The World Health Organization defines rotavirus as among the most severe causes of viral gastroenteritis affecting children under 5 year old. Italy and other European countries do not release ...disaggregated data on rotavirus vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess the uptake and drivers of rotavirus vaccination in Italy.
We administered a survey to 10,000 Italian citizens recruited via an online panel and proportionate to key demographic strata. We examined rotavirus vaccine uptake among parents whose youngest child was aged 6 weeks to 4 years, their sociodemographic characteristics, their beliefs about vaccine administration, and who recommended the rotavirus vaccination.
A total of 711 respondents met the inclusion criteria for the rotavirus vaccine questionnaire. The uptake was estimated at 60.3% nationwide (66.4% among mothers and 50.2% among fathers). Being a mother and living in cities/suburbs was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of vaccine uptake, while fathers were more likely to be uncertain of their children's vaccine status. Living in Central Italy and having friends/relatives opposed to vaccination were found to be significantly associated with a lower likelihood of vaccine uptake, while parents' education level and children's demographics were not found to correlate with any outcomes. In 90.3% of cases, the rotavirus vaccination was recalled as being recommended by a paediatrician.
Consistent collection of behavioural preferences and socioeconomic characteristics of recipients of rotavirus vaccine campaigns, their epidemiological information, cost-benefit, and national policy data are crucial for designing effective vaccination strategies in Italy and other European countries with similar social profiles to reach the target uptake.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, including Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases (IPDs), pose a substantial public health challenge, causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially among ...children and older adults. Vaccination campaigns have played a vital role in reducing pneumococcal-related deaths. However, obstacles related to accessibility and awareness might impede optimal vaccine adoption. This study aims to provide comprehensive data on pneumococcal vaccine coverage and attitudes within at-risk groups in Italy, with the goal of informing public health strategies and addressing vaccination barriers.
Between April 11 and May 29, 2022, a questionnaire investigating vaccine uptake and attitudes toward several vaccinations was administered to 10,000 Italian adults, chosen through population-based sampling. Respondents who were targets of the campaign according to the 2017-2019 National Vaccination Plan, accessed questions regarding pneumococcal vaccination. Data on uptake, awareness of having the right to free vaccination, opinion on vaccine safety, concern with pneumococcal disease, and ease of access to vaccination services were summarized and presented based on statistical regions. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors influencing vaccine uptake.
Out of 2357 eligible adult respondents (42.6% women; mean age: 58.1 ± 15.7), 39.5% received pneumococcal vaccination. Uptake differed among at-risk groups: respondents aged ≥65 (33.7%), with lung disease (48.4%), cardiovascular disease (46.6%), and diabetes (53.7%). Predictors of not being vaccinated and unwilling to included female gender, residing in rural areas, lower education, low concern about pneumococcal disease, vaccine safety concerns, and associations with vaccine-opposed acquaintances. Health access issues predicted willingness to be vaccinated despite non-vaccination. Pneumopathy, heart disease, diabetes, and living in Northeastern or Central Italy were linked to higher uptake. Among the 1064 parents of eligible children, uptake was 79.1%. Parental unawareness of children's free vaccination eligibility was a predictor of non-vaccination. Vaccine safety concerns correlated with reluctance to vaccinate children, while perceived healthcare access challenges were associated with wanting but not having received vaccination.
Pneumococcal vaccination uptake within prioritized groups and children in Italy remains inadequate. Scarce awareness of vaccine availability and obstacles in accessing vaccinations emerge as principal barriers influencing this scenario.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Herpes Zoster is an age dependent disease and as such it represents a problem in the Italian social context, where the demographic curve is characterized by an overrepresentation of the elderly ...population. Vaccines against Herpes Zoster are available, safe and effective, however coverage remains sub-optimal. This study was therefore conducted to examine the variations in Herpes Zoster vaccine uptake and confidence across different regions in Italy.
This study utilized a cross-sectional computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) methodology. The survey was conducted by Dynata, an online panel provider, and involved 10,000 respondents recruited in Italy between April 11 and May 29, 2022. The sample was stratified based on geographic region, gender, and age group. Data management adhered to European Union data protection regulations, and the survey covered demographics, living conditions, and vaccination against herpes zoster (HZ), following the BeSD framework.
The findings indicate regional disparities in herpes zoster vaccine uptake across Italy. Notably, the Islands region exhibits a particularly low vaccination rate (2.9%), highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The multivariate regression analysis showed that sociodemographic factors, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate awareness of vaccine eligibility contribute to the lower uptake observed in this region.
