Identifying Ferrara's elderly people with low influenza immunization rates: the contribution of a local socio-economic deprivation index.

Influenza immunization coverage rates remain far below the optimal value recommended by the World Health Organization, even in groups considered at high risk, such as the elderly. A possible explanation for this suboptimal vaccination uptake may be deprivation. A specifically developed local deprivation index was proposed for the classification of residents in the municipality of Ferrara in order to evaluate the characteristics of subjects over 65 years of age who accepted/refused influenza immunization (2010-2015). The variables building this deprivation index were primarily related to demographic aspects, such as age, widow/widower status, education, family composition and housing characteristics. Influenza immunization coverage rates were unsatisfactory in all categories of deprivation. A statistically significant decreasing trend in coverage rates was observed with decreasing deprivation in the general population and in males, but not in females. In addition to factors composing the local deprivation index, being separated, living in a family of three members and independent contractor were features that hindered immunization among very deprived elderly.

Knowledge and behaviour of nursing students on the prevention of healthcare associated infections.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital infections, or "healthcare associated infections" (HAI) represent the most common and serious complications of healthcare. Adoption of safe care practices able to prevent or control the transmission of infections, both in hospitals and in other healthcare settings is crucial. The aim of the study is to assess the awareness about the risk factors and the most effective measures of prevention of HAI in the University of Ferrara nursing school students, giving particular attention to the hand hygiene practices and the use of standard precautions. METHODS: 339 students attending all the three years of course of the same academic year were enrolled. An anonymous questionnaire was administered in order to investigate the knowledge about three specific areas: infections associated with healthcare practices (HAI), standard precautions (SP) and hand hygiene (HH). RESULTS: A sufficient level of knowledge by all the three groups of students was observed only in the SP area. A barely sufficient score was reached only by the third year students with regard to the proper HH. The level of knowledge about HAI was inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: A periodically check of nursing students' knowledge would be advisable in order to fill any gaps, improve training, reduce HAI and increase prevention measures compliance.

[Controlled release vaginal dinoprostone for the induction of labour]. / Induzione del travaglio di parto con dinoprostone vaginale a rilascio controllato.

AIM: To study the efficacy and safety of controlled release dinoprostone (PGE2) for the induction of labour. METHODS: From March 2001 to August 2002, a total of 173 patients hospitalized for postdate pregnancy, maternal hypertension, intrauterine delayed growth, reduction of amniotic fluid, were studied. In 33 of these patients, a hydrogel strip containing 10 mg dinoprostone, inserted into the posterior fornix of the vagina and release PGE2 at constant rate of 0.3-0.4 mg/h was used. RESULTS: Indications for induction, mode and time of delivery, maternal, fetal and neonatal parameters anomalies are evaluated. In 23 patients dinoprostone was used for postdate pregnancy, in 4 for maternal hypertension, in 4 for oligohydramnios and in 2 for intrauterine delayed growth. In 2 cases, the vaginal insert was removed for hyperstimulation in 1 case and for abnormal fetal heart rate in the other case. After vaginal delivery, Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH values were evaluated without anomalies. Vaginal delivery within 24 hours occurred in 51.6% of patients and medium time to delivery was 17.5 (nulliparous) and 12.3 (multiparous) hours. Only one case of uterine hyperstimulation to PGE2 was recorded, and the induction was suspended. The cesarean section rate was 12% and vaginal delivery after 24 hours was 38.7%. CONCLUSION: The continuous release of PGE2 from the vaginal insert permits a controlled and safe induction of labour, minimal risk of hyperstimulation, fast and easy removal of drugs in cases of fetal or maternal anomalies, easy accetability for patients, but high cost.