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Background: Driving adolescents to more correct food habits and physical activity is crucial to promoting health and avoiding the increase in morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Literature has focused on these behaviors in the adult population, while studies on adolescents are more limited. This study aims to explore the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding nutrition and physical activity to acquire insight into adolescents and identify the associated predictors., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years from public middle and high schools randomly selected in the Campania Region, Southern Italy. A self-administered questionnaire, including closed and open-ended questions, assessed socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, dietary habits, physical activity, and sources of health information., Results: Regarding socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, among 1433 adolescents who completed the survey, the mean age was 15.2 years, 50.5% were boys, 16.8% reported having a non-communicable disease, and 18% were overweight or obese. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, male gender, daily breakfast with at least one parent, higher self-rated knowledge on nutrition, awareness of fruit and vegetables consumption recommendations, correct dietary attitudes (daily breakfast, consumption of fruit and vegetables at least once a day, of legumes at least twice a week, and of carbonated sugary drinks less than once a day), the need for additional dietary information, meeting WHO physical activity recommendations, and less than two hours of daily screen time are determinants of a high quality diet score. Conversely, living with a single family member and current smoking were negatively associated with high quality diet. Older age, male gender, risk of alcohol abuse, higher quality diet, and lower mobile phone use are associated with meeting WHO physical activity recommendations. Since we investigated risky behaviors, potential limitations of this study could include social desirability and recall bias., Conclusions: Many adolescents lead unhealthy lifestyles, but younger adolescents and girls appear to be at higher risk of unhealthy behaviors. Targeted initiatives promoting regular physical activity and balanced diets in schools, involving parents and teachers in a collaborative plan, are essential to improving adolescents' health and well-being.

The cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward COVID-19 disease of incarcerated people. A total of 685 subjects were surveyed. 94% were aware that respiratory droplets are involved in the transmission of COVID-19, and 77.2% that patients with chronic conditions are at risk of a more severe disease. Overall, 92.7% of respondents considered COVID-19 a more severe disease compared to influenza, and 85.4% believed that COVID-19 could cause serious consequences in their institution. Only 22.6% were self-confident about their ability to protect themselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This attitude was significantly higher in those who were involved in working activities in the institution, who did not report at least one common symptom compatible with COVID-19 in the previous 3 months, who did not show generalized anxiety symptoms, and did not need additional information. 63.9% of incarcerated people expressed willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Older subjects, who knew that a COVID-19 vaccination is available, believed that COVID-19 is more serious than influenza, and were self-confident about their ability to protect themselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection, were significantly more willing to undergo COVID-19 vaccination. Public health response to COVID-19 in prisons should address vaccine hesitancy to increase vaccine confidence among incarcerated people., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

This study explores knowledge, attitudes and lifestyle behaviors related to cancer in a sample of adolescents. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. 871 adolescents agreed to participate, with a response rate of 96.8%. Only 26.1% had a good level of knowledge on most risk factors for cancer. Adolescents with both parents employed, with a personal, familiar or friend history of cancer or having received information about cancer prevention from a physician, were more likely to have good knowledge about the risk factors for cancer. In total, 41% of participants declared that they consumed alcohol and 25.3% declared they were current smokers, 19.2% consumed fruits or vegetables more than once a day and 75.2% reported poor physical activity. Older adolescents, with a personal, familiar or friend history of cancer, not having one parent in the healthcare sector or not physically active were significantly more likely to be current smokers, whereas physical activity was significantly more likely in adolescents who had been informed by physicians on cancer prevention, and had one parent in the healthcare sector. This study highlights a need for improved education of adolescents about cancer prevention and lifestyle cancer-related behaviors.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of women about breastfeeding in Italy., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between January and June 2016 in the Campania Region among mothers who were going to six public vaccination centers. Data were collected by two researchers through face to face interviews., Results: Two thirds of the women had heard on exclusive breastfeeding (64.6%) and the 71% of them knew that exclusive breastfeeding should be practiced for at least six months. Nearly all mothers had breastfed their child (93.2%), but only 33.3% of them had practiced exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. Women who agree that breastfeeding creates a positive relationship between the mother and the child, who practiced exclusive breastfeeding during the hospital stay, and who had received breastfeeding advice at hospital discharge were more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months., Conclusions: The results of this survey may be helpful to policy makers and managers when planning educational interventions on breastfeeding both during pregnancy and during hospital admissions for delivery. Indeed, there is a need to increase efforts to make mothers aware of health benefits of breastfeeding for themselves and their offspring during their hospital stay after delivery. This research has the potential to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates and subsequent maternal and child health outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

