Densità di popolazione e SARS-CoV-2: uno studio epidemiologico di urban health.

Despite SARS-CoV-2 transmission being a complex phenomenon, greater population density seems to be a risk factor. The aim of this study was to analyze through an epidemiologic urban health approach the relationship between population density and SARS-CoV-2 incidence using data which are comparable with regard to testing strategies. All 10,300 SARS-CoV-2 confirmed cases between October and December 2020 were included. We conducted separate analysis by gender standardizing and stratifying by age and month. In the Province Capital (p.d.=765 inhabitants/km2), standardized SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate was higher than the expected, both in men (SIR=1.17, 95%CI=1.12;1.22, p<0.0001) and women (SIR=1.20, 95%CI=1.15;1.25, p<0.0001). In municipalities with p.d. >200 inhabitants/km2, standardized SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate was similar to the expected (p>0.05). In municipalities with p.d. <200 inhabitants/km2, standardized SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate was lower than the expected, both in men (SIR=0.85, 95%CI=0.81;0.90, p<0.0001) and women (SIR=0.84, 95%CI=0.80;0.88, p<0.0001). Stratified analysis by months with likelihood ratio test showed heterogeneity of the p.d. effect in men and women (p<0.05). SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate seemed to be higher in most densely populated areas, both in men and women. Our results confirmed the great importance of restrictive measures as well as the importance of limiting the epidemic wave in the initial stages and could help guide pandemic management strategies according to urban context and population density.

Prevalence of caries and dental malocclusions in the apulian paediatric population: an epidemiological study.

AIM: The purpose of this epidemiological study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion, its association with caries experience, and level of oral hygiene in the Apulian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study design: A total of 530 paediatric patients (267 girls, 263 boys), aged 8-10 years (±SD 1.2) were randomly selected from primary schools in Apulia (Italy). The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmtf) index, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), recorded according to the WHO criteria, were used by two calibrated examiners to diagnose dental caries and malocclusion, respectively. RESULTS: Except for the presence of dental calculus, Class II malocclusion, open bite and dental crowding, (p>0.05), all variables in the negative binomial regression showed a significant relationship with the incidence rate of caries in deciduous teeth. STATISTICS: Children were clinically examined in a community dental office. Statistical analysis was carried out using R version 3.5.1. CONCLUSION: The study outcomes underline the need for preventive care programmes to improve oral health conditions as well as to decrease oral pathology risk factors in the Apulia region.