The Influence of the COVID‑19 Pandemic Emergency on Alcohol Use: A Focus on a Cohort of Sicilian Workers

The period between the beginning and the end of the COVID‑19 pandemic emergency generated a general state of stress, affecting both the mental state and physical well‑being of the gen‑ eral population. Stress is the body’s reaction to events or stimuli perceived as potentially harmful or distressing. Particularly when prolonged over time, it can promote the consumption of different psychotropic substances such as alcohol, and thus the genesis of various pathologies. Therefore, our research aimed to evaluate the differences in alcohol consumption in a cohort of 640 video work‑ ers who carried out activities in smart working, subjects particularly exposed to stressful situations due to the stringent rules of protection and prevention implemented during the pandemic. Further‑ more, based on the results obtained from the administration of the AUDIT‑C, we wanted to analyse the different modes of alcohol consumption (low, moderate, high, severe) to understand whether there is a difference in the amount of alcohol consumed that could predispose individuals to health problems. To this end, we administered the AUDIT‑C questionnaire in two periods (T0 and T1 ), co‑ inciding with annual occupational health specialist visits. The results of the present research showed an increase in the number of subjects consuming alcohol (p = 0.0005) and in their AUDIT‑C scores (p < 0.0001) over the period considered. A significant decrease in subgroups who drink in a low‑risk (p = 0.0049) mode and an increase in those with high (p = 0.00012) and severe risk (p = 0.0002) were also detected. In addition, comparing the male and female populations, it emerged that males have drinking patterns that lead to a higher (p = 0.0067) health risk of experiencing alcohol‑related diseases than female drinking patterns. Although this study provides further evidence of the negative impact of the stress generated by the pandemic emergency on alcohol consumption, the influence of many other factors cannot be ruled out. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between the pandemic and alcohol consumption, including the underlying factors and mechanisms driving changes in drinking behaviour, as well as potential interventions and support strategies to address alcohol‑related harm during and after the pandemic

Musculoskeletal disorders and incongruous postures in workers on ropes: A pilot study

Background: Occupational hazards believed to cause musculoskeletal disorders in rope workers are traditionally associated with maintaining incongruous postures for prolonged periods of time. Design and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 132 technical operators in the wind energy and acrobatic construction sectors, who work on ropes, analysing the ergonomic characteristics of the environments, the way in which tasks are carried out, the strain perceived by individual workers, and assessing the presence of any musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by means of an objective examination focused on the anatomical districts that were the object of our study. Results: Analysis of the data obtained showed that there were differences in the perception of the level of physical intensity and perceived exertion between the groups of workers. Statistical analysis also revealed a significant association between the frequency of MSDs analysed and perceived exertion. Discussion: The most significant finding to emerge from this study is the high prevalence of MSDs of the cervical spine (52.94%), the upper limbs (29.41%), and the dorso-lumbar spine (17.65%). These values differ from those classically found in those exposed to the risk of conventional manual handling of loads. Conclusions: The high prevalence of disorders of the cervical spine, the scapulo-humeral girdle and the upper limbs, indicates the need to consider the forced position to be assumed for a large part of the work activity, staticity, and the inability to move the lower limbs for long periods as the predominant risk in rope work

Musculoskeletal disorders and incongruous postures in workers on ropes: A pilot study

Background:Occupational hazards believed to cause musculoskeletal disorders in rope workers are traditionally associated with maintaining incongruous postures for prolonged periods of time. Design and methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 132 technical operators in the wind energy and acrobatic construction sectors, who work on ropes, analysing the ergonomic characteristics of the environments, the way in which tasks are carried out, the strain perceived by individual workers, and assessing the presence of any musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by means of an objective examination focused on the anatomical districts that were the object of our study. Results:Analysis of the data obtained showed that there were differences in the perception of the level of physical intensity and perceived exertion between the groups of workers. Statistical analysis also revealed a significant association between the frequency of MSDs analysed and perceived exertion. Discussion:The most significant finding to emerge from this study is the high prevalence of MSDs of the cervical spine (52.94%), the upper limbs (29.41%), and the dorso-lumbar spine (17.65%). These values differ from those classically found in those exposed to the risk of conventional manual handling of loads. Conclusions:The high prevalence of disorders of the cervical spine, the scapulo-humeral girdle and the upper limbs, indicates the need to consider the forced position to be assumed for a large part of the work activity, staticity, and the inability to move the lower limbs for long periods as the predominant risk in rope work

Correlation among job-induced stress, overall well-being, and cardiovascular risk in Italian workers of logistics and distribution

