Search

Mental health issues are common among university students. Nevertheless, few studies focused on Italian students. This study aimed to assess prevalence and associated factors of perceived stress (PS), depressive symptoms (DS) and suicidal ideation (SI) in an Italian sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst a convenience sample of students in humanities field (2018). Questionnaires were self-administered. Outcomes were assessed through Beck Depression Inventory-II (DS, SI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PS). Multivariable regressions were performed (p-value < 0.05 significant; sample size = 203). DS and SI prevalence was 30.6% and 8.8%. PS median score was 20 (IQR = 11), 87.7% reported moderate/severe PS. DS likelihood was increased by psychiatric disorders family history and not attending first year of course and decreased by not thinking that university hinders personal activities. Chronic disease and higher stress score increased SI probability; good/excellent family cohesion reduced it. Being female, thinking that university hinders resting/relaxing, seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist were positively associated with PS; having no worries about future was negatively associated. A high prevalence of mental health issues was reported, with miscellaneous associated factors that were linked to both private and social aspects. Universities must be aware of this to provide efficient preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and discrimination in African migrants and investigate determinants. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Italy (July 2019–February 2020). Inclusion criteria: being a citizen of an African country or having parents who are citizens of an African country. Questionnaires included tests for depression, anxiety, PTSD, discrimination. Multivariable regressions were performed. Participants were 293. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD was: 12.1%, 12.1%, and 24.4%. Only 7.2% declared not to be discriminated. Among significantly associated factors, waiting for/being in possession of temporary permits and discrimination were associated with all mental outcomes. Being (or having parents from) Sub‐Saharan Africa increased the likelihood of discrimination. A relevant prevalence of mental illnesses was reported. Particularly, Sub‐Saharan Africans potentially offer a unique point of view. Migrants' mental health should be a priority for national and international programs of health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Only few studies with small experimental samples investigated the impact of psychoactive substances on driving performance. We conducted a multicenter international cross-sectional study to evaluate the correlation between alcohol use and driving-related skill as measured by brake reaction time (RT). Methods Before and after the entrance into randomly selected recreational sites from six European countries, all subjects aged 16-35 years, owning a driver license, were asked to compile a structured socio-demographic questionnaire and measure RT (SimuNomad3 driving simulator), breath alcohol concentration (BAC; Drager Alcoltest), and drug use (Oratect III saliva test, only at the exit). Mixed regression modeling was used to evaluate the independent association between RT and alcohol concentration or drug use. Results Before the entrance into the recreational site, 4534 subjects completed all assessments and composed the final sample. Their mean age was 23.1 ± 4.2y; 68.3% were males; 54.7% had BAC > 0 g/L (assumed alcoholics); 7.5% declared illegal drug assumption (mostly cannabis). After the exit, 3019 also completed the second assessment: 71.7% showed BAC > 0 g/L. Controlling for age, gender, educational level, occupation, driver license years, and drug use, BAC was positively associated with RT, achieving significance, however, only when BAC was higher than 0.49 g/L. Significant interaction terms were found between BAC and female gender or drug use, with highest RTs (> 1 sec.) recorded among drug users with BAC > = 1 g/L. Conclusions This field study confirms previous experimental data on the negative impact of alcohol use on driving-related skill, supporting regulations and educational campaigns aimed at discouraging driving after consumption of psychoactive substances.

Abstract Background Recent international sources have described how the rapid expansion of the Internet has precipitated an increase in its use by the general population to search for medical information. Most studies on e-health use investigated either through the prevalence of such use and the social and income patterns of users in selected populations, or the psychological consequences and satisfaction experienced by patients with particular diseases. Few studies have been carried out in Europe that have tried to identify the behavioral consequences of Internet use for health-related purposes in the general population. The aims of this study are to provide information about the prevalence of Internet use for health-related purposes in Italy according to demographic and socio-cultural features, to investigate the impact of the information found on health-related behaviors and choices and to analyze any differences based on health condition, self-rated health and relationships with health professionals and facilities. Methods A multicenter survey was designed within six representative Italian cities. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire administered in hospital laboratories by physicians. Respondents were questioned about their generic condition, their use of the Internet and their health behaviors and choices related to Internet use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to assess any differences by socio-demographic and health-related variables. Results The sample included 3018 individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Approximately 65% of respondents reported using the Internet, and 57% of them reported using it to search for health-related information. The main reasons for search on the Internet were faster access and a greater amount of information. People using the Internet more for health-related purposes were younger, female and affected by chronic diseases. Conclusions A large number of Internet users search for health information and subsequently modify their health behaviors and relationships with their medical providers. This may suggest a strong public health impact with consequences in all European countries, and it would be prudent to plan educational and prevention programs. However, it could be important to investigate the quality of health-related websites to protect and inform users.

