Orthodontic patients and the information found on the web: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the Web has become a source of medical information for patients, even though the information available online may be incorrect or qualitatively inadequate. Younger generations, immersed in a digital environment since a very tender age, are more likely to get informed online. This study aims to understand the relevance of online information for prospective orthodontic patients and to investigate the effects of digital research on patients' decision-making process, and it also aims to investigate potential generational differences between digital natives and digital immigrants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was developed to investigate patients' orthodontic-themed Web searches as well as the effects digital material had on their decision-making process. Before submitting the newly designed survey to patients, it was validated in a pilot study. Univariate analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between the demographic characteristics of respondents and their answers on the use of digital research for the decision-making process. RESULTS: 64.6% of the study population searched the Web for orthodontic information prior to their visit. Google was the most used platform regardless of patients' age. The perceived reliability of online sources varied significantly with age. Men displayed more trusting behavior towards their doctor than women. Prospective patients' satisfaction with affected patients' decision-making processes, and the perceived reliability of online sources of information had repercussions on the doctor-patient relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists should be aware that the majority of patients use the Internet as a source for orthodontic information, and that patients who are digital immigrants are more prone to trust the information found online. Patients who perceive the information found on the Web as either useful or reliable don't easily discard it, even if it is inconsistent with the orthodontist's opinion.

Nursing leadership in clinical practice, its efficacy and repercussion on nursing-sensitive outcomes: A cross-sectional multicentre protocol study.

AIM: The aim of this study to describe a research protocol for evaluating the relationship between nursing leadership, organisational well-being and nurse and patient outcomes. BACKGROUND: The head nurses' leadership style influences the organisational context. When an organisation promotes nurses' well-being, they perform better performances and are more satisfied and engaged with their job. This reduces stress levels, burnout and absenteeism and improves physical and psychological health. METHODS: A multicentre study will be conducted. A self-report questionnaire will be administered to head nurses and nurses they coordinate. Study findings will include nurse-sensitive outcomes (e.g., pressure injuries, infections and mortality). Descriptive and correlational analyses will be conducted, and a structural equation model will be tested. RESULTS: Results might verify that a correctly judged leadership style of the head nurse will enhance the organisational context experienced by nurses and improve nursing sensitive outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study will demonstrate the organisational role of middle managers and the direct repercussions on their staff and patients, understanding the relationship between organisational, process and outcomes variables. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: If the results confirmed the hypothesis, health care managers would cultivate and stimulate the head nurses' leadership style, thus increasing nurses' organisational well-being and achieving better patient outcomes. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Global, regional, and national trends and patterns in physical activity research since 1950: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: National, regional and global scientific production and research capacity for physical activity - PA may contribute to improving public health PA policies and programs. There is an uneven distribution of research productivity by region and country income group, where countries with the highest burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to physical inactivity having low research productivity. A first step towards improving global research capacity is to objectively quantify patterns, trends, and gaps in PA research. This study describes national, regional and global trends and patterns of PA research from 1950 to 2019. METHODS: A systematic review using searches in PubMed, SCOPUS and ISI Web of Knowledge databases was conducted in August 2017 and updated between January and May 2020. The review was registered at the PROSPERO database number CRD42017070153. PA publications per 100,000 inhabitants per country was the main variable of interest. Descriptive and time-trend analyses were conducted in STATA version 16.0. RESULTS: The search retrieved 555,468 articles of which 75,756 were duplicates, leaving 479,712 eligible articles. After reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23,860 were eligible for data extraction. Eighty-one percent of countries (n = 176) had at least one PA publication. The overall worldwide publication rate in the PA field was 0.46 articles per 100,000 inhabitants. Europe had the highest rate (1.44 articles per 100,000 inhabitants) and South East Asia had the lowest (0.04 articles per 100,000 inhabitants). A more than a 50-fold difference in publications per 100,000 inhabitants was identified between high and low-income countries. The least productive and poorest regions have rates resembling previous decades of the most productive and the richest. CONCLUSION: This study showed an increasing number of publications over the last 60 years with a growing number of disciplines and research methods over time. However, striking inequities were revealed and the knowledge gap across geographic regions and by country income groups was substantial over time. The need for regular global surveillance of PA research, particularly in countries with the largest data gaps is clear. A focus on the public health impact and global equity of research will be an important contribution to making the world more active.

