1,720,991 research outputs found
The sustainability of influenza vaccination programs: considerations and perspectives from Italy
No full textInfluenza constitutes an annually recurring threat to society, from both the clinical and economic points of view. The impact of influenza is often underestimated, especially among frail elderly people, who are at increased risk of serious complications, including hospitalization and death. In Italy, around 10 million individuals aged 65 years and older are at risk of contracting influenza, and it can be estimated that the lack of a vaccination strategy would lead to more than 2 million cases and about 30,000 deaths. However, adherence to routinely recommended adult immunizations remains suboptimal despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines. Indeed, a monitoring program from the National Institute of Health in Italy has shown that influenza vaccination coverage in the elderly dropped to 49% in the 2014-2015 season, which is far below the maximum values (68%) recorded in the 2005-2006 season. The current situation in Italy imposes a need for greater sustainability in order to face the challenges related to the changing epidemiological situation, demographic transition and social transformations. Our review sums up the key elements of influenza vaccine sustainability and makes suggestions for improving the organizational structure of the present initiatives
Occupational exposures and genetic susceptibility to urinary tract cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThis study aims to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms, occupational exposures, and urinary tract cancers. We searched MEDLINE, ISI Web of science, and SCOPUS online databases for all articles published in English language up to September 2016. A meta-analysis was performed to provide summary estimates for the association between a certain genetic polymorphism, occupational exposure and bladder cancer (BC) or kidney cancer (KC), when appropriate. Fifteen studies on BC and six on KC were deemed eligible for the review. With regard to BC, an overall odds ratio (OR) of 2.07 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–3.09] for those with GSTM1 and an OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.38–3.09) for those with GSTT1 null genotype were reported when exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). NAT2 slow genotype carriers had an OR of 3.59 (95% CI: 2.62–4.93) for BC when exposed to aromatic amines and an OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.36–3.15) when exposed to PAHs. With regard to KC and pesticide exposure, the meta-analysis reported an OR of 4.38 (95% CI: 2.28–8.41) for GSTM1 present genotype, an OR of 2.59 (95% CI: 1.62–4.15) for GSTT1-present genotype and an OR of 6.51 (95% CI: 2.85–14.89) for combined effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 active genotypes. This meta-analysis indicates a possible association between the variant genotypes of GSTM1, GSTT1, NAT2 and SULT1A1, occupational exposure to aromatic amines or PAHs, and development of BC. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes could influence the risk for developing KC in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides
European citizens’ perspectives on direct-to-consumer genetic testing: an updated systematic review
No full textBackground: Direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs) are genetic tests for a medical or non-medical trait that are sold directly to the public, usually ordered without the engagement of a healthcare professional. Our aim was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward DTC-GTs among European citizens.
Methods: We updated the most recent systematic review on citizens' perspectives toward DTC-GTs. Relevant English language studies were searched on PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar from October 2014 to April 2019. We extended our search on Scopus without publication date restriction, since it was not included in the former review. Eligible studies were conducted in European countries and reported original data. The quality of the studies was evaluated using a checklist developed by Kmet et al.
Results: We included six studies conducted in European countries between 2015 and 2018. The studies were performed among general population in the Netherlands, students in Italy and Greece, laypeople in Germany and older adults in Switzerland. The level of awareness, in overall low, differed by country and population group. Most of the participants were interested in undergoing a DTC-GT, mainly for knowing the risk predisposition to a common disease. Concerns were raised about tests' validity and utility and data privacy.
Conclusions: Our review shows that European citizens, overall, have a low level of knowledge on DTC-GTs and a high interest in their purchase. This understanding might contribute to the development of educational programs in order to the increase of general public capabilities to make appropriate health decisions
Quality Assessment of Studies Published in Open Acces and Subscription Journals
No full textAlong with the proliferation of Open Access (OA) publishing, our interest focused on the evaluation of the methodological quality and the quality of reporting of studies published in OA and non OA journals. To this end we included primary epidemiological studies and systematic reviews (SR), and meta-analyses (MA) published in the field of oncology in 201
Occupational exposures and genetic susceptibility to lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma: a systematic review
No full textBackground
The risk of occupationally related lung cancer, as well as pleural mesothelioma, in association with genetic polymorphisms, has been investigated with contradictory results.
