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Dettori M, Arghittu A, Cappai A, Castiglia P, Campus G. Impact of Socioeconomic Inequalities on Dental Caries Status in Sardinian Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:96. [PMID: 38255409 PMCID: PMC10814925 DOI: 10.3390/children11010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between oral health of schoolchildren living in the North Sardinia area and socioeconomic deprivation was assessed to evaluate a potential spatial correlation. METHODS A total of 10,947 subjects were examined (5281 aged 3-5-years, and 5666 aged 6-11-years). The WHO dmft index score was calculated following clinical examination by calibrated examiners. The Sardinian Deprivation Index (IDMS) of the children's municipalities was also considered. Descriptive, bivariate and multinomial data analysis was conducted to assess the association between clinical data and socioeconomic deprivation. The presence of systematic spatial variation regarding caries experience (dmft) and deprivation status was investigated using a spatial autoregressive analysis. RESULTS Caries figures were statistically different in the two age groups (dmf > 0, 13.79% in the younger group vs. dmf > 0, 34.20% in the older one, p < 0.01). In a multinomial logistic regression model for caries experience, all the covariates were statistically significantly associated (p < 0.01) in comparison with the base outcome "caries-free". Linear regression analysis showed a dependence of dmft on IDMS (p < 0.01). Based on this equation, the dmft of the 39 municipalities that did not participate in the survey was estimated. IDMS was statistically significantly associated (p < 0.01) with caries prevalence in the spatial regression model. CONCLUSIONS The deprivation index significantly increased the risk of caries for all categories of caries experience and prevalence compared to caries-free. The relationship between IDMS and caries data was also confirmed by spatial analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dettori
- Department of Restorative, Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.)
| | - Antonella Arghittu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.)
| | - Andrea Cappai
- Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, 07041 Alghero, Italy;
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.)
| | - Guglielmo Campus
- Department of Restorative, Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.)
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600077, India
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Dettori M, Castiglia P. COVID-19 and Digital Health: Evolution, Perspectives and Opportunities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148519. [PMID: 35886366 PMCID: PMC9320194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Health Communication is key to establishing an empathic relationship between health professionals and their patients. Indeed, the ability to motivate and reassure the patient often determines the success of the therapies proposed. In the past, the relationship between health professionals and patients was centred on treatment and assistance, and health information came in the form of education campaigns based on signage (large posters, etc.). Subsequently, social and cultural changes gave rise to new ways of communicating science: from signage to magazines and television programmes devoted to health issues, through the use of social networks. In particular, fast and cheap access to the Internet and the vast number of app users have made the Web an effective communication tool. Given the potential of technology in the information-seeking process, the use of online channels by health institutions is a valuable tool for divulging medical and scientific knowledge. As a consequence, prompted by the need to provide fast and reliable information to the population, public institutions have adopted such innovative methods as the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to convey health-related content. This practice, known as digital health or e-health, provides healthcare information using digital tools (e.g., Websites and social networks), delivered in an easy-to-understand language in order to reach various population groups and bring about better health conditions for all, hence the importance of acquiring and reinforcing communication skills in the healthcare field, where correct and effective communication immediately translates into a benefit for the professionals themselves and for their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dettori
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- University Hospital of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- University Hospital of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Dettori M, Arghittu A, Deiana G, Castiglia P, Azara A. The revised European Directive 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption. A step forward in risk assessment, consumer safety and informative communication. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112773. [PMID: 35065937 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Water is an indispensable element for humankind and indeed all living beings; as such it is essential that it be supplied in adherence with safety and security criteria so as to fulfill its primordial role in community development. Therefore, the European Union has issued a new Directive on drinking water, updating the previous one (98/83/EC). The main new features of the updated Directive issued on January 12, 2021 include: • The adoption of a risk-based approach, in accordance with the principles of the Water Safety Plan, along the entire supply chain including the domestic system from the meter to the tap; • The updating of some quality standards, mainly related to the introduction of new parameters and the modification of parameter values for some in a more restrictive sense and for others in more permissive terms; • The identification of possible emerging pollutants present in supply sources (catchment areas); • The demand for effective and transparent communication to citizens on the quality of the water supplied, necessary to foster consumer confidence in the mains water supply. The Directive is the first European legislation adopted following a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), a European Union participatory democracy tool launched through the "Right2Water" initiative aiming to positively affect the environment. Indeed, the increased consumer confidence in tap water resulting from the desired improvement in communication to citizens should lead to a gradual reduction in the use of plastic water bottles. In addition, the Directive confirms what WHO has been reporting for some time through its Water Safety Plans. It is not limited to monitoring activities but also reproposes and promotes a generalised safety approach based on risk identification and management along the entire drinking water supply chain (from the catchment area to extraction, treatment, storage including distribution). The revised Directive will become the reference standard for the quality of water intended for human consumption in EU countries, and its entry into force will make it possible to minimise the harmful impacts of pollution on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dettori