An excessive control of quality of food can turn into Orthorexia Nervosa (ON). The organic store customers (OSCs) can be apopulation at risk for ON. The aims of this study were to assess ON symptoms prevalence among them, comparing them with non-OSCs and investigate potential predictors of ON. Across-sectional survey was carried among 121 OSCs and 119 non-OSCs. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics and investigated current dietary habits. The main outcome measures used were ORTO-15 and Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ). Chi-squared analyses were performed to assess differences between groups (OSCs and non-OSCs). Logistic and linear regressions were performed to evaluate potential predictors of ON symptoms and to compare questionnaires. As main results, OSCs had ahigher probability to result positive at ORTO-15 compared to non-OSCs. The prevalence among OSCs was 69.4% and 23.1% (using ORTO-15 with 40 and 35 cut-offs). Higher EHQ scores were reported among OSCs (p < 0.001). Potential predictors were mainly being an OSC or following food restrictions. Predictors varied using different cut-offsof ORTO-15 and EHQ. These results suggest the association between OSCs and ON symptoms. Some differences were found between ORTO-15 and EHQ. Further studies need to be performed to improve diagnostic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a public health issue for its prevalence and association with low life quality and substantial costs. Since most of Italian data refer to over a decade ago, the aim was to provide an updated estimate of GERD symptoms prevalence. Knowledge about appropriate nutrition and behaviours in presence of GERD was assessed. Predictors for symptoms presence and knowledge were explored. Methods: This study was an online cross‐sectional survey that investigated socio‐demographics, knowledge about nutrition/behaviours in case of GERD (Knowledge Score KS: percentage of right answers), nutrition/lifestyle attitudes. The questionnaire included the GerdQ to assess symptoms (presence if score ≥8). Adults resident in Italy were enrolled between June and August 2019 through convenience sampling on the major social networks (sample size = 559). Descriptive analyses were run. Multivariable regressions were performed to explore predictors of symptoms presence and KS. Results: The 27.7% had GERD symptoms. Among them, 33.8% never received GERD information by their general practitioner (GP). Body mass index (P =.036), secondary education (P =.040) were associated with higher symptoms risk. Weekly exercise was associated with lower risk (P <.001). Median KS was 92% (IQR = 12). Sleeping on the left side, chocolate, citrus fruit, mint reported the lowest right answers percentages. None/basic education was negatively associated with KS (P <.001), being female (P =.004) and in a relationship (P =.012) positively. Conclusions: A high prevalence was reported, consistently with the worldwide increasing trend. Despite overall knowledge was high, specific gaps were found. GPs should improve communication and awareness campaigns targeted to less known aspects must be planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving health literacy is a public health goal. Our aim was to validate the Italian version of the Medical Data Interpretation Test (MDIT-I) and create a MDIT-I short version. This cross-sectional study assessed gender, age, education, biomedical employment, MDIT-I and its short version. Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach's a; construct validity by comparing MDIT-I score across education levels and employment fields. There were 141 participants, 50.4% were female and the median age was 37 (IQR 31). MDIT-I internal consistency was good (a=0.747) and construct validity was confirmed. The short version had a=0.66 and construct validity was confirmed like the long version. The short version score was tested in correlation: Spearman's 1=0.932 (p-value<0.001). The scores were dichotomized and Cohen's was estimated to be 0.786. Long and short MDIT-I showed good internal consistency and construct validity and could be used to increase knowledge about health literacy in the Italian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Seasonal flu represents a major public health issue, especially for health care workers (HCWs). WHO highlights the need of higher awareness and flu vaccine coverage among HCWs. In Europe the coverage is less than 30‐40%. Italy reports some of the lowest rates. The paper aims to illustrate the 2017/2018 flu vaccination campaign within Molinette, the third Italian hospital for dimensions, to provide inputs about strategies for increasing HCWs coverage. The campaign objective was to increase the administered doses at least of 30%. Methods: The intervention included informational material, direct educational sessions for workers, extension of the access time to Occupational Medicine Service, elimination of the reservation requirement, composition of "moving vaccination units" (MVUs), and organisation of vaccination sessions within departments. Results: In 2017/2018, 593 doses were administered. The doses percentage change between 2017/2018 and 2016/2017 vaccination seasons was +46.06%, while it was +84.74% compared with the previous 5‐year period mean. The majority was administered by Occupational Medicine Service, while 6.75% by MVUs. Among the total doses, 72.68% were administered to workers, 13.49% to residents, 6.75% to students, and 7.08% to "other". So, 7.68% of total workforce was vaccinated. Only 0.3% of vaccinated people presented mild adverse reactions. Conclusions: A combined campaign, that includes actions for education, increase of awareness, improved access to facilities and active offers to workers has potentiality but there is still work to do. The vaccination increase was determined mostly by the re‐organization of the occupational medicine, while the MVUs were useful to HCWs of detached