Association of health status, sociodemographic factors and burnout in healthcare professionals: results from a multicentre observational study in Italy.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to measure the burden of burnout in a sample of healthcare workers (HCWs) consisting of general practitioners, professors from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, nurses, medical students and nursing students. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was carried out, using averages, medians, standard deviations (SD) and ranges for quantitative variables. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were also performed. RESULTS: In total, 535 HCWs completed the survey. Multivariate analysis shows that increasing age (ß = -0.183; P = 0.047), being a university professor (ß = -0.118; P = 0.001), having a high physical score (ß = -0.370; P < 0.001) and a high mental score (ß = -0.574; P < 0.001) resulted in less personal burnout. Low work burnout was associated with being a student (ß = -0.144; P < 0.001), a university professor (ß = -0.146; P < 0.001), having a high physical score (ß = -0.366; P < 0.001) and having a high mental score (ß = -0.648; P < 0.001). Being female (ß = -0.122; P < 0.001), a university professor (ß = -0.333; P = 0.001), a student (ß = -0.433; P < 0.001), having a high physical score (ß = -0.26; P < 0.01) and having a high mental score (ß = -0.460; P < 0.001) were predictors for reduced client burnout. However, high client burnout was seen in individuals who had a commuting time >30 min (ß = 0.084; P = 0.012) predicts. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that burnout is an important issue among HCWs and that prevention strategies must be considered, with a particular focus on physical and mental health.

[Association between socio-demographic factors and eye diseases of italian university employees subjected to health surveillance: an observational study]. / Associazione fra fattori socio-demografici e le patologie oculari dei dipendenti di un Ateneo italiano sottoposti a sorveglianza sanitaria: uno studio osservazionale.

SUMMARY: Background. Workers exposed to occupational hazards for the ocular apparatus are subject to health surveillance which includes an eye examination. Objectives. To assess the prevalence of eye diseases among University employees and analyze the association between socio-demographic factors and eye conditions by analyzing computerized data. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the collected data. A univariate analysis and a logistic regression were performed to verify the association between eye diseases and socio-demographic factors, such as gender and age. This study was carried out using a database of computerized eye charts of a University of Rome, referring to the 2017-2018 period. Results. The sample study consists of 4503 employees, 44.86% men 55.13% women. The average age was 44.53 years. The most frequent eye conditions in University workers are refractive ones: myopia (53.87%), astigmatism (37.95%), presbyopia (34.06%), hypermetropia (14.25%). Multivariate analysis shows that increasing age is associated with an increase in risk with all outcome variables, except for myopia (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97 - 0.98). Moreover, women have a lower risk of astigmatism (OR = 0.83; C 95%: 0.73 - 0.94), keratoconus (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09 - 0.54) and dyschromatopsia (OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.34). Conclusions. Considering the high number of workers involved in the study, the frequency of exposure to occupational risks and the exposure to multiple risk factors at the same time in some categories of workers, the health surveillance resulted to be a useful tool for monitoring and control of eye diseases in workers at risk.

Health-related quality of life and its associated factors: results of a multi-center cross-sectional study among university students.

BACKGROUND: The decline of health among university students represents an important and growing public health concern. Health problems and unhealthy lifestyle habits are common among many students, but factors influencing students' health are not fully understood. METHODS: Italian university students from different study programs and curriculum years were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire, collecting data about age, gender, curriculum year, study program and health-related quality of life (QOL). Two latent factors were extracted: physical component summary score and mental component summary score. T-test, one-way ANOVA, multivariate and age and sex-stratified analyses were performed. RESULTS: Students scored relatively poor on health-related QOL, with an overall mental component summary score of 41,3% (± 10,0) and physical component summary score of 52,9% (±6,0), with significantly higher mental component summary score for male students (P = < 0,005). Studying economics, law (b = -2,513, P = 0,007) or engineering (b = -2,762; P = 0,001) was associated to negatively influence students' health. CONCLUSIONS: Factors such as study program are associated with health-related QOL. Further longitudinal studies assessing additional socio-demographic factors are needed to fully assess what influences students' health. Students' health should be at the top of the agenda of public health researchers, academic supervisors and policy-makers.

