bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internalizing and Supplicating with the Beautiful Names of Allah A Treatment Intervention for Anxiety in University Students
Authors: Bazme Numerah S
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to analyze the effect of internalizing and supplicating through Names of Allah on anxiety levels in university students. Inclusion of faith/religion as an intervention is a scientific way of reducing worrisome thoughts. Methods: A pre and post design was administered to measure the anxiety levels before and after participant’s carry out the procedure with the help of the STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) scale and open-ended questions. Results were analyzed with SPSS using dependent or paired t-test. Results: The study demonstrated that the participants showed statistically significant improvement of their emotional states (anxiety) following the intervention compared to before the intervention took place (p0.001). Hence, indicating that internalizing and supplicating with the names of Allah reduced anxiety in university students as hypothesized. Qualitative results also revealed positive results. Future directions and recommendations are presented in the paper with a focus on furthering the research in this new area. Keywords: Supplication, Names of Allah, Anxiety Levels, Religion, Islamic Psychology
Humanistic Counseling as a Strategy for Overcoming Low Self-Esteem in Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Arinda Fiska Puspa , Hertinjung Wisnu Sri , Syakarna Nugraheni Fitroh R.
Published: June 2024

The aim of this research is to determine the extent to which humanistic counseling plays a role in overcoming low self-esteem. This research is a case study research on a patient suffering from asthma at a regional hospital in Boyolali. Data collection was carried out using interviews, observation, and psychological testing methods. Based on the results of the assessment that had been carried out, the patient felt limited in carrying out all activities due to her asthma, so this made her even lower in self-esteem. The condition of low self-esteem has many negative impacts on the patient's life, such as being unproductive and limiting social contact with the surrounding environment. Humanistic counseling is one strategy that can help patients overcome low self-esteem. The patient begins to accept her condition and express the positive side of her abilities.
Report on public health actions and vaccination strategies to monitor measles epidemic in Local Health Unit A in Rome, Italy
Authors: Spadea Antonietta , Casini Simonetta , D’Amici Anna Maria , Di Cosimo Emanuele , Donno Lucia , Forleo Fabio , Epifanio Eugenio , Ferrero Anna Rita , Fraboni Lucia , Grimaldi Orazio , Grita Riccardo , Gozzi Gabriella , Iometti Fiammetta , Operamolla Patrizia , Piras Daniele , Proietti Paolo , Rogai Sergio , Scovero Gianluca , Scipione Fannina , Valentini Anna , Vinci Carmen , Ercole Andreina , Barbato Angelo
Published: June 2024

Background: Between May 2010 and october 2011 the unit of Preventive Medicine for thedevelopmental ages of district IV, Health unit aSL rM/a, received 136 measles case notifications fromthe unit of Epidemiology and Prophylaxis of Infectious diseases.MEtHodS: In accordance with the infectious diseases monitoring protocol, we introduced a series ofpreventive measures, such as monitoring subjects in contact with measles-infected patients, recommend-ing the administration of two Measles Mumps and rubella (MMr) doses four weeks apart, and informingpaediatricians, families and school teachers about the measles epidemic.rESuLtS: all the activities above led to an increased number of MMr doses administered and a significantimprovement of measles immunization coverage among residents of the district IV health unit of rome.concerning MMr 1, in a sample cohort consisting of children ≤24 months, the immunization coverageincreased from 77% on the 31/12/09 to 88% on the 31/12/11. Instead, for MMr 2, in a cohort of children≤6 years, the same ratio improved from 51% on the 31/12/09 to 65% on the 31/12/11.dIScuSSIon: the results indicate a material increase in the immunization coverage once our public healthactions and vaccination strategies had been implemented among young residents of district IV aSL rM/a.
Italian women and HPV prevention. Knowledge, fears, uncertainty on Human Papillomavirus and the relative vaccination: dual research approach
Authors: Vaccaro Concetta M. , Manacorda Tommaso , Coletta Vittoria
Published: June 2024