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Antonella Arghittu
- Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Deiana
- Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Azara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria di Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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Knowledge and Behaviours towards Immunisation Programmes: Vaccine Hesitancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074359. [PMID: 35410045 PMCID: PMC8999062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Assessing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination is a key strategy when implementing national and international immunisation programmes aimed at improving compliance among the population and thereby increasing vaccination coverage. While vaccination's role as a powerful life-saving weapon in the fight against infectious diseases has been further highlighted following the introduction of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, there is still a discrepancy between the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of vaccines and the perception of the risk attributed to them. Known as "Vaccine Hesitancy" (VH), this phenomenon is the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines, despite the availability of services. VH can be found in at least 15% of the worldwide population, and even professional groups tasked with promoting vaccination as a primary prevention measure, e.g., healthcare workers (HCWs), sometimes have doubts regarding vaccination. Since 2014, this Public Health problem has been increasing in 90% of countries worldwide, to the extent that in 2019 it was listed as one of the ten greatest threats to global health by the World Health Organization (WHO). VH has also affected COVID-19 vaccination, hampering the achievement of desired vaccination coverage. Monitoring this trend by studying people's behaviour and attitudes could be a useful tool to aid Public Health, in orienting vaccination policies and designing new health education and continuous training interventions, aimed at both the general public and accountable cohorts, such as HCWs.
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Influenza Vaccination Strategies in Healthcare Workers: A Cohort Study (2018-2021) in an Italian University Hospital. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9090971. [PMID: 34579208 PMCID: PMC8473239 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinating healthcare workers (HCWs) is the most effective intervention for preventing nosocomial influenza infection. However, influenza vaccination coverage (VC%) among HCWs remains low. The aim of the study was to analyse the trend of VC% among healthcare workers in an Italian hospital through a three-year vaccination project covering three influenza seasons (2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021). A gap analysis was performed at the case base (2018-2019), on-site vaccination was trialled in the 2019-2020 season, and an integrated vaccination offer (on-site vaccination and the classic offer at a vaccination clinic) was implemented for the 2020-2021 season. For each unit of vaccinated HCWs, the following variables were recorded: main demographic details, area of affiliation (medical/surgical/services), and professional category. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between outcome (undergoing vaccination in 2020-2021) and other variables related to the healthcare workers' characteristics. In the three seasons, VC% values of 13.2%. 27.7%, and 58.9% were recorded, respectively (p < 0.005). The highest VC% was recorded among physicians (94.93%), in the medical area (63.27%), and males (62.59%) and in general among the youngest HCWs. Comparison of the coverage values recorded in the three seasons showed that in the last season considered (2020-2021) about 80% of health workers preferred to be vaccinated in the workplace instead of using the standard vaccination delivery method (invitation to attend the vaccination clinic). Our study suggests that the integrated vaccination offer may lead to an increase in VC% among HCWs compared to the classical offer modalities.
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SARS-CoV-2 Epidemics in Retirement and Nursing Homes in Italy: A New Preparedness Assessment Model after the First Epidemic Wave. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115712. [PMID: 34073437 PMCID: PMC8199425 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to evaluate the preparedness of retirement and nursing homes in the city of Sassari at the end of the first wave of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 epidemic, first by investigating the risk perception of epidemic outbreaks by the facility managers and subsequently by carrying out a field assessment of these facilities. To perform the field assessment, a checklist developed by the CDC (Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Nursing Homes Preparing for COVID-19) and adapted to the Italian context was used. Fourteen facilities took part in the survey (87.5%). The application of good practices for each survey area was expressed as a percentage with the following median values: restriction policies (87.5%), staff training (53.8%), resident training (67.6%), availability of personal protective equipment (41.7%), infection control practices (73.5%) and communication (80%). Among the facilities, considerable variability was observed in these evaluation fields: only the restriction policies and communication activities were applied uniformly. A discrepancy was found between perceived risk and real danger in the facilities, requiring targeted communication actions. At present, it is necessary to promote a new approach based on the prediction of critical events, thereby providing the means to effectively address them.