This cross-sectional study assessed nursing students' knowledge and attitudes about Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination in Italy. The survey was conducted among a sample of 556 nursing students. Almost all reported that they had heard about HPV infection, while only 36.5% knew the risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Those who had heard about HPV infection during their degree program were more likely to know risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine. The majority of students (65.3%) reported that they would be willing to receive the HPV vaccine. Moreover, 91.7% of participants reported that they were willing, as future health care operators, to recommend the HPV vaccine to others. Those who knew risk factors of HPV infection and that this could be prevented by the HPV vaccine, and those who knew that cervical cancer could be prevented by the HPV vaccine expressed this positive attitude about willingness to recommend the HPV vaccine. These results highlight the need to supplement nursing students' specific education, to improve their knowledge and awareness of HPV vaccination.

This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the knowledge and attitudes concerning influenza vaccination in Southern Italy, and investigating the potential determinants of vaccine uptake. The sample consisted of 700 adults (mean age 58.7y) with chronic diseases attending four public specialty clinics in Italy. Overall, 64.7% of the participants were aware that influenza can be prevented with vaccines and that patients with chronic diseases are at higher risk of developing severe complications. Less than half of the sample (42.1%) received influenza vaccine in the last season, and 46.9% declared the will to receive influenza vaccination in the next season. The level of awareness was significantly lower among the elderly (> = 65y) and those with a higher self-reported health. A significantly higher likelihood of vaccination was observed among the elderly, the subjects with a higher knowledge about vaccine utility and safety, the participants with chronic respiratory diseases, and those who had taken more drugs. Future education programs and communication strategies are strongly needed in adults with chronic diseases to improve influenza vaccination knowledge and uptake., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This study evaluates knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of adolescents regarding vaccinations. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 771 adolescents, aged 11 to 18 selected from a random sample of 5 public schools, in the period between March and May 2017, in the geographical area of Naples. A self-administered questionnaire was used to seek information about: 1) socio-demographic characteristics; 2) knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases; 3) attitudes towards vaccinations; 4) behavior regarding vaccinations. 57.2% had a fair/satisfactory knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases. This knowledge was significantly higher in those who had at least one graduated parent, those who had received information about the vaccines from physicians and those who needed additional information about the vaccines. With regards to attitude, 41.3% of adolescents had a very favorable attitude by responding 9 or 10 towards the utility of vaccines in preventing diseases. This was significantly associated with the usefulness of information received about vaccinations and with age of respondents. Regarding vaccination decisions, 47.2% believed that adolescents should make vaccination decisions for themselves. These results highlight the need to implement educational interventions to improve adolescents' understanding of vaccinations so that they are more informed in decisions regarding their health.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice about invasive meningococcal disease and the relative vaccine for adolescent in Italy. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2017 among a sample of 771 adolescents in the geographic area of Naples (Italy). A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect demographics, knowledge about meningitis and preventive measures, perceived risk for contracting meningitis, attitude towards the utility of meningococcal vaccine, and adolescents' willingness to receive a meningococcal vaccine. 85.2% of participants have heard about meningitis, 57.2% knew that adolescents are a susceptible population but only 30.3% knew that meningitis is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Moreover, 40.5% of adolescents knew that meningitis is a vaccine-preventable disease and that adolescents could be vaccinated. This knowledge was significantly greater among female participants, among those who talk with parents about vaccinations, among who have received information about vaccinations from physicians, among who have positive attitude towards the utility of information received on vaccinations and among who don't feel the need of additional information about meningitis. As regard the attitudes, 25.7% of adolescents thought that the vaccine was very useful. Males, adolescent aged 11-13 years, those who had the positive attitude towards the utility of information received about vaccinations and those who had received at least one vaccination in the last year were more likely to have this attitude. The our finding identifies the need to improve adolescents' knowledge about meningitis and its related vaccinations, through correct health education, in order to have a good acceptance of vaccination.