Comparison of self-reported and observed prevalence of safety belt and helmet use in Florence.

METHODS: Safety belt and helmet use was estimated from PASSI data and measured through Ulisse observations. Between 2008 and 2012 a total of 2,081 cars and motorcycle users were interviewed in the LHU of Florence and a total of 59,787 drivers (11,870 front passengers, 1,129 rear passengers and 16,816 motorcyclists) were observed. The comparison between self-reported and observed prevalences was performed by calculating the over-reporting factor (ORF), defined as the ratio of the self-reported to the observed prevalence of seat belt or helmet use. The time trend of the prevalence (both from self-reported and observed data) and of the ORF was assessed by using linear regression and Poisson's regression, respectively. RESULTS: The correlation between self-reported and observed prevalence is high, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.95 (p <0.05). Regarding front seat belt use rates, the difference between self-reported and observed data increases over time and the ORF range varies from 1.12 to 1.32. Rear seat belt data show a great variability, and the ORF varies from 0.67 to 1.37. In 2011 and 2012, the observed prevalence was higher than the self-reported one (ORF <1). Helmet use rates are very high, close to 100% with both methods; ORF has very small oscillations and ranges from 0.98 to 1, showing a good correlation between self-reported and observational data. There are no significant temporal variations both for the prevalences of use and for the ORF. CONCLUSIONS: The reasonable accuracy of self-reported data makes this method fit in the routinary assessment of safety belts and helmet usage, in order to limit the observations of the Ulisse system at predetermined time intervals. However, self-reported estimates need to be adjusted using an appropriate over-reporting factor.

[Mobile phone use while driving in Fiorentine area: results of the new survey]. / Utilizzo del telefono cellulare alla guida nel territorio fiorentino: i risultati della nuova indagine.

Despite the growing evidence that the use of hand-held mobile phone while driving increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes and the banning by law, in many countries, of this kind of use, this behaviour is more and more spreading. Following a survey we have conducted in 2004, in 2005 we have realized in florentine area a monthly monitoring about this incorrect use of phoning while driving. Overall, 15001 vehicles were observed, and the prevalence of mobile phone use while driving was 2.6%, higher if compared with that referred to the previous year (1.8%). The association between mobile, hand-held, phone use and the considered variables (the same of the 2004 study) is always statistically significant and the conditions with the highest probability of meeting a phoning driver are showed by regression analysis. Intervention for reducing the spread of this behaviour is needed, especially if we consider the recent technological innovations introduced in the new models of mobile phones, which offer new distractions for drivers, the uncertainty of the absence of risk in using hand-free phone and the scarcely proved long-term effectiveness of legislation banning this use.

A pilot survey of child restraint and seating position in cars in Florence Health Authority area.

To investigate the use of child restraint and seating position in Florence, in the Centre of Italy, after the introduction of the New Italian road traffic law, a survey has been conducted. Direct observations were made in the areas related to three schools attended by children of different age groups, to determine the presence of child car seats and their positioning as well as child positioning in case of absence of the seat. A total of 328 vehicles have been observed; in 48.5% of the cars, seats for children were present, 39% were used, and 9% were not used. The presence of child restraint and its use differed according to age, school opening and closing time and number of children on board. When restraints were not present, children were mostly (38%) located on the front seat without an accompanying adult. Child seats were prevalently located in the rear. In spite of the introduction of New Italian road traffic law, in the study area the modality of children's transport in cars was frequently not correct, which constitutes a risk for the health of this specific target group.

[Mobile phone use while driving in Florence health district area]. / Utilizzo del telefono cellulare alla guida: l'esperienza fiorentina.

The practice of driving while using hand-held mobile phones is diffused in numerous countries, even though it has been demonstrated that they increase the risk of traffic accidents, and such use has consequently been prohibited. Because of the lack of Italian data on the spread of this behaviour a study was done in June 2004 on drivers' use of hand-held mobile phones in the Florence Health Authority area. The study was performed by direct observation from 4 watching-points (1 for each zone) which allowed for observation of several types of vehicles, on varying road conditions, in 5 hour time bands. Overall, 9387 vehicles were observed and the prevalence of mobile phone use while driving was found to be 1.8%. The greatest prevalence of mobile phone use was found in the following conditions: in the Northwest zone (2.8%), in the city suburbs (2.8%), on Tuesdays (3.0%), among drivers not using safety belts (3.0%), and among subjects driving alone (2.1%). Logistic regression analysis has shown a statistically significant association between mobile phone use and the zone, the number of persons in the vehicle, and seat belt use. Mobile phone use while driving is therefore a diffused practice that is particularly common among drivers who engage in other high-risk driving behaviours.

[Glycohemoglobin evaluation as a index of glycemic status in diabetic and prediabetic subjects]. / Dosaggio dell'emoglobina (Hb) glicosilata quale indice dello "status" glicemico dei soggetti diabetici e prediabetici.

HbA1c concentrations were evaluated according to Trivelli et al., in three groups of male and female subjects 14-65 years of age. Analysis of results confirms reliability of the test and its specificity in evaluating glycemic status in diabetic patients. The test does not appear to be any more sensitive than the traditional glucose tolerance test in detecting subjects at risk.