[New users of mental health services for adults in Tuscany (Italy). Characteristics of cases and pathways of care].

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the characteristics and pathways of care for users ("first visits") of adult mental health services in Tuscany. A questionnaire was mailed to healthcare workers of mental health services in Tuscany. Overall 184 psychiatrists and psychologists replied (136 psychiatrists and 48 psychologists) Sixty three percent of new users of mental health services were female, 32.

Risk factors for disability in older persons over 3-year follow-up.

Background: the identification of modifiable risk factors for preventing disability in older individuals is essential for planning preventive strategies.

Purpose: to identify cross-sectional correlates of disability and risk factors for the development activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) disability in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: the study population consisted of 897 subjects aged 65-102 years from the InCHIANTI study, a population-based cohort in Tuscany (Italy).

Association between satisfaction and stress with aspects of job and practice management among primary care physicians.

Background: Reforms introduced in the last decade in Italian general practice, have contributed to the changing role of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the Italian National Health Service, with potential difficulties adapting that may lead to job stress and dissatisfaction. The present study aims to compare job satisfaction and stress levels of PCPs working in primary healthcare teams (PHCTs) with those for practitioners operating in single ambulatory offices, and to assess potential associations with aspects of job and practice management.

Method: A postal survey was conducted between January and March 2005 among PCPs working in Tuscany.

Incidence rates of surgically treated idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome in blue- and white-collar workers and housewives in Tuscany, Italy.

Objectives: Rates of surgically treated carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among blue- and white-collar workers and housewives in the general population were compared.

Methods: Surgically treated cases of idiopathic CTS were investigated among 25-59-year-old residents of Tuscany, Italy, during 1997-2000, based on obligatory discharge records from all Italian public/private hospitals, archived according to residence on Tuscany's regional database. Population data were extracted from the 2001 census.

[Health effects of heat waves].

Climate change, characterized by increased mean temperatures and more frequent occurrence of extreme temperatures, may lead to adverse health effects through different and complex mechanisms due to substantial changes in the physical and social environment. The most easily measurable health effects of climate change in high-risk groups are the direct effects of excessively high temperatures. A literature review was performed to identify studies regarding heat waves, risk factors and prevention programmes.