|
Geographical Locations - Italy
 The WWW Virtual Library: Public Health
Categories
Country Information
- (Statistical) Number of Inhabitants per Doctor: 210
- CIA World Factbook : Italy
Organisations and Networks
UN and Multinational
Government
Non-Government
Academic Institutions
National Policy and Related Documents
Reports, Guidelines, and Projects
- Effect of Italy’s motorcycle helmet law on traumatic brain injuries
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a revised Italian motorcycle-moped-scooter helmet law on crash brain injuries. Design: A pre-post law evaluation of helmet use and traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurrence from 1999 to 2001. Setting: Romagna region, northeastern Italy, with a 2000 resident population of 983 534 persons. Participants: Motorcycle-moped rider survey for helmet use compliance and all residents in the region admitted to the Division of Neurosurgery of the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy for TBI. Outcome measures: Helmet use compliance and change in TBI admissions and type(s) of brain lesions. Results: Helmet use increased from an average of less than 20% to over 96%. A comparison of TBI incidence in the Romagna region shows that there was no significant variation before and after introduction of the revised helmet law, except for TBI admissions for motorcycle-moped crashes where a 66% decrease was observed. In the same area TBI admissions by age group showed that motorcycle mopeds riders aged 14–60 years sustained significantly fewer TBIs. The rate of TBI admissions to neurosurgery decreased by over 31% and epidural hematomas almost completely disappeared in crash injured moped riders. Conclusions: The revised Italian mandatory helmet law, with police enforcement, is an effective measure for TBI prevention at all ages. [author abstract] [Injury Prevention 2003; 9: 257–260]
- Gastroenteritis outbreak at holiday resort, central Italy
During the summer of 2003, a gastroenteritis outbreak spread throughout a holiday resort in central Italy. Fecally contaminated groundwater and seawater were leaking into the non–drinking-water system, which was found to be connected to the drinking-water system of a large resort. This contamination had a primary role in the onset of the outbreak and spread of the infection. [publication summary] [Emerging Infectious Diseases, vol. 14, no. 3, pp.474-478, March 2008]
- Health technology assessment in Italy
Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the history of health technology assessment (HTA) in Italy. Methods: Founded in 1978, the Italian National Health Service (NHS) has been strongly regionalized mainly after a constitutional reform, which started a devolution process. HTA started in the 1980s at the National Institute of Health and in a few University Hospitals, with a focus on big ticket technology: that process was driven by clinical engineers. Results: In recent years, HTA is becoming an important tool for decision-making processes at central, regional, and local levels. In particular, the National Agency for Regional Health Services (AGENAS) and five regions (of twenty-one) are strongly committed to develop HTA initiatives connected with the planning process. Conclusions: At the local level, the hospital-based HTA activity is probably the most important peculiarity of the country and the real driver of the HTA movement. [author abstract] [International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 25: Supplement 1 (2009), 127–133]
- Highlights on health in Italy: 2004
Highlights on health give an overview of a country’s health status, describing recent data on mortality, morbidity and exposure to key risk factors along with trends over time. The reports link country findings to public health policy considerations developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and by other relevant agencies. [World Health Organization 2006]
- Influenza-related mortality in the Italian elderly: no decline associated with increasing vaccination coverage
We investigated trends in influenza-related mortality among the elderly population in Italy associated with increased vaccination coverage. Using Italian vital statistics data, we studied monthly death rates for pneumonia and influenza and all-cause for persons ≥65 years of age by 5-year age groups for 1970–2001. Using a classic seasonal regression modelling approach, we estimated the age-specific seasonal excess mortality rates among Italian elderly as a measure of influenza-related deaths. We studied trends in excess mortality after adjusting for population aging and analyzing separately seasons dominated by the severe A/H3N2 subtype and those dominated by other circulating influenza subtypes. After the late 1980s, no decline in age-adjusted excess mortality was associated with increasing influenza vaccination distribution primarily targeted for the elderly. These findings suggest that either the vaccine failed to protect the elderly against mortality (possibly due to immune senescence), and/or the vaccination efforts did not adequately target the frailest elderly. As in the US, our study challenges current strategies to best protect the elderly against mortality, warranting the need for better controlled trials with alternative vaccination strategies. [author abstract] [Vaccine 24 (2006) 6468–6475]
- Institutional public private partnerships for core health services: evidence from Italy
