Female sex street workers and sexually transmitted infections: their knowledge and behaviour in Italy.

Objective: This study assessed knowledge and sexual behaviour regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex street workers in the area of Milan, Italy.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered covering socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge about STIs; sexual behaviour.

Results: A total of 241 female sex street workers were interviewed.

Adolescents and sexually transmitted infections: knowledge and behaviour in Italy.

Objective: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) among adolescents continue to be an important public health problem for many industrialized and developing countries. This study evaluated knowledge and behaviour in adolescents regarding prevention of STI.

Methods: Information was obtained by using self-reported questionnaire from a random sample of 644 undergraduate students at university and at public high schools aged 14-20 years in Catanzaro (Italy).

Adolescents' attitudes and behaviour towards motorcycle helmet use in Italy.

Unlabelled: The study investigated the use of, attitudes towards, and adherence to motorcycle helmets in a group of adolescents. A random sample of 412 adolescents (14-19 years old) attending randomly selected public secondary classes in Catanzaro (Italy) received a questionnaire consisting of questions on socio-demographics, patterns of motorcycle use, frequency of helmet use, helmet use by adult family members and close friends who are motorcyclists, attitudes towards helmet use and number of traffic-related motorcycle accidents in the last year. A total of 387 adolescents participated.

Appropriateness of admissions and days of stay in pediatric wards of Italy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to measure inappropriateness of admission and inpatient days in pediatric hospital wards in Catanzaro, Italy, and the effect of different variables on such inappropriateness.

Design: A retrospective application was made using the Pediatric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol list of criteria. For each patient, there were recorded data on: sociodemographic characteristics; distance from home to hospital; date, day of the week, ward, and type of admission; overall and pre-index day length of hospital stay; and location within the stay of the day reviewed.