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Arghittu A, Dettori M, Dempsey E, Deiana G, Angelini C, Bechini A, Bertoni C, Boccalini S, Bonanni P, Cinquetti S, Chiesi F, Chironna M, Costantino C, Ferro A, Fiacchini D, Icardi G, Poscia A, Russo F, Siddu A, Spadea A, Sticchi L, Triassi M, Vitale F, Castiglia P. Health Communication in COVID-19 Era: Experiences from the Italian VaccinarSì Network Websites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5642. [PMID: 34070427 PMCID: PMC8197510 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
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-era (from 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021). Some metrics such as the number of visits to the site (sessions, number of users and average session duration), user behaviour (pages viewed, bounce rate and organic search) and the session acquisition path (direct traffic, referrals and social traffic) were searched, extrapolated and processed with Google Analytics. Qualitative and normally distributed quantitative variables were summarised with their absolute (relative) frequencies and means. Statistical differences between the means of the two periods were evaluated through paired t-test. A two-tailed p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. When the total values recorded over the period were compared, an overall increase in metrics was observed-the number of individual users, visits and individual pageviews rose in a statistically significant way. Our study aimed to highlight how combining disciplines such as health education and digital communication via Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) represents the best strategy to support citizens. This approach gives them the tools to become independent and responsible players that are capable of voluntarily and consciously choosing to adhere to vaccination programs. The VaccinarSì Network's goal for the future is to reach an even wider audience. By building each user's critical knowledge, this network enables users to be active components of a wider, more empowered community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Arghittu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (G.D.)
- University Hospital of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (E.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Marco Dettori
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Emma Dempsey
- University Hospital of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (E.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Giovanna Deiana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (G.D.)
| | - Claudio Angelini
- Regional Health Unit Marche, Prevention Department, Hygiene and Public Health Service, 60044 Fabriano, Italy; (C.A.); (D.F.)
| | - Angela Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (S.B.); (P.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Caterina Bertoni
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Trento, Autonomous Province of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (C.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Sara Boccalini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (S.B.); (P.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (S.B.); (P.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Sandro Cinquetti
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority 1 Dolomiti, 32100 Belluno, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Chiesi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (S.B.); (P.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Chironna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Oncologia Umana, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, Section of Hygiene, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Antonio Ferro
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Trento, Autonomous Province of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (C.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Daniel Fiacchini
- Regional Health Unit Marche, Prevention Department, Hygiene and Public Health Service, 60044 Fabriano, Italy; (C.A.); (D.F.)
| | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy; (G.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Andrea Poscia
- UOC ISP Prevention and Surveillance of Infectious and Chronic Diseases, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority (ASUR-AV2), 60035 Jesi, Italy;
| | - Francesca Russo
- Regional Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, Veterinary Public Health, Regione del Veneto, 30123 Venice, Italy;
| | - Andrea Siddu
- Ministero della Salute, Ufficio V Prevenzione delle Malattie Trasmissibili e Profilassi Internazionale, 00144 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonietta Spadea
- UOC Vaccinations, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Roma1, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Sticchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16100 Genoa, Italy; (G.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, Section of Hygiene, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- University Hospital of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (E.D.); (P.C.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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IGIDBASHIAN S, BERTIZZOLO L, TOGNETTO A, AZZARI C, BONANNI P, CASTIGLIA P, CONVERSANO M, ESPOSITO S, GABUTTI G, ICARDI G, LOPALCO P, VITALE F, PARISI S, CHECCUCCI LISI G. Invasive meningococcal disease in Italy: from analysis of national data to an evidence-based vaccination strategy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E152-E161. [PMID: 32802999 PMCID: PMC7419122 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.2.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is one of the most severe vaccine-preventable disease not yet under control. In Italy, although different anti-meningococcal vaccines are available, their offer among regions is heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of IMD in Italy based on analysis of national surveillance data for 2011-2017 to optimize the vaccination strategy. Methods IMD surveillance data from the Italian National Health Institute were analysed. Microsoft Excel was used to present trend analysis, stratifying by age and serogroups. Results In Italy, during the period 2011-2017, the incidence of IMD increased from 0.25 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2011 to 0.33 cases/100,000 in 2017. Most cases after 2012 were caused by non-B serogroups. The number of cases in subjects aged 25-64 years increased steadily after 2012 (36 cases in 2011, 79 in 2017), mostly due to non-B serogroups, representing more than 65% of cases in those aged 25+ years. Conclusions In the period from 2011 to 2017, the incidence of IMDs increased in Italy. The increase, probably due also to a better surveillance, highlights the importance of the disease in the adult population and the high level of circulation of non-B serogroups in particular after 2012. Our analysis supports an anti-meningococcal vaccination plan in Italy that should include the highest number of preventable serogroups and be aimed at vaccinating a wider population through a multicohort strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. IGIDBASHIAN
