{"title":"Comparison of the short-term effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma injections in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Omid Ghorbani, Daryoosh Mahdibarzi, Paria Yousefi-Tooddeshki","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3270","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases which involved all joints. It is very important to choose a treatment method with high efficiency to reduce the pain and disability of patients and also to improve their quality of life. The current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of intra-articular injection of PRP and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the knee of people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this randomized clinical trial study, 90 patients with KOA were randomly divided into two groups of intra-articular HA and PRP. The patients of the two groups were followed up for five months and different outcomes were recorded. The McMaster index (WOMAC) evaluated all patients at rest and during movements. Measurements were taken at the beginning and after the third month of follow-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three month after the last injection (5th month) and after adjusting of baseline value using analysis of covariance, the mean of knee pain, stiffness, physical function and finally total score in the PRP group, was significantly lower than the HA group. Regarding the Osteoarthritis grade, the mean of knee pain, Stiffness, Physical function and finally total score in the PRP group was significantly lower than the HA group in all Osteoarthritis grades. Also, there were no complications in the studied groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of the current study showed that pain and stiffness reduction as well as physical function of the knee joint in the PRP group was better than in the HA group.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gloria Spatari, Anna Maria Libera DE Mite, Elisa Cantova, Silvia Reggiani, Michela Re, Michelangelo Mercogliano, Maria DE Martini, Nadia Casanova, Alessandro Gallo, Marta Caltabellotta, Bruna Rebagliati
{"title":"Violence against healthcare workers during the phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic: a descriptive observational study from 2018 to 2023 in the metropolitan city of Genoa (North-Western Italy).","authors":"Gloria Spatari, Anna Maria Libera DE Mite, Elisa Cantova, Silvia Reggiani, Michela Re, Michelangelo Mercogliano, Maria DE Martini, Nadia Casanova, Alessandro Gallo, Marta Caltabellotta, Bruna Rebagliati","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3143","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Violence against healthcare workers is an escalating public health concern, affecting the quality of care, and causing significant psychological and physical effects on healthcare professionals. This study analysed the trend in aggressions in healthcare settings in the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An observational descriptive study was conducted to analyse reports of violence against healthcare workers from January 2018 to June 2023 at a Local Health Authority \"ASL3\" in the Liguria region of Italy. The study considered variables such as the severity of aggression, professional category involved, and location of incident. Episodes of violence were classified according to severity by means of a colour-coded system. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine any associations between the pandemic phase and the various factors, while controlling for relevant variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The number of reported aggressions rose from 48 in 2018 to 90 in 2022, with a partial count of 35 in the first half of 2023. The pandemic phase saw a rise in incidents classified as Green codes, which accounted for 58.3%, and a significant involvement of District Services. The post-pandemic phase showed a reversion to pre-pandemic levels but with an increase in Yellow codes (5.6%). Nurses were the most frequent victims, with figures ranging from 50.8% to 95.6% over the years. The Emergency Department and Psychiatric Services emerged as the most critical settings of aggressions, with incidents recorded in these areas constituting over half of the total number. However, an increase in violence was also recorded in district healthcare settings during the post-pandemic phase.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies for the prevention of violence in healthcare settings. The increasing trend in violence, especially during the pandemic, necessitates integrated approaches that encompass training, psychological support, security policies, and a strong organizational culture to promote safety and respect. Protecting healthcare workers is crucial to their wellbeing and the quality of healthcare delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Filippo Ansaldi, Matteo Astengo, Alberto Battaglini, Federico Grammatico, Francesca Marchini, Andrea Fiorano, Silvia Allegretti, Irene Schenone, Daniela Amicizia
{"title":"A new organizational model of primary healthcare in Liguria, Italy. Insights and implications.","authors":"Filippo Ansaldi, Matteo Astengo, Alberto Battaglini, Federico Grammatico, Francesca Marchini, Andrea Fiorano, Silvia Allegretti, Irene Schenone, Daniela Amicizia","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3145","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>After years of cost-containment policies, the Italian National Health Service (NHS) has now the chance to change and improve, especially thanks to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The plan serves as a catalyst for reform, allocating substantial funds to reinforce proximity networks, facilities, and telemedicine for territorial healthcare. Mission 6, specifically dedicated to health, focuses on integrating primary healthcare, hospital, and specialty care networks, underscoring the importance of a robust primary healthcare system. In alignment with NRRP objectives, the Ligurian model introduces innovative structures, such as Community Houses (CdCs), Community Hospitals (OdCs), and Territorial Operation Centres (COTs). These interconnected components form a dynamic network designed to enhance healthcare accessibility, prevent inappropriate hospital admissions, and facilitate efficient patient transitions. The model prioritizes multidisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and the integration of socio-healthcare services. Despite substantial NRRP funding for infrastructure, challenges related to staffing and human resources persist. The social and epidemiological context highlights concern about the economic feasibility of the reform, potential workforce shortages, and the imperative for updated regulatory frameworks. The strategic reallocation of personnel from acute hospitals to new facilities is crucial, requiring meticulous workforce planning, role definitions, and trainingIn conclusion, the Ligurian model emerges as a proactive response to the structural vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, aligning with international trends in emphasizing primary care, prevention, and community-based services.