Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene

Health-care associated infections in the two university hospitals of southern Tunisia: a point prevalence survey

Mouna Baklouti — 2025-05-21

Introduction

Despite advances in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in recent decades, this once-almost-usual adverse event remains relatively common and still has a definite impact on patients and public health. In light of this, this study aimed to determine the HAI prevalence, to describe their main specificities and to identify their associated factors, in Southern Tunisia.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional study to assess HAI point prevalence in a two university hospitals in southern Tunisia. The study was started in February 20^th to March 13^th2023.

Results

There were 1028 patients included in the survey and (47.3%) of them were women (n=486). The median age was 48 years (Interquartile Range (IQR)= [30-65]) years. We noted 86 HAI in the two establishments visited, with a global HAI prevalence of 8.4%. Multivariate analyses showed that independent factors of HAI were immune suppression (AOR=2.5; p=0.004), hospital stay duration≥6 (AOR=4.5; p<0.001), surgery 30 days prior to the study date (AOR=1.9; p=0.021), having central vascular catheter (AOR=2.44; p=0.032) and having intubation or endotracheal tube (AOR=3.5; p=0.002).

Conclusions

This study highlighted a relatively high prevalence of HAI in southern Tunisia. Therefore, urgent and ongoing corrective measures should be done, maintained and re-evaluated continuously in order to control HAI and promote care safety.

Validity and reliability of the Home Health Care Survey of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System (HHCAHPS) tool: a multicentre cross-sectional study

Paolo Iovino — 2025-05-21

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Home Health Care Survey of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System (HHCAHPS) in the Italian context.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from the [blinded for peer review] study. A total of 9,780 patients cared for by home healthcare services completed the HHCAHPS along with a measure of satisfaction for the care received. Structural validity was assessed with a confirmatory analytical approach (CFA). Construct validity was ascertained via hypothesis testing (convergent validity) by correlating the HHCAHPS scores with the scores derived from the measure of patient satisfaction for care. Internal consistency was assessed with the Omega (ω) coefficient.

Results: Structural validity was confirmed, with satisfactory fit indices of the CFA model specified according to the conceptualized three-factor structure (“care of patients”, “communication with the providers”, and “specific care issues”). Construct validity was confirmed with moderate correlations between the level of satisfaction for care and the factors “communication with the providers” (r= 0.39, p <0.001), “care of patients” (r=0.34, p <0.001), and “specific care issues” (r=0.19, p<0.001). Internal consistency was satisfactory for the “specific care issues” factor (ω = 0.81), while it was at the threshold of acceptability for the other factors (ω = 0.60-0.62).

Conclusions: This study shows that the HHCAHPS is valid and sufficiently reliable when tested on the Italian population. Therefore, this tool can be supportive for promoting research and designing interventions to promote patient-centered care within home healthcare settings.

Network Analysis of the HLS 19-Q12 Health Literacy Questionnaire: Insights from an Italian Pilot Study

Sara Maria Pani — 2025-05-21

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.

Italian Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Medical Doctor Residents’ interest in a Preventive Medicine Physician: a national survey

Gerardo Altamura — 2025-05-21

Introduction:

The growing importance of Preventive Medicine is creating a need for specialised professional figures, that are often missing in the actual national and international contexts. This study aimed to assess attitudes, knowledge, and compliance with preventive measures among 193 Hygiene and Preventive Medicine Medical Doctor Residents (HPMMDRs) in Italy, addressing the unrecognized significance of their role and inadequate Public Health education.

Methods:

Conducted from May 1st to May 31st, 2023, a web-based survey covered demographics, health behaviors, Preventive Medicine education, and interest. Statistical analyses included parametric tests, hierarchical cluster analysis, and ordered logit regression.

Results:

Demographically, 57.0% were female, median age 31, with central Italy having the highest representation (52.3%). Analyses revealed associations between demographics, health behaviors, and attitudes. Ordered logit regression showed a significant correlation (OR=11.3, p=0.03) between a healthier lifestyle and belief in specialists' usefulness.

