Public health genomics research in Italy: an overview of ongoing projects.

Public health genomics (PHG) aims to integrate advances in genomic sciences into healthcare for the benefit of the general population. As in many countries, there are various research initiatives in this field in Italy, but a clear picture of the national research portfolio has never been sketched. Thus, we aimed to provide an overview of current PHG research projects at the national or international level by consultation with Italian institutional and academic experts.

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Smoking Habit in the Italian General Adult Population: CUORE Project Health Examination Survey 2018-2019.

Background: Tobacco consumption, incorrect nutrition and insufficient physical activity/sedentariness represent modifiable NCDs risk factors in Western countries. To evaluate recent lifestyle indicators in Italy, data from the national Health Examination Survey (HES), implemented in 2018-2019 within the CUORE Project, were assessed.

Methods: Age-sex standardized results from random samples of Italian general population (35-74 years) were reported by sex, age-class, educational level and geographical area.

Trends of blood pressure, raised blood pressure, hypertension and its control among Italian adults: CUORE Project cross-sectional health examination surveys 1998/2008/2018.

Objectives: To assess in the Italian general adult population the trends of blood pressure (BP) and prevalence of raised BP (RBP), hypertension and its control in order to evaluate population health and care, and the achievement of an RBP 25% relative reduction as recommended by the WHO at population level.

Design: Results comparison of health examination surveys, cross-sectional observational studies based on health examination of randomly selected age and sex stratified samples including residents aged 35-74 years. Data of the 2018/2019 survey were compared with the previous ones collected in 1998/2002 and 2008/2012.

Active breaks: a strategy to counteract sedentary behaviors for Health Promoting Schools. A discussion on their implementation in Italy.

School Active Breaks are short bouts of physical activity (5-15 minutes) conducted by appropriately trained teachers and delivered during or between curricular lessons. They are a good strategy to counteract sedentary behaviors, and a growing body of evidence shows that they can represent also a tool to promote and improve health, school wellbeing and academic achievements. On 19 February 2022, the Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health organized an Awareness Day on the effectiveness, usefulness and feasibility of School Active Breaks, opened to teachers, educators, school leaders, pediatricians, personnel from Departments of Prevention and Public Health and Health Policy-makers.

The methodology of the Italian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2018 study and its development for the next round.

Introduction: The Italian "Health Behaviour in School-aged Children" (HBSC) is a national surveillance system that collects data on health and well-being among adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 years attending school. It is part of the HBSC Research Network, an international alliance of researchers from 45 European and North American countries and regions started in 1982.

Methods: All countries and regions participating in HBSC must adhere to a common international standard protocol developed and systematically updated by the entire HBSC Network.