to 12&amp;ndash;30 years old; b) implementation of vaccination units …

Case-control study on intestinal intussusception: implications for anti-rotavirus vaccination.

Background: Intussusception represents the most common cause of abdominal emergency among young children but nearly 75% of cases are still considered idiopathic. Research design and methods: A case–control study was conducted among Sicilian children aged 0–59 months with a hospital admission for intussusception between 2009 and 2015 to identify factors associated with intussusception onset. Results: Overall, 125 cases and 190 controls were recruited for the study. Birth order (OR 1.49, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.02, P = 0.02) and having had gastroenteritis or having taken antibiotics during the 30 days prior to hospitalization (OR 11.55, 95%CI: 3.23, 41.23, P < 0.001; 3.09, 95%CI: 1.17, 8.12, P = 0.009…

Letter of Reply to “Response to: COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Hesitancy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Analysis of Determinants in a National Survey of the Italian IBD Patients’ Association”

To the Editors, We thank Drs. R. Mungmunpuntipantip and V. Wiwanitkit1 for their comment on our recently published article, “COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Hesitancy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Analysis of Determinants in a National Survey of the Italian IBD Patients’ Association”.

Attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of Italian General Practitioner trainees towards influenza vaccination in Western Sicily (Italy)

Background: General practitioners (GPs) have to be considered as key figures of health promotion among health care workers since they are strongly asked to recommend influenza vaccination to their patients and perform on them. Despite this consideration, GPs have influenza vaccination rates that are significantly below the 75% coverage proposed by International Public Health guidelines. In order to increase future coverage of influenza vaccination within GPs, and through them within the population, the aim of this study was to assess determinants associated with influenza vaccine uptake among GP trainees. Methods: A survey was carried out on GP trainees attending the training course in Comm…

INCIDENZA DELL'INFLUENZA LIKE-ILLNESS TRA I MEDICI IN FORMAZIONE SPECIALISTICA ITALIANI: RISULTATI DI UNO STUDIO MULTICENTRICO

Analysis of appeals against the ruling of occupational physicians lodged with the Prevention and Occupational Epidemiology Operative Unit, ASP Palermo (Palermo Health Authority), from 2008-2010

Introduction: The responsibility of the Department for Prevention and Safety at the workplace of the Palermo Health Authority (ASP) is to monitor and coordinate the activity of occupational physicians operating in Palermo and its province. One of its obligations is to examine appeals “against the judgment of occupational physicians”, “...and, after carrying out further investigation, confirm, modify or reverse the ruling itself ” (art. 41, par. 6, legislative Decree 81/08). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the appeals lodged against a “judgment of fitness for work” submitted to the “Health Prevention and Occupational Epidemiology Operative Unit” of the Department of Prev…

Impact of Communicative and Informative Strategies on Influenza Vaccination Adherence and Absenteeism from Work of Health Care Professionals Working at the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy: A Quasi-Experimental Field Trial on Twelve Influenza Seasons

Every year, about 20% of health care workers (HCWs) acquire influenza, continuing to work and encouraging virus spreading. Influenza vaccination coverage rates and absenteeism from work among HCWs of the University Hospital (UH) of Palermo were analyzed before and after the implementation of several initiatives in order to increase HCWs&rsquo

Monitoraggio dell’adeguatezza prescrittiva dell’albumina per uso terapeutico presso una realtà ospedaliera della Provincia di Palermo.

Obiettivi La Direzione Sanitaria dell’Ospedale Buccheri La Ferla - Fatebenefratelli, in collaborazione con la Farmacia Ospedaliera, ha analizzato i dati relativi al consumo annuale di albumina, per poter verificare l’appropriatezza delle prescrizioni sulla base delle indicazioni della letteratura scientifica. Metodi A partire dal 2009 è stata elaborata una modulistica standardizzata di richiesta di albumina mirante a razionalizzarne l’uso. In ciascun modulo sono riportati i dati anagrafici, l’albuminemia, la protidemia totale, l’indicazione terapeutica ed il numero di flaconi richiesti per ciascun paziente. Sono stati analizzati i moduli di richiesta relativi agli anni 2009 e 2010. Tutti i …

La Consulta dei Medici in formazione specialistica S.It.I.: cosa ne pensi?

INTRODUZIONE La Consulta dei Medici in formazione specialistica (già Consulta degli Specializzandi) è un organo della Società Italiana di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica (S.It.I.) costituitosi nel 1998 e riconosciuto come componente ufficiale nello statuto della Società nel 2012. I compiti principali della Consulta sono quelli di creare e favorire una rete di contatti tra colleghi e di promuovere il miglioramento della formazione degli Specializzandi in Igiene. OBIETTIVI Obiettivo della presente indagine è valutare la conoscenza della Consulta dei Medici in Formazione Specialistica S.It.I. da parte degli operatori in ambito igienistico, e in particolare le opinioni riguardo le…

Respiratory Syncytial Virus: New Challenges for Molecular Epidemiology Surveillance and Vaccination Strategy in Patients with ILI/SARI.