Background: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are potential instruments to enable private collaboration in the health sector. Despite theoretical debate, empirical analyses have thus far tended to focus on the contractual or project dimension, overlooking institutional PPPs, i.e., formal legal entities run by proper corporate-governance mechanisms and jointly owned by public and private parties for the provision of public-health goods. This work aims to fill this gap by carrying out a comparative analysis of the reasons for the adoption of institutional PPPs and the governance and managerial features necessary to establish them as appropriate arrangements for public-health services provisions. Methods: A qualitative analysis is carried out on experiences of institutional PPPs within the Italian National Health Service (Sistema Sanitario Nazionale, SSN). The research question is addressed through a contextual and comparative embedded case study design, assuming the entire population of PPPs (4) currently in force in one Italian region as the unit of analysis: (i) a rehabilitation hospital, (ii), an orthopaedic-centre, (iii) a primary care and ambulatory services facility, and (iv) a health- and social-care facility. Internal validity is guaranteed by the triangulation of sources in the data collection phase, which included archival and interview data. Results: Four governance and managerial issues were found to be critical in determining the positive performance of the case examined: (i) a strategic market orientation to a specialised service area with sufficient potential demand, (ii) the allocation of public capital assets and the consistent financial involvement of the private partner, (iii) the adoption of private administrative procedures in a regulated setting while guaranteeing the respect of public administration principles, and (iv) clear regulation of the workforce to align the contracts with the organisational culture. Conclusions: Findings suggests that institutional PPPs enable national health services to reap great benefits when introduced as a complement to the traditional public-service provisions for a defined set of services and goals. [author abstract] [BMC Health Services Research 2011, 11: 82]
- Italy and Austria before and after study: second-hand smoke exposure in hospitality premises before and after 2 years from the introduction of the Italian smoking ban
The aim of this paper was to compare nicotine concentration in 28 hospitality premises (HPs) in Florence and Belluno, Italy, where a smoking ban was introduced in 2005, and in 19 HPs in Vienna, Austria, where no antismoking law entered into force up to now. Airborne nicotine concentrations were measured in the same HPs in winter 2002 or 2004 (pre-ban measurements) and winter 2007 (post-ban measurements). In Florence and Belluno, medians decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 8.86 [interquartile range (IQR): 2.41– 45.07)] before the ban to 0.01 µg/m3 (IQR: 0.01–0.41) afterwards. In Austria (no smoking ban) the medians collected in winters 2004 and 2007 were, respectively, 11.00 (IQR: 2.53–30.38) and 15.76 µg/m3 (IQR: 2.22–31.93), with no significant differences. Measurements collected in winter 2007 in 28 HPs located in Naples, Turin, Milan (0.01 µg/m3; IQR: 0.01–0.16) confirmed post-ban results in Florence and Belluno. The medians of nicotine concentrations in Italy and Austria before the Italian ban translates, using the risk model of Repace and Lowery, into a lifetime excess lung cancer mortality risk for hospitality workers of 11.81 and 14.67 per 10,000, respectively. Lifetime excess lung cancer mortality risks for bar and disco–pub workers were 10–20 times higher than that calculated for restaurant workers, both in Italy and Austria. In winter 2007, it dropped to 0.01 per 10,000 in Italy, whereas in Austria it remained at the same levels. The drop of second-hand smoke exposure indicates a substantial improvement in air quality in Italian HPs even after 2 years from the ban. [Indoor Air, 2008; 18: 328–334]
- Italy: health system review
Various indicators show that the health of the Italian population has improved over the last few decades. Average life expectancy reached 77.6 years for men and 83.2 years for women in 2005, and the mortality rate among adults has fallen significantly, as has the infant mortality rate. However, in almost all demographic and health indicators, there are marked regional differences for both men and women, reflecting the economic imbalance between the north and south of the country. The main diseases affecting the population are circulatory diseases, malignant tumours and respiratory diseases, while smoking and rising obesity levels, particularly among young people, remain important public health challenges. Italy’s health care system is a regionally based National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)) that provides universal coverage free of charge at the point of service...Regional governments, through the regional health departments, are responsible for ensuring the delivery of a benefits package through a network of population-based health management organizations and public and private accredited hospitals… Health care is mainly financed by earmarked central and regional taxes. Each region is free to provide additional health care services if budgets permit, as long as they also deliver the basic package. However, regional budget deficits historically have been a major problem and reform efforts since the 1990s have aimed, in part, to enforce balanced budgets. The most important state-level reforms from the beginning of the 1990s include: the devolution of health care provision to regional governments and the progressive strengthening of regional powers to deliver and finance health care; a parallel delegation of managerial authority to hospitals and local health enterprises; the establishment of the uniform basic package of health services that should be guaranteed to all citizens; the introduction of a national clinical guidelines programme to enhance the quality of health care; and the development of an electronic patient records system… [excerpt from publication abstract] [Health Systems in Transition, vol. 11, no. 6, 2009 (The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies)]