Background: The main purpose of this study was to identify and describe knowledge, beliefs and atti-tudes towards Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV vaccination among Italian women agedbetween 18 and 55.MeTHods: 6 Focus groups, in each of which 8 women took part, held in 6 different locations and a surveyon a representative sample of 3 500 Italian women aged between 18 and 55, with oversizing for threeregions (Lombardy, Latium, sicily). The survey was conducted by telephone using the caTI (computerassisted Telephone Interview) technique, in september 2011, adopting a structured questionnaire. datawere codified and statistical analysis was computed using sPss software.resuLTs: Italian women have only a partial, even superficial, knowledge of pathologies associated withHPV, and also their information on the purpose of prevention activity, in which they choose to partici-pate, is more generic than one might expect. The weakness of the information framework is partly dueto the fact that the main source of information is the mass media, mainly the press and television, andto a lesser extent the Internet, and that information is random and fragmented.Information about HPV and the possibility of vaccination often overlap, and it is the specific occasion ofcontact with the asL (local health authority) vaccine services, providing information to youngsters thatare the target of the free campaign, that is central in gaining access to information about the virus andvaccination, especially for the mothers of adolescent daughters. The vaccine campaign not only plays akey role in providing information about HPV and about the vaccination, but also ends up by influencingthe notions and beliefs that Italian women hold about this vaccination.concLusIons: only a small portion of the female population, directly involved in the free vaccinationscheme for adolescents, has actually been given information, often partial, on this subject. a crucial issuefor future health promotion campaign in this sector is information, since women exposed to the highest levelof qualified and targeted information, mothers of vaccinated girls, believe that the information available isgenerally inadequate.
Digit preference in Iranian age data
Authors: Yazdanparast Aida , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Abadi Aliraza
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Data on age in developing countries are subject to errors, particularly in circumstanceswhere literacy levels are not high. A common error in age reporting is the tendency of rounding the agesto the nearest figure ending in ‘0’ or ‘5’ or to a lesser extent, to the nearest even number. Because of thistendency, commonly known as “digital preference”, age heaping occurs at certain ages.The aim of this study was to study this phenomenon and both Myers’ and Whipple’s Indexes wereemployed to identify the digit preference in Iranian national census, 2005.METHODS: Myers’ and Whipple’s Indexes were employed to study the pattern of digit preference. TheMyers' Blended Index shows heaping at ages ending in 0 and 5 years, and the pattern of heaping is pro-nounced for both urban and rural populations.RESULTS: The quality of age reporting for the 2005 census data was poor if compared to the 1995 censusdata. Digit preference occurred most often in the female population compared to male one, and in ruralareas compared to urban ones.CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that both males and females tend to misreport their ages before age60 especially in rural areas. So, whenever any data gathering regarding age information occurs, the IDcard should be used regardless of person's self report.
Disease burden of fuelwood combustion pollutants in rural households of the Himalayas, India
Authors: Pandey Rajiv
Published: June 2024

Background: Household biomass combustion for cooking purposes produces pollutants. Exposure tothese pollutants has various adverse health impacts and is a major contributor to global disease burden.However, a precise estimate of the burden attributable to biomass combustion at the local level is notavailable in different parts of the world, therefore restricting policymakers’ ability to develop targetedactions against the health hazards. a study was conducted in the rural Himalayas to generate informationabout disease burden, with the purpose of aiding the development of strategies to improve public health.MEtHods: Exposure level, population exposed and other relevant data regarding fuel-wood use, werecollected through questionnaire survey from 102 randomly selected households spread in 46 villages ina two phase cluster random sampling design study during 2008 – 09. the burden of disease for acuteLower respiratory Infection (aLrI), chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease (coPd) and Lung cancerwere estimated as per fuel-based approach of WHo guidelines for rural hilly households, using fuel-wood for cooking.rEsuLts: Households, primarily dependent on fuel-wood for fuel, had disability adjusted life years(daLYs) lost and deaths that were much higher than the national status. the incidence of disease burdenwas 2 909 daLYs lost, with a share of 1 987 for aLrI in children “up to” 5 years age, 730 for coPd and 192for Lung cancer in adults more than 30 years old, respectively.this result has implications for policy makers when deciding on an effective exposure reduction strategyand describes the risks connected between these health hazards and the health outcome of inhabitantsexposed to them. the paper also discusses the intervention strategies for “addressing” the issues rel-evant to fuel-wood generated exposure.
Are there any associations between single and/or multiple social roles and self-rated physical health, psychiatric disorder and long-term sickness absence in women?
Authors: Nyman Carin Staland , Spak Lena , Hensing Gunnel
Published: June 2024

Background: The relationship between single and/or multiple social roles that women hold (occupa-tional, partner, and parent) and health and sickness absence is an important public health issue. Fewstudies on the social roles held by women have been performed in the Swedish context of gender equality.The aim of this study was to analyse associations between occupational, partner and parent roles (andcombinations of these roles) and their relation to self-rated physical health, psychiatric disorders andlong-term sickness absence in a population based sample of women in Sweden.MeThodS: Women born in 1935, 1945, 1955, 1965, 1970 or 1975 (n=600) were interviewed at baseline andfive years later. cross-sectional data were analysed with multivariate logistic regression analysis adjustedfor age, socio-economic position, alcohol dependence and abuse.reSulTS: an occupational role was associated with lower odds for poor self-rated physical health, 0.28(0.10-0.82), and sickness absence, 0.25 (0.10-0.86). a partner role was associated with lower odds for psy-chiatric disorder, 0.58 (0.35-0.98) while a parental role (children < 14 years) was associated with higherodds for sickness absence, 4.17 (1.86-9.38). The combination of holding an occupational and partnerrole was associated with lower odds for health outcomes compared with having three roles. conclusion:holding an occupational and partner role was related to lower odds for poor self-rated physical health,psychiatric disorder and long-term sickness absence, while having a parental role was adversely relatedto sickness absence. results are important in the light of discussions on reconciliation of work and family,and are of interest in countries with high or increasing female labour force participation.
The role of contact lenses and ocular TRAUMA in determining Acanthamoeba Keratitis: a case-control study in Italy
Authors: Pacella Elena , Pacella Fernanda , Impallara David , Scavella Vittorio , Turchetti Paolo , Piraino Carmen , Brillante Chiara , Lombardi Anna Maria , De Giusti Maria
Published: June 2024