Several respiratory pathogens are responsible for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections (SARI), among which human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) represents one of the most common aetiologies. We analysed the hRSV prevalence among subjects with ILI or SARI during the five influenza seasons before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Sicily (Italy). Respiratory specimens from ILI outpatients and SARI inpatients were collected in the framework of the Italian Network for the Influenza Surveillance and molecularly tested for hRSV-A and hRSV-B. Overall, 8.1% of patients resulted positive for hRSV. Prevalence peaked in the age-groups &lt

Canal switch and re-entry phenomenon in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: difference between immediate and delayed occurrence

Studio prospettico ideato per la valutazione delle differenze tra la conversione canalare o il rientro degli otoliti nei canali semicircolari successivo alle manovre terapeutiche nei pazienti affetti da VPPB. Sono stati valutati 196 pazienti affetti da VPPB, 127 dei quali corrispondevano ai criteri di inclusione. L’età media dei pazienti era di 54.74 anni. Il canale orizzontale è stato coinvolto in 30 casi e il canale posteriore in 97 pazienti. I pazienti con sordità neurosensoriale presentavano forme ricorrenti di VPPB, rispetto a quelli con udito normale. L’immediato rientro canalare è stato diagnosticato in 3 pazienti con VPPB del canale laterale, tutti con nistagmo geotropo. 7 pazienti …

Experts’ Opinion for Improving Pertussis Vaccination Rates in Adolescents and Adults: A Call to Action

This article highlights the importance of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (with reduced antigen content, dTap) vaccination in preventing pertussis, a respiratory infection that is still widespread and easily transmitted. In particular, it highlights the need to receive a booster vaccination throughout life to maintain high antibody levels, which decrease through time. This document collects the opinions that emerged from the comparison between major Italian experts in the field of vaccination. This working group was created to promote a “call to action”, aimed at raising awareness among all institutions, public health authorities, and health workers involved in the vaccination proces…

Use of ICT to support epidemiological surveillance on a community of university students during SARS-CoV-2 phase 3 pandemic

Populations documenting to date low incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection are immunologically susceptible and at high exposure risk of new COVID-19 outbreaks during phase 3 of the pandemic. Following the experience documented by other countries with regard to the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to counteract the current pandemic, Italy has implemented a contact tracing system based on a mobile application. In this work, we describe the proposal of a complementary ICT-based prototypal model of COVID-19 prevention and surveillance system, involving the university students as sentinels acting both in the academic community and the general population.

Logistic regression of attitudes and coverage for influenza vaccination among Italian Public Health medical residents

Introduction. A few number of literature specifically addresses vaccination uptake among Public Health Residents (PHRs). Influ- enza vaccine attitudes and risk perceptions of PHRs across Italy were studied, contributing to literature on influenza vaccination uptake predictors, in particular among young physicians. Methods. An online survey was conducted in 25 Schools of Public Health in Italy in 2011-2012. Results were analysed using preva- lence and logistic regression methods. Results. A total of 365 Italian public health residents were included in the study. Vaccination uptake was confirmed by 22.2 and 33.2% of PHRs in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, respectively. For the 2010-2011 influenza se…

Analysis of hospitalizations due to intussusception in Sicily in the pre-rotavirus vaccination era (2003–2012)

Background: Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in infants with an incidence ranging from 9-328 cases per 100,000 infants aged 0-11 months. Causes underlining this clinical manifestation are still unknown. Possible relationship with a withdrawn tetravalent rotavirus vaccine was not confirmed by post-licensure studies and actually no increased risk of intussusception was found between infants vaccinated with both the recently licensed rotavirus vaccines. Aim of this study is to analyze the intussusception hospitalizations in Sicily from 2003 to 2012 before the introduction of rotavirus universal vaccination and its possible relation with rotavirus gastroenteritis tr…

APPLICAZIONE DELLO SCREENING DEL TUMORE COLON-RETTALE IN SICILIA: ATTUALITA' E PROSPETTIVE

Immunization Campaigns and Strategies against Human Papillomavirus in Italy: The Results of a Survey to Regional and Local Health Units Representatives

Objective. The study aimed to assess the impact of HPV immunization campaigns organizational aspects, the characteristics of immunization program (vaccination targets and type of offer), and communicative strategies adopted by four Italian administrative regions on vaccination coverage observed. Methods. From November 2017 to March 2018, regional and Local Health Units (LHUs) representatives were invited to complete an online survey including 54 questions evaluating vaccination invite systems, access systems to vaccination centres, reminder and recall systems, and adverse events surveillance. An overall descriptive analysis was conducted. Since observed vaccine coverage (VC) obtained in fem…