This systematic review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms, occupational exposures, and lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE, ISI Web of science, and SCOPUS online databases for all articles published in English language up to September 2016. Studies were considered eligible if they had assessed the association between occupational exposures and lung cancer/pleural mesothelioma in relation to genetic polymorphisms.
Results
Sixteen studies were included, of which eleven on lung cancer and six on mesothelioma, of which one was in common. NAT2 slow acetylator genotype confers an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma in subjects exposed to asbestos (OR=2.10; 95% CI=1.10-4.10), especially in combination with the GSTM1 null genotype (OR=3.60; 95% CI=1.30-9.60). GSTT1 null and CYP1A1 Msp1 T6235C (T/C+C/C) genotype carriers exposed to arsenic, uranium, asbestos and other chemical agents have an increased risk of lung cancer respect to not exposed wild type genotypes (OR=1.33; 95% CI=0.67-2.64, OR=2.20; 95% CI=1.11-4.35, respectively).
Conclusion
Genetic polymorphisms might modulate individual susceptibility to lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma in occupationally exposed subjects
Occupational exposures and genetic susceptibility to urinary tract cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThis study aims to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms, occupational exposures, and urinary tract cancers. We searched MEDLINE, ISI Web of science, and SCOPUS online databases for all articles published in English language up to September 2016. A meta-analysis was performed to provide summary estimates for the association between a certain genetic polymorphism, occupational exposure and bladder cancer (BC) or kidney cancer (KC), when appropriate. Fifteen studies on BC and six on KC were deemed eligible for the review. With regard to BC, an overall odds ratio (OR) of 2.07 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–3.09] for those with GSTM1 and an OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.38–3.09) for those with GSTT1 null genotype were reported when exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). NAT2 slow genotype carriers had an OR of 3.59 (95% CI: 2.62–4.93) for BC when exposed to aromatic amines and an OR of 2.07 (95% CI: 1.36–3.15) when exposed to PAHs. With regard to KC and pesticide exposure, the meta-analysis reported an OR of 4.38 (95% CI: 2.28–8.41) for GSTM1 present genotype, an OR of 2.59 (95% CI: 1.62–4.15) for GSTT1-present genotype and an OR of 6.51 (95% CI: 2.85–14.89) for combined effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 active genotypes. This meta-analysis indicates a possible association between the variant genotypes of GSTM1, GSTT1, NAT2 and SULT1A1, occupational exposure to aromatic amines or PAHs, and development of BC. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes could influence the risk for developing KC in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides
Survey of Professionals of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) towards Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
Full text linkBACKGROUND: The increasing availability of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests (DTC-GTs) has great implications for public health (PH) and requires literate healthcare professionals to address the challenges they pose. We designed and conducted a survey to assess the state of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of PH professionals members of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) towards DTC-GTs. METHODS: EUPHA members were invited to participate and fill in the survey. We performed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between selected covariates and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of healthcare professionals towards DTC-GT. RESULTS: Three hundred and two professionals completed the survey, 66.9% of whom were not involved in genetics or genomics within their professional activities. Although 74.5% of respondents were aware that DTC-GTs could be purchased on the web, most of them reported a low level of awareness towards DTC-GTs applications and regulatory aspects. The majority did not approve the provision of DTC-GTs without consultation of a healthcare professional (91.4%), were doubtful about the test utility and validity (61%) and did not feel prepared to address citizens’ questions (65.6%). Predictors of knowledge on DTC-GT were the involvement in genetics/genomics and receiving training during the studies (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.043). Predictors of attitudes were medical degree and knowledge about DTC-GTs (P = 0.006 and P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed a high level of awareness of DTC-GT web purchasing and a moderate to low level of awareness towards their applications. Despite the overall positive attitudes, PH professionals reported a high need for strengthening regulatory aspects of DTC-GTs provision process
Understanding national trends in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Canada : results from five sequential crosssectional representative surveys spanning April 2020–March 2021
No full textTo examine rates of vaccine hesitancy and their correlates among Canadian adults between April 2020 and March 2021.