In conclusion, this research emphasizes regional disparities in herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination uptake in Italy. Demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors impact individuals' willingness to receive the vaccine. The study highlights the importance of awareness of vaccine eligibility and accessible vaccination facilities in increasing uptake rates.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
In August 2020, Sputnik V was registered as Gam-COVID-Vac by the Russian Ministry of Health, and since December 2020 it has been distributed in 61 countries worldwide. On 25 February 2021, the ...Republic of San Marino started its vaccination campaign, which includes Sputnik V. Our aim was to describe the adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) with this vaccine through participant-based active surveillance in the country.
Beginning from 4 March to 8 April 2021, a nationwide study was conducted on San Marino's population aged 18–89 years who received one or two doses of Sputnik V. E-questionnaire dissemination occurred through e-mails, QR-codes or live/phone interviews ~7 days after the first and second vaccine dose. A descriptive analysis was conducted to quantify AEFI incidence on both occasions, stratifying results by type and severity of symptoms.
Mean age of the 2558 vaccine recipients was 66±14 years. First-dose AEFI incidence was 53.3% (systemic reactions at 42.2%), while second-dose AEFI incidence was 66.8% (systemic reactions at 50.4%) (n = 1288). In general, 76.0% of two-dose recipients reported some AEFIs after either vaccine dose, and 2.1% suffered severe reactions; in 60- to 89-year-olds (n = 1021), AEFI incidence was 70.0%, with 53.0% of subjects describing systemic reactions and 0.8% reporting severe symptoms. The most frequent symptoms were local pain, asthenia, headache and joint pain.
Our results, albeit preliminary, suggest that Sputnik V has a high tolerability profile in the population aged ≥60 years in terms of short-term AEFIs.
None.
Influenza annually claims an estimated 8,000 lives in Italy. Despite no-cost vaccinations for high-risk groups, hesitancy persists. This study aims to pinpoint social and behavioral vaccination ...determinants, forming strategies to bolster vaccine uptake. From April 11 to May 29, 2022, we surveyed a demographic-stratified sample of 10,000 Italian adults, employing the WHO's Behavioral and Social Drivers of Vaccination (BesD) framework. Of those, 4,613 (46.1%) were eligible for the influenza vaccine and included in the analysis. Roughly a third remained unvaccinated and unwilling. Central Italy showed the highest resistance, with significant percentages of seniors and professionals like teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare workers expressing noncompliance. A lack of awareness of being in a target group correlated significantly with vaccine refusal or delayed acceptance. Other refusal factors included female gender, being aged 45-54, rural residency, absence of higher education, perceived vaccine unsafety, and having vaccine-opposed acquaintances. Thus, addressing these perceptions and enhancing awareness can potentially increase vaccination rates and lessen disease impact.
Vaccine hesitancy was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 as a major threat to global health. In Italy, reluctance to receive vaccines is a widespread phenomenon that was amplified ...during the COVID-19 pandemic by fear and mistrust in government. This study aims to depict different profiles and characteristics of people reluctant to vaccinate, focusing on the drivers of those who are in favor of and those who are opposed to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
A sample of 10,000 Italian residents was collected. A survey on COVID-19 vaccination behavior and possible determinants of vaccine uptake, delay, and refusal was administered to participants through a computer-assisted web interviewing method.
In our sample, 83.2% stated that they were vaccinated as soon as possible ("vaccinators"), 8.0% delayed vaccination ("delayers"), and 6.7% refused to be vaccinated ("no-vaccinators"). In general, the results show that being female, aged between 25 and 64, with an education level less than a high school diploma or above a master's degree, and coming from a rural area were characteristics significantly associated with delaying or refusing COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, it was found that having minimal trust in science and/or government (i.e., 1 or 2 points on a scale from 1 to 10), using alternative medicine as the main source of treatment, and intention to vote for certain parties were characteristics associated with profiles of "delayers" or "no-vaccinators". Finally, the main reported motivation for delaying or not accepting vaccination was fear of vaccine side effects (55.0% among delayers, 55.6% among no-vaccinators).
In this study, three main profiles of those who chose to be vaccinated are described. Since those who are in favor of vaccines and those who are not usually cluster in similar sociodemographic categories, we argue that findings from this study might be useful to policy makers when shaping vaccine strategies and choosing policy instruments.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are still below the target due to vaccine refusal or delay, lack of knowledge, and logistical challenges. Understanding these barriers is crucial for ...developing strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates.