Attitudes and perception of healthcare workers concerning influenza vaccination during the 2019/2020 season: A survey of sicilian university hospitals

Influenza is an infectious disease with a high impact on the population in terms of morbidity and mortality, but despite International and European guidelines, vaccination coverage rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain very low. The aim of the present study was to evaluate influenza vaccination adherence in the three Sicilian University Hospitals of Catania, Messina, and Palermo and to understand the attitudes and perceptions of vaccinated healthcare workers and the main reasons for vaccination refusal. A cross-sectional survey through a self-administered questionnaire was conducted during the 2019/2020 influenza season. Overall, 2356 vaccinated healthcare workers answered the questi…

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Breakthrough Infections in Fully Vaccinated Healthcare Personnel: A Systematic Review

The number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 increases worldwide every day; however, it is important to study the risk of breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals at high risk of exposure such as healthcare personnel (HCP). A systematic literature review (SLR) applying the PRISMA declaration and the PECOS format using the following entry terms was used: “Health Personnel OR Healthcare Worker OR Healthcare Provider OR Healthcare Personnel AND breakthrough OR infection after vaccine*”. The research was carried out utilizing the following databases: SCOPUS, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Sciences. An overall very low incidence of post-vaccination breakthrough infections was found, ran…

Impatto della vaccinazione antirotavirus sulle ospedalizzazioni per gastroenterite rotavirale in regione Sicilia

La gastroenterite rotavirale (GERV) è una delle principali cause di ricovero nei bambini di età inferiore ai 5 anni in Italia. L'unica strategia di Sanità Pubblica in grado di prevenirla è la vaccinazione. La Sicilia è stata la prima regione italiana ad introdurre la vaccinazione universale anti-Rotavirus (anti-RV) nel Gennaio 2013. Sono stati raccolti i dati relativi ai ricoveri con codice ICD-IX CM 008.61 in qualsiasi posizione di diagnosi nei bambini di età compresa tra 0 e 59 mesi residenti in regione Sicilia nel periodo pre (2009-2012) e post (2013-2015) INTRODUZIONE vaccinale. Tra il 2009 ed il 2015 sono stati osservati 5.718 ricoveri per GERV. Sono stati registrati una media di 961 c…

Monitoraggio dell’adeguatezza prescrittiva dell’albumina per uso terapeutico nel triennio 2009-2011 presso una realtà ospedaliera di Palermo

OBIETTIVI: L'elaborazione di una modulistica standardizzata di richiesta di albumina rientra tra gli strumenti di razionalizzazione delle risorse sanitarie, inteso sia come contenimento dei costi che come uso conforme alle raccomandazioni e linee guida internazionali; l'albumina infatti è un farmaco di elevato costo e dal frequente utilizzo in circostanze non appropriate e recenti evidenze scientifiche dimostrano come alcune delle indicazioni tradizionali mostrano uno sfavorevole rapporto costo/beneficio, e in altri casi addirittura provocano un aumento della mortalità nei pazienti non opportunamente trattati. METODI: A partire dal 2009, in un ospedale palermitano a gestione pubblico-privat…

Body mass index and factors associated with overweight and obesity: a crosssectional study of adult subjects living in a small city of Western Sicily (Italy)

Background: although the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity have been well described, especially for very populous urban areas, less evidences are available for small urban areas. The aim of the present work was to assess BMI and factors associated with overweight and obesity in a representative sample of general population of a small city of Western Sicily (Italy). Methods: four hundred and eleven randomly selected adult subjects from general population living in a small Sicilian city with 7 144 inhabitants were interviewed by a standardized questionnaire investigating life-styles, eating habits, anthropometric measurements (weight, height and BMI) and socio-economic depriv…

Precise reply and clarifications on behalf of Sicilian Public Health Authorities to the case report published by La Rosa and collegues

The intussusception is one of the most frequent causes of occlusive syndrome in infants and in children.1 The mesenteric lymphadenopathy, wich is very rare post rotavirus vaccination, can cause intussusception,2-5 especially in genetically predisposed individuals.6 There is an association between intussusception and some classes of genotype.7-9 Two infants aged 3 months, vaccinated against rotavirus. After about a week, one of the 2 identical infants presented inconsolable crying, vomiting, loose stools mixed with blood, and was diagnosed with bowel obstruction with intussusception. He was operated in urgency. After a few hours, his brother presented vomiting, and was admitted to our Hospit…

LA CORRETTA COMUNICAZIONE IN AMBITO VACCINALE È IN GRADO DI MODIFICARE LE ATTITUDINI ED IL COMPORTAMENTO NEI CONFRONTI DELLE VACCINAZIONI? L’EFFICACIA DI UN INTERVENTO CONDOTTO TRA LA POPOLAZIONE GENERALE RESIDENTE NELLA PROVINCIA DI PALERMO

COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Hesitancy in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Analysis of Determinants in a National Survey of the Italian IBD Patients’ Association

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not finished yet, and the most promising option towards its ending is widespread vaccination. Because patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), namely Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), often require immune-modifying treatment, which might increase the risk of opportunistic infection,1 their vaccination history for several infectious diseases is routinely checked, and when inadequate, vaccination is performed at diagnosis or ideally before immune suppressive treatment is started.1 However, IBD patients were not found to be at an increased risk of developing COVID-19 or of experiencing a more severe disease course.2

Vaccination and Vaccine Effectiveness: A Commentary of Special Issue Editors

The Special Issue “Vaccination and Vaccine Effectiveness”, published in the journal Vaccines, has the main aim to increase international literature data on vaccine effectiveness and safety and on vaccination strategies in order to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination coverage rates. The main topics included in the call for papers were vaccines administered to infants, adolescents, adults, elderly people, at-risk populations (due to comorbidities and personal risk factors) and healthcare workers and strategies adopted to promote vaccination adherence among these categories. This Special Issue started from the assumption that, despite vaccination being universally recognized as on…

STILI DI VITA ED INDICI DI DEPRIVAZIONE IN UN CAMPIONE RAPPRESENTATIVO DELLA POPOLAZIONE RESIDENTE IN UNA CITTADINA DELLA SICILIA OCCIDENTALE

The molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of influenza B virus in two Italian regions during 2010-2015: The experience of Sicily and Liguria

Molecular epidemiology of influenza B virus remained poorly studied in Italy, despite representing a major contributor to seasonal epidemics. This study aimed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of the hemagglutinin gene sequences of 197 influenza B strains circulating in both Southern (Sicily) and Northern (Liguria) Italy between 2010 and 2015. Upper respiratory tract specimens of patients displaying symptoms of influenza-like illness were screened by real-time RT-PCR assay for the presence of influenza B virus. PCR-positive influenza B samples were further analyzed by sequencing. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees were constructed and the amino-acid alignm…

EUROMEDITERRANEAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL: THE RENEWED MANUSCRIPT LAYOUT AND WEB RENDERING FORESHADOW FURTHER JOURNAL IMPROVEMENT.

In January 2006, a new journal, Capsula Eburnea, was born into the Italian scientific publishing scene with the initial goal of creating, at the same time, “an open scientific forum and a blog”, based on the premise that “in medicine, nothing should be considered stable, immutable or unsusceptible to critical review at any time, by any scientist”. The Editorial Team progressively sought to improve the quality of the manuscripts published, introducing the requirement for all articles to be written in English, and changed the Journal’s name to EuroMediterranean Biomedical Journal in 2012. Over the last five years, approximately 125 articles by young doctors (including original articles, revie…

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Professionals and General Population During “First Wave” of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in Sicily, Italy

On December 31, 2019, an outbreak of lower respiratory infections was documented in Wuhan caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the beginning, SARS-CoV-2 has caused many infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Aims of this study were: a. to compare the distribution among the HCWs and the general population of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Western Sicily and Italy; b. to describe the characteristics of HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the western Sicilian healthcare context during the first wave of the epidemic diffusion in Italy. Incidence and mean age of HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 were comparable in Western Sicily and in the whole Ita…

Cost analysis of the first two year of universal mass vaccination against rotavirus in Sicily

Background Rotavirus vaccination (RV) is recognized by international health authority as the best strategy to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in children. Costs of RVGE were estimated in several studies and were classified into direct and indirect costs, that should be further divided into Health care and social perspective. This study aims to evaluate RVGE hospitalization costs in Sicily, before and after universal mass RV (UMRV) introduction. Methods Cases of RVGE were defined as all hospitalizations with an ICD-9-CM diagnosis code of 008.61 on any diagnosis position among children aged 0 to 59 months. Data were obtained from Hospital discharge records (HDR) of the Health Regiona…

Fat plug myringoplasty: Analysis of a safe procedure for small tympanic perforations

Objective: Assessment of value of fat plug myringoplasty as office-based procedure in small tympanic membrane perforations. Material and Methods: Prospective study of consecutive patients undergoing fat plug myringoplasty under local anesthesia. Minimum follow-up considered was 6 months, which included several microscopic examinations. All data were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: 33 patients matched the inclusion criteria; the mean perforation size was 2.8 mm. No change in PTA was noted after surgery in the whole series. Recurrence of perforation was detected in 7 cases (21%), which was statistically related with the cause of perforation rather than location or size (p-value …

Volume Atti XXIV Congresso Interregionale Siculo Calabro della Società Italiana di Igiene, Medicina Preventiva e Sanità Pubblica “Integrazione delle Popolazioni per la Promozione della Salute Collettiva: Focus sulla Salute dei Migranti in Italia”

Education and training among Italian postgraduate medical schools in public health: a comparative analysis.