Clinical Factors Influencing the Outcomes of an Acellular Dermal Matrix for Skin Cancer Treatment: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a biologically engineered dermal matrix used in reconstructive surgery after skin tumor resection, focusing on the frequency of successful grafting and identifying potential factors influencing treatment outcomes. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective analysis involved consecutive patients diagnosed with skin cancer in any area of the body and for which treatment with a dermal skin template was recommended as alternative to traditional surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of successful grafting and the patient and tumor characteristics influencing treatment outcome via univariate analysis. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 302 patients were included. Surgical reconstruction with the matrix was effective in 88.9% of the patients within 21 days of surgery. Notably, the matrix was successful regardless of tumor location, type, or size. Infection was the only variable significantly associated with graft failure (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The studied dermal matrix provides an efficient alternative to traditional reconstructive surgery in patients who present specific comorbidities or risk factors. The only variable significantly associated with graft failure was infection, which should be properly controlled through appropriate treatment.

[Injuries among Sapienza University students]. / Il fenomeno infortunistico tra gli studenti della Sapienza nel periodo 2010-2015.

SUMMARY: Background. The phenomenon of accidents during the university course is a public health problem. Students spend a lot of time at university and in structure for training. This this leads them to be exposed to biological, chemical and ergonomic risk of accidents or occupational diseases. Aim. The aim of this study is to describe accidents that occurred to students of Sapienza University in Rome during the period 2010-2015. Materials and Methods. Retrospective study conducted on a cohort of students from Sapienza University in the years 2010-2015. As a source of data was used register of accidents reported by the students. Results. During the period considered, injuries were recorded in 791 students, mainly female (71.8%). Nursing students were the most affected (92.8%), followed by medical students (5.7%) and finally students of other faculties (1.5%). Point wounds were the most frequent (n=462) representing 58.4% of the total and occur mainly at the wrist and hand (n=380); the second most frequent type of injury is contact with biological liquid (n=159) followed by contusions (n=72), the most affected site in this case are the head and the face (n=81; n=23). Contusions often also involve multiple regions (n=17). In lesser numbers there are also the distortions (n=55), and fractures (n=26) the most frequent first ankle and foot (25.5%), the second most frequent wrist and hand (34.6%) The incidence of accidents ranged from 0.079% in 2011 to 0.161% in 2012. Conclusion. There is a need to design measures for more intensive specific training on biomedical students, especially nursing students, as the most exposed category, in order to reduce the accident phenomenon. Particular attention should be paid to the safe handling of sharp objects. It would be beneficial to include in the course of teaching lessons aimed at security and greater awareness of the risk.

Assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare personnel regarding biomedical waste management: a systematic review of available tools.

Biomedical waste (BMW) management is an important commitment of hospitals both in terms of the possible infectious risk and from the financial point of view. Monitoring the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare professionals on this topic represents a source of information on BMW management. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review to identify the reliable and valid tools able to assess the KAP of professionals in healthcare centers to manage BMW. Two databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched on 10 May 2018 for cross-sectional studies with tools on BWM management, including original research studies from peer-reviewed journals, case studies, and review studies. Information on validation and reliability were collected. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. Fifty-three articles were included, of which 19 presented a questionnaire on BMW for healthcare workers. Nine proposed a validated questionnaire: four reported Cronbach's alpha, which ranged from 0.62 to 0.86. Results further emphasize the prevalence of Asian studies facing the problem of assessing KAP about BMW management using specific tools. Overall, 14 questionnaires were designed in Asia, two in Africa, one in America, one in Australia, and one questionnaire was elaborated in Europe, in Spain. This systematic review highlighted the need of creation of validated and methodologically high-quality questionnaires. Therefore, there is the need of new cross-sectional studies to investigate these problems, improving generalization, and facilitating international comparison of research findings.

The influence of work context and organizational well-being on psychophysical health of healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: A high level of organizational well-being improves employee performance and influences the physical and mental health of healthcare providers and students. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationship between the work context, organizational well-being, and the psychophysical health of healthcare providers. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a sample of healthcare providers (physicians and nurses) and healthcare students (medical students and nursing students). A self-report questionnaire was administered between September and November 2016. -Results: Of the 300 questionnaires administered, 201 (67%) were correctly completed. Overall, both the physical and mental health of the healthcare providers and students are explained by the variables of the organizational context: organizational well-being and socio-demographic/work characteristics. In particular, the results show a dependence on gender and age. Furthermore, decision latitude had a positive effect on physical health (b=.134) while job demands had a negative effect (b=-.160) explaining 21% of the PCS of the healthcare providers and students (R2=.209). Mental health improved via the satisfaction (b=.345), and positivity (b=.222) of healthcare professionals and students of these disciplines. DISCUSSION: The results are significant because they directly impact the quality of care provided as well as patient safety.

[Return to work in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review]. / Il ritorno al lavoro nei pazienti con cancro del colon retto: una revisione sistematica.