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of gender and education on cervical cancer knowledge amongst students: implications for health policies and public health strategies in Wiesbaden, Germany.","authors":"Harry Gymah Gyamfi","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3077","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cervical cancer is a global health concern primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It has a significant impact in Germany, with thousands of new diagnoses and deaths annually. Despite advancements in screening and treatment leading to improved survival rates of 65% for invasive cervical tumors, the financial burden remains substantial.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aims to assess the impact of gender and education of Wiesbaden students towards cervical cancer and its associated health policies. Data was collected through an online questionnaire distributed with 54 students in Wiesbaden, Germany participating in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, including one-way ANOVA, t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests. The respondents' average age was 28.24 years, with a higher female participation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Education level did not significantly influence perceptions of ideal vaccination age (p < 0.581). Females and males perceived a lower number of vaccine doses (< 3) required compared to the standard. Education level showed a moderate association with knowledge of long-term complications, and gender had a moderate correlation with information sources (rho = 27, p = 0.090).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Gender disparities did not significantly impact knowledge of cervical cancer. Public health programs should consider education levels and tailor interventions to all age groups and genders.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elena Capitani, Claudia Basagni, Emanuela Barbini, Carlotta Lorenzini, Maria Francesca DE Marco, Ilaria Manini, Emanuele Montomoli, Nicola Nante
{"title":"Trend of accesses to the Emergency Department of a Teaching Hospital of Tuscany due to bronchiolitis in 2018-2023: new challenges.","authors":"Elena Capitani, Claudia Basagni, Emanuela Barbini, Carlotta Lorenzini, Maria Francesca DE Marco, Ilaria Manini, Emanuele Montomoli, Nicola Nante","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3204","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acute bronchiolitis is one of leading causes of lower respiratory tract infection and hospitalisation in children less than one year old worldwide. The aim of our study is investigating the impact of bronchiolitis in children paediatric to the Emergency Department (ED) of Teaching Hospital (AOUS), Santa Maria alle Scotte of Siena, Tuscany (Italy).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational study was conducted on the accesses performed at the ED of the AOUS of Siena by children under 18 years of age suffering from bronchiolitis from September 2018 to April 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 36,031 patients between 0 and 18 years old in the Emergency Department, 383 of which presented bronchiolitis (age 4.8 months C.I.:3.5-6 months.; 54% male). Those who accessed the ED with a higher priority code were more likely to be subsequently admitted (O.R.:2.6; C.I.:1.3-5.1; p < 0.01). Those who accessed the ED with symptoms of bronchiolitis during the weekend were less likely to have been sent from community medicine services or professionals (O.R:0.1; C.I:0.0-0.5; p < 0.001). Children below 1 year old were more likely to access the ED with respiratory distress symptoms (O.R.:2.6; C.I.:1.5-4.3; p < 0.001). Finally, those who accessed the ED with bronchiolitis were more likely to be admitted than those who accessed for other conditions (O.R:24.5; C.I.:19.4-31; p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It is necessary to invest protocols integrating hospital services and community medicine in order to achieve a timely diagnosis and to reduce the accesses to the ED of children presenting mild, non-severe form of bronchiolitis in order to avoid the overload of hospital services.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487734/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Davide Orsini, Maria Luisa Cristina, Masoud Behzadifar, Mariano Martini
{"title":"The modernity of Achille Sclavo's (1861-1930) message for Italian schools 100 years after the publication of his book <i>\"The Propagation of Hygiene\"</i>.","authors":"Davide Orsini, Maria Luisa Cristina, Masoud Behzadifar, Mariano Martini","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3312","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3312","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A hundred years ago, Achille Sclavo (1861-1930) published his book entitled \"Per la Propaganda igienica. Scuola e Igiene\" (The Propagation of Hygiene. Schools and Hygiene) which he dedicated \"To elementary teachers, from whom Italy expects the most effective propaganda in favor of hygiene\". The words of the dedication were profoundly felt by Sclavo and reveal a precise choice by the great hygienist. Sclavo was then at an advanced age and had devoted his whole life to studying hygiene and disseminating its basic concepts, to promote a healthier life for all. Nowadays, Sclavo's book \"The Propagation of Hygiene. Schools and Hygiene\" still remains an important statement to the commitment of the great hygienist to spreading a culture of hygiene, and public health in Italy. This was a commitment that Sclavo clearly felt throughout his life, as a teacher, as a scholar, as the entrepreneur who founded the Serotherapy and Vaccinogenic Institute in 1904, and mainly as a policymaker who spoke to all citizens, especially young people.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142486122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Orsi, Marianna Scarpaleggia, Vincenzo Baldo, Fabio Barbone, Maria Chironna, Sandro Giuffrida, Emanuele Montomoli, Elena Pariani, Caterina Rizzo, Donatella Panatto, Giancarlo Icardi
