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Immunization is among the most cost-effective public health interventions available and is estimated to have averted at least 37 million deaths between 2000 and 2019. Since the establishment of the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1974, global vaccination coverage increased and the coverage gap between rich and poor countries decreased. Creation of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in 2000 allowed the poorest countries in the world to benefit from new, life-saving vaccines and expand the breadth of protection against an increasing number of vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite this progress, inequities in access to and uptake of vaccines persist. Opportunities to realize the full potential of vaccines are within reach but require focused, tailored and committed action by Governments and immunization stakeholders. The Immunization Agenda 2030 provides a framework for action during the next decade to attain a world where everyone, everywhere, at every age fully benefits from vaccines for good health and well-being.

Our Australian hospital tested almost 22 000 symptomatic people over 11 weeks for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Following travel bans and physical distancing, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses diagnoses fell dramatically. Increasing rhinovirus diagnoses as social control measures were relaxed may indirectly indicate an elevated risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resurgence.

Background Physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are associated with an increased disease and economic burden. Despite the prevalence of different public health programs, decision-makers encounter a multitude of challenges in prioritizing interventions for optimal resource allocation. The aim of this systematic review, therefore, was to identify economic evaluations of public health interventions targeting physical activity and healthy diet, and assess the quality and transferability of the findings to the Swedish context. Methods A search of published economic evaluations was conducted through electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, National Health Service Economic Evaluation Databases (NHS EED) and the Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA). An additional search was done using references of relevant systematic reviews and, websites of relevant organizations were checked to find grey literature. Quality and transferability of the economic evaluations were appraised using a quality assessment tool developed by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment. Preliminary Results Thirty-two economic evaluations of 178 interventions were included; thirteen studies targeting physical activity, thirteen targeting healthy diet and six targeting both. The interventions varied in terms of their content, setting, mode of delivery and target populations. A majority of the economic evaluations reported that the interventions were likely to be cost-effective; however, considerable variations in the methodological and reporting qualities were observed. Only half of the economic evaluations were rated to have a high probability of transferring to the Swedish context. Conclusions Most of the interventions were reported to be cost-effective. However, a variation in quality and transferability of the available evidence to the Swedish context were observed. Key messages Public health interventions targeting physical activity and dietary habits have a high potential to be cost-effective. Decision makers should consider transferability and suitability of findings of economic evaluation from a different context to a decision problem at hand.

Background There is a growing recognition of the limitations of a linear cause-and-effect rationality in planning and evaluating public health interventions. Although this perspective is amenable to programme planning and evaluation, it leaves aside a whole array of mechanisms of change triggered by interactions taking place in complex social systems. Generative causality is one and recognized under a number of works referring to the complexity paradigm. Here we review the state of knowledge on what is often referred to as the complexity theory (CT), and present the results of a review of the literature on its application in public health. Methods We searched PubMed for articles, commentaries, editorials published in English, French and Italian, using the keywords 'Complexity Theory' (also plural). We categorized the fields of application of the CT according to the three core WHO's Essential Public Health Operations, i.e., Health Promotion, Prevention and Protection. All papers addressing issues related to health care services (but not prevention) were included in the category “health care services” while others were tagged as “others”. Results We found 203 papers meeting our inclusion criteria. The largest share of the research output applying the CT was in health care services (n = 167), followed by Health Promotion (5), Prevention (3) and Protection (2). 26 papers were labelled others. In health promotion/ prevention, applications of the CT have yet to integrate most of its concepts. Most authors tap into both the linear and generative rationality perspectives. Conclusions Although regularly deemed as promising in uncovering mechanisms for change triggered by public health intervention, applications of the complexity theory remain uncommon and has made little inroads in the public health domain. This is particularly the case for health promotion where one would assume that participatory community-based interventions would be an incentive to integrate this perspective. Key messages Although deemed promising the complexity theory has made little inroads in public health. Health promotion with its participatory community-based interventions can benefit from its application.

