Search

The literature claims that an increased risk of complications from pertussis and influenza exists for pregnant women and infants. Maternal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccines seem to decrease this risk so that several countries are committed to increase vaccination uptake, but not all of them know their own vaccination coverage and factors that motivate this population to vaccination.A cross-sectional survey was conducted.We conducted this survey to estimate among pregnant women: 1) the vaccine coverage, 2) the availability of information, 3) the knowledge about maternal Tdap and influenza vaccination, 4) the factors that could have driven unvaccinated pregnant women to have themselves vaccinated. In addition, determinants of Tdap and influenza vaccine uptake and correct knowledge about vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccination in pregnancy were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.Of the 250 women included in the present study, only 58 (23.2%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 18-28.4%) and 21 (8.1%, 95% CI: 5-11.8%) reported that they had been vaccinated with Tdap and influenza vaccine, respectively, during their current pregnancy. The most common reasons cited for getting themselves vaccinated was having background knowledge of the health problems due to the diseases prevented by Tdap and influenza vaccines, awareness regarding these vaccines being recommended in pregnancy, knowledge of their effectiveness and/or side effects, and having been informed about vaccination by a healthcare professional.Influenza and Tdap vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Italy is low, however, the present study showed that women are available to get vaccinated during pregnancy when adequately informed about the vaccines recommended.

Background: Evaluation of nutrition programs is essential to guarantee the effectiveness of community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM). Methods: The Rainbow Project Supplementary Feeding Programs (SFPs) in Zambia were evaluated between years 2015-17, following implementation of new recommendations based on previous evaluations (years 2012-14). Outcomes of the program were compared with International Standards and with those of 2012-14. Cox proportional risk regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality and defaulting. Results: Data for 900 under age 5 years malnourished children (48.8% male; mean age 19.7months ±9.9) were analyzed. Rainbow 2015-17 program outcomes met International Standards, for general malnutrition or stratified moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM). When comparing with 2012-14 outcomes, better performance was noted: mortality rates were reduced by half (5.6% vs 3.1%, p = 0.01; for SAM: 12.4% vs 6.7%, p = 0.006), with significant improvement in average weight gain and mean length of stay (p

The projections regarding the ageing of the Italian population are cause for great concern; however, the ageing scenario may actually be interpreted in a more optimistic way. Theories formulated in the 80s envisaging a decline of mortality, morbidity and disability in the elderly are now confirmed and prefigure an unexpected decrease in disability rates in the elderly population. The aim of this review is to attempt to explain the reasons for this by analyzing the role played by the various determinants of health, in particular social isolation, which are likely to play an important role in the future as well.