Background: acanthamoeba keratitis (a.k.) is a rare secondary infection due to acanthamoeba (a)invading the cornea. cofactors of risk may include TrauMa and contact lenses (cL). The objectives ofthis observational study are to evaluate the occurrence of a.k. in patients accessing the departmentof Special Senses of the Teaching Hospital “Policlinico umberto I” of rome with ocular infections dur-ing the period from 2005 to 2011, and the role played by risk factors which included contact lenses,TrauMa, sex and age.MeTHodS: a case-control study involving 714 subjects was conducted (350 male and 364 female). all ofthe patients underwent a thorough ocular examination with confocal microscopy and a review of theirmedical history to outline relevant variables (contact lens and TrauMa). Statistical analysis calculatedthe frequency distribution and the odds ratio (or) (95%cI) for the risk factors “contact lenses” (cL) and“TrauMa”. The odds ratio (95%cI) was adjusted for age and sex trough Logistic regression.reSuLTS: out of 714 patients, 11 patients (7 male and 4 female) with a mean age of 34.09 years (19 to 51years old) were found to be affected by a.k. The age group most afflicted ranged from 30 to 51 years old.Statistical analysis produced a crude or equal to 17.68 (95%cI 2.25-138.89) for cL-a.k. and or equalto 7.71 (95%cI 0.89-66.75) for ocular TrauMa.-a.k. Logistic regression performed to adjust or for ageand sex showed the following values, respectively: or*=82.54 (95%cI 3.04-2239.58) and or*=11.52(95%cI 1.19-111.76).concLuSIonS: The data highlights an increase in a.k. cases during the 6 year study period. Theassociation between this pathology and the use of contact lenses and/or TrauMa has been statisti-cally proven. The strength of this association increases when the odds ratio (or*) is adjusted for theconfounding risk factors of age and sex. When dealing with the topic of acanthamoeba keratitis, it isimportant to remember that educating patients on proper hygiene practice for contact lenses is the firststep towards preventing a.k. The results obtained are important because they are derived from the firstItalian case-control study on a.k.
Legionella contamination in hot water systems of hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, factories and spas in Tuscany-Italy
Authors: Lo Nostro Antonella , Checchi Elettra , Ducci Barbara , Pesavento Giovanna
Published: June 2024

Following the report of many cases of Legionnaires’ disease associated with accommodation facilitiessuch as hotels, spas, workplaces, hospitals and nursing homes, we verified if Legionella pneumophila andLegionella spp. were present in some of those structures in Tuscany, in order to estimate the species andserogroups in circulation. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (30.9%) was the most frequently isolatedspecies along with serogroups 3 (16.1%) and 6 (13.3%); these three serogroups are identified, in literature,as those most responsible for Legionnaires’ disease (LD). Studying all analyzed structures, we found someparts of the water system where Legionella concentration was higher than 103 CFU/L, indicated, in Italy, asthe maximum admitted concentration value above which a decontamination treatment is necessary whenone or more cases of healthcare-acquired Legionnaires’ disease are observed. Moreover disinfection isrecommended in any case when counts exceed 10 4CFU/L.Consequently, in order to prevent cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a continuous surveillance of the watersystems of all accommodation facilities is necessary, with particular attention to hospitals and nursinghomes where immunocompromised patients lodge, so as to promptly estimate the presence of thepathogen and consequently plan the most suitable intervention activities. We concluded that, in anystructure, a continuous surveillance and disinfecting treatment of water systems is necessary. Moreover,after any disinfection treatment the temperature of the hot water flowing in the system must be necessarilymaintained near 51°C in order to minimize the probability of recontamination from Legionella and limit therisk of LD in consumers.
Sale of anti-tuberculosis drugs through private pharmacies: a cross sectional study in Kerala, India
Authors: Divakaran Binoo , Myalil Jayakumary Muttappally , Sreedharan Jayadevan , Surendranath Devaraya
Published: June 2024