IntroductionWork-related stress is an occupational risk that has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While previous studies have explored this association in various work contexts, none have focused specifically on logistics and distribution personnel. These workers may be exposed to significant job stress, which potentially increases the risk of CVD.MethodsIn this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between work-related stress and cardiovascular risk in a sample of 413 healthy workers of a logistics and distribution company. To assess work-related stress and cardiovascular risk, we used the organisational well-being questionnaire proposed by the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority, the Framingham Heart Study General Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Prediction Score and the WHO General Wellbeing Index (WHO-5).ResultsOur results revealed that individuals with low job support had a significantly higher CVD risk score and lower well-being index than those reporting high job support. Furthermore, workers with high-stress tasks showed higher well-being index scores than those with passive tasks. Approximately 58% of the subjects were classified as low CVD risk (CVD risk <10%), approximately 31% were classified as moderate risk (CVD risk between 10 and 20%) and 11% were considered high risk (CVD risk >20%). The overall median CVD risk for the population was moderate (6.9%), with individual scores ranging from 1 to 58%.DiscussionFurther analyses confirmed the protective effect of work support, also identifying physical inactivity, regular alcohol consumption and low educational level as factors contributing to an increased risk of CVD. Interestingly, factors such as job control and work support demonstrated a positive impact on psychological well-being. These results emphasise the importance of intervention strategies aimed at promoting health in the workplace. By addressing these combined factors, organisations can effectively reduce the risk of CVD and improve the general well-being of their workforce

Evaluation of Correlation between Sleep and Psychiatric Disorders in a Population of Night Shift Workers: A Pilot Study

Background: Insomnia is the perception of inadequate, insufficient or non-restorative sleep. Of all sleep-related disorders, insomnia is the most common. It is important to remember that the sleep-wake cycle also plays a central role in the genesis of anxiety and depression. The aim of our study is to evaluate the association between sleep disturbances and anxiety and depression in a group of workers of both sexes who perform night shift work. Methods: Information on sleep disorders was collected by administering the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test to assess whether there were any differences between sex for those who were healthy or who were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Results: The results showed that there was a good percentage of subjects with insomnia problems, impairing normal daily activities and promoting the onset of fatigue, daytime sleepiness, cognitive performance deficits and mood disorders. Conclusion: We highlighted how anxious and depressive anxiety disorders are more pronounced in people who suffer from altered sleep-wake rhythms. Further research in this direction could prove to be fundamental for understanding the genesis of the onset of other disorders as well

Implant replacement and anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with breast implants: a quantitative analysis

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIAALCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma associated with breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or cosmetic-additive mammoplasty. The increasing use of implants for cosmetic purposes is expected to lead to an increase in BIA-ALCL cases. This study investigated the main characteristics of the disease and the factors predicting BIA-ALCL onset in patients with and without an implant replacement

Increased adherence to influenza vaccination among Palermo family pediatricians: a study on safety and compliance of qLAIV vaccination

Background: Influenza represents a serious public health threat, especially for the management of severe cases and complications of the disease, requiring the implementation of control measures. We aimed to assess the acceptance and impact of qLAIV vaccination among a representative sample of family paediatricians (FPs) operating in Palermo Local Health Authority (LHA). To this end we evaluated vaccination coverage rates, comparing it with that observed in Sicilian context, while actively monitoring possible adverse reactions and their severity. Methods: An observational descriptive non-controlled study was conducted in two phases, from September 2022 to June 2023. The first phase involved a formative and educational intervention with a pre-intervention questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitudes of FPs on paediatric influenza vaccination. The second phase consisted of an active surveillance on qLAIV safety and acceptance among the paediatric population assisted by the participating FPs, from October 2022 to April 2023. Frequencies, chi-squared tests, and comparisons statistics were performed using Stata/MP 14.1. Results: The overall coverage rate among the paediatric population involved in the intervention was 13.2%, with an I.M./qLAIV ratio of vaccine administered of 1/4.25. This coverage rate was significantly higher (p-value <0.001) when compared to the average values reported in the population under the Palermo Local Health Authority (LHA) (6.7%) and in the entire Sicily (5.9%). Adverse events in the qLAIV group were mild, with only 3.3% experiencing them, primarily presenting as a feverish rise (3.2%). No severe adverse reaction was reported. Conclusions: The educational intervention significantly raised paediatric influenza vaccination rates among the participating FPs, and in general improved influenza vaccination coverage rates in the Palermo's LHU. Minimal, non-serious adverse events underscored the vaccine's safety. Training sessions ensured paediatricians stayed informed, enabling them to provide comprehensive information to parents for secure and informed vaccination decisions in their practices

Cancer registries and data protection in the age of health digital interoperability in Europe: The perspective of the Italian Network of Cancer Registries (AIRTUM)

Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) are advanced public health systems providing ongoing surveillance through systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of high-quality data on cancer incident cases registered in a defined population residing in a specific geographical area (1, 2). Basically, PBCRs are well equipped for strengthening cancer surveillance, playing a strategic role in making geographic and temporal variation comparisons to highlight cancer epidemics, while assessing the effectiveness of preventive interventions and oncological care (3). Furthermore, many PBCRs provide cancer risk communication to local communities and authorities by using valuable tools to spread epidemiological data on cancer in intelligible ways to better address preventive intervention and changes in lifestyles (4). To these ends, PBCRs link records and merge data from different administrative, demographic and health sources, following international standards, recommendations, and guidelines (5– 7). Standards in cancer surveillance have been defined in Europe and several cancer research domains are continuously alimented by the cancer registries networks in support of public health and clinical research, with specific regard to aetiologic research, mass screening evaluation, quality of care, translational prognostics, and survivorship (3). More recently, progress has been documented regarding the PBCRs’ capability to estimate the effectiveness of immunisation programmes against vaccine preventable viral infections associated to cancer as well as of cancer screening programmes to decrease late-stage incidence and mortality (8–10). Much more fruits can be harvested from “RegisTrees” having strong roots (11), including the ones allowing the deterministic linkage between cancer registries and clinical registries to generate real-world evidence on treatments, particularly on elderly patients as well, a target population that is usually not included in clinical trials (12, 13). However, the latest revision of the European Union (EU) data protection framework and of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while suggesting a harmonization of health registries requirements for confidentiality and individual consent to data processing, made it raise concerns from researchers and epidemiologists experiencing some excessive restrictions that may hamper data linkages between cancer registries and other sources (14–16). As documented by a survey on how GDPR could have impacted the running of the daily activities of the cancer registries in different EU countries, conducted in 2018 by the European network of cancer registries (ENCR), some critical points related to the implementation and interpretation of the GDPR emerged from PBCRs (17, 18). Of interest, in 2017 the European Commission adopted a strategy to implement an interoperability framework, in order to improve “the ability of organizations to interact towards mutually beneficial goals, involving the sharing of information and knowledge by means of the exchange of data between the respective ICT systems” (19). As the digital interoperability was conceived to maximize the use of huge amounts of data, by contrast an unnecessarily strict interpretation of EU data protection regulation may lead to missed data linkages in cancer registration and other epidemiological activities (20). Therefore, the nature and the use of data from cancer registries in public health and research purposes, and their potentialities in the age of health digital interoperability, are herein discussed (16)

Epidemiology of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Associated with Breast Implants: a quantitative analysis

Background and Objective: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma arising in patients with breast reconstruction post-mastectomy or undergoing cosmetic-additive mammoplasty. Due to widespread use of implantations for cosmetic purposes, BIA-ALCL cases are expected to increase. We aimed at investigating main characteristics of the disease and factors predicting BIA-ALCL onset in patients with and without implant replacement. Method: A quantitative analysis was performed on cases extracted from primary studies published until April 2022 and searched in PubMed, Scopus and Google- Scholar databases, using “Breast-Implant” AND/OR “Associated” AND/OR “Anaplastic-Large-Cell-Lymphoma”. Statistical significance was verified by Student-T test for continuous variables, while Fisher’s exact test was applied for qualitative variables. Cox model with time-dependent covariates was applied to estimate BIA-ALCL’s onset time. Results: 232 patients with BIA-ALCL (mean age at diagnosis: 55 years-old; mean time to disease onset from first implant: 10.3 years) were extracted from 52 selected studies. Patients with cosmetic implants were younger than patients with post-mastectomy implants but no difference was showed for median time to onset. Patients with implant replacement were significantly older than patients without previous replacement at the diagnosis, having a median time to diagnosis since first implant of 13 years (7 years in patients without replacement). Hazard of developing BIA-ALCL resulted significantly lower inpatients having a previous implant replacement as compared to patients who did not (HR= 0.03; 95%CI: 0.005-0.19; p-value= <0.01). Conclusion: Exposure time to prosthesis, regardless of the age at implant and any possible condition associated with the disease, may play a role in BIA-ALCL induction. We provided evidence to be suggested for a proper information on breast implant use and for updating follow-up guidelines. Linkage between prosthetic implants registries and population-based cancer registries will help to better estimate the epidemiological impact over time of both BIA-ALCL and other lymphomas

Decade-long insights: tracking asbestos-related health impacts among formerly exposed workers in Palermo, Italy

Background: Asbestos is a foremost occupational carcinogen globally. Despite the prohibition under Law 257/1992, Italy persists as one of the European nations most burdened by asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). This research assessed ARD cases in asbestosexposed workers from the Province of Palermo, Italy, spanning 2010-2021. Methods: Data acquisition utilized the epidemiological dataset from the 'Service of Prevention and Safety on Work Environment' under the Prevention Department of Palermo's Local Health Authority (LHA). Results: Between 2010 and 2021, we identified 245 ARD instances, comprising 163 Asbestosis/Pleural plaques, 41 Lung Cancers, 38 Mesotheliomas, and 3 unspecified cases. Multivariate analysis indicated a notable decline in temporal exposure for mesothelioma (HR=0.933; 95% CI=0.902-0.965) and lung cancer (HR=0.93; 95% CI=0.90-0.978) relative to pleural plaques/asbestosis. Tobacco use displayed a pronounced correlation with lung cancer (smoker HR=64.520 95% CI=13,075-318.390; former smoker HR=20.917 95% CI=4,913-89.048). A significant link was observed between mesothelioma and pleural plaques/asbestosis in those employed in shipbuilding and repair (HR=0.371 95% CI=0.155-0.892). Conclusions: ARDs persist in clinical observations, even following the 1992 cessation of asbestos-related activities, emphasizing an enduring public health challenge. Enhancing prevention strategies is paramount, focusing on amplifying anamnestic and occupational data collection, thereby facilitating superior early diagnosis strategies for these maladies in the occupationally exposed cohort