{"title":"First real-world data on universal respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis with Nirsevimab in infants.","authors":"Andrea Orsi, Marianna Scarpaleggia, Vincenzo Baldo, Fabio Barbone, Maria Chironna, Sandro Giuffrida, Emanuele Montomoli, Elena Pariani, Caterina Rizzo, Donatella Panatto, Giancarlo Icardi","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3329","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) predominantly affects young children, with a peak incidence in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere from October to May. Children under 24 months of age are particularly vulnerable because of the immaturity of their lungs and immune systems, often leading to severe respiratory infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes RSV as a global health priority. Recently, Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody (mAb), was authorised to prevent RSV disease in infants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Our narrative review brings together the effectiveness data of Nirsevimab available in the literature, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the published studies and the prevention opportunities represented by the new preparation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All reviewed studies provide evidence for the effectiveness of immunisation with Nirsevimab in real-world settings, beyond the controlled conditions of clinical trials, and highlight its safety and feasibility. Nirsevimab significantly reduces RSV hospitalisations and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions. High coverage and high efficacy of immunisation have been reported, although supply issues and variability in studies present challenges.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Continued research and surveillance are critical to understanding the long-term effectiveness of Nirsevimab. Overall, available data provide valuable insights into the efficacy, safety, and impact of immunisation with Nirsevimab in preventing severe RSV infections in infants, highlighting its potential to reduce the burden of RSV-related hospitalisations and improve paediatric health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"University students in Central Italy: do they follow proper dietary habits?","authors":"Vigiani Nicola, Quercioli Cecilia, Fanti Elisa, Frilli Eleonora, Messina Gabriele, Nicola Nante","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3194","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Eating a healthy diet is acknowledged as one of the main factors in preventing malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. As young students represent a group more prone to poor dietary habits, the aim of this study was to analyse the dietary habits of a group of undergraduate students attending university in a city of central Italy, Siena.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>4,700 students were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study completing an online self-administered questionnaire about their food habits. The obtained data were analysed by Microsoft Excel 2021 and Stata 17 software, through the Mann-Whitney and the Kruskal-Wallis test; a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The students living at home consumed more fruit, vegetables, pasta, meat, fish, packaged foods, fruit juices, beer and wine; the only statistically significant differences were found for pizza and snacks. Even the gender influenced the consumption of many foods; women consumed more vegetables and coffee/tea, while males ate more pasta, meat, packaged foods, pizza, fries and beer.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>With the transition from secondary school to university, students are continuously challenged to make healthful food choices and they must be self-disciplined to take care of themselves. It would be important for health campaigns to be promoted in young adults to help them make the right choices.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487740/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"How the Anthropocene is changing bioethics.","authors":"Paolo Donadoni, Rosagemma Ciliberti","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3224","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3224","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The complex challenges of the Anthropocene imply a careful reconsideration of the ethical boundaries of human morality and a heightened sensitivity to the interconnectedness among all living beings. This means that bioethics, traditionally anchored in interhuman relations within the healthcare domain, is called upon to broaden the scope of its operational horizon, encompassing issues related to interspecific relations, environmental health, sustainability, equitable distribution of natural resources, and responsibility for environmental damages. This article explores the intersection between the anthropocentric era and the ethical challenges arising from our increasing influence on the environment and other life forms with which we share the planet. The teaching of fundamental ethical concepts such as solidarity, social responsibility, and equity becomes crucial for nurturing informed and responsible citizens. In doing so, not only is greater awareness promoted regarding global challenges related to health and the environment, but critical skills are also developed to address them proactively.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487724/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142486080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucia Massolo, Matilde Ogliastro, Peter Postma, Oriana Ferrante, Rosa Amato, Elvira Massaro, Dorotea Bellina, Roberto Ziferro, Alberto Borneto, Alessandra Morando, Andrea Orsi
{"title":"Environmental Surveillance of <i>Legionella spp</i>. in an Italian University Hospital: results of 7 years of analysis.","authors":"Lucia Massolo, Matilde Ogliastro, Peter Postma, Oriana Ferrante, Rosa Amato, Elvira Massaro, Dorotea Bellina, Roberto Ziferro, Alberto Borneto, Alessandra Morando, Andrea Orsi","doi":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3195","DOIUrl":"10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.2.3195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Nosocomial structures pose a high risk of <i>Legionella spp</i>. contamination due to complex water systems with challenging disinfection; moreover, the risk of severe legionellosis as a consequence of nosocomial exposure is very high in settings characterized by vulnerable patient conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the present work, we described the results of 7 years of environmental surveillance in a reference hospital in Liguria, in which a specific water safety plan (WSP) has been implemented in 2017, including data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the study period, 1190 water samples were collected, of which 277 (23.3%) tested positive for <i>Legionella spp</i>. Positive samples with concentration values above 1,000 CFU/l were 184 (66.4%). Based on the new structure categorization contained in the WSP, hospital buildings classified as at \"very high\" risk resulted the most affected structures over the entire study period; however, the absolute number of positive samples greatly decreased over time, from 61 contaminated water samples in 2017 to only 9 in 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings prompted the reinforcement of control and prevention measures, affirming the appropriateness of risk-category classification. Indeed, the majority of contamination cases were associated with the water networks of buildings classified as \"very high\" risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":94106,"journal":{"name":"Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11487725/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142484404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}