Characteristics of the health districts in Italy and their implication in primary health care policies: an analysis of socio-demographic trends.
J Prev Med Hyg
; 65(1): E50-E58, 2024 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38706764
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The Health District (HD) is a critical component of Italy's National Health Service, responsible for ensuring Primary Health Care (PHC) services in response to community health needs. The Italian government established a national strategic reform program, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), starting in 2022, with a series of health interventions to reorganize the PHC setting, the main reform being the Ministerial Decree 77/2022 (DM77). Our study aimed to provide a description of socio-demographic data and to assess the correlation between HDs, in order to suggest health intervention priorities in PHC reforms. Materials andmethods:
We conducted our analysis using a cross-sectional record linkage of data from multiple sources to compare organizational and socio-demographic variables. A dataset was created with each of the 21 Italian Regions' HDs data of population, land area, mean age, ageing index, old-age dependency ratio, birth rate and death rate. The Inland Areas Project data was integrated for a socio-economic perspective.Results:
Our study identified comparable groups of HDs, considering demographical, socio-economic and geographical aspects. The study provides a baseline understanding of the Italian situation prior to the implementation of DM77. It also highlights that inhabitants number cannot be the only variable to take into account for the definition of Italian HDs organisation and PHC reform, providing intercorrelated variables that take into account geographic location, demographic data, and socio-economic aspects.Conclusion:
By acknowledging the interplay of demographic, socio-economic, and geographic factors, policymakers can tailor interventions to address diverse community needs, ensuring a more effective and equitable PHC system.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Primary Health Care
/
Health Policy
Limits:
Aged
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
J Prev Med Hyg
Journal subject:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Italy
Country of publication:
Italy