offices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Four percent of the world's population suffers from depression, which is a major public health issue. Medical students are at risk, as their depressive symptoms (DS) prevalence is reported to be approximately 27% worldwide. Since few data on Italian medical students exist, this study aimed to estimate their DS prevalence and assess risk and protective factors. Methods: The PRIMES was a multicentre cross-sectional study performed in 12 Italian medical schools. Questionnaires were self-reported and included 30 sociodemographic items and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The primary outcome was the presence of DS (BDI-II score≥14). The main analyses were chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regressions with a p-value<0.05 considered significant. Results: The number of collected questionnaires was 2,513 (117 BDI-II incomplete). Females accounted for 61.3% of the respondents, and the median age was 22 years (IQR = 4). The prevalence of DS was 29.5%. Specifically, 14.0% had mild depression, 11.1% had moderate depression, and 4.5% had severe depression. The main risk factors for DS were age, being female, bisexual/asexual orientation, living with partner/housemates, poor economic status (worsened by living far from home), less than 90 min of weekly exercise, relatives with psychiatric disorders, personal chronic disease, judging medical school choice negatively, unsatisfying friendships with classmates, competitive and hostile climate among classmates, thinking that medical school hinders specific activities and being worried about not measuring up to the profession. Protective factors included family cohesion, hobbies, intellectual curiosity as a career motivation and no worries about the future. Conclusion: Italian medical students are at high risk of reporting DS, similar to the global population of medical students'. Medical schools must make efforts to implement preventive and treatment interventions by offering counselling and working on modifiable factors, such as lifestyle and learning climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vaccine hesitancy is an emerging phenomenon in European countries and leads to decreasing trends in infant vaccine coverage. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of confidence and correct awareness about immunizations, which are crucial for the success of vaccination programmes. Methods As part of the NAVIDAD multicentre study, we examined vaccination confidence and complacency among a sample of 1820 pregnant women from 14 Italian cities. The questionnaire assessed the interviewee's knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions, as well as their socioeconomic status, information sources about vaccines and confidence in the Italian National Healthcare Service. Results Only 9% of women completely believed to the efficacy, necessity and safety of vaccinations. Almost 20% of them had misconceptions on most of the themes. There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge considering educational level: women with a high educational level have less probability of obtaining a low knowledge score (odds ratio (OR) 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.54]). The level of knowledge was also influenced by the sources of information: women who received information from their general practitioner (GP) and from institutional websites had a significantly lower chance of having misconceptions (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58–0.96]; OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.46–0.74]). Finally, the results underlined the influence of trust in healthcare professional information on the likelihood of having misconceptions (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.27–0.89]). Conclusions The data suggest the efficacy of GPs and institutional websites as a source of information to contrast misconceptions and underline the importance of confidence in the healthcare system to increase complacency and confidence in vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The age around 50 years represents a crucial point for women: menopause leads to biological changes and it begins breast and colon-rectal cancer screening. This study aimed at assessing frequencies of cardiovascular risk factors and analyzing participation in screening and vaccination. Methods In 2017, a cross-sectional study was performed in Northern Italy. Totally, 12 249 women, aged between 50 and 54 years, were enrolled by General Practitioners (GPs). It was used a 21-item form, with information about: socio-demographic, anamnestic and clinical data, execution of a booster shot of tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in the last decade and of PAP-test, mammography and faecal occult blood test in the last 2 years. Descriptive and crosstab χ2 analyses were performed with STATA MP13. The significance level was P ≤ 0.05. Results Our findings showed the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity (10.95%), hypertension (13.76%), hyperlipidaemia (11.57%), glycaemia ≥ 100 mg dl−1 (16.97%), poor physical activity (73.49%), smoking (18.28%), cardiovascular family history (FH) (51.70%). There were a lower participation in colo-rectal cancer screening (45.09%) compared with breast (85.06%) and cervical (77.16%) cancer screening and an insufficient Tdap booster dose compliance (17.56%). Chi-square analyses showed correlations between cardiovascular FH and body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, glycaemia and smoking, and between cancer FH and participation in breast and colo-rectal cancer screening (P < 0.05). Conclusions Women with cardiovascular disease FH represent a priority target of educational interventions considering the prevalence of concomitant risk factors. Programmes aimed at increasing screening and vaccination participation should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]