- Sanofi Pasteur, Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: Sarah Igidbashian, Sanofi Pasteur Italia, viale Luigi Bodio 37/b, 20158 Milan, Italy - E-mail:
| | | | - A. TOGNETTO
- Section of Hygiene, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - C. AZZARI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
- Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - P. BONANNI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - P. CASTIGLIA
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - M. CONVERSANO
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Italy
| | - S. ESPOSITO
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, University of Parma, Italy
| | - G. GABUTTI
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G. ICARDI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy; IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - P.L. LOPALCO
- Department of Translational Research, New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F. VITALE
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
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D'Alessandro D, Gola M, Appolloni L, Dettori M, Fara GM, Rebecchi A, Settimo G, Capolongo S. COVID-19 and Living space challenge. Well-being and Public Health recommendations for a healthy, safe, and sustainable housing. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:61-75. [PMID: 32701918 PMCID: PMC8023091 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i9-s.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 is a strong reminder that the lockdown period has changed the way that people and communities live, work, and interact, and it's necessary to make resilient the built environment, both outdoor and mainly the indoor spaces: housing, workplaces, public buildings, and entertainment facilities. How can we re-design the concept of Well-being and Public Health in relation to the living places of the future? METHODS According to the previous statements and scenario, this paper aims to integrate the building hygiene and well-being, focusing the possible responses, both existing and for the new buildings, taking home a strong message from this "period" of physical distancing. RESULTS The Well-being and Public Health recommendations for a healthy, safe, and sustainable housing are framed into the following key points: 1. Visible and accessible green elements and spaces; 2. Flexibility, adaptability, sharing, and crowding of living spaces, and compliant functions located into the buildings; 3. Re-appropriation of the basic principles and archetypes of sustainable architecture, thermal comfort and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ); 4. Water consumption and Wastewater Management; 5. Urban Solid Waste Management; 6. Housing automation and electromagnetic fields; 7. Indoor building and finishing materials. CONCLUSIONS The Well-being and Public Health recommendations for a healthy, safe and sustainable housing may provide a useful basis for Designers, Policy Makers (fostering tax incentives for building renewal), Public Health experts and Local Health Agencies, in promoting actions and policies aimed to transform living places in healthier and Salutogenic spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela D'Alessandro
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Civil Building Environmental Engineering (DICEA).
| | - Marco Gola
- Polytechnic University of Milan, Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC).
| | - Letizia Appolloni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Civil Building Environmental Engineering (DICEA).
| | - Marco Dettori
- University of Sassari, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences.
| | - Gaetano Maria Fara
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Public Health and Infectious diseases (DSPMI).
| | - Andrea Rebecchi
- Polytechnic University of Milan, Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC).
| | | | - Stefano Capolongo
- Polytechnic University of Milan, Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC).
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Dettori M, Pittaluga P, Busonera G, Gugliotta C, Azara A, Piana A, Arghittu A, Castiglia P. Environmental Risks Perception Among Citizens Living Near Industrial Plants: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4870. [PMID: 32640725 PMCID: PMC7369998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17134870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The present work is a cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the risk perception and evaluating the community outrage linked to environmental factors among a self-selected sample of citizens living in an area characterized by the presence of industrial structures of high emotional impact. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to the population by publishing a Google form URL code in local and regional newspapers and via social media. The resulting data were entered on Excel and analyzed. Qualitative variables were summarized with absolute and relative (percentage) frequencies. The results showed that the event that causes the greatest worry was air pollution, with 92.6% of the respondents stating that they perceived the problem as "very" or "quite" worrying. Furthermore, all the health problems investigated in relation to environmental quality aroused concern among the interviewees, with 93.1% believing there was a cause-effect relationship between environmental quality and health. Overall, as other studies had previously underlined, the survey shows that the perceived risks are not always in line with the real ones, Thus, it is imperative to articulate interventions aimed at offering the population objective tools to enable them to interpret the risks themselves. In this regard, a fundamental role is played by adequate communication between the competent bodies and political decision-makers and the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dettori
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.G.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Paola Pittaluga
- Department of Architecture Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Busonera
- Department of Architecture Design and Urban Planning, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Carmelo Gugliotta
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.G.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Antonio Azara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.G.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (P.C.)
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Piana
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.G.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (P.C.)
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Arghittu
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.G.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (P.C.)
