Preventable infectious diseases using vaccination in developmental age in the Province of Frosinone, Italy

Introduction. A study has been made of the behaviour of preventable infectious diseases by means of vaccination in the developmental age, reported between 1995 and 2003, in the area of Frosinone and Province, Italy. Results. Analysis of the distribution of the 185 cases of hepatitis B notified, demonstrates that the mean age has increased from 26.5 to 41.1 years. Notifications of invasive diseases due to haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) refer exclusively to 13 cases of meningitis. As far as concerns pertussis, 119 cases have been reported (median age 4.0 years, mode 1.0). Overall 850 cases of measles were reported (median age 7.0 years, mode 5.0), the highest number being recorded in 1997 (349 cases: median age 7.0 years, mode 5.0) and 2002 (199 cases: median age 8.0 years, mode 8.0). Rubella occurred in 411 cases (median age 12.0 years, mode 11.0), with 53.3% involving females. As far as concerns mumps, the last peak of the epidemic occurred in 2001 (median age 7.0 years, mode 6.0) with 137 cases. Discussion and conclusion. Results emerging from the study demonstrate a reduction in time in the number of notifications for almost all the diseases under consideration. The distribution of the cases of rubella in fertile females, in 2002, stresses the need to promote campaigns in order to recuperate still-susceptible women of childbearing age. The cases of hepatitis B, pertussis and meningitis due to Hib confirm the high rate of protection resulting from vaccination. The incidence rates of measles, mumps, rubella and pertussis when compared with those of the paediatric sentinel surveillance system (SPES) clearly demonstrate not only that these are underestimated but also reveal controversial findings with respect to data provided by Infectious Diseases Italian Surveillance System (SIMI)

Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Italian university students regarding contraceptive methods and STDs (1998–2008): a cross-sectional study

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in opinions and behaviors of university students about sexual attitudes, use and effectiveness of contraceptive methods and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Subjects and methods: The study was carried out through three surveys in 1998, 2003 and 2008. A self-completion questionnaire, divided into three major sections, was administered. The groups were analyzed with the Chi-square test and the multiple logistic regression analysis; the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Contraceptive methods were not used by 12.0, 12.5, and 16.2 % of the sample in 1998, in 2003 and 2008 respectively. The condom was the most common method used by responders, followed by the pill; both methods of birth control are also considered the most effective. In 2008, students demonstrated to have a good knowledge about STDs transmission through sexual intercourse and contraceptive use was higher among responders with multiple partners (p = 0.028), lower in smokers (p= 0.003) and female gender (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results highlight the necessity to activate programs on sex education, on the use of contraceptives and STD prevention. Peer education should also be considered. © 2012 Springer-Verlag

Are measles, mumps and rubella a public health issue in young adults? Results from a seroprevalence survey in university students in Italy

Aims: A survey was conducted amongst university students to assess their level of susceptibility to and knowledge about measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and their prevention, and to find factors associated to their seropositivity for MMR viruses. Subjects, and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 961 students from the University of Cassino (Italy). The enzyme immunoassay method was used to assess seropositivity for MMR, while knowledge and previous vaccination information were acquired through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of IgG antibodies was 93.2% for measles, 91.4% for mumps and 81.3% for rubella. The susceptibility for measles was higher in the 21–25 and over 31 age groups. The seroprevalence profile of mumps was similar to that of measles, while the level of immunity to rubella was very low in students aged under 20 years (76.7%) and 21–25 years (81.2%). Only 111 students said they had been vaccinated against measles, 46 against mumps and 103 against rubella. Most students demonstrated poor knowledge concerning MMR and were not practicing preventive behaviours. Conclusions: The susceptibility was particularly high for rubella. Concerted efforts are needed to educate young adults about the benefits of vaccination and to raise their level of consciousness so as to motivate them to request vaccination

Prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression in with Alzheimer caregivers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Alzheimer's disease presents a social and public health problem affecting millions of Italians. Those affected receive home care from caregivers, subjected to risk of stress.</p> <p>The present investigation focuses on stress, anxiety and depression in caregivers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data on 200 caregivers and their patients were collected using a specific form to assess cognitive, behavioural, functional patient (MMSE, and ADL-IAD) and caregiver stress (CBI). The relationship between stress, depression and disease has been assessed by means of a linear regression, logistic analysis which reveals the relationship between anxiety, stress and depression and cognitive problems, age, the patient's income.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The caregivers are usually female (64%), mean age of 56.1 years, daughters (70.5%), pensioners and housewives (30%), who care for the sick at home (79%). Of these, 53% had little time for themselves, 55% observed worsening of health, 56% are tired, 51% are not getting enough sleep. Overall, 55% have problems with the patient's family and/or their own family, 57% at work. Furthermore, 29% feel they are failing to cope with the situation as they wish to move away from home. The increase in the degree of anxiety and depression is directly proportional to the severity of the illness, affecting the patient (r = 0.3 stress and depression r = 0.4 related to CBI score). The memory disorders (OR = 8.4), engine problems (OR = 2.6), perception disorders (OR = 1.9) sick of the patient with Alzheimer's disease are predictive of caregiver stress, depression is associated with the presence of other disorders, mainly behavioural (OR = 5.2), low income (OR = 3.4), patients < 65 years of age (OR = 2.9).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The quality of life of caregivers is correlated with the severity of behavioural disorders and duration of the Alzheimer's disease. The severity of the disease plays an important role in reorganization of the family environment in families caring for patients not institutionalised. It is important to promote measures to soften the impact that the patient has on the caregiver, and that, at the same time, improves the quality of life of the patient.</p