Analisi comparativa dei percorsi formativi offerti dalle Scuole di specializzazione di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva in Italia Background: Il percorso formativo dello specialista in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva dovrebbe garantire adeguate conoscenze tecnico-scientifiche e professionali nei campi della medicina preventiva, della promozione della salute e della programmazione dei servizi sanitari secondo quanto indicato anche dal DM 285/2005. La Consulta degli Specializzandi, da sempre coinvolta in attività di monitoraggio della formazione a livello nazionale, si prefigge l’obiettivo di valutare l’omogeneità delle proposte formative tra le diverse sedi italiane, non solo per segnalare le criti…

Analisi delle pratiche di conformità igienico-sanitaria degli alloggi dei migranti da parte dell'U.O.T. di Prevenzione 2 del Dipartimento di Prevenzione dell'ASP 6 di Palermo: può la Sanità Pubblica andare incontro ai bisogni di salute del migrante?

Background Tra le attività principali del Dipartimento di Prevenzione Medico vi è quella di valutare le richieste di idoneità abitativa e di conformità igienico sanitaria della popolazione migrante ai fini del rilascio del permesso di soggiorno (D.P.R. 394/99) e ai fini del ricongiungimento familiare (Legge 94/09). Il Comune di Palermo è quello che presenta la maggiore migrazione in entrata in Regione Sicilia con 28.227 residenti stranieri accertati (4,3% della popolazione totale) di cui oltre 22 mila provenienti da paesi extra Europei. Tra le aree a maggiore densità abitativa da parte dei migranti ricade quella di pertinenza dell’U.O.T. di Prevenzione Palermo 2, di cui il presente studio h…

Burden and Prevention of HPV. Knowledge, Practices and Attitude Assessment Among Pre-Adolescents and their Parents in Italy

Despite infections due to HPV nowadays represent the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide with recognized effective and safe preventive strategies, knowledge, attitudes; however, awareness on HPV is considerably low. The present study has two main objectives: 1. To conduct a literature review to analyze the evolution of preventive tools, the complexity of the vaccine choice process, and the challenges posed by HPV vaccine hesitancy and refusal among pre-adolescents and their parents; 2. To assess knowledge, practices and attitudes toward HPV infection and vaccination in a sample of Italian pre-adolescents and their parents. The observational study was carried out through the…

Methodological issues in a cross-sectional survey on cervical cancer screening using telephone interviews in Sicily (Italy): a SWOT analysis

Objective A cross-sectional study on knowledge, perceptions, and adherence to cervical cancer screening was conducted using telephone interviews of Sicilian women that were performed in 2016. This study aimed to identify areas that need to be addressed to improve the validity of data collection and to minimize possible biases. Methods We performed a qualitative study through SWOT analysis, which is a multidimensional method based on evaluation of Strengths (S), Weaknesses (W), Opportunities (O), and Threats (T) of the research project. The contents of the SWOT forms underwent categorical, inductive, and deductive data analysis using the long table analysis method. Results The full availabil…

Determinants of vaccine hesitancy and effectiveness of vaccination counseling interventions among a sample of the general population in Palermo, Italy.

Counteract vaccine hesitancy is a public health priority. Main objectives of the cross-sectional study conducted were to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding vaccination issues, to estimate the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and to estimate the effectiveness of vaccination counseling on community advocacy in a sample of general population. An anonymous validated questionnaire was administered in April 2017 at the main shopping center of Palermo and was followed by tailored vaccination counseling interventions. To estimate the effectiveness of the interventions four main connection parameters to the vaccinarsi.org website were evaluated, in the two months before and after …

Invasive pneumococcal diseases in children aged 1-59 months in sicily, Italy: Importance of active family paediatrician surveillance and vaccination coverage

Purpose: Aim of this study was to analyze pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease rates several years after the implementation of infant pneumococcal vaccination. Methods: The study was carried out in Sicily and involved about 30,000 children, aged 1-59 months, actively monitored by 100 family pediatricians during 2010 and 2011. All children who met the inclusion criteria were considered eligible, recorded using a stan-dardized case report form and investigated for the presence of S. pneumoniae in speci-mens from sterile sites. Results: None of the 40 eligible children was confirmed as a case of invasive pneumococ-cal disease. The incidence rate of invasive pneumococcal disease cases was 0.…

Health communication in covid-19 era: Experiences from the italian vaccinarsì network websites