Background: Private health care providers are largely the first point of contact for Tuberculosis (TB)patients, who either undergo treatment from private practitioners or buy medicines on their own fromprivate pharmacies.Aims: This study assessed the availability, sale and magnitude of anti-tuberculosis drugs dispensingthrough private pharmacies.Methodology: The present cross sectional study was conducted among private pharmacies located alongthe national highway from Thalassery to Payyannur in the Kannur district of Kerala, India. A total of 38private pharmacies located along the national highway were included.Results: The duration that anti–TB drugs had been on sale showed that 74.3% of pharmacies had started tosell these drugs only less than ten years ago. The majority (82.9%) of the private pharmacies received up to5 prescriptions for anti-TB drugs weekly. Out of the total of 35 pharmacies selling these drugs, 22 (62.9%)reported an increase in their sales. Nearly 82% of those pharmacies that reported an increase in the sale ofanti-TB drugs were selling these drugs for less than the past ten years.Conclusions: The current study shows that a large number of tuberculosis patients are still approachingprivate pharmacies for anti-tuberculosis drugs. This tendency has to be completely stopped and needsproperly planned strategies to encourage private pharmacies to participate actively in the DOTS (DirectObservation Treatment Short course) program of the Government, by providing them attractive alternativeincentives.
Malarial hepatitis and renal failure: a study of two cases
Authors: Gowda Shivaraj , Desai Prakash B , Shetty Sindhu J , Kagwad Vijayetha S , Ilakal Mahantesh B
Published: June 2024

We report two cases of severe malaria who presented with non-specific clinical features. One of the casesis a 50 year old female who was brought to our hospital with high grade fever and severe abdominal pain,whereas the other case was a 20 year old male presented with high grade fever and headache. Both thecases presented with abnormal liver and renal function tests. P.malariae and P.falciparum are responsiblefor clinically important renal disease the former causes chronic progressive syndrome and the latter causesacute renal disease. Severe malaria may present with non specific clinical features making it difficult todistinguish from other febrile illness.
Detection of Escherichia coli O157 in raw and cooked meat: comparison of conventional direct culture method and Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA)
Authors: De Giusti Maria , Tufi Daniela , Aurigemma Caterina , Del Cimmuto Angela , Trinti Federica , Mannocci Alice , Boccia Antonio
Published: June 2024

Background: Verocytotoxin Escherichia coli is a frequent and important cause of diarrhea and haemolyticuremic syndrome all over the world. Consumption of ground beef, lettuce, and other kinds of food havebeen associated with outbreaks,The aim of this study was to detect the presence of E. coli O157 in meat products collected from hospitalfood catering services in Rome, using a rapid detection method in comparison with a standard culturemethod to verify the effectiveness of HACCP system.Methods: Three hundred and ten food samples (80 of cooked and 230 of raw meat) were screenedfor E.coli O157 by ISO culture method and by enzyme-linked-fluorescent-assay (ELFA)-based methods(VIDAS®system, bioMérieux). All isolates obtained were tested for VT1 and VT2 genes by PCR. Thestatistical analysis considered absolute frequencies and percentages. The K statistic was applied to assessagreement between direct culture method and the VIDAS system.Results: A total of 6 (1,9%) E.coli O157 isolates were recovered from raw meat samples by the culturemethod; of these only four were identified by PCR as VTEC producers. A total of 9 (2,9%) E.coli O157isolates were recovered from raw meat samples by the VIDAS® system. No E.coli O157 was detectedin cooked products. All comparisons between the direct culture method and the VIDAS system werestatistically significant (K= 0,795; p<0.001).Conclusions: The present study showed how ELFA-based methods are highly specific and rapid for thedetection of E.coli O157 in food samples compared with the direct culture method. ELFA method is usefulto verify the effectiveness of the HACCP system in the risk management of potential contaminating hazardsduring the preparation of foods for susceptible persons
Trends and risk factors for syphilis infection in Piedmont Region, Italy, 2002-2008
Authors: Vigna-Taglianti Federica , Delmonte Sergio , Dal Conte Ivano , Pasqualini Chiara , Piedmont STD Network
Published: June 2024

Background: This work aims to analyze trends of syphilis infections in the Piedmont Region (Italy) between2002 and 2008, and to evaluate risk factors for infection.Methods: Syphilis trends were described according to socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior,condom use, number of partners and HIV infection. Independent risk factors for syphilis among men havingsex with men (MSM), men having sex with women (MSW), and women were identified through logisticregression comparing cases with 12,773 negative patients.Results: Between 2002 and 2008, 1,046 cases of syphilis were diagnosed, with peaks in 2004 and 2007. Therisk of a syphilis diagnosis was independently associated with being older than 24, having a low educationlevel, homosexual behavior, HIV self-reported infection (for MSM and MSW), number of partners (for MSWand women) and non- consistent condom use (for women).Conclusions: Recent outbreaks suggest that the attention to syphilis can’t be lowered. Screening, treatmentof cases and notification of partners should be reinforced and integrated with sexual health education andcounselling in high-risk environments. Surveillance data must be continuously collected.
H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine prevention: a comparison between the Italian press and the scientific recommendations
Authors: Monti Sara , Zuccaro Valentina , De Vecchi Federica , Benech Rodolfo , Allara Elias , Faggiano Fabrizio , Avogadro Vaccine Prevention Group
Published: June 2024