Background To review the literature on economic evaluations of public health interventions targeting prevention of mental health problems and suicide, to support evidence based societal resource allocation. Methods A systematic review of economic evaluations within mental health and suicide prevention was conducted including studies published between 2000 and 2018. The studies were identified through Medline, PsychINFO, Web of Science. The quality of relevant studies and the transferability of their results were assessed using a criterion set out by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment. Results Nineteen studies of moderate to high quality were included in this review, which evaluated 18 interventions in mental health and 4 interventions in suicide prevention. Fourteen (63%) of all interventions were cost-effective. None of the studies that evaluated suicide prevention was of high quality. The interventions largely focused on psychological interventions at school, the workplace and within elderly care as well as screening and brief interventions in primary care. Nine studies (around 50% of included articles) had a high potential for transferability to the Swedish context. Conclusions Public health interventions aiming to improve mental health have a high potential to be economically beneficial to society, but high-quality evidence on the cost-effectiveness of suicide prevention is limited. Key messages Public health interventions aiming to improve mental health have a high potential to be economically beneficial to society. Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of suicide prevention is limited.

Background While the importance of adverse events of medical interventions is widely recognized, adverse effects of public health interventions remain a neglected topic. This project aims to develop a framework to guide researchers and decision-makers to systematically reflect on and identify potential adverse effects of public health interventions. Methods We conducted a mixed-method systematic review of theoretical and conceptual publications on adverse events of public health interventions to develop a preliminary framework employing best-fit framework synthesis. We used the WHO-INTEGRATE framework as a starting point for the synthesis, a multidimensional evidence-to-decision framework developed for complex interventions in complex systems. Results The framework includes two interlinked parts: The first maps domains in which potential adverse events might arise. Drawing on the WHO-INTEGRATE framework, these domains include aspects related to health, but also domains related to societal, economic, and environmental implications. The second part maps general mechanisms through which public health interventions can lead to adverse effects (e.g. reactive behaviour change, increase of labelling and stigmatization, and exposure to environmental risk-factors). Conclusions The framework will be advanced in the second phase of the project through empirical studies of harmful effects in public health interventions, which we will identify through an overview of systematic reviews. Adverse effects of public health interventions are currently not sufficiently considered in research and practice. Taking them into account is essential for informed decision-making and establishing appropriate countermeasures. Our framework could be a valuable asset for researchers and policy makers in developing, implementing and evaluating public health interventions. Key messages Awareness of the adverse effects of public health interventions is essential for informed decision-making and establishing countermeasures. This framework supports researchers and decision-makers in systematically reflecting on and identifying adverse events when developing, piloting, implementing or evaluating public health interventions.

BackgroundThe examination of obesity trends is important to plan public health interventions specific to target-groups. We investigated long-term trends of obesity for the Austrian adult population between 1973 and 2014 according to their sex, age and education and the magnitude of educational-inequalities.MethodsData were derived from six national, representative, cross-sectional interview surveys (N = 194 030). Data correction factors for self-reported body mass index (BMI) were applied. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Absolute changes (ACs) and aetiologic fractions (AFs) were calculated to identify trends in the obesity prevalence. To measure the extent of social inequality, the relative index of inequality was computed based on educational levels.ResultsIn 2014, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 14.6% (95%CI: 14.0–15.3) for women and 16.8% (95%CI: 16.1–17.9) for men. Obesity was most prevalent among subjects aged 55–74 years and those with low educational status. The AC in the obesity prevalence during the study period was highest for men aged 75 years and older with high/middle educational levels (16.2%) and also high for subjects aged 55 years and older with low educational levels. The greatest dynamics for obesity were observed among the oldest men with high/middle educational levels. Educational inequalities for obesity were higher among women, but only increased among men.ConclusionsSince 1973, the prevalence for obesity was observed to be higher for men than women in Austria for the first time. Men showed the greatest increase in prevalence and risk for obesity during the study period. Further studies are needed to determine the drivers behind these trends.

