Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene最新文献

Background: Vaccine hesitancy has become one of the ten global health challenges to be addressed, given its increasing global prevalence.

Aim: This study aimed to identify community vaccine hesitancy and the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in a provincial center.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted with 215 adults seeking care at a family health center for any reason. The data collection instruments included the Descriptive Characteristics Questionnaire and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale. Determinants of vaccine hesitancy were examined through multiple regression analysis (enter model). The STROBE (cross-sectional research model) guidelines were employed for reporting research data.

Results: Among participants, 35.3% had a bachelor's degree or higher, 62.3% were employed, and 76.7% had children. 71.2% of the participants had not received education about vaccines, with only 45.6% considering all vaccines necessary and beneficial. Additionally, 16.2% of the participants with children were identified as having under-vaccinated children. Belief in the necessity and benefits of all vaccines (ß = -0.245, 95% CI: -4.715 to -1.453), belief in making vaccination mandatory (ß = -0.137, 95% CI: -4.873 to -0.083), receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (ß = -0.169, 95% CI: -5.925 to -0.947), and receiving the flu vaccine (ß = -0.158, 95% CI: -3.828 to -0.429) were determined to be protective against vaccine hesitancy. These variables explained 24.3% of vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions: The assessment revealed that the community exhibited moderate vaccine hesitancy and did not perceive all vaccines as necessary and beneficial. Considering the impact of vaccines on preventing infectious diseases, reducing disabilities, and preventing deaths, it is recommended to provide information about the seriousness of the diseases prevented by vaccines and the importance of vaccines.

Objectives: The present study aimed to identify factors that affect healthcare workers' (HCWs) vaccine hesitancy and the subsequent changes in psychological well-being.

Study design: 800 employees (207 M; 14 aged ≤ 25; 145 aged 26-35; 381 aged 36-55; 260 aged > 55 years) were recruited from the San Martino Hospital during the first months 2021.

Methods: HCWs were asked to fill in an online survey assessing (a) demographics, (b) having contracted COVID-19 infection, (c) vaccination history (against COVID-19 and influenza), (d) expected changes in psychological well-being, (e) vaccine hesitancy and (f) factors leading to a decision about the vaccine (Information Trust, Information Seeking, Fear for the Self, and Sense of Responsibility).

Results: We found that, in vaccinated HCW, years of employment and adherence to the influenza vaccine indirectly affected vaccine hesitancy. These effects were mediated by HCWs' sense of responsibility and information trust. Moreover, while information trust promoted positive changes in psychological well-being, vaccine hesitancy negatively affected it.

Conclusions: The present study consistently points to the crucial role of trusting information and having a sense of responsibility on vaccine hesitancy and, consequently, on psychological well-being. We discuss the practical implications for public health of these findings. In the conclusions, we suggest short-term and long-term strategies for improving vaccine adherence.

Introduction: Oral diseases are a serious global public health problem affecting more than 3.5 billion people, are among the most common diseases in the world, and carry serious medical and economic problems, substantially reducing the quality of life of those affected. Oral diseases undoubtedly represent a global public health problem, with particular concern about their growing prevalence in many countries, which is associated with broader social, economic, and commercial changes. The purpose of the study is to establish the level of hygienic education among schoolchildren undergoing orthodontic treatment in Aktobe.

Material and methods: The design of the study is experimental and descriptive. The sample was gathered without pre-selection. It included children from 6 to 18 years old who were on dynamic observation, with a diagnosis of periodontal diseases.

Results: According to the data obtained, it was identified that 300 respondents aged 6 to 18 years took part in the survey, the average age of the respondents was 13.75 ± 1.38 years. The survey identified a low level of dental education in hygiene and oral care among children and a lack of motivation to maintain dental health.

Conclusions: It is necessary to strengthen educational work with the involvement of dentists, teachers, and parents to increase the low level of knowledge on dental health and oral care among the interviewed schoolchildren.

Background: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are influenced by various interconnected variables. In Bangladesh, studies on physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are scarce, regardless of age in the adult population. This study aims to determine the correlates of adults' physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour with sociodemographic factors, including gender, age, residential, educational, and occupational status.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey conducted from February to May 2018 across eight divisions of Bangladesh. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour. The data consisted of 8,185 adults aged 18 to 69 years. The Bayesian regression model was used to analyse the correlates.

Results: Physical inactivity, including work, active transport, and recreation, males and urban residents were more likely to be inactive than their female counterparts and rural residents. Married adults had greater (Odd Ratio [OR]: 6.6, 95% CI: 5.46 to 7.98) recreation-related physical inactivity. Unemployed adults were more likely to engage in sedentary behaviour (OR: 4, 95% CI: 2.48 to 6.12) and less likely to engage in moderate physical activity (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.39).

Conclusions: A notable pattern of insufficient recreational physical activity among adults in Bangladesh was noted. Establishing nationwide surveillance systems to detect physical activity and sedentary behaviour trends to evaluate potential interventions for improving physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. Expanding school-based physical activity programs help children and adolescents learn lifelong healthy behaviours. Community sports programs for all ages promote active living.

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that enables the creation of immersive, interactive, and collaborative environments, with extensive applications in the realm of e-Health.

Methods: This study aimed to reduce stress and anxiety in hospitalised patients by employing guided virtual scenarios and non-invasive biosensors.

Results: During the initial experimental phase, conducted on 33 patients in a cardiac rehabilitation ward, improvements were observed in stress levels (-11.3%), depression (-4.2%), and anxiety (-3.2%). Supporting these results, a specific clinical case analysis revealed significant improvements in an 82-year-old woman with moderate depression and severe social isolation. Following the VR intervention, the patient experienced a substantial reduction in isolation, heightened motivation for daily activities, and enhanced social interaction quality, with a 35% increase in perceived quality of life. Physiological improvements included reduced sympathetic nervous system arousal and greater heart rate variability stability.