Conclusion:

Despite the lack of recognition and insufficient education, the study unveiled substantial interest and willingness to learn among HPMMDRs in Italy. Findings emphasize the need for recognizing shared priorities and implementing actions for effective Preventive Medicine interventions, guiding future research and policy decisions.

Identification of Community Vaccine Hesitancy in a Provincial Center: A Descriptive-Cross-Sectional Study

Deniz S. Yorulmaz — 2025-05-21

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 (β=-0.245, 95% CI: -4.715 to -1.453), belief in making vaccination mandatory (β=-0.137, 95% CI: -4.873 to -0.083), receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (β=-0.169, 95% CI: -5.925 to -0.947), and receiving the flu vaccine (β=-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. Conclusion: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 on vaccines.

New integrations in patient care: the role of the pharmacist between couselling and medication adherence

Rosagemma Ciliberti — 2025-05-21

The changing scenarios in healthcare in recent years underscore the need to promote diverse, articulated, and complex care approaches capable of paying greater attention to people's vulnerability and responding to multiple care needs. A multidimensional approach to healthcare also suggests a review of the role that pharmacies can assume within the healthcare system, with particular regard to the possibility of creating a relational space with the citizen aimed at strengthening the fiduciary relationship with him or her and promoting greater user empowerment in therapy adherence.

The promotion of this ethically relevant service could yield several benefits: greater protection of public health, rationalization of public spending, and shifts in the demand for healthcare services. This paper aims to illustrate some socially and ethically relevant aspects of collaboration between pharmacists, general practitioners, and pediatricians of free choice.

Population-based cross-sectional study of correlates of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among Bangladeshi adults

Mohammad Jobair Khan — 2025-05-21

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 2018 across 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). Conclusion: A notable pattern of insufficient recreational physical activity among adults in Bangladesh was noted. Further study is required to explain and identify policy interventions that may encourage a physically active lifestyle and reduce sedentary behaviour among Bangladeshi adults identified as physically inactive.

A hard-to-heal wound: a case study on the collaboration between nonprofit and Public Health Sector in South Italy

Virginia Gatto — 2025-05-21

This paper presents a case study of the barriers to care faced by a 44-year-old patient from Ivory Coast who has been living in Italy for 15 years. The patient visited his general practitioner (GP) in his neighborhood in southern Italy, seeking treatment for a workplace complex hand injury for which parenteral antibiotic therapy was recommended. During the medical examination, the physician also diagnosed the patient with diabetes mellitus and prescribed specialist examinations (i.e., diabetology, physiatry, surgery). Even if the patient was regularly residing in Italy, he encountered difficulties in navigating the health system to obtain the recommended services (i.e., administration of parenteral antibiotic therapy, serial dressings for the wound, booking several medical appointments). The local office of the Italian non-governmental organization EMERGENCY (EMR) stepped in to support the patient in facilitating the health system navigation, and collaborated with his GP on a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. The course was regular and the patient did not develop any complications (i.e., gangrene, sepsis). The synergy between EMR, the patient, and his GP has resulted in (1) an effective clinical pathway, (2) reduced barriers to access, and (3) increased patient empowerment. However, this approach proved to be extremely resource-intensive. Organizing these resources with more planning and forethought would have granted many more patients access to care. Were the SSN to provide this type of comprehensive healthcare to every patient, regardless of the presence of NGOs, there would be better outcomes for marginalized health seekers, and resources would be used more efficiently and sustainably.

Virtual Reality as a Tool for Wellbeing in Public Healthcare: Analysis of a Clinical Case

Fabiana Nuccetelli — 2025-05-21

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%) [1]. 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.

Performance-based payment systems for general practitioners and specialists in selected countries: a comparative study

Mohammad Ebrahim Eghbali Zarch — 2025-05-21

Context: due to the growing increase in the needs of health systems in the field of financial and human resources management, as well as the challenges related to enhancing the quality of health care, performance-based payment has been the subject of attention by health and welfare policymakers. This study aimed to compare the components of performance-based payment in selected countries.