Design Five sequential cross-sectional age, sex and province-weighted population-based samples who completed online surveys. Setting Canada.
Participants A total of 15 019 Canadians aged 18 years and over were recruited through a recognised polling firm (Leger Opinion). Respondents were 51.5% female with a mean age of 48.1 (SD 17.2) years (range 18–95 years) and predominantly white (80.8%).Fil: Lavoie, Kim L. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Lavoie, Kim L. Université du Québec à Montréal; Canada.Fil: Gosselin Boucher, Vincent. University of British Columbia; Canada.Fil: Stojanovic, Jovana. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Stojanovic, Jovana. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; Canada.Fil: Gupta, Samir. St Michael's Hospital; Canada.Fil: Gupta, Samir. Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute; Canada.Fil: Gagné, Myriam. St Michael's Hospital; Canada.Fil: Joyal Desmarais, Keven. Concordia University; Canada.Fil: Joyal Desmarais, Keven. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Séguin, Katherine. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Séguin, Katherine. Université du Québec à Montréal; Canada.Fil: Sheinfeld Gorin, Sherri. University of Michigan; USA.Fil: Ribeiro, Paula. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Ribeiro, Paula. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Voisard, Brigitte. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada.Fil: Voisard, Brigitte. Université du Québec à Montréal; Canada.Fil: Vallis, Michael. Dalhousie University; Canada.Fil: Corace, Kimberly. University of Ottawa; Canada.Fil: Corace, Kimberly. University of Ottawa; Canada.Fil: Presseau, Justin. Hospital Research Institute; Canada.Fil: Presseau, Justin. University of Ottawa; Canada.Fil: Bacon, Simón L. Concordia University; Canada.Fil: Bacon, Simón L. Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre; Canada
Descrizione degli indicatori e fonti dei dati
No full textIl capitolo seleziona e analizza criticamente gli indicatori necessari per lo studio della condizione di salute e il suo monitoraggi
Public perceptions and behavioural responses to the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Italy: Results from the iCARE study
Full text linkBackground: Italy was the first European country to be affected by COVID-19. Considering that many countries are currently battling the 2nd wave of the pandemic, understanding people's perceptions and responses to government policies remains critical for informing on-going mitigation strategies. We assessed attitudes towards COVID-19 policies, levels of adherence to preventive behaviours, and the association between COVID-19 related concerns and adherence levels.
Methods: We recruited a convenience sample of Italian individuals from an international cross-sectional survey (www.icarestudy.com) from March 27th to May 5th 2020. Multivariate regression models were used to test the association between concerns and the adoption of preventive measures.
Results: The survey included 1,332 participants (female (68%), younger than 25 (57%)) that reported high awareness (over 96%) and perceived importance (88%) of policies. We observed varied levels of adherence to: hand washing (96%), avoiding social gatherings (96%), self-isolation if suspected or COVID-19 positive (77%). Significantly lower adherence to self-isolation was reported by individuals with current employment. High levels of concerns regarding health of other individuals and country economy were reported. Only health concerns for others were significantly associated with higher adherence to hand washing behaviour.
Conclusions: In order to inform current/future government strategies, we provide insights about population's responses to the initial pandemic phase in Italy. Communication approaches should consider addressing people's concerns regarding the health of other individuals to motivate adherence to prevention measures. Provision of social and economic support is warranted to avoid unequal impacts of governmental policies and allow effective adherence to self-isolating measures.
Keywords: COVID-19; cross-sectional study; population concerns; preventive behviours
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