In 2013, in a bid to combat Vaccine Hesitancy (VH) and provide information on vaccines by communicating with the general public and the health community (e.g., healthcare workers and public health operators), the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (S.It.I.) published the national website “VaccinarSì”. The project was subsequently extended to ten Italian Regions. This led to the creation of the VaccinarSì Network, whose websites are publicly owned. The aim of this work was to present the framework of the websites of the VaccinarSì Network and to analyse user behaviour in the pre-COVID-19-era (dating from each website’s publication until 31 January 2020) and in the COVID-19-er…

Kinetics of Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Titers in Nurse Students after a Two-Year Follow-Up

Infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be prevented through a safe and effective vaccine. This study analysed the kinetics of serum antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (anti-HBs) titers in relation to previous vaccine boosters in Italian nursing students who were followed up for two years. Serum anti-HBs titers were evaluated at the first visit, after vaccine booster (if required) and at visit after two years. Overall, 483 students (mean age = 21.7 years

Rate of hospitalizations and mortality of Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection compared to influenza in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is commonly regarded as an infection typical of children, but increasing literature is showing its importance in older people. Since the data regarding the impact of RSV are still limited for older people, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the rate of hospitalization and mortality between RSV and influenza in this population. A systematic literature search until 15 June 2022 was done across several databases and including studies reporting incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hospitalization and mortality in RSV and influenza affecting older people. Among 2295 records initially screened, 16 studies including 762,084 old…

Risk Factors, Lifestyle and Prevention among Adolescents with Idiopathic Juvenile Scoliosis: A Cross Sectional Study in Eleven First-Grade Secondary Schools of Palermo Province, Italy.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has an incidence of 2&ndash;3% in the general population and a multifactorial etiology. The present study aims to analyze modifiable risk factors and their interactions in the development of AIS in order to increase knowledge about the disease and to prevent the evolution of AIS in young students with tailored public health strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted over two consecutive school years among students attending 11 first-grade secondary schools in the province of Palermo, Italy. A self-administered questionnaire that investigated socio-demographical, physical and anamnestic characteristics and habits, focusing on possible risk factors…

The Management of Health Hazards Related to Municipal Solid Waste on Fire in Europe: An Environmental Justice Issue?

Landfilling should be the last option in an integrated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management approach. In the European Union (EU), the policy framework to protect the environment and the public health against the impact of health hazards related to urban solid waste management has been consistently implemented in recent decades. A growing interest in the negative impact of fires in waste landfills on the environment and people’s health was reported in some European countries. In Italy, an increasing occurrence of arsons in MSW and landfills has been reported in recent years. During the summer of 2012, a multi-site arson occurred in the Palermo Municipal solid waste landfill of Bellolampo (…

Organizzazione Sanitaria in Ospedale

P463 COVID-19 vaccination willingness and hesitancy in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): analysis of determinants in a national survey of the Italian IBD patients’ association (AMICI Onlus)

Abstract Background Vaccine hesitancy, the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite its availability, represents a threat to the diffusion and lethality of infectious diseases. COVID-19 vaccination has been recommended by national and international organizations in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). The aim of the study was to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine willingness and hesitancy in a population of Italian patients with IBD, and their determinants. Methods In February 2021 an online questionnaire focused on COVID-19 vaccine was proposed to a representative sample of Italian IBD patients. Socio-demographic characteristics, IBD features, lifestyle, perception of COVID…

A mid-term estimate of 2018/2019 vaccine effectiveness to prevent laboratory confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza cases in Sicily (Italy)

Abstract Influenza season started in Italy during the month of October 2018, approaching the epidemic peak in January 2019. This report aim to explore the mid-term virologic surveillance data of the 2018–2019 influenza season in Sicily and to estimate the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine (VE) against A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza viruses. A test-negative design was used to evaluate influenza VE. In Sicily, almost all influenza infections were sustained by influenza type A viruses, of which 62.3% were A(H3N2) and 36.3% A(H1N1)pdm09. A reduction of laboratory confirmed influenza cases in Sicilian population immunized against influenza were observed. In particular, an overall s…

I Giovani e il futuro della Sanità Pubblica

Influenza like Illness among Medical Residents Anticipates Influenza Diffusion in General Population: Data from a National Survey among Italian Medical Residents

The aim of this multicentre study was to assess incidence of influenza like illness (ILI) among Italian medical residents (MRs) during 2011±2012 influenza season, to detect variables associated with ILI and to compare estimated ILI incidence among MRs and general population. A cross-sectional survey was carried out throughout an anonymous questionnaire administered to all MRs attending the post-graduate medical schools of 18 Italian Universities. At the same time an analysis of the ILI incidence in the Italian general population was conducted through the Italian Influenza Surveillance Network. Of a total of 2,506 MRs, 1,191 (47.5%) reported at least one ILI episode. A higher proportion of I…

Proposal for an Alliance Between Healthcare and Legal Area Professionals for Shared Public Health and Preventive Strategies in Italy and Europe

