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Medicina
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Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities
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Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology & Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 5695

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Pietro Ferrara

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; public health; preventive medicine; vaccinology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health risk factors, prevention and inequalities are integral aspects of public health that require close attention and targeted action. Identifying and addressing risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity and exposure to environmental pollution is fundamental to preventing a wide range of health conditions. Equally important is the promotion of prevention strategies through education, awareness campaigns and accessible healthcare services. However, the burden of these risk factors is not evenly distributed, and health inequalities persist, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Reducing these disparities demands a comprehensive approach that considers socioeconomic, racial and geographic determinants of health. By addressing risk factors, emphasizing prevention and actively working to rectify health inequalities, public health initiatives can strive to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve and maintain good health, ultimately contributing to the well-being of society as a whole.

This Special Issue aims to gather insights from current research on the integration of risk factors, prevention and inequalities.

We eagerly anticipate receiving your contributions, both qualitative and quantitative, on these research topics.

Dr. Pietro Ferrara
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • health inequalities
  • risk factors
  • population-based healthcare
  • prevention

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 740 KiB  
Article
Treatment Nonadherence among Multimorbid Chronic Disease Patients: Evidence from 3515 Subjects in Indonesia
by Ivan Surya Pradipta, Kevin Aprilio, Yozi Fiedya Ningsih, Mochammad Andhika Aji Pratama, Sofa Dewi Alfian and Rizky Abdulah
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040634 - 15 Apr 2024
Viewed by 560
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Multimorbid patients require intensive treatment for their diseases. However, little research has been given to their treatment adherence as part of its management. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic disease multimorbidity in Indonesia, alongside [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Multimorbid patients require intensive treatment for their diseases. However, little research has been given to their treatment adherence as part of its management. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic disease multimorbidity in Indonesia, alongside its treatment nonadherence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the fifth Indonesian Family Life Survey database among adult subjects aged ≥ 15 years with multimorbidity. Our descriptive and multivariate analyses include sex, age, formal education, ethnicity, geographic residence, demographic residence, household size, insurance ownership, annual income, current self-perceived health status, missing active days, smoking behavior, and body mass index. Results: We identified 3515 multimorbid patients, constituting 30.8% prevalence across chronic disease patients. Hypertension was found to be a prevalent component of multimorbidity (61.2%), followed by digestive diseases (44.5%) and arthritis (30.3%). We identified that 36.4% of the subjects were nonadherent to their chronic disease treatment. Characteristics associated with nonadherence were found to be a good self-perception of health (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.54–2.08), active smoking behavior (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14–1.99), no smoking behavior (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08–1.90), missing seven active/productive days or less in the past month due to poor health (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10–1.68), no insurance ownership (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.39), age of 15–65 years (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.55), income below IDR 40 million (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.46), and household size of 2–6 people (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.36). Conclusions: While the prevalence of multimorbidity in Indonesia is generally similar to that observed in previous studies, we have identified patient characteristics related to nonadherence. We suggest that patient’s nonadherence was primarily dictated by their self-perception of health and treatment complexity. With the longstanding issue of nonadherence, this study indicated the need to consider creating patient-tailored treatment programs in clinical practice to improve adherence by considering individual patients’ characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities)
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11 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Sociodemographic and Health-Related Factors and Sedentary Time in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan
by Hung-Chin Huang, Shao-Hsi Chang and Xiaolin Yang
Medicina 2024, 60(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030444 - 08 Mar 2024
Viewed by 722