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards prostate cancer and its prevention., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 625 fathers of students attending eight public schools. The self-administered questionnaire included questions on: socio-demographic characteristics, personal and familiar medical history of prostate cancer, knowledge about prostate cancer and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, perception of risk towards prostate cancer, perception of the benefits of having a PSA-test, willingness to receive the PSA-test and sources of and needs of information regarding prostate cancer and the PSA-test., Results: 72.7% of respondents had heard about the PSA-test and 51.1% of those had heard about it through their physicians. This knowledge was higher: in men with older age, in those that had a higher level of education, in those who had a relative with prostrate problems or prostate cancer and in those with prostate problems. Perceived personal risk of contracting prostate cancer was associated with a higher level of education, in those who had received information about prostate cancer from a physician and in those with prostate problems. Only 29.6% of men had undergone a PSA-test and 59.4% were willing to do so in the future. The significant predictors of the willingness to receive a PSA-test were the belief that the PSA-test was useful, the perception of not very good personal health status, and need of additional information about the PSA-test., Conclusion: Respondents have a moderate knowledge about prostate cancer and a good propensity to undergo the PSA-test. Therefore, it would be necessary to increase information on the risks of prostate cancer and the benefits of prostate cancer prevention.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes about Meningococcal meningitis B and the relative vaccine for children among a sample of parents in Italy. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted from October to December 2015 among a sample of 910 parents in the geographic area of Naples and Salerno (Italy). In total, 543 of 910 parents returned a completed questionnaire for a response rate of 59.7%. Almost all parents had heard about meningitis (95.8%), 79.8% of these knew the mode of transmission (through respiratory droplets) and 62.5% knew the susceptible population (infants, children and adolescents). Moreover, a large percentage (86%) knew that the vaccine is a preventive measure. Parents who were married, those who had one child, those who did not have information about the MenB vaccine by physicians and those who needed additional information about the MenB vaccine were more likely to know the vaccine as a preventive measure of meningitis. Regarding attitudes toward the MenB vaccine, approximately two thirds of parents considered the vaccine useful (67.2%) and said that they would vaccinate their children (64.1%). Parents who had administered at least one recommended vaccination to their children, those who considered the vaccine useful, those with need for additional information about the vaccine and those who knew that the vaccine was a preventive measure of meningitis were more likely to have a positive attitude to vaccinating their children. Considering the results of our study, it looks appropriate that the knowledge of the population about meningitis and its related vaccinations is improved through correct health education and effective vaccine strategies that are implemented by policy makers.

Background: The aims of this study were to assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of women about the main maternal risk factors in pregnancy and to identify the factors linked to the main outcomes of interest., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 513 pregnant women randomly selected from the gynecological ambulatory services of five hospitals located in Naples, Italy., Results: Only 42% of women correctly knew all the main maternal risk factors in pregnancy (alcohol, smoking, passive smoking and obesity). Only 21.7% of women were very worried about causing harm to the fetus or child with their risk behaviors, and 22.3% of women reported smoking during pregnancy. Approximately one-third of women (28.9%) reported regularly drinking alcohol before pregnancy and 74.8% of these women reported stopping drinking alcohol during pregnancy. However, only 27.3% of women who were drinking alcohol during pregnancy had the intention of stopping. Only 43.7% of women indicated that during ambulatory gynecological examinations they received information from physicians about the possible damage resulting from all the main risk factors in pregnancy (alcohol, smoking, passive smoking and obesity)., Conclusion: The results indicate that pregnant women lack knowledge regarding the main maternal risk factors. Pregnant women claim to receive little information during gynecological examinations and, therefore, some continue to smoke and drink alcohol during pregnancy. Our results suggest an urgent need for the design of interventions to improve women's levels of knowledge and to promote appropriate behavior in relation to the major risk factors in pregnancy.