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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11
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Evaluation of portable and benchtop NIR for classification of high oleic acid peanuts and fatty acid quantitation. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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12
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Arghittu A, Dettori M, Azara A, Gentili D, Serra A, Contu B, Castiglia P. Flu Vaccination Attitudes, Behaviours, and Knowledge among Health Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093185. [PMID: 32375260 PMCID: PMC7246913 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to evaluate the attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge of health workers employed at an Italian University Hospital on the topic of vaccinations and in regard to flu vaccination. To this end, the study provided for the articulation of a computerised questionnaire on the digital platform EUSurvey which was administered online via e-mail to a sample of 457 health workers, in the period between November 2018 and March 2019. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. In particular, a logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to evaluate the relationship between the variables collected and the dichotomous outcome (vaccinated/unvaccinated subjects in the 2018–2019 season). The results, in line with what has been reported by the literature, highlighted that vaccine hesitancy is prevalent also among health workers. Furthermore, according to our study, only 30.6% of the health care workers had the flu vaccination. The survey points out the need to plan educational and informative interventions aimed at changing the attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge of health workers in the field of flu vaccination, for the purpose of protecting the health of healthcare personnel and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Arghittu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Marco Dettori
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Antonio Azara
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.S.); (B.C.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Davide Gentili
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Antonello Serra
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Bruno Contu
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.S.); (B.C.)
| | - Paolo Castiglia
- University Hospital in Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.A.); (A.S.); (B.C.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (P.C.)
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13
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Barchitta M, Quattrocchi A, Maugeri A, La Rosa MC, La Mastra C, Basile G, Giuffrida G, Mazzeo Rinaldi F, Murolo G, Agodi A. The "Obiettivo Antibiotico" Campaign on Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Sicily, Italy: The Pilot Phase. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093077. [PMID: 32354155 PMCID: PMC7246889 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a focus of the World Health Organization, which proposes educational interventions targeting the public and healthcare professionals. Here, we present the first attempt at a regionwide multicomponent campaign in Sicily (Italy), called "Obiettivo Antibiotico", which aims to raise the awareness of prudent use of antibiotics in the public and in healthcare professionals. The campaign was designed by an interdisciplinary academic team, and an interactive website was populated with different materials, including key messages, letters, slogans, posters, factsheets, leaflets, and videos. The campaign was launched in November 2018 and, as of 21 December 2018, the website had a total of 1159 unique visitors, of which 190 became champions by pledging to take simple actions to support the fight against AMR. Data from social media showed that the audience was between 18 and 54 years of age, with a high proportion of female participants (64%). Interestingly, the LinkedIn page received more than 1200 followers, and Facebook 685 followers. The number of actions taken (pledges) by the audience was 458, evenly divided between experts (53%) and the general public (47%). Additional efforts are needed to reach more people, thus future efforts should focus on further promotion within the Sicilian region to sustain the engagement with the campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Barchitta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.C.L.R.); (C.L.M.)
- LaPoSS—Laboratory of Policies and Social Services, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.M.R.)
| | - Annalisa Quattrocchi
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus;
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.C.L.R.); (C.L.M.)
| | - Maria Clara La Rosa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.C.L.R.); (C.L.M.)
| | - Claudia La Mastra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.C.L.R.); (C.L.M.)
| | - Guido Basile
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Giuffrida
- LaPoSS—Laboratory of Policies and Social Services, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.M.R.)
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bench S.r.l University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Mazzeo Rinaldi
- LaPoSS—Laboratory of Policies and Social Services, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.M.R.)
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bench S.r.l University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy
- KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and the Built Environment, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Murolo
- Department of Health of the Sicilian Region, DASOE, 90145 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Antonella Agodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “GF Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.B.); (A.M.); (M.C.L.R.); (C.L.M.)
- LaPoSS—Laboratory of Policies and Social Services, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (F.M.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Housing Demand in Urban Areas and Sanitary Requirements of Dwellings in Italy. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 2020:7642658. [PMID: 32184835 PMCID: PMC7063207 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7642658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of urbanisation is becoming increasingly prevalent on a global level, and the health issues regarding the urban environment are of primary importance in public health. Accordingly, the present manuscript describes an analysis of the housing conditions of Italian urban areas, referring to the city of Sassari (Sardinia), Italy, focused on the dwelling structural and sanitary conditions issued by the Italian regulations. Data relating to the housing conditions of the population were acquired by the Local Hygiene and Public Health Service (SISP), in a period between 2012 and 2016. Qualitative variables were summarised with absolute and relative (percentages) frequencies, whereas quantitative variables with means and standard deviations depending on their parametric distribution. Statistical comparisons for qualitative and quantitative variables were performed with the χ 2 test or Student's t-test, respectively. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Finally, the dwellings and the collected variables were georeferenced on a city map. During the 2012-2016 observation period, 363 certification requests were received from 193 (53.2%) foreign-born citizens and 170 (46.8%) Italians at the SISP offices. The main reasons relate to the request for a residency permit (46.6%) and to obtain a subsidy from the local government (32.8%). Overall, 15.4% of dwellings were found to be improper, while 35.3% and 22.0% were found to be unhygienic and uninhabitable, respectively. The foreigners' homes were found to be suitable in 82.7% of cases; the housing of Italian citizens, on the contrary, was found to be suitable in 28% of the observations. The present study offers a cross section of the housing conditions of Italian urban areas, referring to the city of Sassari. To the authors' best knowledge, this observation is the first one carried out in Sardinia and one of the first observations in Italy. It has emerged that "hygienically unsuitable" homes are those that, in most cases, are located in the city centre. Moreover, the Italian population is hit by a significant housing problem, due to overcrowding, uninhabitability, and unhygienic conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that it is necessary to develop a multidisciplinary approach to guarantee public health, with safe dwellings homes and the surrounding urban context alongside the development of social relations. Nevertheless, there is still little evidence available today on the population housing conditions, especially regarding the private indoor environment, and further research is needed to bridge this knowledge gap.
