Contraceptive methods and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases in nursing students. Results from a survey conducted at the University of Palermo

Background: The main purpose of the study was to evaluatesexual habits, sexual relations and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the students in the nursing science course of University of Palermo, and to evaluate the use of contraceptive methods.  Methods: In April 2019, a survey was provided to students who attend daily lessons in the nursing science course of University of Palermo, that investigate primarily about sexual habits, sexual relations and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. A multivariable logistic regression was performed.  Results: The sample size consists of 405 students. The average age of the sample is 21.65 years, 69.63% of the interviewees are women. In relation to the question “Do you think you are sufficiently informed to be able to avoid risks of infection from sexually transmitted diseases? No”, the analysis shows that this independent variable is significantly associated with the following independent variables: female gender (aOR 3.11, 95% CI 1.01 - 9.65); “how would you define your knowledge about contraceptive methods? - Poor” (aOR 5.38, 95% CI 1.79 - 16.20); “have you ever received information on sex education and/or sexually transmitted diseases? - No” (aOR 11.59, 95% CI 2.26 - 59.42); “do you know the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination? - yes, but I’m not vaccinated” (aOR 3.09, 95% CI 1.12 - 8.51); “do you know that men can also undergo HPV vaccination? - No” (aOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.01 - 7.04).  Conclusion: Based on our findings, it is necessary to implement sexual education programs for the improvement of knowledge in terms of STIs and the promotion of health. Improving sexual health outcomes for young people is a priority for the public health.&nbsp

Prevalence of dangerous alcohol consumption in nursing students

BACKGROUND: The use of alcohol is a phenomenon widely spread among young people and takes on different psychological, sociological and cultural connotations. The aim of the study is to stimulate the prevalence of dangerous alcohol consumption and examine the associated factors in a cohort of nursing students from the University of Palermo. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional study design. On March 2020, a survey was provided to all nursing students of University of Palermo of the three years of course who attend daily lessons. The questionnaire was structured into two parts. The first section investigates on socio-demographic information. In the second part of the survey, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (A.U.D.I.T.-C) Test was administered. A multivariable logistic regression model was used and adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) are presented. RESULTS : The sample consisted of 525 students (70.3% female). The probability to have a risky consumption of alcohol is significantly associated with the following independent variables: “second” (aOR 3.66) and “third” (aOR 4.28) year of study; “to be a smoker” (aOR 2.11) and “to be a former smoker” (aOR 4.23); “Age Class <22 years old” (aOR 2.77). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights how there is an increasing consumption of alcohol among students during the years of the degree course in nursing sciences. It also highlights how there is a strong association between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in this category

Health Sciences students’ immunization behavior: differences among Italian universities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Health Sciences students towards vaccinations, investigating the differences that may exist in different Italian Universitie

Health related quality of life and physical activity in prison: a multicenter observational study in Italy

Background Inmates have a poorer health status than the general population. The physical activity is well know that improve the wellness of the people. This multicentric cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between Quality of Life (QoL) and physical activity levels among Italian prisoners. Methods Inmates from eight prisons compiled a questionnaire. The Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) was used to measure inmates’ weekly physical activity levels (MATwk). Their QoL was measured using two components of Short Form with 12 items (SF12): MCS (mental score) and PCS (physical score). Results A total of 636 questionnaires were compiled. High level of MET was significantly (P <0.05) associated with both PCS (OR = 1.02) and MCS (OR = 1.03). The correlations between PCS, MCS vs. METwk scores were respectively significant: r = 0.17 and r = 0.10, P <0.05. The number of years of detention was associated to higher MET (OR = 1.04 P <0.05). The presence of Physical Exercise Areas (PEAs) within Jails did not improve the QoL level. Conclusions Jails may not seem like the ideal place to fight sedentary behavior, but, in any case, health promotion can occur within its walls. The heterogeneity of Italian jails, and particularly relative PEAs therein (areas had different characteristics between jails), suggests that such spaces should be regulated or well defined. Furthermore, the implement of training schedules could be done in a standardized way. Despite this heterogeneity both the physical and mental components of inmates’ quality of life were associated to a high level of physical activity

Simultaneous multiwavelength observations of the second exceptional y-ray flare of PKS 2155-304 in July 2006

Общественото мнение се разглежда като хетерогенна смес от рационални убеждения, ирационални стереотипи и емоционални вярвания на отделните ин- дивиди от целевата публика. За консолидирането му се предлагат психологи- чески обосновани похвати и тактики. Те трябва да са съобразени както с рацио- налните и емоционалните характеристики, така и със знака на съставящите го индивидуални мнения – положителен, нулев, отрицателен. Всеки подход е илюстриран с пример от практиката