OBJECTIVES: to estimate the effect on the return to work of patients with neoplastic colorectal disease. Specifically, it was assessed whether and how the return to work affects the quality of life, and the psychological and social sphere of patients with colorectal carcinoma. DESIGN: in June 2018, a systematic review of the literature was performed, investigating the Medline (PubMed) and Scopus databases. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the studies included in the review focused on patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer as a test population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: return to work in patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. RESULTS: after the screening process, 10 articles were included in the research: • 6 studies assessed the effects that work and return to employment have on patients diagnosed with cancer; • 1 study assessed the effects of the disease and treatments on personal finances; • 1 study assessed the influence of medical treatments on the ability to return to work; • 1 study assessed the effect of the diagnosis of cancer on employment; • 1 study assessed the management of cancer diseases by employers. The included studies show a significant impact on the subjects' emotional sphere, with repercussions on employment levels that fall from 39% to 31% in the first 15 months after diagnosis. Complications and critical issues related to therapeutic pathways influence private finances. When compared to healthy subjects, cancer patients show a greater reduction in expenses for food or clothing (39% vs. 27%; p=0.001) and a higher probability of requiring loans (18% vs. 11%; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: among the interventions that protect the well-being of the patient after the tumour disease, the returning to work is a crucial aspect. The impact that employment has on the quality of life of the patient and on the achievement of economic and social well-being for the individual and for the community are important.

[Workplace injuries in micro and small enterprises in the period 2013-2015 in the province of Rome (Italy)]. / Infortuni sul lavoro nelle micro e piccole imprese nel periodo 2013-2015 in provincia di Roma.

SUMMARY: Background. Micro and small enterprises (MSE) have fewer than 10 and 50 employees, and an annual balance sheet total that does not exceed € 2million and 10 million, respectively. Aim. To assess injuries in the micro and small enterprises in the Province of Rome in the period 2013-2015. Methods. In this study MSEs of the Confederazione Nazionale dell'artigianato piccole e medie imprese (CNA) of Rome were randomly selected. Results. In 290 MSEs sampled, 7 workplace injuries occurred, 3 in the same enterprise (PVC window frames, one injury per year) and the others occurred in an orthopaedic laboratory, in a store for building construction, in a cleaning company and in a company plant. The injury rate was 5.93‰ in three years (i.e., 1.97‰ per year on average). Conclusions. Workplace injuries in MSEs in the Province of Rome is not relevant (almost 2‰ per year), if compared to the injury rates in the Lazio region and the national level.

[Assessment of burnout in health care personnel in hematological unit of a teaching hospital]. / Valutazione del burnout nel personale dipendente del reparto di Ematologia di un Policlinico Universitario.

OBJECTIVES: Working in such circumstances can lead to a typical emotional stress called "burnout". The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceived state of physical and mental health, and verify the existence of burnout among health care workers of Hematology unit in a Teaching Hospital. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were administered to healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, health care workers). It includes socio demographic variables, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and SF12 also. The MBI captures three dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (RP); whereas the SF12 defines two quality of life scores: Mental Score (MCS) and Physical Score (PCS). RESULTS: Of 120 operators 70 individuals responded to the study. The questionnaire shows that the burnout levels were high in the followed part of the sample: 40% have high level of EE; 24% of DP; 15% of RP. The correlation analysis between SF12 and MBI undelines followed significance: r = -0.576 with p minor than 0.001 between EE and MCS; r = 0.557 with p minor than 0.001 between EE and DP. The three multivariate analysis refer that: the EE is associated indirectly to PCS and MCS with p mionr than 0.05; the DP is directly and significantly (p minor than 0.05) associated to MCS, "years of work" and to female gender. The RP dimension no underlines significant associations with variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: The findings were consistent with the type of work and assisted patients (chronic patient, often with poor prognosis and low expectations in terms of care and survival) that contribute to stressful situations. Personal fulfillment, instead, seems to be quite high in this contest. The relatively small sample couldn't represent the world of health care workers in hematological units, but there is no doubt that a systematic assessment of burnout, to investigate the causes of burnout are main elements to identify the potential solutions to address the phenomenon. Additional investigations of the MBI dimensions using biggest samples would be useful to confirm the results in order to generate burnout reduction measures by institutional and national policies.

Workplace violence towards healthcare workers: an observational study in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Rome.

