The effect of revascularization procedures on myocardial infarction incidence rates and time trends: the MONICA-Brianza and CAMUNI MI registries in Northern Italy.

Purpose: Clinical guidelines recommend early reperfusion treatment in myocardial infarction (MI) patients to reduce the cardiac damage. Epidemiologic definitions of MI are often based on the evolution of the cardiac lesion. We aim to study the effect of treatment on the estimates of rates and 20-year time trends of MI.

[Workplace health promotion: what evidence of effectiveness?].

Workplace health promotion is a strategy that takes in consideration the synergic effects of behavioural and professional health risks. The workplace can help to improve workers' lifestyles, based on specific programmes conducted by trained occupational physicians. In this article we report on the conclusions of two recent reviews, assessing the evidences of effectiveness of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs, recently published.

[A multi-dimensional evaluation of job stress integrating organizational and subjective risk indicators: one application to health care workers in Northern Italy].

Job stress is a multi-dimensional construct which requires a number of different parameters to be fully evaluated. The interaction of situational and individual factors could result into different patterns of job stress, closely connected to the working environment investigated. We present a method in which administrative and self-reported data are integrated, to describe the risk profile of health care workers in an university hospital in Northern Italy.

[Drug use among workers: an update].

We present data coming from two years of surveillance of drug use among workers, as provided for by the recent law. Urine samples have been collected either by our lab or by the firm; procedures and investigated substances followed the law. Self-reported information on job duties and history of drug use have also been collected.

[Occupational physicians' new attributions and responsibilities].

Background: With the introduction in Italy of the Law regarding alcohol abuse and addiction (Law No.125/01), new tasks and responsibilities were assigned to occupational physicians. This law establishes that in working activities with a high risk of industrial accidents, or which may cause a risk for the safety and health of others, workers are forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages during working hours.