Background: The objectives of the study were to document knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of women regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the determinants associated., Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of 830 women older than 18 years from the general population in Italy., Results: Almost all participants reported having heard about CVDs, and among them 89.4% and 74.7% identified smoking and high cholesterol level as risk factors. Only 26.5% identified the main CVDs risk factors. Women more knowledgeable were married and better educated and self-perceived a worse health status. Only 23% knew the main CVDs preventive measures and this knowledge was significantly higher in women who are unemployed, who are more educated, who have received information about CVDs from physicians, and who know the main risk factors. Respondents with lower education, those with at least three children, those who self-perceived a worse health status, and those who need information were most likely to have a positive attitude toward the perceived risk of developing CVDs. Women with two or three children or more were at high risk profiles 49% and 56% lower than women with one child., Conclusions: Educational programs are needed among women as support to improve knowledge and appropriate behavior about CVDs.

Background: To assess the knowledge, the attitudes, and the behaviour towards influenza A/H1N1 and the vaccination among health-care workers (HCWs)., Methods: A sample of HCWs was selected from a random sample of non-teaching public hospitals, located in the cities of Naples and Avellino (Italy), received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire including questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on modes of transmission and preventative measures, attitudes and behaviour relating to influenza A/H1N1., Results: Only 36.1% correctly knew the main modes of transmission, and that HCWs are a risk category and this level of knowledge was significantly higher in HCWs having received information through scientific journals. A higher perceived risk of contracting influenza A/H1N1 has been observed in the HCWs more knowledgeable, in those considering influenza A/H1N1 a serious disease, and in those working in surgical wards. Only 16.7% have received the influenza A/H1N1 vaccination and HCWs with more fear of contracting influenza A/H1N1, those considering vaccine more useful and less dangerous were more likely to receive vaccine., Conclusions: Education and communication strategies for improving the level of knowledge and for the immunization uptake regarding influenza A/H1N1 HCWs are strongly needed.

Background: The objectives of the study were to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antibiotics of the general population in Italy, and to assess the correlates of these outcomes of interest., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 630 parents of students attending nine randomly selected public primary and secondary schools. A self-administered questionnaire included questions on demographic characteristics, knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance, attitudes and behaviors towards antibiotic use, and sources of information., Results: A total of 419 parents participated. Only 9.8% knew the definition of antibiotic resistance and 21.2% knew when it was appropriate to use antibiotics. Respondents with higher education, employed, with a family member working in the health care sector, and with no need for additional information on antibiotics were more likely to know the definition of antibiotic resistance. One third (32.7%) self-classified them as users of self-medication with antibiotics and those with a lower self-rated health status, who did not use the physician as source of information on antibiotics, and who have attended a physician in the last year were more likely to use self-medication. One-fourth (22.7%) of those who had never been self-medicated would be willing to take an antibiotic without a prescription of a physician. Respondents were more likely to be willing to take antibiotics without a prescription if they were under 40 years of age, if they had a lower self-rated health status, if they did not know that antibiotics are not indicated for treating flu and sore throat, and if they knew that antibiotics are not indicated for treating colds., Conclusions: The survey has generated information about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antibiotics in the general population and effective public education initiative should provide practical and appropriate means to change their behavior.