- Mismatches in the formal sector, expansion of the informal sector: immigration of health professionals to Italy Italy has an aging population which is placing a strain on the public health system and on families. At the same time, it has a distorted market of supply of health professionals. Past over enrolment in medical faculties has produced a current glut of doctors, although shortages will appear as this cohort retires. It is difficult for foreign-trained doctors, and Italian-trained foreigners, to practice medicine in Italy. In nursing, the situation is more critical, with far fewer graduates of nursing schools than necessary even to meet replacement needs. Care for the aged, which was traditionally borne by families, has increasingly been delegated to informal immigrant workers. In the absence of major changes in the care industry, recruitment efforts for nurses and other health technicians has expanded to include other source countries. Obstacles to international recruitment of nurses have been reduced, both by simplifying recognition of foreign qualifications and by exempting nurses from limits on labour migration to Italy. However, a ban on permanent employment in the public sector has relegated foreign nurses largely to private sector and shorter-term contract work. National and local health authorities have also become involved in supporting international recruitment of nurses, often through private agencies. In the home-care sector, families have been granted more opportunities to hire care workers from abroad legally, and many local authorities are attempting to integrate this spontaneous private care into their eldercare system through skill upgrades and support. Nonetheless, international migration will not be sufficient to solve Italy’s health care professional needs. [publication summary] [OECD Health Working Paper No. 34 (DELSA/ELSA/WP2/HEA(2008)1), November 2008]
- Prevalence and determinants of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among sexually active women in Turin, Italy
Background: According to the World Health Organisation, Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial agent worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for genital infection with Ct among sexually active women (14-60 years of age), in Turin (northern Italy). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between January 2002 and December 2007 among sexually active women in Turin. All women were tested for Ct infection using the Amplified Ct Assay (Gen-Probe) on an endocervical specimen. The prevalence was calculated as the proportion of Ct-positive women out of the total study population. Associations between Ct infection and risk factors (socio-demographic, behavioural, and clinical-gynaecological) were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Risk factors independently associated with Ct infection were determined using a multivariate logistic regression model. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 17.0). Results: The study included 25,289 women, of whom 1.8% were found to have Ct infection. The prevalence of Ct infection increased significantly from 1.5% in 2002 to 2.2% in 2007 (÷2 =5.6; p-value <0.05). The prevalence significantly increased by decreasing age (÷2 linear trend 213.7; p-value <0.001) and was significantly higher among non-Italian women compared to Italian women (3.3% vs. 1.6%, p-value <0.001). In the multivariate analysis, Ct infection was significantly associated with an adjusted odds ratio higher than 2 for young age (14-24 years), being non-Italian, having had 2 or more lifetime sexual partners, and having had more than 1 partner in the previous six months. Conclusions: Our results showed an increase in Ct prevalence in Turin between 2002 and 2007. A significant association between Ct infection and young age, multiple sexual partners, and originating from Eastern Europe was observed. To reduce the spread of the infection, women with at least one of the above mentioned risk factors, should be encouraged to undergo a free-of-charge Ct testing. [author abstract] [Italian Journal of Public Health, yr 9, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 295-301, 2011]
- Tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes among Italian hospital healthcare professionals
Background: Healthcare professionals play a key role in tobacco use prevention because they are considered as model by patients. This multicenter study was aimed to evaluate smoking prevalence, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco among Italian hospital professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire administered to healthcare professionals in seven Italian hospitals, to investigate personal and occupational data, knowledge, attitudes, job setting, clinical activities, smoking habits and pattern for current smokers. Potential predictors of current smoking habits were evaluated using multiple logistic regressions. Results: Sample population was comprised of 1082 health professionals (51.4% females; mean age was 37.3 years: 25.3% were nurses, 24.5% medical doctors, 17.1% students and 33.1% other healthcare workers). Smoking prevalence was 44%. Among responders, 67.7% considered healthcare professional as a model for citizens, 90.5% declared to see colleagues smoking cigarettes inside the hospital (47.4% in the dependents’ toilets, 33.4% in the department kitchens and 4.7% in the patient room). Multivariate analysis showed that healthcare professionals working in Naples had a higher risk to be smokers in comparison to Rome [odds ratio (OR) = 2.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–3.73]. Compared to medical doctors, post-graduate students (OR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.81–6.44), nurses (OR = 2.48; 95% CI 1.51–4.08), nursing students (OR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.08–3.38) and auxiliary personnel (OR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.51–4.88), showed a higher likelihood of smoking. Conclusions: Among Italian hospital personnel there is a paradoxically large prevalence of smokers, higher than in the general population. Interventions aimed for the development of an adequate culture of health promotion, among these professionals, are urgently needed. [author abstract] [European Journal of Public Health, 2010]