Methods: Messages broadcasted by the press were compared with national and internationalrecommendations regarding influenza vaccine. All of the issues of the 5 best selling national newspapersand the 2 best selling general magazines were read from 15 October 2009 to 15 November 2009 in order toselect the articles that addressed influenza vaccination. The major messages extracted from these articleswere compared with the scientific literature.Results: 217 articles out of 160 newspaper issues and 7 articles out of 8 magazine issues were selected.Articles mainly focused on the vaccine target population and on health care workers reluctance to bevaccinated. Dosage, side effects, efficacy and safety were other recurrent topics. Press-reported messageswere largely consistent with the scientific literature, except for the time interval needed between H1N1 andseasonal influenza vaccine administration.Discussion: The issue of vaccination against the H1N1 pandemic influenza received broad media attentionduring the study period. The information reported was usually correct, but sometimes it failed to conveyclear messages. In particular, concern regarding potential side effects and the low uptake of vaccinationin healthcare workers appears to have been associated with the very low vaccine uptake in the generalpopulation.
Nonfatal childhood injuries and their association with socioeconomic and gender structures: an ecological study of 14 Swedish municipalities (2000–2005)
Authors: Dale Richard A. , Hensing Gunnel , Petzold Max , Hasselberg Marie
Published: June 2024

Background: Injuries are the major cause of death and disability in European children. This study exploredsocioeconomic and gender structures in association with nonfatal childhood injury rates by sex and agegroups in Sweden.Methods: Six indicators of socioeconomic structure and three indicators of gender structure were combinedusing principal component analysis. Sex- and age-specific mean annual injury rates of fourteen Swedishmunicipalities were estimated (2000–2005). The associations were analysed with Pearson’s correlationcoefficients.Results: Narrow gender ratio in unskilled occupations and in politics was positively associated with injuriesin girls 6–17 years (r ≥ 0.7) and with fractures in boys 6–12 years of age (r = 0.5). Wider income distributionwas negatively associated (r ≥ -0.4) with boys’ injuries and positively associated with fractures in girls 13–17years (r = 0.5). Relative wealth and male manager dominance was negatively associated with injuries inchildren 0–5 years (r = -0.4). Relative poverty was not associated with nonfatal childhood injuries.Conclusions: The strength of the associations between socioeconomic and gender structures and nonfatalchildhood injury rates varied by sex, age group and type of injury. Childhood injury preventive interventionsshould consider the local gender structure, area-level wealth and area-level income distribution, and notonly area-level poverty.
Hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions and the role of primary care in Italian regions
Authors: Rosano Aldo , Lauria Laura , Viola Giulia , Burgio Alessandra , De Belvis Antonio Giulio , Ricciardi Walter , Guasticchi Gabriella , van der Zee Jouke
Published: June 2024

Background: Hospitalization may often be prevented by timely and effective outpatient care either bypreventing the onset of an illness, controlling an acute illness or managing a chronic disease with an appropriatefollow-up. The objective of the study is to examine the variability of hospital admissions within Italian regionsfor Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs), and their relationship with primary care supply.Methods: Hospital discharge data aggregated at a regional level collected in 2005 were analysed by typeof ACS conditions. Main outcome measures were regional hospital admission rates for ACSCs. Negativebinomial models were used to analyse the association with individual risk factors (age and gender) andregional risk factors (propensity to hospitalisation and prevalence of specific conditions).Non-parametric correlation indexes between standardised hospital admission rates and quantitativemeasures of primary care services were calculated.Results: ACSC admissions accounted for 6.6% of total admissions, 35.7% were classified as acuteconditions and 64.3% as chronic conditions. Admission rates for ACSCs varied widely across Italian regionswith different patterns for chronic and acute conditions. Southern regions showed significantly higher ratesfor chronic conditions and North-eastern regions for acute conditions. We found a significant negativeassociation between the provision of ambulatory specialist services and standardised hospitalization rates(SHR) for ACS chronic conditions (r=-0.50; p=0.02) and an inverse correlation among SHR for ACS acuteconditions and the rate of GPs per 1,000 residents, although the latter was not statistically significant.Conclusions: In Italy, about 480,000 inpatient hospital admissions in 2005 were attributable to ACSCs. Evenadjusting for potential confounders, differences in hospital admissions for ACSCs among Italian regionswere found. Such differences can be appropriately used to assess the effectiveness and/or appropriatenessof the primary care provided within different regions.
Intimate partner violence and risk of HIV infection in Pakistan
Authors: Nasrullah Muazzam
Published: June 2024

Globally, violence against women is increasing, and is currently recognized as a major public health problem with significant consequences to women’s health. The detrimental health effects such as injury, chronic pain, gastrointestinal, and gynecological signs including sexually-transmitted diseases, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder have been observed in abused women. Violence, like in other Asian countries, is a huge problem in Pakistan
Public Health in the Americas
Authors: Duncan Ross
Published: June 2024

In this special issue the four articles focus on population health in terms of primary care and preventive medicine. This critical area of health often receives less attention than health care issues (more so in the popular press but also in academic analyses).Upon reviewing these very interesting and illuminating articles it was striking that despite significant cultural, economic, geographic and historical differences there are many commonalities which exist throughout the Americas.
The health system in Argentina: an unequal struggle between equity and the market
Authors: Penchaszadeh Victor B. , Leone Francisco , Rovere Mario
Published: June 2024

