An outbreak of chickenpox in an asylum seeker centre in Italy: outbreak investigation and validity of reported chickenpox history, December 2015-May 2016.

An outbreak of chickenpox occurred between December 2015 and May 2016 among asylum seekers in a reception centre in Latium, Italy. We describe the epidemiological and laboratory investigations, control measures and validity of reported history of chickenpox infection. Serological screening of all residents and incoming asylum seekers was performed, followed by vaccine offer to all susceptible individuals without contraindication.

Percentage and determinants of missed HIV testing in pregnancy: a survey of women delivering in the Lazio region, Italy.

HIV testing is recommended as part of routine preconception and prenatal care but some cases of vertical transmission still occur because of missed HIV testing in pregnancy. We estimated the percentage of women missing HIV testing before delivery, and we evaluated factors related with it. An anonymous survey was distributed to women giving birth during a two-week period in the maternity units of hospitals in the Lazio region of Italy in 2011.

Healthy diet to prevent cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis: the experience of the 'ProSa' project.

The ProSa (PROmozione e tutela della SAlute) Project ('Health Promotion Project') is a workplace programme geared to promote health among the Roman staff of the National Research Council of Italy. 789 employees of both genders (450 men, 339 women) have participated in the cardiovascular prevention programme (screening, computerized calculation of the risk level, dietary and pharmacological intervention) and 245 women have participated in the osteoporosis programme (calcaneal ultrasonometer test, dietary and pharmacological intervention). Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.

Survey of determinants and effects of timing of referral to a nephrologist: the patient's point of view.

Introduction: We conducted a survey interviewing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients just after they began chronic dialysis (CD) to describe characteristics and factors associated with early (ER) and late referral (LR), and to analyze the consequences of timing of referral to a nephrologist.

Methods: We interviewed 673 patients via telephone starting CD between 2004 and 2006 in Lazio, Italy, to collect information about the year before CD. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors associated with LR.

[Feasibility of colorectal cancer screening with fecal occult blood test distributed by public pharmacies].

We conducted a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program, in which public pharmacies provided the faecal occult blood test (FOBT), addressed to 50-70 years residents of 12th Municipality of Rome. A total of 5003 subjects were invited and 1103 (22.0%) performed the screening test, the adjusted compliance was 24.

Epidemiology and costs of cervical cancer screening and cervical dysplasia in Italy.

Background: We estimated the number of women undergoing cervical cancer screening annually in Italy, the rates of cervical abnormalities detected, and the costs of screening and management of abnormalities.

Methods: The annual number of screened women was estimated from National Health Interview data. Data from the Italian Group for Cervical Cancer Screening were used to estimate the number of positive, negative and unsatisfactory Pap smears.

Ageing of patients on chronic dialysis: effects on mortality--a 12-year study.

Background: During the last few decades the mean age of subjects on chronic dialysis (CD) significantly increased. The effects of these changes on mortality rates, causes of death, early and long-term predictors for mortality have not yet been clarified. We analysed this issue through a study performed over a period of 12 years.

Can colorectal cancer mass-screening organization be evidence-based? Lessons from failures: the experimental and pilot phases of the Lazio program.

Background: Screening programmes should be organized to translate theoretical efficacy into effectiveness. An evidence-based organizational model of colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) should assure feasibility and high compliance.

Methods: A multidisciplinary Working Group (WG), reviewed literature and guidelines to define evidence-based recommendations.

Colorectal cancer screening: recommendations and guideline adherence by physicians from digestive endoscopy centers in the Lazio region, Italy.

Introduction: Endoscopy plays a key role in colorectal cancer screening; at the beginning of a mass screening campaign, it is important for public health officials to assess physicians' attitudes and adherence to guidelines regarding colorectal cancer screening.

Methods: In April 2004, a questionnaire was sent to all 80 digestive endoscopy centers in the Lazio region, identified by the annual census of the Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy. The results were compared to those from a similar survey of general practitioners (GPs).