INTRODUCTION: Aggressions to healthcare personnel are a growing and underestimated phenomenon. The damage to the individual and to the community is real, since the assaults increase work stress and can also lead to sickness absence. Moreover, the consequences on the quality of care and economic repercussions need to be taken into account. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of violence towards medical personnel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Rome and to evaluate its association with socio-demographic variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. espondents completed an online questionnaire composed of 30 questions on personal information, work, any aggression suffered and opinions about the phenomenon. Descriptive statistical analysis, univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Out of 956 responders, 66.5% experienced at least one episode of aggression during their working life. Women were more likely victims than men (71%), especially due to verbal aggression (OR 1.53, 95%CI: 1.16-2.02). Age acts as a protective factor (OR 0.97; 95%CI: 0.96-0.99). The subjects with a full time position (OR 2.1; 95%CI: 1.46-3.05) seem to be more at risk. In addition, the doctors employed in the territorial structures of the National Health System (OR 2.08; 95%CI: 1.36-3.18), as well as in the local emergency services (OR 3.39; 95%CI: 1.14-10.05) and in social security institutions (OR 9.58; 95%CI:1.2-76.41) were more at risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reveal that the phenomenon of aggression is not negligible, and that awareness on the issue and staff training is essential.

Health related quality of life and physical activity in prison: a multicenter observational study in Italy.

Background: Inmates have a poorer health status than the general population. The physical activity is well know that improve the wellness of the people. This multicentric cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between Quality of Life (QoL) and physical activity levels among Italian prisoners. Methods: Inmates from eight prisons compiled a questionnaire. The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) was used to measure inmates' weekly physical activity levels (MATwk). Their QoL was measured using two components of Short Form with 12 items (SF12): MCS (mental score) and PCS (physical score). Results: A total of 636 questionnaires were compiled. High level of MET was significantly (P <0.05) associated with both PCS (OR = 1.02) and MCS (OR = 1.03). The correlations between PCS, MCS vs. METwk scores were respectively significant: r = 0.17 and r = 0.10, P < 0.05. The number of years of detention was associated to higher MET (OR = 1.04 P < 0.05). The presence of Physical Exercise Areas (PEAs) within Jails did not improve the QoL level. Conclusions: Jails may not seem like the ideal place to fight sedentary behavior, but, in any case, health promotion can occur within its walls. The heterogeneity of Italian jails, and particularly relative PEAs therein (areas had different characteristics between jails), suggests that such spaces should be regulated or well defined. Furthermore, the implement of training schedules could be done in a standardized way. Despite this heterogeneity both the physical and mental components of inmates' quality of life were associated to a high level of physical activity.

{Perception of alcohol problem among workers of the transportation, healthcare and building sectors in the Lazio Region]. / La percezione del problema alcol fra I lavoratori in aziende dei settori trasporti, sanità ed edilizia nella regione Lazio.

AIM: To perform an analysis of the perception of alcohol use among workers of the transportation, healthcare and building sectors. METHODS: A survey was carried out on alcohol consumption and knowledge of deriving health effects. Socio-demographic characteristics of the workers were collected. Risk indexes for habitual alcohol and binge consumption were calculated. RESULTS: The number of workers entering the survey is 3,914 (57% males; 58% married). Two-thirds of the sample reported good knowledge of alcohol-related risks that could occur at the workplace, and 55% of alcohol-related health risks. Binge drinking is inversely associated with female gender, good perceived health and good knowledge of alcohol-related risks at the workplace and of alcohol-related health risks. People who are single, young and working in the building sector show higher odds for binge drinking. The habitual use is positively associated with marital status (OR=1.51 for single) and working sector (in the building sector OR=3.28; in the healthcare OR=1.90); and inversely associated with good health (OR=0.70), good knowledge of alcohol-related risks at the workplace (OR=0.54) and of alcohol-related health risks (OR=0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender and marital status are associated with different patterns of alcohol consumption, that in turn are inversely associated with good knowledge of alcohol-related risks at the workplace and of alcohol-related health risks. These results suggest the need to increase knowledge of alcohol-related issues among the workers, both at the workplace and in everyday life.