The randomized controlled trial is commonly used by both epidemiologists and economists to test the effectiveness of public health interventions. Yet we have noticed differences in practice between the two disciplines. In this article, we propose that there are some underlying differences between the disciplines in the way trials are used, how they are conducted and how results from trials are reported and disseminated. We hypothesize that evidence-based public health could be strengthened by understanding these differences, harvesting best-practice across the disciplines and breaking down communication barriers between economists and epidemiologists who conduct trials of public health interventions.

Public health interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic aim to ensure that the lessons learned of the crises can prevent historical recurrences. Such interventions can mean vanishing mediators that must cater to a post-pandemic structure. Learning from large-scale political and scientific histories or advances—emancipatory projects, pandemic histories and vaccine developments—as well as individual agencies—physical activity and exercise—at the moment become crucial in rethinking and enacting utopian possibilities.

It is interesting to consider the current COVID-19 epidemic that has struck Italy, starting from the region of Lombardy, in light of the plague epidemic that exploded in Milan in 1629–1630. In certain ways, history does repeat itself. In Alessandro Manzoni's book, The Betrothed (first published in 1827), perhaps the best-known historical novel to come out of Italy and required reading in secondary schools throughout the country, the author gives a vivid account of the 17th-century event. Chapters XXXII and XXXIII, in particular, describe the failure of public health policies of the times to contain the epidemic. Aided by the historiography, Manzoni reconstructed the series of devastating errors on the part of local authorities, describing the poor timing of public health interventions and, especially, the delayed and faltering establishment of a cordon sanitaire (our present-day ‘red zones’). Hesitancy in managing the crisis on the basis of economic considerations led to disorientation among the population, and the population reacted by putting pressure on the authorities, who in turn made a series of mistakes. One of the culminating factors was the ill-fated decision, taken under popular pressure, to …

Data from the representative 2013 Eurobarometer survey were combined with macro-environmental data to assess relationships with different domains of physical activity (PA) in 28 European Union countries. Higher mean annual temperatures were the only macro-environmental factor found to be associated with levels of physical activity; an increase in the mean annual temperature by 1°C was associated with-0.94 fewer minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week (95% CI: -1.66 to -0.23). This highlights the importance of modifiable influences (e.g. opportunities for active travel) on PA and underscores the potential of public health interventions to raise levels of physical activity.

Objectives are to highlight knowledge and experiences of follow-up and evaluation of public health interventions with a focus on health equity. A digital instrument for planning, documentation and quality assurance, used in several Swedish settings, will be presented. Health inequity emerges from structural issues. Public health interventions generally widen the health gap which is maintained and enforced by mechanisms on many levels in the societies. Interventions that aim to counteract health inequity need to take this into account and broaden the perspective to include not only life style habits but also discrimination, stigmatization, control, influence and power. Critical reflection is necessary to prevent interventions from consolidating current positions of power and to assure that communities and individuals - can influence goal-setting and measures taken. The Swedish Commission for Equity in Health highlighted the importance of methodological development and knowledge-based efforts including better follow-up, evaluation, research and dialogue. Mediators between measures taken and effects need to be clarified. Health promotion needs to be evaluated systematically with a focus on how interventions function in relation to the task of closing the gap. However, interventions are often merged into other activities and the impact of a continuously changing society cannot be controlled for. Use of evidence-based methods including influence from participants are fundamental, as is critical reflection. Documented by a digital instrument, measures taken and reflected upon can form a database for continuous summative and formative evaluation, aiming at developing methods for effective public health work. Added value Presenting and discussing a digital instrument for planning, documentation and quality assurance will increase the potential for public health efforts to close the health gap. We use it for formative and summative evaluation. For 2018, 222 activity reports were launched and discussed by team members, leading to professional development. Issues for future development included the importance of giving time for shared values to consolidate and trust to emerge. Quantitive goals were reached. Coherence Presentation 1 will clarify why control, power and influence must be taken into consideration in interventions that aim at counteracting health inequity. Presentation 2 will describe the instrument and how it draws on theories of health and critical reflection. Presentation 3 will tell the story of an example from a Swedish dental public health care setting where the instrument has been used and point at strengths and areas for development. Format Presentation 15 minutes each. Followed by short discussions (5 minutes) in the audience who will then be asked to present short inputs on post-it notes that will be collected by the organizers. During the last 30 minutes there will be a general discussion using the post-it notes as starting point. Key messages A digital instrument for planning, documentation and quality assurance, with focus on health equity, will increase the positive impact of public health efforts. Public health interventions that use the instrument will be better equipped to increase health equity.

Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) spread regionally throughout healthcare facilities through patient transfer and cause difficult-to-treat infections. We developed a state-wide patient-sharing matrix and applied social network analyses to determine whether greater connectedness (centrality) to other healthcare facilities and greater patient sharing with long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) predicted higher facility CRE rates. Methods We combined CRE case information from the Illinois extensively drug-resistant organism registry with measures of centrality calculated from a state-wide hospital discharge dataset to predict facility-level CRE rates, adjusting for hospital size and geographic characteristics. Results Higher CRE rates were observed among facilities with greater patient sharing, as measured by degree centrality. Each additional hospital connection (unit of degree) conferred a 6% increase in CRE rate in rural facilities (relative risk [RR] = 1.056; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.030-1.082) and a 3% increase among Chicagoland and non-Chicago urban facilities (RR = 1.027; 95% CI, 1.002-1.052 and RR = 1.025; 95% CI, 1.002-1.048, respectively). Sharing 4 or more patients with LTACHs was associated with higher CRE rates, but this association may have been due to chance (RR = 2.08; 95% CI, .85-5.08; P = .11). Conclusions Hospitals with greater connectedness to other hospitals in a statewide patient-sharing network had higher CRE burden. Centrality had a greater effect on CRE rates in rural counties, which do not have LTACHs. Social network analysis likely identifies hospitals at higher risk of CRE exposure, enabling focused clinical and public health interventions.

Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis is a valuable study design for evaluating the effectiveness of population-level health interventions that have been implemented at a clearly defined point in time. It is increasingly being used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions ranging from clinical therapy to national public health legislation. Whereas the design shares many properties of regression-based approaches in other epidemiological studies, there are a range of unique features of time series data that require additional methodological considerations. In this tutorial we use a worked example to demonstrate a robust approach to ITS analysis using segmented regression. We begin by describing the design and considering when ITS is an appropriate design choice. We then discuss the essential, yet often omitted, step of proposing the impact model a priori. Subsequently, we demonstrate the approach to statistical analysis including the main segmented regression model. Finally we describe the main methodological issues associated with ITS analysis: over-dispersion of time series data, autocorrelation, adjusting for seasonal trends and controlling for time-varying confounders, and we also outline some of the more complex design adaptations that can be used to strengthen the basic ITS design.

This article offers some general criticisms of the idea that any political theory can legitimate public health interventions, and then some particular criticisms of Civic Republicanism as a political theory for public health. Civic Republicanism, I argue, legitimizes liberty-infringing public health interventions by demanding high levels of civic engagement in framing and reviewing them; to demand such engagement in pursuit of such a baseline value as health will leave insufficient civic energy for the pursuit of higher values.