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors and sedentary time in middle-aged and older Taiwanese adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 1031 participants (460 men, 571 women; mean age 65.0 years ± [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors and sedentary time in middle-aged and older Taiwanese adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 1031 participants (460 men, 571 women; mean age 65.0 years ± 7.8 years; range 55 to 93 years) were randomly recruited from the National Computer Assessment Telephone Interview, Taiwan, in 2013. Sedentary time, TV viewing, physical activity, and sociodemographic factors were assessed through questionnaires. Body mass index was self-reported and calculated to evaluate obesity. In 2023, the associations between sedentary time and sociodemographic and health-related factors were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, cross tabulation, and logistic regression and were stratified by gender. Results: Over 47% of participants reported spending more than 2 h watching TV, and more than 33% reported engaging in over 6 h of total sedentary activities. Men and women with insufficient physical activity had a higher probability of prolonged sedentary time than their physically active counterparts (p = 0.032 for men, p = 0.024 for women). Both men and women who spent more than 2 h watching TV daily were more likely to have high sedentary time compared to those with shorter TV viewing durations (both p < 0.001). Highly educated and unmarried women exhibited a higher likelihood of prolonged sedentary time than their less educated and married counterparts (p = 0.021 and p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Sedentary time showed significant and positive associations with both insufficient physical activity and prolonged TV viewing in both genders. Additionally, significant associations were observed between sedentary time and high education and unmarried status in women. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing gender-specific approaches in future interventions and policy initiatives aimed at reducing sedentary behavior among middle-aged and older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities)
17 pages, 1046 KiB  
Article
Gender Disparities in Health Biomarkers, Lifestyle Patterns, and Nutritional Status among Bank Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Markus Schauer, Martin Burtscher, Mohamad Motevalli, Derrick Tanous, Susanne Mair and Katharina Wirnitzer
Medicina 2024, 60(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030413 - 28 Feb 2024
Viewed by 755
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite the importance of nutritional status and a healthy lifestyle in shaping overall well-being, little is known about examining gender-specific differences and trends in health, lifestyle, and nutritional status. The present study aimed to evaluate blood levels of micronutrients, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Despite the importance of nutritional status and a healthy lifestyle in shaping overall well-being, little is known about examining gender-specific differences and trends in health, lifestyle, and nutritional status. The present study aimed to evaluate blood levels of micronutrients, homocysteine, and CoQ10, as well as physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behavior, among a cohort of Austrian bank staff, with a particular focus on identifying gender differences as well as gender-specific nutritional deficiencies compared to the reference ranges. Materials and Methods: Following a cross-sectional study design, 123 Austrian bank staff (mean age: 43 years; 51% females) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected to evaluate participants’ micronutrient status and serum levels of homocysteine and CoQ10. Whole-blood values of macronutrients were compared to gender-specific reference ranges and categorized into three groups: below, within, or over the range. The WHO’s Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA levels and sedentary behaviors. Results: No significant difference between males and females was found for diet types, PA levels, sedentary time, homocysteine levels, or CoQ10 values (p > 0.05). A high PA level was reported by 64% of males and 58% of females. 71% of females and 56% of males were found to have a vitamin D deficiency. 63–98% of females and 72–97% of males showed normal blood levels for the remaining micronutrients, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, B6, B9, and B12. Conclusions: The findings highlight the necessity of implementing tailored strategies to foster healthy lifestyle behaviors, thereby enhancing the overall state of health, particularly in the context of occupational health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities)
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8 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Women’s Awareness of Reproductive Health
by Oliwia Zalewska, Katarzyna Wszołek, Małgorzata Pięt, Maciej Wilczak and Karolina Chmaj-Wierzchowska
Medicina 2024, 60(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010158 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 943
Abstract
Background and Objectives: reproductive disorders are a serious global concern in medical, social, and demographic contexts. According to estimates, approximately 10–15% of couples around the world suffer from infertility. Numerous studies have shown that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as a high-fat diet, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: reproductive disorders are a serious global concern in medical, social, and demographic contexts. According to estimates, approximately 10–15% of couples around the world suffer from infertility. Numerous studies have shown that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as a high-fat diet, a postponed decision to start a family, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, risky sexual behavior, psychiatric diseases, and chronic stress, have a negative influence on the fertility of women. The main goal of this study is to assess the knowledge of women about reproductive health, infertility risk factors, and causes of infertility and to determine whether the level of this knowledge varies based on sociodemographic variables. Materials and Methods: a survey was conducted among 111 patients who anonymously filled in a questionnaire comprising questions regarding fertility and its deficiencies. The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s test. Results: the survey results indicated that women had a good or very good level of knowledge of the causes of infertility. The obtained test results were statistically significant (p < 0.05), but the studied group did not possess sufficient knowledge of the symptoms characterizing the diseases related to limited fertility (p > 0.05). The level of knowledge on the diagnosis of infertility did not depend on the age of the examined people, their educational level, or personal experience in this field (p > 0.05). The results also revealed that the awareness of women on reproductive health was poor. The studied women had a low level of knowledge of infertility risk factors, and their knowledge did not correlate with age, educational level, or personal experiences. Conclusions: information on the aspects of reproductive health should be widely disseminated through public educational campaigns, aimed at correcting erroneous convictions among women about the risk factors for infertility and assisting them in improving fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities)