- Towards the suspension of compulsory vaccination in Italy: balancing between public health priorities and medico-legal and juridical aspects
"In Italy all the vaccines, which are considered as a Public Health priority, are included into a national infant and evolutive-age immunization schedule, being all offered following an active and free-of charge strategy, with the only exception of some relatively recent compounds (i.e., meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines and varicella vaccine), depending by each single Regional determination. In particular, the principal infant vaccinations are actually included in the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA), that the Regions must guarantee to all citizens without any payment. The vaccination offer is theoretically based on a mixed system in our Country, yet: four vaccines are defined as ‘compulsory’ (against diphtheria, tetanus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Poliovirus), while the others are ‘simply’ recommended (against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, H. influenzae type B, N. Meningitidis type C, St. Pneumoniae, varicella and papillomavirus)." [J Prev Med Hyg, 2009; 50: 135-140]
- Use of television, videogames, and computer among children and adolescents in Italy
Background: This survey determined the practices about television (video inclusive), videogames, and computer use in children and adolescents in Italy. Methods: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire covered socio-demographics; behaviour about television, videogames, computer, and sports; parental control over television, videogames, and computer. Results: Overall, 54.1% and 61% always ate lunch or dinner in front of the television, 89.5% had a television in the bedroom while 52.5% of them always watched television there, and 49% indicated that parents controlled the content of what was watched on television. The overall mean length of time daily spent on television viewing (2.8 hours) and the frequency of watching for at least two hours per day (74.9%) were significantly associated with older age, always ate lunch or dinner while watching television, spent more time playing videogames and using computer. Those with parents from a lower socio-economic level were also more likely to spend more minutes viewing television. Two-thirds played videogames for 1.6 daily hours and more time was spent by those younger, males, with parents that do not control them, who watched more television, and who spent more time at the computer. The computer was used by 85% of the sample for 1.6 daily hours and those older, with a computer in the bedroom, with a higher number of computers in home, who view more television and play videogames were more likely to use the computer. Conclusion: Immediate and comprehensive actions are needed in order to diminish time spent at the television, videogames, and computer. [author abstract] [BMC Public Health 2009, 9: 139]
- Visibility, accessibility and quality of Italian public health institutional websites
Background: Since the large volume of health information available on the Web has the potential to improve health, Public Health institutions must represent a strong Internet presence with accessible and scientific information. The aims of the study were to verify the presence and visibility of Italian Institutions on the Web and to evaluate the accessibility and quality of the information provided. Methods: In a focus group setting, 21 keywords were generated, and launched in search-engines Google and MSN. Researchers noted the first 30 results found and determined the position of institutional websites. The accessibility of 303 Public Health websites was assessed in relation to the logo presence and web validation of XHTML, CSS and WAI indicators. Regarding the quality of information, the presence of the HONcode logo in the websites’ homepage was checked. Results: A high percentage of the keywords selected did not lead to any institutional website in the first three pages of Google (19.0%) and MSN (42.8%). Few institutional websites presented the logo indicator and a full web validation. Considering the XHTML indicator, only for 34.0% of the websites there was concordance between the logo presence/absence and results of direct validation, 50.2% for CSS. The quality level seemed to be extremely low. Conclusions: In order to achieve a larger visibility and guarantee accessibility, Public Health websites have to be correctly designed, edited and maintained. Common and strict European laws about health information on the Web have to be arranged, deeply monitored and carefully adjourned in order to guarantee and support the positive role of institutional websites. [author abstract] [Italian Journal of Public Health, vol. 7, no. 2, pp.102-108, 2010]
Educational Resources
- CDC - Travel Information : Western Europe
- Italian Journal of Public Health
"The Italian Journal of Public Health (IJPH) is a globally circulated international peer-reviewed journal listed in the National Library of Medicine. Founded in 2003, the IJPH is a quarterly publication for original research and theoretical or methodological papers within the area of public health. Long papers, short papers, reviews, letters and commentaries are reported in [the] English language, with issues being published in March, June, September and December."
Original website founded Lucien E. Schlosser and Eberhard Wenzel, 1997.
© Copyright for the The WWW Virtual Library and its logos by The WWW Virtual Library.
|
See Also
|
|