The modern health system of Argentina was developed in 1945-1955, a period of economic bonanzacharacterized by industrialization, rapid urbanization and activist labor organizations. During the ensuingyears it evolved in three sectors: public, social security and private, with separate services, populationcoverage and funding. While the national Ministry of Health is nominally responsible for general healthpolicies and regulations, overseeing the general operation of health services, designing preventive medicineprograms and negotiating the coverage and fees of health insurance plans, it has in fact very low leverage toenforce decisions in the provinces, which are autonomous, as well as in the social security and private sectors,which are weakly regulated if at all. While the health workforce, medical facilities and level of spending areacceptable, the fragmentation and segmentation of the system render it highly inequitable and inefficient.During the 1980s and 1990s, the health system has experienced further transformations, as neoliberalpolicies took hold in the country and dictated a reduction of state involvement in social services in favor ofprivatization and decentralization of health care. The result has been increased fragmentation, inequity andinefficacy, as health care is increasingly prey to the economic interests of private corporations (insuranceand pharmaceutical industries), trade union bureaucracies and the medical professional and technologyestablishments. The expectation of popular sectors of society are that progressive polices recently enactedby Congress, and being implemented in the fields of education, retirement pensions and the media, will befollowed with much needed public health policies based on equity and efficiency.
Why public health might address the emerging role of vaccinomics?
Authors: Boccia Stefania , De Feo Emma , Ricciardi Walter
Published: June 2024

The greatest public health benefit of the advances brought about by the understanding of the human genome, completely sequenced in 2000, will likely occur as genomic medicine expands its focus from rare genetic disorders towards the inclusion of more common diseases also, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and infectious disease. Advances in Genomics hold the promise of improving the delivery of health care, particularly that of preventive medicine, and of tailoring drug treatment.
Prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards body art in university students: body art as an indicator of risk taking behaviours?
Authors: Sidoti Enza , Paolini Gabriele , Tringali Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Background: Young people are attracted by body art and consider it as a way of being “different”. Body art(tattoos, piercing, etc.) represents an important socio-cultural phenomenon which is not risk free for health.Existing literature, moreover, points out that deviant behaviours and unhealthy lifestyles are significantlyassociated with body art.Objective and methods: The research was aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices ofuniversity students towards body art, highlighting the association between body art and some demographicvariables, deviant behaviours, unhealthy lifestyles, knowledge of health risks and medical complicationspotentially involved. Data came from a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample, selected at random, of1.200 undergraduate university students, (570, human sciences; 630, scientific areas). The instrument for thesurvey was a 21 item multiple choice questionnaire. Data was codified and statistical analysis was computedthrough Epi-Info and Openstat software.Results: Students from a scientific background showed a higher rate of interest, (p<0.01) for the argumentof body art. About one third of the surveyed individuals had at least one body art. Cultural choice and genderwas associated with body art. Males, especially from the scientific area, were more attracted by temporarybody art, while females preferred permanent tattoos. Students from humanistic backgrounds were associatedwith one body art and those from a scientific area with more than one (p<0.01). Unemployment, lack ofpartnership and family attitude towards body art, were positively associated with students’ body art. Bodyart was strictly associated with different unhealthy lifestyles, such as drug, alcohol and tobacco consumption,problem gambling and sexual activity before 18 years of age. A relevant part of students considered piercingand tattooing as having no consequences for infections and/or disease.Conclusions: Body art was associated with unhealthy lifestyles and may be considered an indicator of risktaking behaviours. Individuals had no accurate idea of the consequences for their health and body, apart froma generic risk of infections. Education is a necessary tool for the modification of lifestyles and as a form ofprevention ensuring the correct understanding and assessment of the health risk involved
Applied (and appealing…) Epidemiology
Authors: Bucci Roberto
Published: June 2024

Giuseppe La Torre has, in his manual “Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics”, drawn upon his experience (long and intense despite his young age) as applied epidemiology expert in the Catholic University of Sacred Heart. For some years, in fact, he has offered valuable advice to many researchers who had failed to publish in international journals because of an inappropriate use of epidemiological methods and biostatistics, and has helped many of them present the results of their research. After numerous rejected papers, researchers would turn to his expertise and knowhow of the most modern epidemiological tools. The results were flattering: the papers which Professor La Torre and his staff had dealt with the epidemiological issues, as if by magic, were accepted for publication. It is therefore justified and understandable that the author has decided to propose, to a wider public, his epidemiological expertise about applied epidemiology. But there is no magic. The author simply focuses on the need to apply epidemiological methods to areas of public health practice for determining disease etiology and the “real-life” applications to public health and health services research.
On the shoulders of giants: Molecular Biology in Public Health
Authors: Melino Carmine , Melino Gerry
Published: June 2024