12 pages, 608 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine among Cardiologists and Cardiac Nurses in Italy
by Domenico Ponticelli, Ippazio Cosimo Antonazzo, Lorenzo Losa, Anna Zampella, Fabio Di Marino, Gaetano Mottola, Mara Noemi Fede, Fortuna Gallucci, Roberto Magliuolo, Antonio Rainone, Carmine Del Giudice, Antonella Arcari and Pietro Ferrara
Medicina 2024, 60(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010093 - 03 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1340
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cardiac patients are particularly at risk of herpes zoster (HZ), which is associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events. This research aimed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) among cardiac healthcare [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cardiac patients are particularly at risk of herpes zoster (HZ), which is associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events. This research aimed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) among cardiac healthcare professionals (HPs). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a cardiological hospital in Italy. Multivariate regression models were built to identify factors associated with the outcomes of interest. Results: The response rate was 78.2% (154/197). Overall, age > 50 years and immunosuppression were recognized as risk factors for HZ by 38.3% and 75.3% of respondents, respectively. Regarding RZV, 29.1% of the HPs correctly responded about its schedule and 57.6% about the possibility of administration in immunocompromised individuals. This knowledge was significantly higher in HPs with a higher educational level (odds ratio (OR) = 4.42; 95%CI 1.70–11.47), in those who knew that HZ could cause postherpetic neuralgia (OR = 2.56; 95%CI 1.05–6.25) or major cardiovascular events (OR = 4.23; 95%CI 1.50–11.91), in those who had participated in professional updates on vaccinations (OR = 3.86; 95%CI 1.51–9.87) and in those who stated the need for further information about the RZV (OR = 6.43; 95%CI 1.42–29.98). Younger HPs (coefficient (β) = −0.02; 95%CI −0.04–−0.01), those with a positive attitude toward RZV safety (β = 2.92; 95%CI 2.49–3.36) and those who had previously cared for patients with HZ (β = 0.45; 95%CI 0.03–0.88) reported a more positive attitude toward RZV effectiveness. The practice of recommending vaccination was more prevalent in younger HPs (OR = 0.94; 95%CI 0.89–0.99), in those who had a master’s degree or higher education (OR = 7.21; 95%CI 1.44–36.08), in those with more positive attitudes toward RZV effectiveness (OR = 7.17; 95%CI 1.71–30.03) and in HPs who had already recommended the vaccine to patients in the past (OR = 4.03; 95%CI 1.08–14.96). Conclusions: Despite being a single-center study, our research brings attention to factors that currently impact cardiac HPs’ approaches to RZV. The findings indicate potential measures to enhance HPs’ awareness and practices, ultimately aiming to improve vaccination adherence and reduce the burden associated with HZ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities)
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16 pages, 1687 KiB  
Article
Sexual Violence and Alcohol Intake: A Population-Based Explorative Study in a Northwestern Italian Area
by Barbara Mognetti, Federica Di Scipio, Giuliana Abbadessa, Giulia Carnino, Antonella Canavese, Paola Castagna, Federica Romano, Sarah Gino and Giovanni N. Berta
Medicina 2023, 59(12), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59122098 - 29 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 932
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sexual violence (SV) is a major global public health concern. While socioeconomic factors and familial relationships have been widely reported to contribute to SV, the role of alcohol consumption should not be ignored. Indeed, alcohol can impair cognition, distort [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Sexual violence (SV) is a major global public health concern. While socioeconomic factors and familial relationships have been widely reported to contribute to SV, the role of alcohol consumption should not be ignored. Indeed, alcohol can impair cognition, distort reality, increase aggression, and ease drug-facilitated sexual assault. This retrospective study aims to explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and SV by examining the prevalence, characteristics, and consequences of violence episodes. Materials and Methods: A total of 1481 women accessed the Rape Centre “Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale” in Turin, Italy between 2008 and 2019, with 223 reporting alcohol consumption before the assault. Results: The alcohol group had a younger age profile, predominantly within the 18–25-year-old category. SV incidents involving alcohol consumers were more likely to occur in public places or in someone else’s home, while the non-alcohol-consuming group experienced more violence in their own homes. Acquaintances and unknown individuals were primarily responsible, whereas partners were the most common perpetrators of violence against non-alcohol-consuming women. Alcohol consumers sought medical attention sooner after the assault and exhibited more symptoms and injuries, particularly of neurological origin. Concurrent use of recreational drugs was higher among alcohol consumers. The logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds of injury for Italian women and those in the 18–35 age groups after consuming alcohol. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between alcohol consumption and SV. The prevalence of alcohol-related sexual aggression is lower compared to that shown in previous studies. Nationality, age, and assailant identity influence SV dynamics. These findings can guide well-targeted interventions and prevention strategies to address SV and inform communities facing similar challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Risk Factors, Prevention, and Inequalities)
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