Following the implementation of the new Italian legislation on responsibility of healthcare workers, a multi-professional framework, involving representatives of the Italian public health professionals and legal professionals expert in the field, drafted a proposal of the actionable recommendations to be implemented in the management of civil and penal disputes arising from the practice of public health interventions. In order to prevent legal disputes concerning some public health fields such as vaccinations, cancer screening, environmental health surveillance, and hospital management, it should be primary taken into account to update guidelines in supporting decision-making processes, in …

WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINATION IN COSTUMERS ACCESSING COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN THE PROVINCE OF PALERMO, ITALY

In Italy, vaccination against COVID-19 began on December 27, 2020. To date, 13,713,224 people in Italy are fully vaccinated, which accounts for 25.3 % of the general population, and 44.8% received at least one vaccination dose. The present study aim to investigate willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination in costumers accessing a sample of community pharmacies in the Province of Palermo, Italy. A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was carried out among costumers older than 18 years old between December 2020 and March 2021. Three hundred and sixty-three subjects were enrolled in the study, 259 (71.3%) expressed their willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The main determin…

Factors Associated with HPV Vaccine Refusal among Young Adult Women after Ten Years of Vaccine Implementation

In Italy, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was implemented for twelve years old girls in 2007, but its coverage was lower than the recommended level. Sicily is one of the Italian administrative regions with lower vaccination coverage, with a value of 59% for those born in 1996 increasing to 62% coverage for those born in 1999. The aim of the study was to investigate factors associated with the refusal of HPV vaccination among young adult women of Palermo, Italy. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Policlinico &ldquo;Paolo Giaccone&rdquo; Hospital (Palermo 1) and the questionnaire was validated in a convenience sample representing 10% of the young women. A cross-s…

Results after one year of rotavirus universal mass vaccination in Sicily

Background Rotavirus (RV) vaccination is the best strategy to prevent hospitalizations due to rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) and is strongly recommended by international health authority [1]. The Sicilian Health Department introduced rotavirus universal mass vaccination (RUMV) into regional immunizations schedule in 2013 (mean vaccination coverage = 31%). Intussusception is the invagination of one segment of the intestine within a more distal segment and even though the etiology is still unknown, in 1998, a relationship with a tetravalent rotavirus vaccine that was promptly withdrawn was suggested [2]. Post licensure surveillance studies have not confirmed previous findings and no increas…

Monitoraggio e percezione delle esperienze formative internazionali tra gli specializzandi italiani in igiene e medicina preventiva. Indagine condotta dal gruppo di lavoro 'survey on international health electives' della consulta degli specializzandi S.It.I.

Introduzione Molti studi hanno dimostrato che le esperienze formative internazionali (International Health Electives - IHE) contribuiscono all'acquisizione di conoscenze e competenze fondamentali per i futuri professionisti in Sanità proprio attraverso l'opportunità di confronto fra sistemi sanitari e contesti socio-culturali differenti. Sebbene le IHE siano in crescita, non ci sono dati che riguardino quelle svolte dagli specializzandi italiani in Igiene. L'obiettivo dello studio è di raccogliere informazioni sulle loro pregresse esperienze formative internazionali e di comprendere motivazioni ed eventuali criticità relative alla decisione di effettuare una IHE. Materiali e metodi Gli spec…

Studio sulle conoscenze e analisi dei bisogni formativi in materia di Medical Management dei medici in formazione specialistica in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva.

Body mass index and factors associated with overweight and obesity: a crosssectional in a small city of Western Sicily (Italy)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: although the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity have been well described, especially for very populous urban areas, less evidences are available for small urban areas. The aim of the present work was to assess BMI and factors associated with overweight and obesity in a representative sample of general population of a small city of Western Sicily (Italy).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: four hundred and eleven randomly selected adult subjects from general population living in a small Sicilian city with 7 144 inhabitants were interviewed by a standardized questionnaire investigating life-styles, eating h…

On the threshold of effective well infant nursery hearing screening in Western Sicily.

Abstract Objective To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of well-infant nursery hearing screening programme for the early identification of hearing impairment, based on transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) with a high “screen sensitivity” reducing the number of more expensive secondary level exams. Methods The newborns were screened by non-specialist health workers in well babies nursery at the twentieth day of life for 6 years consecutive. Based on PASS/FAIL criteria and presence/absence of audiological risk factors the newborns were divided into four groups each one with its personal step programme: G1 – PASS without risk factor, free to go home; G2 – PASS with risk fact…

Influenza vaccine effectiveness among high-risk groups: a systematic literature review and metaanalysis of case-control and cohort studies

Vaccination represents the most effective intervention to prevent infection, hospitalization and mortality due to influenza. This meta-analysis quantifies data reporting influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) on influenza visits and hospitalizations of case-control and cohort studies among high-risk groups. A systematic literature review including original articles published between 2007 and 2016, using a protocol registered on Prospero with No. 42017054854, and a meta-analysis were conducted. For three high-risk groups (subjects with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and health care workers) only a qualitative evaluation was carried out. The VE quantitative analysis demonstrated a…

ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES: PENAL, CIVIL AND NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE RESPONSIBILITY ACCORDING TO ITALIAN LAW

In this commentary, the authors describe the most important and current issues about the responsibility in asbestos-related diseases according to the Italian Law. In particular, the authors comment the principal implications of Penal, Civil and National Health Insurance laws on occupational and preventive medicine. This brief report represents an useful tool for medical doctor specialists in Occupational, Public Health and Forensic Medicine to support their evaluation of causality in asbestos-related diseases

Are medical residents a "core group" for for future improvement of influenza vaccination coverage in health-care workers? A study among medical residents at the University Hospital of Palermo (Sicily)

Abstract Despite international recommendations, vaccination coverage among European healthcare workers, including physicians, is widely recognized as unsatisfactory. In order to plan tailored vaccination campaigns and increase future coverage, we investigated reasons for refusing vaccination and determinants associated with influenza vaccine uptake among young health care workers. A survey was carried out during September and October 2010 on medical residents attending post-graduate Schools of the Medical Faculty at the University of Palermo (Italy). Each participant completed an anonymous web-based questionnaire including items on demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge, at…

Conoscenze, percezione del rischio e abitudini dei frequentatori di due piscine pubbliche della città di Palermo

WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE COVID-l9 VACCINATION IN COSTUMERS ACCESSING COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN THE PROVINCE OF PALERMO.ITALY.

In Italy, vaccination against COVID-l 9 began on December 27, 2020. To date, 13,7 13,224 people in Italy are fully vaccinated, which accounts îor 25.3 oh of the general population, and 44.804 received at least one vaccination dose. Thc prescnt study aim to investigate willingness to receive COVID-I9 vaccination in costumers accessing a sample of community pharmacies in the Province of Palermo, Italy. A self- administered and anon),rnous questionnaire was carried out among costumers older than 18 ycars old between Dcccmbcr 2020 atrd March 2021. Three hundred and sixty-three subjects were enrolled in the study, 259 (71.3%) expressed their willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The main …

Do emissions from landfill fires affect pregnancy outcomes? A retrospective study after arson at a solid waste facility in Sicily

ObjectivesIn response to public health concern about effects of arson at solid waste management plants in July 2012, we analysed vital statistics data to evaluate any potential effect on pregnancies at different gestational ages of pollutants emitted from the landfill on fire.SettingA community living near the largest landfill plant in Sicily.ParticipantsThe study group comprised 551 births, live births and stillbirths from pregnancies of mothers residing in the extra-urban exposed area, conceived during a 40 week period during which the highest fire’s peak might have influenced pregnancy.Primary and secondary outcome measuresBirth outcomes (gestational age &lt;37 and &lt;32 weeks, low birt…

Pap Testing in a High-Income Country with Suboptimal Compliance Levels: A Survey on Acceptance Factors among Sicilian Women

Cervical cancer screening is uncommon, especially in low-income countries and among lower socioeconomic status people in high-income countries. The aims of this study were to examine the adherence of Sicilian women to Pap testing and to identify the determinants of this in a population with a secondary prevention attitude lower than high-income countries and the national average. A cross-sectional study called &ldquo

The Role of Vaccination and Screening in Limiting the Worldwide Disease Burden of Preventable Female Cancers: A Review

Cancer represents one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Among women, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the principal cause of death due to malignant disease, while cervical cancer ranks fourth for both incidence and mortality. The present review aims to analyze the epidemiology of cervical and breast cancer (incidence, mortality, survival rates, and trends). Moreover, the most important primary and secondary preventive strategies (reduction of risk factors, exposure, vaccination, cancer screening) intended to reduce the future burden of cervical and breast cancer, that should be adopted actively and free of charge, were discussed in accordance to more recent and evi…

Salvate Eva in Sicilia: indagine conoscitiva 2016 sull’adesione allo screening organizzato del cervicocarcinoma.

In Sicilia, a fronte di un incremento dell’estensione dello screening organizzato del cervicocarcinoma, non corrisponde un aumento dell’adesione. Nei mesi di gennaio-giugno 2016 è stata condotta un’indagine trasversale somministrando un questionario standardizzato a un campione di 365 donne, per descrivere le ragioni del fenomeno e promuovere interventi mirati. Per le variabili di atteggiamento e conoscenza è stato utilizzato l’Health Belief Model, che ha esplorato la percezione della donna della suscettibilità (rischio di sviluppare il cancro), della gravità della patologia e dei benefici derivanti dal pap-test. Dai risultati emerge che il 66,6% delle intervistate ha effettuato un pap- tes…