We accepted with great pleasure the invitation by professor Walter Ricciardi,our friend and colleague, to write an editorial in order to introduce this special issue dedicated to Molecular Biology in Hygiene. We are delighted for two connected reasons.
First, Carmine,as a former professor of Hygiene,has passed his concepts of Hygiene on to his family and, despite significant difficulties, keeps working on the problems of preventive medicine in the work environment and in geriatrics. Second, Gerry, raised in an environment of hygienists, has dedicated all his professional efforts to Molecular Biology. As these two distinct experiences have constantly mixed within our family over time, we appreciate the promiscuous intermingling of these two disciplines in this thematic issue.
The result is a useful common effort aiming at understanding the problems of diseases in the work environment and in the human environment in general.
These problems have a profound social meaning, for which it is necessary to create an essential collaboration with scientific research.
This is the only way to benefit human society.
Use of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and single-enzyme amplified fragment length polymorphism (SE-AFLP) to subtype isolates of Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis
Authors: Mammina Caterina , Giammanco Giovanni M. , Romani Cristina , Nastasi Antonino
Published: June 2024

Serotype Enteritidis is still the main serotype infecting humans and poultry worldwide. Subtyping of isolates belonging to this serotype is difficult, because of the wide clonal circulation of a few bacterial clones.
This study presents the results of the characterization of 49 isolates of S. Enteritidis identified at the southern Italy Centre for Enteric Pathogens (CEPIM) during the years 2002-2003 by the methods of Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and Single-Enzyme Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (SE-AFLP).
Clustering of the strains by SE-AFLP and PFGE is very similar, but the first technique is more rapid and user-friendly and does not require sophisticated equipment. Further work is needed for a more accurate assessment of SEAFLP, but preliminary results suggest it could be a promising support to epidemiological investigations.
Detection of Salmonella spp. in ready-to-eat foods: use of the biomolecolar method BAXR in association with traditional microbiology
Authors: Quaranta Gianluigi , Laurenti Patrizia , Boccia Stefania , Romano-Spica Vincenzo , Dalla Torre Francesco , Amore Rosarita , Vincenti Attilio , Ricciardi Gualtiero
Published: June 2024

In order to evaluate the presence of Salmonella spp. in ready-to-eat foods, sixty-nine samples were analyzedusing the BAXRsystem for Screening/Salmonella, a quick method based on PCR technology, andconventional culture procedures. Both methods showed the absence of Salmonella spp. in all samples andpositive results for one sample artificially contaminated by a strain of Salmonella enteritidis, showing a fullagreement. The biomolecolar system adopted appeared to be useful to supplement existing tests for thefinal identification of rough presumptive Salmonella isolates, for the rapid screening of food samples andthe quick identification of Salmonella spp.
Water quality control and shortcomings due to the use of bacterial indicators
Authors: Bonadonna Lucia
Published: June 2024

A brief review is presented on the value of bacterial indicators in assessing the safety of water. No single microbial indicator parameter is adequate to determine the water quality in all circumstances. Thus, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the usefulness of the traditional parameters for water monitoring and the methods available for their analysis.
Occurrence and correlates of HIV and hepatitis B/C virus infections among prisoners of Southern Lazio, Italy
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Vezzo Dafne , Arcese Rosanna , Bongiovanni Claudia , Capelli Giovanni , Ricciardi Gualtiero
Published: June 2024

Background. The aim of the study was to determine prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among the prisoners ofthe jails of Southern Latium (Italy).Methods. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants and Setting: Clinical charts of 2653 prisoners, ofwhom 940 were of the jail of Cassino, 1581 of the jail of Frosinone and 132 of that of Latina, since 1995 to1999, were reviewed. Measurement: number of people tested for HIV, HCV and HBV infection and prevalenceof diagnosed HIV, HCV and HBV infections.Results. HCV was the most prevalent infection (28.2 %); HBV showed a lower prevalence (26%). Finally,5.4% of inmates were infected by HIV. Multivariate regression analysis indicated drug addiction, civil status,smoking habit, age (age group 25-34 and 35-44, in respect with people aged 18-24) and Italian nationalityas factors mainly associated to HBV, HCV and HIV infection. In particular we found HIV infection associatedwith the status of drug addiction (OR = 15.8), civil status (OR = 12.6 for widowers; and OR = 2.44 forcohabitants), smoking habits (OR = 3.09) and Italian nationality (OR = 5.39). Similar risk estimates werefound for HCV and HBV.Conclusion. High prevalence of blood transmitted infections in jails suggests that diagnostic and preventivemeasures, as hepatitis B vaccination, but also information and education programs for inmates, are neededto reduce the spreading of such infections, particularly HIV and HCV
Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in the world, Europe, Italy and Campania: an overview
Authors: Liguori Giorgio , Gallé Francesca , Marinelli Paolo
Published: June 2024