Background: This study assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and counseling services and the predictor characteristics of these outcomes among individuals who presented for the first time to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) public services., Methods: A sample of 244 subjects in the geographic area of Naples (Italy) received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes relating to HIV infection, and practices relating to access to VCT service., Results: Only 25% correctly identified the main modes of transmission and the main preventative measures of HIV and this knowledge was significantly higher in who had had more than one sexual partner and have not always used a condom during the intercourse in the last year, in those who have received information about HIV/AIDS through physician, and in those who have received middle school or lower educational level. The perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS was significantly higher in respondents of lower age, in those who perceived a better personal health status, and in those unmarried. Only 20.9% reported that they had received the HIV test and males and those who visited a physician or participated in preventive activities about HIV/AIDS were significantly more likely to have had an HIV test., Conclusions: This study supports the need to disseminate information and interventions to this population.

Background: This study assesses the level of knowledge, the attitudes and the behaviours relating to influenza A/H1N1 among parents in Italy., Methods: A random sample of 1299 parents aged 26-65 years received a self-reported questionnaire including questions about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on modes of transmission and preventative measures, attitudes and behaviours relating to influenza A/H1N1., Results: A total of 781 subjects participated with a response rate of 60.1%. Only 32.3% of the respondents correctly identified the main modes of transmission and the main preventative measures, and the results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that this knowledge was significantly higher in those with a higher level of education and working as health-care personnel. The average level of perceived risk of contracting influenza A/H1N1 was 4.6 and the multivariate linear regression model showed that a greater perceived risk was significantly associated with being unmarried, having more than one son, not working in the health-care setting and needing additional information about influenza A/H1N1. Less than one-third (28.8%) of the respondents had visited a physician at least once in 2 months preceding the survey for any reason related to the influenza A/H1N1 and the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that females and those with more than one son were more likely to have a visit., Conclusion: Knowledge about influenza A/H1N1 is poor and the results could have significant implications for information provision and the targeting of future education programmes to this population.

Background: This cross-sectional study assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavior towards the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccination among a random sample of 1000 lesbian, gay men, and bisexual women and men., Methods: A face-to-face interview sought information about: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about HPV infection, perception of risk towards HPV infection and/or cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, perception of the benefits of a vaccination to prevent cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, sexual behaviors, health-promoting behaviors, and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine., Results: Only 60.6% had heard about the HPV infection and this knowledge was significantly higher in female, in those being a member of a homosexual association, in those having had the first sexual experience at a younger age, in those having received information about the HPV infection from physicians, and in those having no need of information about HPV infection. A higher perceived risk of contracting HPV infection has been observed in those younger, lesbian and gay men, who have heard of HPV infection and knew the risk factors and its related diseases, who have received information about HPV infection from physicians, and who need information about HPV infection. Only 1.7% have undergone HPV immunization and 73.3% professed intent to obtain it in the future. The significant predictors of the willingness to receive this vaccine were belief that the vaccination is useful, perception to be at higher risk of contracting HPV infection, and perception to be at higher risk of developing cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers., Conclusions: Information and interventions are strongly needed in order to overcome the lack of knowledge about HPV infection and its vaccination. Inclusion of boys in the national vaccination program and initiate a catch-up program for men who have sex with men up to 26 years may reduce their burden of HPV-related disease.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of 449 nurses in Italy, using a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding evidence-based practice (EBP). A significantly higher level of knowledge was observed among nurses who (a) did not work in medical and surgical wards; (b) believed that the evaluation of the efficacy of the health interventions is needed in their activity; (c) believed that the clinical experience must be combined with the evidence; (d) attended a course about EBP in the last year; and (e) received information from courses and scientific journals. The perceived importance of the application of guidelines and protocols was significantly higher among nurses who (a) worked in medical wards; (b) agreed that the guidelines are useful in identifying and selecting interventions; (c) believed that the evaluation of the efficacy of the health interventions is needed in their activity; (d) believed that the clinical experience must be combined with the evidence; (e) attended a course about EBP in the last year; and (f) received information from courses and scientific journals. Nurses were more likely to have modified their practice in the last year if they attended a course about EBP in the last year and if they often/always read scientific journals and guidelines. While these data were cross-sectional and the response rate was only 49%, the results suggest that continuing education programs are needed for improving nurses' knowledge and practice of EBP among nurses in Italy.