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15
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Ruiz de Azua S, Ozamiz-Etxebarria N, Ortiz-Jauregui MA, Gonzalez-Pinto A. Communicative and Social Skills among Medical Students in Spain: A Descriptive Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041408. [PMID: 32098223 PMCID: PMC7068376 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Effective risk communication in public health requires the development of social skills such as active listening and empathy. Communicative and social skills were evaluated in third-year medical students (n = 917) using the Active Listening Test and the Test of Cognitive and Affective Empathy. The results obtained revealed that our participants had equal or better-than-norm communication skills. Women scored higher in active listening whereas men scored higher on the General Empathy Scale. The students who preferred a clinical specialty obtained higher scores in active listening and empathetic abilities, as compared to students who chose a surgical specialty. In conclusion, the medical students who participated in the study exhibited good communicative and social skills. An association was observed between gender and specialty preference, and empathy and active listening skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Ruiz de Azua
- Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque, Cibersam, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Naiara Ozamiz-Etxebarria
- Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-946-01-4655
| | | | - Ana Gonzalez-Pinto
- Alava University Hospital, Cibersam, University of the Basque Country, 01004 Vitoria, Spain;
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16
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Gentili D, Bardin A, Ros E, Piovesan C, Ramigni M, Dalmanzio M, Dettori M, Filia A, Cinquetti S. Impact of Communication Measures Implemented During a School Tuberculosis Outbreak on Risk Perception among Parents and School Staff, Italy, 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030911. [PMID: 32024183 PMCID: PMC7037209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Risk perception has a significant impact on decisions people make when facing a threat: a mismatch between actual hazard and perceived risk can lead to inappropriate behaviours and suboptimal compliance to recommended public health measures. The present study was conducted in the aftermath of a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak that occurred in 2019 in a primary school in Italy. The aim was to evaluate the impact of communication measures implemented by local health authorities (including face-to-face meetings between LHAs and the local population, weekly press announcements, implementation of a telephone hotline and of an information desk, and social media communication), on risk perception among parents of schoolchildren and school staff, and to identify factors related to a change in risk perception before and after the said activities. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to parents of schoolchildren (n = 846) and to school staff (n = 70). Participants were asked about the level of risk they had perceived at two distinct times: when they first became aware of the outbreak and following implementation of communication activities. A significant reduction of perceived risk was found in both groups (p < 0.001) following the communication activities. The largest reduction was found among participants who reported having appreciated the meetings with the LHA healthcare staff. Our findings suggest that keeping an open approach, explaining the actual threat to the population and adapting communication to different listening skills, are essential for health authorities to successfully manage a public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gentili
- Public Health Office, Local Health Unit 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (E.R.); (M.D.); (S.C.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Bardin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Public Health Unit, University of Padua, 35100 Padua, Italy;
| | - Elisa Ros
- Public Health Office, Local Health Unit 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (E.R.); (M.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Cinzia Piovesan
- Epidemiology Office, Local Health Unit 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Mauro Ramigni
- Epidemiology Office, Local Health Unit 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Dalmanzio
- Public Health Office, Local Health Unit 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (E.R.); (M.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Marco Dettori
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Antonietta Filia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sandro Cinquetti
- Public Health Office, Local Health Unit 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (E.R.); (M.D.); (S.C.)