HCV infection is today the viral epidemic disease second only to AIDS. It is estimated that 3% of the worldpopulation is infected by hepatitis C and chronic related diseases, with markedly different prevalencesbetween different geographical areas and different categories in the same area.The Authors analyse the epidemiological data available to trace the situation worldwide, in Europe, in Italyand in Campania, currently and in the last few years. Also researched was the role that the risk factorsrelated to the different transmission routes play in the spread of the infection.Despite the decrease in the incidence reported in recent years, the numerous cases linked to drug abuse, toinfections occurring while in health care and after unsafe sexual intercourse reveal the need for furtherinformation to be spread on HCV infection and on its modes of transmission.
Comparing health indicators at the city level – the example of Vienna
Authors: Bachinger Eleonore
Published: June 2024

Background. Various projects have identified the need for common indicators for comparing countries andmore recently, regions. The Vienna publication aims to contribute to this discussion.Methods and Results. While not perfect, aggregate measures such as life expectancy and mortality can actas indicators of the general level of health in international comparisons. They are relatively reliable andeasily accessible and are often available at regional levels.Conclusion. Despite their limitations, international reference values provide relevant information on theposition of a country or city within Europe. They can provide inspiration and motivation for policy makers andvisualise past successes
References of the articles in journals
Authors: Ricciardi Walter
Published: June 2024

References of the articles in journals
Migrant Health: a value for Public Health
Authors: Laurenti Patrizia , Bruno Stefania
Published: June 2024

The health matters associated with migration are crucial public health challenges faced by both governments and societies. According to United Nations estimates, 120 million of the approximately 175 million migrants worldwide are migrant workers with their families. Legal and illegal workers have a different status and, therefore, varying levels of access to social and health services. The collective health needs and implications of this sizeable population are considerable, and different health determinants and levels of vulnerability could impact on their health. The main public health goal is to avoid disparities in health status and access to health services between migrants and the host population. The second, closely associated principle, is to ensure migrants’ health rights, as stated during the 4th Conference on Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health in Europe which took place from 21st to 23rd June 2012 in Milan, where Migrants and ethnic minorities were confirmed as a benefit to the society.
Personalised Health Care, the need for reassessment. A HTA perspective far beyond cost-effectiveness
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki
Published: June 2024

Background: personalised health care has been claimed to play an outstanding role in the future health services. In fact, health care systems will have to face changes in their work flows and processes due to the implementation of personalised technologies. Health Technology Assessment provides information to decision makers at any level on the introduction and exclusion of health technologies from the health care systems.
Methods: the definition of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and the concepts and questions raised in the EUnetHTA core model, were used as a framework to analyse the impact of these new services in health care provision.
Results: personalised health care services and products are health technologies, mainly diagnostics that have a broad impact in the health care systems. Although, safety, clinical effectiveness and economical aspects and consequences have been described, ethical, social and organisational issues raised questions that should be answered before considering their implementation in the health systems. Special attention should be paid on new requirements for regulation, data protection and the empowerment of citizen and health professionals.
Conclusions: the benefits and harms of personalised health-care technologies should be decided on a “case by case” rather than a “one size fits all” basis and has to be analysed under its many aspects. The combination of genetic, clinical and environmental factors is crucial for the correct understanding of personalised medicine and its implementation. Personalised health care will require a fine-tuned revision of existing HTA and Pharmacoeconomic’s guidelines to address its characteristics.
Trends in treatment outcome of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Southeastern Nigeria, 1999 - 2008
Authors: Ukwaja Kingsley N. , Alobu Isaac , Ifebunandu Ngozi A. , Osakwe Chijioke P.
Published: June 2024

Background: the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) strategy was introduced into the tuberculosis control programme of Ebonyi, Southeastern, Nigeria in 1996. The impact of the programme on the treatment outcomes for smear-positive tuberculosis has not been assessed ever since. We assessed the trends in treatment outcome for new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis between 1999 and 2008.
Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of the Ebonyi state Ministry of Health quarterly smear-positive tuberculosis statistical returns. Patients were treated and treatment outcome categories computed according to the WHO/National Tuberculosis Control Programme’s guidelines. Chi-square for trends was used to determine significance.
Results: the number of smear-positive cases who registered for treatment fell from 1 361 patients in 1999 to 977 in 2008 (Trend χ2=349; P<0.001). The follow-up smear results at month two were not available for 16% of the patients in 1999; this unavailability decreased to 1.7% in 2008. The negative conversion rate at month two increased from 77.5% in 1999 to 95.9% in 2008 (Trend χ2=16.5; P<0.001). Treatment success rose from 74.9% in 1999 to 88.7% in 2008 (Trend χ2=12.8; P<0.001), whilst default rate declined from 12% to 4.3% (Trend χ2=55.6; P<0.001). Though decreasing (Trend χ2=4.64; P=0.031), the annual death rate remained at around 5% during the study period.
Conclusions: monitoring, supervision and home visits have improved, and our DOTS programme has achieved an 85% treatment success and declining default rates. However, with the current low case notification and high mortality rates, alternative mechanisms are needed to achieve global stop-TB targets in the State.