Conclusions: These findings underscore VR's potential to promote psychophysical wellbeing and improve healthcare service quality, advocating innovative preventive and therapeutic methods.

Background: Climate change and globalization have heightened the risk of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Europe, including Italy. VBDs cause over 1 billion cases and 1 million deaths annually, accounting for 17% of all communicable diseases worldwide. With competent vectors present, effective control measures and surveillance are vital. This study assessed adults' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Arbovirus infections.

Methods: An 11-question survey targeting individuals aged 18 and over at the LHU Roma 1 vaccination clinic evaluated knowledge and experiences with Arbovirus diseases. Data were coded and analyzed.

Results: Of 308 participants, 58.1% were female, 63.65% had no children, and 84.1% held a degree or higher. Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) was the most recognized disease (65.9%), followed by Zika (52.3%), while West Nile virus risk in Italy was underestimated (20%). Dengue awareness was high (91.6%), but Usutu awareness was low (47.4%). Vaccination was supported by 93.8%, with the 41-50 age group most willing to vaccinate children. Overall, knowledge of Arbovirus diseases was limited.

Conclusions: Public awareness of VBDs and preventive measures must improve to support effective risk prevention strategies. Education campaigns are essential to address gaps in knowledge and promote informed decision-making.

Background: Providing quality healthcare services relies on capable physicians with high performance levels. A performance-based payment system can enhance physician productivity, clinical service quality, and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to design a performance-based payment model for physicians in outpatient clinics contracted with the Iran Health Insurance Organization, tailored to its specific context and structure.

Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Through a literature review and expert interviews, 47 performance indicators and 18 selection criteria were identified. These indicators were reviewed in expert panels, and 49 questionnaires were used to prioritize them based on health insurance structures. The final indicators were categorized into current, transitional, and desired statuses, aligned with organizational infrastructures.

Results: The study identified 24 key indicators, including 9 for general physicians and 13 for specialized physicians. These indicators covered aspects such as the average number of prescribed medications, electronic prescription usage, per capita diagnostic procedures, timely physician presence, patient complaints, work history, guideline adherence, electronic record completion, patient satisfaction, training participation, and test prescription rates. Each indicator was detailed with a title, formula, standard, data collection method, and source.

Conclusions: The proposed performance-based payment model, utilizing the selected indicators, can guide physicians toward achieving organizational goals such as cost reduction, process efficiency, and improved patient satisfaction. By clarifying expe tations and assessing various performance dimensions, the model provides a framework for enhancing physician performance and aligning it with the objectives of the Health Insurance Organization. Policymakers can use this model to drive systemic improvements in healthcare delivery.

Background: The widespread use of the internet and social media has transformed how people access health information impacting health literacy. Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, and use health information, is crucial to promote and maintain good health. This study is the first exploring with network analysis the correlation and distribution of the items of the Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-Q) 12 short form to verify their correspondence to the principal domains of the health literacy conceptual model proposed by Sorensen et al. in 2013.

Materials and methods: A digital version of the Italian HLS19-Q12 questionnaire was distributed online through social media and informal channels in May 2024. The sample consisted of 352 participants from the metropolitan area of Cagliari, Italy. Network analysis was employed to examine the clustering and relationships between the questionnaire items, via JASP using the Ising Fit method.

Results: Key findings include significant difficulties in accessing professional help and understanding medical emergencies. Network centrality measures highlighted the prominence of items related to understanding medical emergencies and making health decisions. Three clusters corresponding to healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion, were visually identified with the last two closely interconnected. The item "making decisions to improve health" is crucial, acting as a bridge between clusters. Some items traditionally belonging to one domain shifted to another.

Conclusions: The network analysis provided a clear depiction of health literacy as complex system, emphasizing interactions. Health literacy involves accessing, evaluating, and applying information, with empowerment playing a key role according to our findings. By addressing identified needs and focusing on prominent items, healthcare professionals and policymakers can enhance health literacy and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. This pilot study's findings could benefit future research and interventions to improve health literacy.

Starting from the 1950s, climatic-prophylactic colonies for children took on characteristics that were partly different from those of their predecessors. From their origins until the years immediately following the Second World War, these facilities had the stated aims of education, prevention and cure for poor and malnourished children. In the mid-20th century, however, a change took place; the colonies no longer catered exclusively for the less privileged and most fragile, but rather for an economically and culturally heterogeneous population, while still maintaining the purpose of health prevention and promotion in childhood and adolescence. The number of agencies involved in organizing the colonies increased, and large companies also participated. Similarly, the annual number of children who spent a period of time in the colonies grew steadily, owing to intense migration towards the cities, increased female employment and holiday closures of large factories during the month of August. The authors recount this historical transition on the basis of the experience of the Sienese doctor Benedetto Barni (1893-1970) and the unpublished reports that he produced during his time as a school medical inspector. Against the backdrop of the teaching of the great hygienist and initiator of preventive medicine Achille Sclavo, who was Benedetto Barni's mentor, these reports testify to an everyday activity made up of real contacts with the people and with the territory; this enabled Barni to understand the social and healthcare problems facing the country and to try to work out a solution to them from the standpoint of preventative medicine.

The present article offers a concise perspective on tuberculosis (TB) ranging from antiquity to the present day and highlights the dangerousness of the disease in the light of its historical manifestations and current antibiotic resistance. Reflections on the social and economic impact of tuberculosis are presented together with notes on TB's interplay with malnutrition and the social stigma linked to this disease in modern times. Different types of evidence from palaeopathological to artistic ones are offered and the need for a more comprehensive understanding on the disease's history and evolution is stressed.