Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene

INTRODUCTION: Childhood overweight and obesity are major public health challenges, with Malta having one of the highest prevalences among European countries. The COVID-19 pandemic may further worsen this epidemic. The food and physical activity environments impact children's behaviours. This study looks at barriers to maintain a healthy weight, responsibility to address obesity, and assesses parental support for 22 policies aimed at addressing childhood obesity. Public support for policy is key because it influences which policies are adopted and their success...

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is a social health problem in the Western World and an important goal is to analyze and correct risk factors. However, part of the problem could be determined by a different perception of the weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In October 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study in which a questionnaire was administered to the parents of primary and secondary school children in South-East Tuscany, Italy. The aim was to determine the association between children's Body Mass Index (BMI) and the parent's perception...

OBJECTIVE: The cross-sectional study was intended to evaluate the oral health and nicotine dependence among tobacco users. MATERIAL & METHODS: Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence estimated nicotine dependence and clinically oral examination was performed in recording the dentition status, oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal health. Descriptive statistics was computed using mean, percentage and standard deviation. Association was estimated using Independent T Test...

Unesco's World Bioethics Day, whose theme this year is the protection of future generations, reveals the centrality of the concept of one-health, as the main way to guarantee a future for the planet seen as the common home of all living beings. The recent pandemic has sufficiently shown how animal health is linked to human health and how only the balance of the entire planet guarantees both. Living on earth as human beings, no longer blinded by the Anthropocene's arrogance, but conscious of having a fundamental responsibility for the health care and well-being of every species is the imperative that should guide scientific research, education and social life...

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a huge impact on different aspects of public health. Mandatory notifications are a fundamental tool to have a general picture of infection disease spread in a population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on infectious disease epidemiology. METHODS: We collected and analyzed all the infectious disease notifications made in the pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and the pandemic (2020-2022) three-years periods in the provincial territory of Messina, Italy...

INTRODUCTION: The severity of COVID-19 infection is affected by several risk factors such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The current study aimed to determine the effect of single-point HbA1c on the severity and mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among hospitalized moderate and severe COVID-19 patients in Baharloo Hospital in Iran between December 23rd and February 23rd, 2021. The patients have been diagnosed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Chest Computed Tomography (CT) imaging as COVID-19...

[This corrects the article on p. E178-E187 in vol. 64, PMID: 37654848.].

BACKGROUND: Unwanted pregnancy is an important public health concern that can have significant health, social, and economic effects on the mother, the baby and her family. The establishment and enhancement of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) play a role in the promotion of emotional communication between the mother and the child in the future. This study aimed at investigating the effect of cognitive-behavioral counseling on maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women with unwanted pregnancy...

INTRODUCTION: Burnout syndrome represents the pathological outcome of a stressful process that mainly affects the "helping professions". During the COVID-19 pandemic, pressure on healthcare systems has led to an increase in psychological distress among healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to verify whether the practice of relaxation techniques in healthcare workers can improve emotional balance and stem burnout. METHODS: A small sample of 40 female rehabilitation therapists were divided into two groups (20 experimental group subjects and 20 control group subjects)...

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 epidemic control has become a global challenge and many contributing variables are still unknown to policymakers. This case-cohort study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This case-cohort study was conducted on 956 samples in Ardakan and Meybod counties, Yazd Province, between February 20 and May 20, 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and paired t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression analysis...

INTRODUCTION: According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in the last year cholera has re-emerged in various areas of the planet, particularly in Africa. The resurgence of this disease is closely linked to poor hygiene, which is sometimes the result of wars or environmental disasters, as in Lebanon and Syria since autumn 2022 and today in Libya. DISCUSSION: The spread of cholera is chiefly caused by the presence of contaminated water, in environments with inadequate hygiene and sanitation...

BACKGROUND: The history of the primary healthcare system in Iran portrays a journey of strategic development and implementation that has resulted in significant advancements in healthcare access and overall population well-being. Starting in the early 1980s, Iran embarked on a comprehensive approach to health care delivery prioritizing universal access, equity, and community participation. INTRODUCTION: The foundation of this system was established during the Alma-Ata Conference in 1978, which placed a strong emphasis on the role of primary health care in attaining health for all...

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No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 vaccines represent an important opportunity for defeating the disease, as long as high vaccination acceptance rates are achieved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a relevant role in the promotion of immunization among the population and since students in healthcare area will be HCWs it is crucial to provide more in-depth knowledge on vaccinations. Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess the knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical area students regarding COVID-19 vaccination and the impact of a specific Elective Teaching Activity (ETA) on the increase of students' knowledge...

[This corrects the article on p. E1-E443 in vol. 63.].

OBJECTIVE: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) strongly indicates the prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients, as it is closely linked to the risk of death and readmission. Hence, maintaining control over blood pressure is a vital factor in the management of these patients. In order to determine significant variables associated with changes in SBP over time and assess the effectiveness of classical and machine learning models in predicting SBP, this study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis between the two...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

INTRODUCTION: Despite all the advantages of urban family physician program (UFPP), there is still a gap between UFPP and what is actually achieved by the community after its implementation in Iran. In response, this study attempted to review published studies related to the barriers to the implementation of the UFPP in Iran as well as potential solutions to improve it. Further, a qualitative study was conducted to learn the perspectives of experts at the national level and in the Fars province in order to better understand the program's challenges...