Background: This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding disinfection procedures among nurses in Italian hospitals., Methods: A face-to-face interview gathered the following information: demographic and practice characteristics; knowledge about the healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the disinfection practices; attitudes towards the utility of guidelines/protocols and perception of the risks of acquiring/transmitting HAIs; compliance with antisepsis/disinfection procedures; and sources of information., Results: Only 29% acknowledged that urinary and respiratory tract infections were the two most common HAIs and this knowledge was significantly higher in those with a higher level of education. Attitudes towards the utility of guidelines/protocols for disinfection procedures showed a mean score of 9.1. The results of the linear regression model indicated a more positive attitude in female nurses, in those with a lower number of years of activity, and in those needing additional information about disinfection procedures. Nurses with higher educational level and with a higher perception of risk of transmitting an infectious disease while working were more likely to perform appropriate antisepsis of the surgical wound and handwashing before and after medication., Conclusions: Plan of successful prevention activities about HAIs and provide pointers to help optimize disinfection procedures and infection prophylaxis and management are needed.

A self-administered questionnaire investigated knowledge, perceptions of the risks to health associated with solid waste management, and practices about waste management in a random sample of 1181 adults in Italy. Perceived risk of developing cancer due to solid waste burning was significantly higher in females, younger, with an educational level lower than university and who believed that improper waste management is linked to cancer. Respondents who had visited a physician at least once in the last year for fear of contracting a disease due to the non-correct waste management had an educational level lower than university, have modified dietary habits for fear of contracting disease due to improper waste management, believe that improper waste management is linked to allergies, perceive a higher risk of contracting infectious disease due to improper waste management and have participated in education/information activities on waste management. Those who more frequently perform with regularity differentiate household waste collection had a university educational level, perceived a higher risk of developing cancer due to solid waste burning, had received information about waste collection and did not need information about waste management. Educational programmes are needed to modify public concern about adverse health effects of domestic waste.

This study assesses knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural intention towards human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination in a random sample of 1348 adolescents and young women aged 14-24 years in Italy. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire covered demographics; knowledge about HPV infection, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccine; the perceived risk for contracting HPV infection and/or for developing cervical cancer, the perceived benefits of a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, and willingness to receive an HPV vaccine. Only 23.3% have heard that HPV is an infection of the genital mucosa and about cervical cancer. Those older, with at least one parent who is a health care professional, with personal, familiar, or friendly history of cervical cancer, and having underwent a health checkup in the last year with information about HPV vaccination were significantly more knowledgeable. Risk perception scores (range: 1-10) of contracting HPV infection and of developing cervical cancer were 5.8 and 6.5. Older age, not having a parent who is a health care professional, having had a personal, familiar, or friendly history of cervical cancer, and need of additional information were predictors of the perceived susceptibility of developing cervical cancer. The vast majority professed intent to receive an HPV vaccine and the significant predictors were having at least one parent who is a health care professional, a high perceived risk of contracting HPV infection and of developing cervical cancer, and a high belief towards the utility of a vaccination for preventing cervical cancer. Knowledge about HPV infection and cervical cancer should be improved with more attention to the benefit of HPV vaccination.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for both sexes in developed countries. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding CRC of adults in Italy., Methods: A random sample of 1165 adults received a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge regarding definition, risk factors, and screening; attitudes regarding perceived risk of contracting CRC and utility of screening tests; health-related behaviors and health care use; source of information., Results: Only 18.5% knew the two main modifiable risk factors (low physical activity, high caloric intake from fat) and this knowledge was significantly associated with higher educational level, performing physical activity, modification of dietary habits and physical activity for fear of contracting CRC, and lower risk perception of contracting CRC. Half of respondents identified fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) as main test for CRC prevention and were more knowledgeable those unmarried, more educated, who knew the main risk factors of CRC, and have received advice by physician of performing FOBT. Personal opinion that screening is useful for CRC prevention was high with a mean score of 8.3 and it was predicted by respondents' lower education, beliefs that CRC can be prevented, higher personal perceived risk of contracting CRC, and information received by physician about CRC. An appropriate behavior of performing FOBT if eligible or not performing if not eligible was significantly higher in female, younger, more educated, in those who have been recommended by physician for undergo or not undergo FOBT, and who have not personal history of precancerous lesions and familial history of precancerous lesions or CRC., Conclusion: Linkages between health care and educational systems are needed to improve the levels of knowledge and to raise CRC screening adherence.