Introduction Increases in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) awareness and current use have been documented in high income countries but less is known about middle and low income countries. Methods Nationally representative household survey data from the first four Global Adult Tobacco Surveys to assess e-cigarettes were analyzed, including Indonesia (2011), Malaysia (2011), Qatar (2013), and Greece (2013). Correlates of e-cigarette awareness and current use were calculated. Sample sizes for Greece and Qatar allowed for further analysis of e-cigarette users. Results Awareness of e-cigarettes was 10.9% in Indonesia, 21.0% in Malaysia, 49.0% in Qatar, and 88.5% in Greece. In all four countries, awareness was higher among male, younger, more educated, and wealthier respondents. Current e-cigarette use among those aware of e-cigarettes was 3.9% in Malaysia, 2.5% in Indonesia, 2.2% in Greece and 1.8% in Qatar. Across these four countries, an estimated 818 500 people are currently using e-cigarettes. Among current e-cigarette users, 64.4% in Greece and 84.1% in Qatar also smoked cigarettes, and, 10.6% in Greece and 6.0% in Qatar were never-smokers. Conclusions E-cigarette awareness and use was evident in all four countries. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring of awareness and use of e-cigarettes in these and other countries could help inform tobacco control policies and public health interventions. Future surveillance should monitor use of e-cigarettes among current smokers and uptake among never-smokers and relapsing former smokers.

Background Clustering of lifestyle risk behaviours is very important in predicting premature mortality. Understanding the extent to which risk behaviours are clustered in deprived communities is vital to most effectively target public health interventions. Methods We examined co-occurrence and associations between risk behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, low physical activity and high sedentary time) reported by adults living in deprived London neighbourhoods. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and clustered risk behaviours were examined. Latent class analysis was used to identify underlying clustering of behaviours. Results Over 90% of respondents reported at least one risk behaviour. Reporting specific risk behaviours predicted reporting of further risk behaviours. Latent class analyses revealed four underlying classes. Membership of a maximal risk behaviour class was more likely for young, white males who were unable to work. Conclusions Compared with recent national level analysis, there was a weaker relationship between education and clustering of behaviours and a very high prevalence of clustering of risk behaviours in those unable to work. Young, white men who report difficulty managing on income were at high risk of reporting multiple risk behaviours. These groups may be an important target for interventions to reduce premature mortality caused by multiple risk behaviours.

Background The prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) is increasing among vulnerable Persons Living with HIV (PLWH) in rural communities. In such communities, optimum clinical management of PJP in PLWH, is often limited by sub-optimal coordination of healthcare programs and inadequate human resources. The study evaluated the impact of interventions implemented by public health programs, to improve the clinical management of PJP among PLWH in rural Nigerian communities. Methods The longitudinal study was done at 30 randomly selected rural communities in Nigeria. Program interventions included: decentralization of comprehensive Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) to primary healthcare facilities; and strategic private–public partnerships to ensure provision of free medications for ART and prophylaxis/treatment of PJP, (according to National Treatment Guidelines). Additional interventions included: training of indigenous healthcare workers on clinical management of PJP; task-shifting; routine monitoring and evaluation of PJP indicators to ensure program quality, among others. Real-time data from Patients’ Care Cards were utilized for pre- and post-intervention assessments in January 2014 and January 2019, respectively. Chi-square was applied as inferential statistics; P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results The number of PLWH on ART, who received primary PJP prophylaxis with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), increased from 2,280 (pre-intervention) to 14,461 (post-intervention). PLWH (55 females; 40 males), exhibited TMP-SMX intolerance and were offered Dapsone for primary PJP prophylaxis. PJP diagnosis and treatment for female PLWH increased from 5% (pre-intervention), to 82% (post-intervention). PJP diagnosis and treatment for male PLWH increased from 3% (pre-intervention), to 79% (post-intervention). Incidences of PJP increased with age, viral load, ART interruption, and late presentation to HIV care. Secondary PJP prophylaxis for PLWH (after the completion of pneumonia treatment) increased from 2% (pre-intervention) to 90% (post-intervention). Conclusion The interventions significantly improved the clinical management of PJP in PLWH. They are recommended for implementation by health programs in rural communities. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Prolonged diagnostic and treatment delays, particularly in settings experiencing concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics, undermine global TB control efforts. Current TB control policy in South Africa, as organized through the National TB Control Programme (NTP), relies on the voluntary presentation of TB suspects to local clinics for diagnosis, i.e. passive case finding (PCF). In 2005 a participatory study suggested that popular interpretation and perception of TB within eight South African township sites in and around Cape Town, all carrying a high burden of HIV and undiagnosed TB, undermine PCF. Both people's association of TB with dirt and squalor, and the anticipation of HIV-related stigma, combine to impede TB diagnosis. Respondents conveyed TB as unavoidable; this perception is expressed in the context of vulnerability where so much-including dirt-is largely beyond the control of local residents. The lack of control has a disempowering effect, reducing the drive for seeking treatment. In addition, low confidence in patient confidentiality and anticipated HIV-related stigma act as direct deterrents to TB diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, we wish to draw attention to high levels of disease stigma and vulnerability, and how these undermine PCF. Public health interventions that wish to improve case detection should aim to: (1) emphasize how early treatment improves outcome and can curb ongoing transmission; (2) combat a sense of communal vulnerability to TB; (3) address anticipated HIV-TB stigma; and (4) improve the quality of care provided at local diagnostic services, addressing low levels of patient confidentiality.