This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire to investigate social and behavioral factors influencing decision making about the HPV vaccine. The survey was conducted from 11 April to 29 May 2022 and involved 10,000 Italian citizens aged ≥ 18 years. The sample was stratified based on region of residence, gender, and age group.
3160 participants were surveyed about themselves, while 1266 respondents were surveyed about their children's vaccine uptake. Among females aged ≥ 26 years, the national average HPV vaccine uptake was 21.7%, with variations across different regions. In the 18-25 age group, females had a vaccine uptake (80.8%) twice as much as males (38.1%), while vaccine uptake among male and female children aged 9-11 was similar.
The OBVIOUS study in Italy reveals factors influencing low HPV vaccine uptake, suggesting targeted approaches, tailored information campaigns, heightened awareness of eligibility, promoting early vaccination, addressing low-risk perception among males, addressing safety concerns, and enhancing perceived accessibility to improve vaccine uptake and mitigate health risks.
There is little evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Public Health Residents' (PHR) mental health (MH). This study aims at assessing prevalence and risk factors for depression, anxiety ...and stress in European PHR during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between March and April 2021, an online survey was administered to PHR from France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The survey assessed COVID-19 related changes in working conditions, training opportunities and evaluated MH outcomes using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Multivariable logistic regressions were applied to identify risk factors.
Among the 443 respondents, many showed symptoms of depression (60.5%), anxiety (43.1%) and stress (61.2%). The main outcome predictors were: female gender for depression (adjOR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.05-2.42), anxiety (adjOR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.33-3.08), and stress (adjOR = 2.35, 95%CI 1.53-3.61); loss of research opportunities for anxiety (adjOR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.28-2.93) and stress (adjOR = 1.98, 95%CI 1.26-3.11); and COVID-19 impact on training (adjOR = 1.78, 95%CI 1.12-2.80) for depression.
The pandemic had a significant impact on PHR in terms of depression, anxiety and stress, especially for women and who lost work-related opportunities. Training programs should offer PHR appropriate MH support and training opportunities.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has become a global threat to public health systems around the world in recent decades. In 2017, Italy was placed among the worst-performing nations in Europe by the ...European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, due to worryingly high levels of AMR in Italian hospitals and regions. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the state of the art of research on AMR in Italy over the last five years. The PubMed database was searched to identify studies presenting original data. Forty-three of the 9721 records identified were included. Overall, AMR rates ranged from 3% (in a group of sheep farmers) to 78% (in a hospital setting). The methods used to identify the microorganisms, to test their susceptibility and the criteria adopted for the breakpoint were deficient in 7, 7 and 11 studies, respectively. The main findings of our review were that most studies (79.1%) considered hospitalised patients only, 4 studies (9.3%) analysed non-hospitalised populations only. In addition, only 7 studies were multicentric and no scientific literature on the subject was produced in 7 Italian regions. In order to have a solid basis on the topic for the interventions of public health professionals and other stakeholders, studies analysing the phenomenon should be conducted in a methodologically standardised manner, should include all areas of the country and should also focus on out-of-hospital and community-based care and work settings.
The dramatic lifestyle changes forced by COVID-19-related lockdown promoted weight gain, with a stronger impact on obese subjects, at higher risk of severe infection. The PubMed database was searched ...to identify original studies assessing: (1) the extent and risk factors of lockdown-induced weight increase; and (2) the impact of obesity on the risk of hospital admission in children and adolescents. A systematic literature review and meta-analyses were performed. Twenty out of 13,986 identified records were included. A significant weight increase was reported in the majority of subjects, with no apparent gender or age differences. It was induced by a higher consumption of hypercaloric/hyperglycemic/junk food and/or the reduction of physical activity, often associated with an altered sleep–wake cycle. On the other hand, obesity increased the risk of hospitalization (OR = 4.38; 95% C.I. 1.46–13.19; p = 0.009; I2 = 96%) as compared to the normal weight population. COVID-19 and obesity represent epidemic conditions with reciprocal detrimental impact. Urgent public health interventions, targeting the various age and social strata, and involving governmental authorities, health care personnel, teachers and families are warranted to increase awareness and actively promote healthy lifestyles to contrast pediatric obesity and its detrimental consequences at a global level.
PDF