Methods: This comparative study was conducted in 2021. The search was performed in two search engines (Google Scholar and Google), three databases (Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science), and the websites of WHO and the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the selected countries. The selection of countries was based on three measures: the type of health insurance system, the development of the performance-based payment system, and the state of economic development of the countries. Finally, England, Taiwan, United States of America, Canada, Germany, Turkey, France, and Iran were included in this study. The findings were organized using comparative analysis tables. The general framework of performance-based payment systems, including goals, activities and actions, people involved in the program, and the way of encouraging and punishing, was used for analysis.

Results: The findings of the study showed that in most of the programs, aspect of clinical quality has the highest weight. Other dimensions include patient experience and satisfaction, physician financial performance, and patients’ access to services. In most programs, various risk adjustment methods such as exception reporting, combined payments, payment according to demographic characteristics, were used to reduce provider risk, and clinical service providers were actively involved in the program design. In several programs incentive payments were made at the group level. The method of payment in several programs was also staggered and progressive.

Conclusion: In general, developed countries have formal performance-based payment systems with different mechanisms. On the other hand, in most developing countries, scattered measures have been taken in this field. Despite the widespread use of performance-based payment programs in most countries, these programs face limitations and shortcomings. By linking incentives to individual, team, and organizational performance, a performance-based payment program can increase clinicians’ morale capacity, improve teamwork, and create integrated health care.

Designing a performance-based payment model for physicians at outpatient clinics contracted with Iran health insurance: a case study from Iran

Mohammad Ebrahim Eghbali Zarch — 2025-05-21

Summary

Context: One of the essential conditions for providing quality healthcare services is the presence of capable physicians with high performance levels. To improve physicians' performance, an effective performance-based payment system can achieve three goals: productivity, high-quality clinical services, and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to design a performance-based payment model for physicians in outpatient clinics contracted with the Iran Health Insurance Organization, tailored to the context and structure of this organization.

Methodology: This study is a mixed-methods study in which data were collected and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. In this study, through literature review and interviews with experts, the determining indicators for performance-based payments to general and specialized physicians in the outpatient sector who have direct contracts with the Health Insurance Organization were identified, along with the criteria for selecting these indicators. The extracted indicators were reviewed in several expert panels, and the indicators were entered into a prioritization matrix according to the structures of health insurance. In this phase, 49 questionnaires were completed, ultimately leading to the formulation of the operational framework for the indicators.

Results: From the aggregation of findings from the systematic review of literature and interviews, 47 determining indicators for performance-based payments to physicians and 18 criteria for the final selection of these indicators were extracted. Ultimately, with the entry of 24 selected indicators from the expert panel into the prioritization matrix, 9 indicators for general physicians and 13 indicators for specialized physicians were chosen. These indicators were categorized into three statuses: current, transitional, and desired, in accordance with the infrastructures of the Health Insurance Organization and its partner organizations. Selected indicators included the average number of prescribed medications, registered and sent electronic prescriptions, per capita number of prescribed diagnostic procedures, timely presence of physicians, complaints against physicians, physicians' work history, adherence to guidelines in physicians' decision-making, completion of electronic patient records, patient satisfaction, participation in training courses, and the average number of tests prescribed by physicians. The indicator profile contained the indicator title, indicator formula, indicator standard, method of data collection, and data source.

Conclusion: Policymakers can direct physicians' performance towards the goals of the insurance organization, such as reducing costs, accelerating processes, and increasing patient satisfaction, by utilizing the selected indicators in the pay-for-performance (P4P) system. The identified indicators assess various aspects of physicians' performance and will provide a basis for improving their performance by clarifying the organization's objectives for them.

The summer colonies: ‘custodians’ of the health of the young. Prophylaxis of infectious diseases and educational purposes in the reports of the school medical inspector Benedetto Barni (1893-1970) in the 1950s

Mariano Martini — 2025-05-21

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-20^th 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.

Historical and Social Considerations upon Tuberculosis

Elena Varotto — 2025-05-21

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 the TB disease 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.

Assessment of hygienic knowledge and oral health practices among children under dynamic observation for periodontosis in Aktobe

Nurgul Zholdassova — 2025-05-21

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. 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. 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. 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.

Vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic: Draw on experience.

Francesca Riccardi — 2025-05-21

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.