Dengue viruses, primarily transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.), affect an estimated 50–100 million people yearly. Traditional approaches to control mosquito population numbers, such as the use of pesticides, have had only limited success. Atypical mosquito behavior may be one reason why current vector control efforts have been less efficacious than expected. In Puerto Rico, for example, adult Ae. aegypti have been observed emerging from septic tanks. Interestingly, adults emerging from septic tanks are larger on average than adults collected from surface containers. To determine whether adults colonizing septic tanks constitute a separate Ae. aegypti population, we used 12 previously validated microsatellite loci to examine adult mosquitoes collected from both septic tanks and surface containers, but found no evidence to suggest genetic differentiation. Size differences between septic tank and surface mosquitoes were reduced when nutrient levels were held constant across experimental groups. Despite the absence of evidence suggesting a genetic difference between experimental groups in this study, Ae. aegypti emerging from septic tanks may still represent a more dangerous phenotype and should be given special consideration when developing vector control programs and designing public health interventions in the future.

Summary Unusual clusters of disease must be detected rapidly for effective public health interventions to be introduced. Over the past decade there has been a surge in interest in statistical methods for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks. This growth in interest has given rise to much new methodological work, ranging across the spectrum of statistical methods. The paper presents a comprehensive review of the statistical approaches that have been proposed. Applications to both laboratory and syndromic surveillance data are provided to illustrate the various methods.

Background Parents have some responsibility for children's dietary habits and they are often the focus of public health interventions designed to improve children's diets and thereby reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. The current UK interventions promote awareness of healthy food choices, but offer little guidance for parents on child-feeding behaviours. Methods A review of recent literature regarding child-feeding behaviours and child weight. Results Parents report using a wide range of child-feeding behaviours, including monitoring, pressure to eat and restriction. Restriction of children's eating has most frequently and consistently been associated with child weight gain. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence for a causal relationship between parental restriction and childhood overweight. Conclusions Parents may inadvertently promote excess weight gain in childhood by using inappropriate child-feeding behaviours. We recommend the development of interventions to increase awareness of the possible consequences of inappropriate child-feeding behaviours. Parents who are concerned about their child's weight will also require guidance and support in order to adopt more appropriate child-feeding behaviours.

This is a reply to Steve Latham's Article for the Republicanism special issue.

We demonstrate how incidence, prevalence, remission, mortality (IPRM) models may be constructed on population life-tables, how the incidence of a condition may be calculated, and how the consequences of demographic changes and public health interventions may be predicted. We illustrate the methodology by applying it to the epidemiology of diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity in New Zealand.

There are many indicators used to assess the processes and outcomes of school health promotion and education programs and initiatives. This paper examines the development of such indicators, and the different foci on the biological, behavioral, social and contextual aspects of child and adolescent health measures. It then develops a framework for categorizing them. The variety of stakeholders who have an interest in school health is identified. A matrix is developed which maps the levels of influence the different stakeholders have in the categories of indicators. The paper concludes by delineating a set of criteria designed to assist stakeholders to be more strategic in identifying realistic and practical indicators which will provide useful information in judging their inputs and improving their contribution to school health promotion and education.