Background: Several public health strategic interventions are required for effective prevention and control of avian influenza (AI) and it is necessary to create a communication plan to keep families adequately informed on how to avoid or reduce exposure. This investigation determined the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors relating to AI among an adult population in Italy., Methods: From December 2005 to February 2006 a random sample of 1020 adults received a questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of transmission and prevention about AI, attitudes towards AI, behaviors regarding use of preventive measures and food-handling practices, and sources of information about AI., Results: A response rate of 67% was achieved. Those in higher socioeconomic classes were more likely to identify the modes of transmission and the animals' vehicles for AI. Those older, who knew the modes of transmission and the animals' vehicles for AI, and who still need information, were more likely to know that washing hands soap before and after touching raw poultry meat and using gloves is recommended to avoid spreading of AI through food. The risk of being infected was significantly higher in those from lower socioeconomic classes, if they did not know the definition of AI, if they knew that AI could be transmitted by eating and touching raw eggs and poultry foods, and if they did not need information. Compliance with the hygienic practices during handling of raw poultry meat was more likely in those who perceived to be at higher risk, who knew the hygienic practices, who knew the modes of transmission and the animals' vehicles for AI, and who received information from health professionals and scientific journals., Conclusion: Respondents demonstrate no detailed understanding of AI, a greater perceived risk, and a lower compliance with precautions behaviors and health educational strategies are strongly needed.

Background: Hospital-associated infections are associated with morbidity, extended hospital stay, mortality, and attributable costs to the health care sector., Methods: A survey of 450 patients admitted to hospitals in Italy determined knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding hospital-associated infections. A face-to-face interview sought information about: patient's sociodemographic characteristics; hospital admissions and examinations; knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and experience of health care-associated infections; and sources for information., Results: Patients who were higher educated, unmarried, first-time admitted, and who have received information about hospital-associated infections were more likely to know definition, risk groups, and risk factors of such infections. Respondents' levels of perceived risk of contracting a hospital-associated infection were significantly higher in those who were married, unemployed, in medical wards, who overestimated the incidence rate, and who believed that health care professionals cannot infect patients. Patients willing to stop a health care worker who is not using gloves and mask were females, higher educated, those who believed that health care professionals can infect patients, who overestimated the incidence rate, who have never been exposed to such infections, who have never had received information, and who do not need information about hospital-associated infections., Conclusions: Actions aimed at improving knowledge are crucial to the development and implementation of effective public health preventive strategies.

This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and compliance to immunization guidelines among dental health-care professionals in Italy. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1000 dentists on demographic and professional characteristics; knowledge regarding infectious diseases that can be acquired/transmitted by the dentist and the vaccinations recommended; attitudes regarding the vaccinations; self-assessed information about previous vaccinations. A total of 369 dentists responded. Only 44.1 and 32.4% correctly indicated all infections that can be acquired or transmitted during their activity. Half of the dentists knew that they should be vaccinated against hepatitis B and influenza and this knowledge was significantly higher in those older, who correctly indicated that hepatitis B and influenza can be acquired and transmitted during their activity, and in those with a positive attitude towards vaccinations. Those younger, involved in specialties with low blood contact, and who did not know that hepatitis B and influenza are vaccinations recommended, were more likely to believe that is important for them to receive vaccinations. A large proportion (85.7%) reported receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, but only 56.2% the three doses. Those with a lower number of years of activity, those who knew that hepatitis B can be acquired by the dentist, those who did not need information, and those who were informed from guidelines, educational courses, and dental associations were more likely to have received the three doses or to be natural immunizated. Training and educational interventions are needed to improve knowledge and immunization coverage.