Socioeconomic inequalities in smoking habits are still increasing in Italy.

Background: Socioeconomic inequalities in smoking habits have stabilized in many Western countries. This study aimed at evaluating whether socioeconomic disparities in smoking habits are still enlarging in Italy and at comparing the impact of education and occupation.

Methods: In the frame of the GEIRD study (Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases) 10,494 subjects, randomly selected from the general population aged 20-44 years in seven Italian centres, answered a screening questionnaire between 2007 and 2010 (response percentage = 57.

Tobacco use prevalence, knowledge and attitudes among Italian hospital healthcare professionals.

Background: Healthcare professionals play a key role in tobacco use prevention because they are considered as model by patients. This multicenter study was aimed to evaluate smoking prevalence, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco among Italian hospital professionals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire administered to healthcare professionals in seven Italian hospitals, to investigate personal and occupational data, knowledge, attitudes, job setting, clinical activities, smoking habits and pattern for current smokers.

The evolution of workplace health promotion in Europe: the Italian case.

In this paper the Authors describe the development of workplace health promotion in Europe and show how, despite the fact that they have developed independently of one other the professional disciplines of Occupational Safety and Health together with Public Health have provided a common platform from which has emerged this new philosophy--Workplace Health Promotion (WHP). Whilst the paper draws on the experience of countries throughout Europe, particular attention is paid to the developmental process in Italy.