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17
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Gabutti G, Carioli U, Gamberoni D, Masetti G, Matteo G, Perrone P, Cappadona R, Greco P, Siliquini R, Stefanati A. Use of Information Sources on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Pregnant Women: An Experience in Ferrara, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010233. [PMID: 31905635 PMCID: PMC6981682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The “vaccine hesitancy” and the consequent lowering of vaccination coverage have, on one hand, pushed the Italian government to reintroduce some new compulsory vaccinations for access to schools and, on the other, have imposed a greater effort on health operators to understand the causes and, consequently, to intervene with tools for promotion and health education. In Ferrara, we administered 201 non-self-filling questionnaires to 201 pregnant women within a cross-sectional multicenter study, consisting of 63 items divided into 7 sections. In particular, we wanted to investigate the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics of the interviewees and the sources used to obtain information and, on the other side, the intention to vaccinate in relation to the perception of the diffusion and of the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. The institutional information sources are less used by foreigners, primiparous, and women with a low education level. The perception of the severity of vaccine-preventable diseases was greater in those inquiring from institutional sources. In a public health perspective, knowing the profile of future mothers in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and of the quality of the used information channels may help to guide the choices of communication in the vaccination field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gabutti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-455568; Fax: +39-0532-205066
| | - Umberto Carioli
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy (D.G.); (G.M.); (G.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Diego Gamberoni
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy (D.G.); (G.M.); (G.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Giulia Masetti
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy (D.G.); (G.M.); (G.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Giulio Matteo
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy (D.G.); (G.M.); (G.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Perrone
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy (D.G.); (G.M.); (G.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Rosaria Cappadona
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.)
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (P.G.)
| | - Roberta Siliquini
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Armando Stefanati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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18
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Carducci A, Fiore M, Azara A, Bonaccorsi G, Bortoletto M, Caggiano G, Calamusa A, De Donno A, De Giglio O, Dettori M, Di Giovanni P, Di Pietro A, Facciolà A, Federigi I, Grappasonni I, Izzotti A, Libralato G, Lorini C, Montagna MT, Nicolosi LK, Paladino G, Palomba G, Petrelli F, Schilirò T, Scuri S, Serio F, Tesauro M, Verani M, Vinceti M, Violi F, Ferrante M. Environment and health: Risk perception and its determinants among Italian university students. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 691:1162-1172. [PMID: 31466198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Among the determinants of environmental health risk perception, health literacy and social media messages have been generally neglected. This study details the environmental health risk perception and its determinants in Italian university students, including a measure of functional health literacy and an analysis of newspapers and social media. A cross sectional survey was carried out among students from 15 Italian universities and different disciplines (grouped into Scientific-Health and Humanistic-Legal-Social sectors) using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire, divided into six sections: socio-demographic characteristics, information on health and environment, environmental health risk perception, trust, attitudes and behaviors and functional health literacy. Local newspapers and tweets in the same areas and period were analyzed in relation to quantity and topics. The study population included 4778 students (65.1% female) aged 21 ± 4.3 years, and functional health literacy was low (below the cutoff value) for 44.4% of students. A new outcome of the survey is that the detected association between high functional health literacy a higher global health risk perception and trust in institutions both as sources of information and as actors for protection against environmental risks. The internet and social networks were the most frequently consulted sources of information (77.7%), which was predictive of a higher risk perception. The possible relation between environmental health risk perception and tweet communication was highlighted by a comparison between the risk perception in the city with the highest number of tweets (Modena) and another one similar for socio-demographic characteristics (Pisa). In conclusion, the results of our study may be of help to strengthen information and education programs: functional health literacy should be taken into account in school programs, to produce a basic knowledge for a better understanding of health and environment. Moreover, mass and social media should be included in planning communication intervention and in verifying their results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Azara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Martina Bortoletto
- Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana - Treviso District, Workers' Preventive Medicine Service, Treviso, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Caggiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonella De Donno
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Osvalda De Giglio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Dettori
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pamela Di Giovanni
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Facciolà
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | - Iolanda Grappasonni
- University of Camerino, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Liberata Keti Nicolosi
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Paladino
- Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Catania University, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Petrelli
- University of Camerino, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Camerino, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefania Scuri
- University of Camerino, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesca Serio
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marina Tesauro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Violi
- Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia", Catania University, Catania, Italy
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19
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Energy-Efficient Real Estate or How It Is Perceived by Potential Homebuyers in Four Latin American Countries. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11133531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article analyses how energy efficiency regulatory frameworks have been developed in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile, within a context of developing countries, and it discusses if this context has been able to influence a culture of buildings’ energy efficiency in consumers. An online survey was applied to consumers who wanted to buy a house, aiming to understand their position regarding sustainability, and the role of the state versus the individual role, among other issues. The aim of the study is to identify consumer’s perception of energy efficiency and sustainability to promote a future research agenda in the Latin American context. In general, consumers value sustainability, except when they are presented in opposition to economic growth and social protection. However, it is possible to identify differences between Chile, with an established neoliberal economy, and countries that have economies in transition. Indeed, Argentina and Brazil show differences in terms of the role of the State, or the thermal comfort, which is considered a matter of habits rather than a mere technological problem. For driving more sustainable behaviours, consumers should be engaged in the implementation of these standards, creating a twofold process including homebuyers on one hand and mandatory requirements on the other.
