ABSTRACT
Background In 2020, the total deaths from all causes were the highest ever recorded in Italy since World War II (15.6% excess), with peaks during Sars-Cov2 waves and reductions in periods of national lockdown. On the contrary, in 2021, the total number of deaths from all causes reduced compared to the previous year. Analysing local mortality data, our study aims to assess whether, in the Casentino Valley (Arezzo, Tuscany), an excess of deaths from all causes occurred between January 2020 and December 2021 compared to the five years 2015-2019. Methods We used the official mortality data from the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), and that are published in the Table of deaths by the municipality on March 2, 2022. From this database, we extrapolated all deaths from all causes between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, in the 10 municipalities of Casentino. The data collected were processed using Microsoft Excel 2016 software. We then distinguished by total per month, gender, and age group and then compared these data with the previous five years’ average by calculating the percentage change. Results Overall, both the years 2020 and 2021, it is shown an increase in the deaths percentages compared to the previous five-year period, respectively 5.66% and 8.07%. In particular, there is an excess of mortality in November and December 2020. The increase in mortality is more remarkable for males (13% in 2020 and 20% in 2021). The highest percentage increase was recorded in 2021 for the 75-84 age group (+15%) and in 2020 for males over 85 (+29%). Conclusions The data analysed confirms the excess mortality in 2020-2021 compared to the average of the previous 5 years in Casentino. There are peaks in November and December 2020, corresponding with the second wave of Sars Cov2 infection. The results obtained establish the basis for subsequent analyses that will verify the correlation of mortality peaks with the incidence of Sars-Cov2 cases in the territory studied. Key messages • Between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021 there was an excess of all-cause mortality in our area. • This excess mortality appears to be related to peaks in Sars-Cov2 infection.
ABSTRACT
Background In Italy, the flu vaccine is recommended and free for target groups (adults≥60 years old, fragile people, healthcare workers, pregnant women). During the 2020/2021 flu season, an increased vaccination coverage (+6,9%) was observed compared to the previous season, also due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate how strong the adherence to the flu vaccine was by the vulnerable groups and assess if the Covid-19 vaccination campaign may have influenced the rate of flu vaccines. Methods At the beginning of autumn 2021 we conducted an online survey among the population of Tuscany. We collected data on demographics, health status (pregnancy, vulnerable), flu and COVID-19 vaccinations coverage and health information sources. In addition, we performed a descriptive and a risk factors analysis to assess correlation between our variables with R v 4.0.0. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results Among 408 participants, 248 (61%) belong to a vulnerable group and are recommended to receive the flu vaccine, 229 (56%) usually get the flu vaccine, 386 (95%) got the Covid-19 vaccine, 267 (65%) choose and trust the general practitioner (GP) as their health information source. There is a statistically significant association between being part of a vulnerable group and getting the seasonal flu vaccine (OR 6.63 95% CI 4.26-10.3 p < 0.001). In addition, getting the Covid-19 vaccine increases the likelihood of receiving the flu vaccine (2.90 95% CI 1.16-7.28 p = 0.018). Moreover, participants who trust their GP as their health information source (OR 1.63 CI 1.08-2.46 p = 0.019) are more likely to receive the flu vaccine;other information sources (TV, newspaper, social media) are not associated with the flu vaccine. Conclusions Our research shows that vulnerable groups get vaccinated against the flu. The increase in flu vaccine coverage may be due to the COVID-19 vaccines campaign. GPs play a crucial role in the health promotion, prevention and health literacy of patients. Key messages GP plays a crucial role in the prevention and health literacy of patients. COVID-19 vaccines campaign may have positively influenced the flu vaccination campaign. However, we must continue to maintain the coverage we have managed to achieve in the future.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This commentary article aims to highlight the main psychopathological consequences for children and adolescents caused by the lockdown;in particular the potential post-traumatic stress, the increase in domestic violence, the lack of support services for minors with disabilities or living in socio-economic difficulties. Some actions are also proposed to limit the risks of contagion among minors, while at the same time reducing the possible side effects related to restrictions. Approach: A brief scientific literature review covering the period from 2005 to today has been carried out on PubMed, and the most relevant articles about our national gray literature were collected, including both articles concerning past pandemics, and the most recent studies on the COVID-19 pandemic, which were carried out in the past months. Findings: The restrictions imposed by the government have caused significant disruptions of the environment where children grow, and they have confined in stressful domestic isolation, that may lead to an increase in maltreatment cases. The most vulnerable families are clearly those who already presented socio-economic difficulties, parental instability or inadequacy, or minors with disability or chronic disabling diseases. Moreover, for children and adolescents with special educational needs, school closure implies the impossibility to access the resources they need, as “auxiliary teachers”. In addition to physically protecting children from SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is essential to safeguard their emotional and psychological well-being as well, monitoring mental health status over the long term and creating dedicated diagnostic and rehabilitative pathways for all post-traumatic stress disorders. Value: This is a relevant topic considering the state of emergency that we are globally facing. © 2020 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR ALL.