The burden of Tuberculosis in a province of a low incidence country: epidemiological differences between Italy-born, regular foreigner and irregular foreigner TB cases.

Fabio Contarino — 2025-05-21

Introduction. Tuberculosis (TB) represent a serious public health issue even in most developed countries, where TB cases are mostly concentrated in some risk groups, like immigrants from high-incidence TB countries. Aim of the study was to describe the occurrence of TB in Siracusa Local Health Authority (Italy) and to explore its determinants in three different populations: Italy-born, regular foreigner and irregular foreigner.

Methods. Cases were classified per patient origin and legal ground: Italy-born (IB); regular foreigners (REF); irregular foreigners (IRF). All the notifications were evaluated and uploaded to the Notification System of Infectious Diseases (PREMAL) by the Epidemiology Unit of the Prevention Department of Siracusa LHA.

Results. During the study period, 183 TB cases were detected: 72 (39.3%) were Italy-born, 26 (14.2%) were regular foreigners and 85 (46.5%) were irregular foreigners. Overall, foreign-born cases (regularly and irregularly residents) accounted for 60.7% of all cases. We demonstrated significative differences in epidemiological, demographic and clinical features among the three different groups.

Furthermore, we registered a decrease in TB notifications of 59.5% among Italy-born patients, 46.0% among regular foreigners and 95.5% among irregular foreigners, who, however, remain the population group with the highest incidence of tuberculosis in Siracusa LHA.

Conclusions. TB control in migrants is considered key to achieving TB elimination in low TB incidence countries, in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s End TB Strategy, that set ambitious targets for 2020–2035, including 90% reduction in TB incidence and 95% reduction in TB deaths by 2035, compared with 2015.

Analysis and Impact of Infection Prevention Procedures in Long-Term Care Facilities

Federico Viti — 2025-05-21

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant healthcare complication, with major implications for public health. In the EU/EEA, up to 2.6 million new HAIs cases occur annually, causing significant burdens and economic costs. In Italy, the prevalence of HAIs is rising due to factors like invasive devices, antibiotic resistance, and poor infection control. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of HAIs containment practices in long-term care facilities (LTCF).
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included eight LTCF inspected by Prevention Technicians of the Local Health Authority Tuscany South-east (LHA-TSE) in 2023. The study evaluated non-compliance in procedures for legionellosis prevention, cleaning and disinfection, laundry management, management of pans, HAIs prevention, healthcare tools disinfection, and hairdressing services. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mann Whitney test to compare infection rates with procedure compliance.
Results: In 2023, 606 infections were reported in the eight enrolled LTCF. The most frequent infections were COVID-19 (19.4%), urinary tract infections (16.9%), pharyngitis (15.6%), and influenza-like illness (ILI) (15%). For the "Laundry Procedure," 3 LTCF were compliant and 5 were not, showing a significant relationship with influenza syndromes (p=0.02) and surgical site infections (p=0.04). For the "Cleaning Check" procedure, non-compliance was linked to higher fungal infections (p=0.01) and gastroenteritis (p=0.04). The "Disinfection of Health Tools procedure showed non-compliance correlated with higher gastroenteritis (p=0.04) and conjunctivitis (p=0.01). Gastrointestinal infections from Clostridium Difficile were linked to non-compliance with "HAIs Procedures Routes" (p=0.04), "Pans" processes (p=0.04), and cleanliness in the hairdressing service (p=0.04). Herpes Simplex or Herpes Zoster infections were higher in LTCF with non-compliant hairdressing service rooms (p=0.02). Two legionellosis cases were recorded in LTCF with reported non-compliance in analytical procedures for Legionellosis.
Conclusions: Our analysis showed significant correlations between cleanliness procedures and reductions in fungal infections, gastroenteritis, and ear infections. Compliance in laundry procedures was linked to ILI and surgical site infections. Non-compliance in healthcare tools correlated with higher rates of gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis, highlighting the need for stronger practices. The data suggest that effective prevention measures reduce HAIs, though discrepancies in implementation across facilities call for standardization and continuous monitoring.

Attitudes and knowledge of the adult population on arboviral diseases

Fabiana Nuccetelli — 2025-05-21

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.