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20
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Population Distrust of Drinking Water Safety. Community Outrage Analysis, Prediction and Management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16061004. [PMID: 30897699 PMCID: PMC6466243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk communication strategies in cases of unsafe drinking water supply in Sardinia, the Italian context with the highest population distrust in drinking water safety. During the period 2010–2015, the ordinances published on the institutional websites were analyzed, and the population risk perception was evaluated by applying, for the first time in public health threats, the “OUTRAGE Prediction & Management” software released by Sandman. Overall, 417 ordinances issued by the Sardinian Municipalities were found. Only 1.5% of the ordinances reported information about parameters, concentrations, and risks to health, whereas 4.8% indicated only the parameters and non-standard levels. By contrast, 53.2% specified only the non-standard parameter, and 40.5% indicated a generic non-drinking motivation. The outrage assessment showed values exceeding the threshold of risk acceptance, attributable to the lack and low clarity of the information reported by the ordinances. The present study allowed us to highlight critical issues in risk communication of the quality of drinking water.
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ARGHITTU A, DETTORI M, MASIA M, AZARA A, DEMPSEY E, CASTIGLIA P. Social deprivation indexes and anti-influenza vaccination coverage in the elderly in Sardinia, Italy, with a focus on the Sassari municipality. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2019; 59:E45-E50. [PMID: 31016267 PMCID: PMC6419305 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2018.59.4s2.1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between social deprivation indexes and anti-influenza vaccination coverage in the elderly population (over 65 years old) in Sardinia. This relationship was first observed in a regional context. An already-known deprivation index was used, and its trivial relationship with anti-influenza vaccination coverage was evaluated. Secondly, the same relationship was assessed in the homogeneous area of the Municipality of Sassari. This required the adoption of an ad hoc deprivation index, which allowed us to stratify the population into deprivation groups and to correlate vaccination coverage with socio-economic variables. The results showed that regional anti-influenza vaccination coverage increased linearly as deprivation decreased. This trend was confirmed in the Municipality of Sassari. Pearson’s analysis highlighted factors that significantly correlate with vaccination coverage. In Sardinia, the relationship between anti-influenza vaccination coverage and socio-economic status is consistent with the international panorama, and highlights the necessity to implement interventions to promote vaccination coverage among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. ARGHITTU
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - M. DETTORI
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - M.D. MASIA
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - A. AZARA
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - E. DEMPSEY
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - P. CASTIGLIA
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
- Paolo Castiglia, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, via Padre Manzella 4, 07100 Sassari. Tel. +39 079 228032 - Fax +39 079 228054 - E-mail:
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Park HA, Jung H, On J, Park SK, Kang H. Digital Epidemiology: Use of Digital Data Collected for Non-epidemiological Purposes in Epidemiological Studies. Healthc Inform Res 2018; 24:253-262. [PMID: 30443413 PMCID: PMC6230537 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2018.24.4.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We reviewed digital epidemiological studies to characterize how researchers are using digital data by topic domain, study purpose, data source, and analytic method. Methods We reviewed research articles published within the last decade that used digital data to answer epidemiological research questions. Data were abstracted from these articles using a data collection tool that we developed. Finally, we summarized the characteristics of the digital epidemiological studies. Results We identified six main topic domains: infectious diseases (58.7%), non-communicable diseases (29.4%), mental health and substance use (8.3%), general population behavior (4.6%), environmental, dietary, and lifestyle (4.6%), and vital status (0.9%). We identified four categories for the study purpose: description (22.9%), exploration (34.9%), explanation (27.5%), and prediction and control (14.7%). We identified eight categories for the data sources: web search query (52.3%), social media posts (31.2%), web portal posts (11.9%), webpage access logs (7.3%), images (7.3%), mobile phone network data (1.8%), global positioning system data (1.8%), and others (2.8%). Of these, 50.5% used correlation analyses, 41.3% regression analyses, 25.6% machine learning, and 19.3% descriptive analyses. Conclusions Digital data collected for non-epidemiological purposes are being used to study health phenomena in a variety of topic domains. Digital epidemiology requires access to large datasets and advanced analytics. Ensuring open access is clearly at odds with the desire to have as little personal data as possible in these large datasets to protect privacy. Establishment of data cooperatives with restricted access may be a solution to this dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeoun-Ae Park
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyesil Jung
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeongah On
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seul Ki Park
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hannah Kang
- College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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