Efficacy of dietary supplement with nutraceutical composed combined with extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields in carpal tunnel syndrome.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of a nutraceutical composed (Xinepa®) combined with extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields in the carpal tunnel syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into group 1-A (N=16) (nutraceutical + extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields) and group 2-C (n=15) (placebo + extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields). The dietary supplement with nutraceutical was twice daily for one month in the 1-A group and both groups received extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields at the level of the carpal tunnel 3 times per week for 12 sessions. The Visual Analogue Scale for pain, the Symptoms Severity Scale and Functional Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire were used at pre-treatment (T0), after the end of treatment (T1) and at 3 months post-treatment (T2). [Results] At T1 and T2 were not significant differences in outcome measures between the two groups. In group 1-A a significant improvement in the scales were observed at T1 and T2. In group 2-C it was observed only at T1. [Conclusion] Significant clinical effects from pre-treatment to the end of treatment were shown in both groups. Only in group 1-A they were maintained at 3 months post-treatment.

Decreasing trends in air pollution in the metropolitan area of Rome: an analysis of 15 years (1999-2013).

Urban air pollution is associated with a wide range of acute and chronic health effects. The objective of the present study was to examine trends (1999-2013) of air pollutant concentrations in the urban area of Rome and to assess the relationship between the concentrations of these pollutants. A statistically significant decreasing trend over time of NO2, PM10, benzene CO concentrations was observed. In particular, the most relevant decreases were found for benzene and for CO. Analysis of the correlation between pollutants showed that Pearson's correlation coefficients of pollutants were positive. Time trend analysis showed a significant improvement of air quality in Rome in the last years that may be attributable to improvements in car, truck and bus motor technologies and to the application of Green Infrastructure planning.

Access to healthcare for undocumented migrants: analysis of avoidable hospital admissions in Sicily from 2003 to 2013.

Background: Access to healthcare services for undocumented migrants is one of the main public health issues currently being debated among European countries. Exclusion from primary healthcare services may lead to serious consequences for migrants' health. We analyzed the risk among undocumented migrants, in comparison with regular migrants, of being hospitalized for preventable conditions in the Region of Sicily (Italy). We performed a hospital-based cross-sectional study of the foreign population hospitalized in the Sicily region between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2013. The first outcome was the proportion of avoidable hospitalization (AHs) among regular and irregular migrants. Second outcomes were the subcategories of AHs for chronic, acute and vaccine preventable diseases. 85 309 hospital admissions were analyzed. In the hospitalized population, in comparison to regular migrants, undocumented migrants show a higher proportion of hospitalization for diseases preventable through primary and preventive care (AOR1·48, 95%CI 1·37-1·59). The proportion of avoidable hospitalizations associated with the lack of legal status is higher for vaccine preventable conditions (AOR 2·06, 95%CI 1·66-2·56) than for chronic conditions (AOR 1·47, 95%CI 1·42-1·63) and acute conditions (AOR 1·37; 95%CI 1·23-1·53). Between 2003 and 2013, the proportion of avoidable hospitalizations decreased both in regular and undocumented migrants but decreased faster for regular than for undocumented migrants. Undocumented migrants experience higher proportion of hospitalization for preventable conditions in comparison with regular migrants probably due to a lack of access to the national healthcare service. Policies and strategies to involve them in primary healthcare and preventive services should be developed to tackle this inequality.

[Effects on female healthcare workers of the ministry of health campaign against tobacco smoking.] / Effetti sulle professioniste sanitarie della campagna mediatica Ministero della Salute contro il tabagismo.

OBJECTIVES: Smoking prevalence among health care workers is higher in comparison with general population and the prevalence of women who smoke is higher than among men. In the prevention strategies the multimedia campaign may be a positive impact on the fight against tobacco. Objective. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the last Italian campaign against smoking (Il fumo fammale) in the health care women workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Latium and Sicily (Italy) in 2015, through an interview on memories and impressions about the spots and after a new vision of the spot and eventually other comments. RESULTS: 357 individuals entered the study, 204 female health care workers and 153 from the general population. The female health care workers were more skeptical than the general population. The impressions aroused in the healthcare workers versus the general population were: sadness (OR=2.96;IC95%:1.17-7.49), indifference (OR=5.57;IC95%:2.43-12.77); while a cue to reflect was more considered from general population than health care workers (OR=0.13;IC95%:0.07-0.23). The female professionals health referred the main characteristics of the spot as no original, no impactful, no persuasive and boring too. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion the multimedia campaign to fight against the smoking should be useful, but the psico-behavioural factors have applied and considered when it is implemented; to reduce the tobacco consumption in the healthcare workers can make them an example for the people of healthy life styles and they are a start up of prevention mechanism too. Furthermore it is important to consider the healthcare professional's opinions for future healthy communications and multimedia campaign on tobacco harm.