Background Early life and adolescence represents a key stage in life where important opportunities for health are established. This makes it an important stage for public health interventions aimed at improving health in all stages of life. Given the burden of childhood obesity and the fact that the system is confronted with an increasing number of children with chronic medical conditions, it has become even more critical to pay attention to school-aged children. Study findings will provide insight …

A reliable surveillance system is the key to establishing connections between the epidemiological situation and the planning, monitoring and evaluation of public health interventions. Periodic evaluation of surveillance systems is essential to verify whether they are operating efficiently. In Italy, viral hepatitis is a statutorily notifiable disease and cases are reported to the notification system of the Ministry of Health. In addition, a voluntary sentinel surveillance system, named SEIEVA, coordinated by the National Institute of Health, has been active since …

The study by Barker has added to the already long list of papers which show an association between small size at birth and cardiovascular risk in later life. Barkers idea of the "fetal origins" has survived and strengthened throughout the last decade albeit undergoing a degree of metamorphosis to include contributions from childhood growth. In this paper the author reviews several studies that would negate Barkers conclusion. He stresses that findings to date suggest that there could be a multitude of mechanisms by which the intrauterine environment could influence adult disease. It is noted that there is little information on factors like intrauterine infections in relation to future cardiovascular risk. Thus it is suggested that more evidence is needed about the gene-environment interaction (nutritional and non-nutritional) during the intrauterine period before one can plan for public health interventions for primordial prevention.

There has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of toxic shock syndrome in the 10 years since the association between tampons and toxic shock syndrome was first recognized. The decreased incidence is real, and not the result of decreased reporting to the passive surveillance system. The decreased incidence of menstrual toxic shock syndrome can primarily be explained by changes in the absorbency and composition of tampons available to the consumer. The reduction in the occurrence of menstrual toxic shock syndrome can be attributed to the withdrawal of Rely brand, which consisted of a unique composition, and subsequently to the lowering of absorbency of all brands of tampons. The conclusions of the early studies of toxic shock syndrome pointed the way to prompt public health interventions and resulted in the prevention of substantial morbidity.

Decisions regarding population-based preventive interventions require convincing measures of health and risks. Is it justified to initiate special community programs on diabetes prevention among migrants on the basis of a higher prevalence of diabetes than in the non-migrant population? Even as we know that diabetes is not a problem for the majority of the migrants? And that diabetes is also a problem for many non-migrants—however less prevalent? Relative risks and differences in prevalence of risks and diseases between groups are often used to justify such new programs for selected groups and communities based on certain characteristics such as ethnicity, migrant status, family situation or socio-economic position. Mulinari et al.1 question the use of broad categorizations as instruments for predicting individual health problems using the area of ethnicity, migration and health as an example, and warn against the practice of only including measures of association in the consideration of public health interventions. Instead, these kinds of measures should always be reported together with measures of discriminatory accuracy. Their study …

IN THIS ISSUE OF SLEEP, OLDS AND COLLEAGUES1 PROVIDE VALUABLE DATA REGARDING SELF-REPORTED SLEEP DURATION IN CROSS-SECTIONS OF Australian children between ages 10 and 18 years. The authors demonstrate the steady decline in sleep duration with age and document differences in sleep duration by day of the week, season, region, and sex. This study adds to the growing body of literature documenting patterns of self-reported sleep duration across populations, as well as changes with age during childhood.2,3 Studies such as these are useful to track changes in sleep duration within populations over time, to identify inter-group differences in sleep duration, and to generate hypotheses about ideal sleep durations and influences on sleep duration. These types of studies provide support for the impression that sleep duration within some pediatric populations is declining,2 and therefore provide an impetus for public health interventions that target improving sleep. These types of studies also, however, highlight a number of important gaps in our current knowledge that frame a research agenda in the coming years.