Medical Doctor, Health Service of the State Police, Ministry of Interior, Italy. Co Founder Editor and Scientific Director of Journal of Health and Social Sciences. Post graduate Medical Degree in Occupational Medicine and Radiological Protection. Auditor IRCA member OHSAS 18001. Teacher for the School of Occupational and Health Safety Management of the Italian State Police. Editor in Chief Journal of Health and Social Sciences, an health and medical, peer reviewed, journal. . Address: Milan, Italy
The paper presents the information on COVID-19 policy response in Italy inin the second half of 2... more The paper presents the information on COVID-19 policy response in Italy inin the second half of 2020, when the second wave of the pandemic occurred. It builds on the authors previous report (1) that addressed the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Italy, from October till December, the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections increased significantly. However, the Italian government, unlike many other European governments, refrained from introducing a second nationwide lockdown. The pandemic was managed through a system of localized interventions (on a regional and / or provincial basis) which significantly varied across the regions. At the end of December 2020, a national plan for vaccination against COVID-19 was approved. In February 2021, together with the change of government, a new public policy against the COVID-19 pandemic was formulated.
Since the early months of the COVID-19 epidemic, a large number of scientific papers have conside... more Since the early months of the COVID-19 epidemic, a large number of scientific papers have considered the possibility that healthcare professionals (HCWs) were affected by depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and psychological distress. The abundance of research has also made it possible to produce several systematic reviews and meta-analyzes. All the studies retrieved in these reviews, however, were cross-sectional. Depressive symptoms and anxiety in HCWs were compared to “normal values”, administrative staff, or external sample; moreover, some studies had no control group. No longitudinal study has been produced so far. Some studies had negative results. Overall, there is still little evidence of an increase in mental health problems and sleep disturbances in HCWs during the outbreak. To fill this gap, we investigated the mental health of workers who have been monitored for many years in an Italian local health unit. Mental health was investigated with standardized questionn...
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and mental heal... more The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and mental health outcomes. However, little is known about how COVID-19-related anxiety affects life satisfaction through psychological factors. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in life and loneliness in the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction in 333 Turkish general population (59.2% females; Mage = 33.9 ± 7.8). Participants completed measures of COVID-19 anxiety, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and loneliness. The results showed that COVID-19 anxiety predicted meaning in life, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Meaning in life predicted loneliness and life satisfaction, while loneliness predicted life satisfaction. Serial mediation analysis revealed that COVID-19 anxiety predicts life satisfaction through meaning in life and loneliness, even after controlling for age and gender. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms be...
Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) identifies a clinically asymptomatic and l... more Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) identifies a clinically asymptomatic and laboratory-based situation characterized by a modest monoclonal component (MC). In a limited percentage of cases, on a probabilistic basis, the asymptomatic genepremalignant stage could lead to multiple myeloma (MM). Materials and Methods. Based on literature data and available Guidelines on the subject, the diagnostic criteria and a methodological path are here suggested to the Occupational Physician to formulate a judgment of suitability for the task with exposure risk to RI or pesticides. Results. Some studies have evaluated the prevalence of MGUS in subjects exposed professionally to pesticides. Numerous other studies conducted on the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have highlighted a possible association with exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The guidelines relating to the diagnosis and management of MGUS cases (with respect to the potential evolution in MM allow) to draw important operational indications for the competent/authorized physician. Conclusions. The routinely use of laboratory tests for subjects exposed to the studied risk factors is generally indicated starting from the worker's 50 years of age. The finding of a MGUS in the absence of further laboratory alterations represents the situation most frequently and does not require further measures, other than those of foreseeing even blood controls at least every two years. In this situation, there are no justified restrictions on work activities with exposure risks to IR or pesticides. If alterations suggestive for an increased risk of evolution in a neoplastic way could be identified, a close periodicity - every 3-6 months - of haematological checks is recommended. In these cases, it appears justified an abstention from activities involving exposure to ionizing radiation for a period of time that will be evaluated based on the evolution of the framework and by the progress of laboratory tests in the monitored period.
The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has commenced. To avert increase in cases and avert preve... more The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has commenced. To avert increase in cases and avert preventable deaths, community engagement strategies such as the promotion of vaccination, voluntary testing and debunking of COVID-19-related rumors need to be undertaken.
Occupational risk assessment is the core of any practice in occupational health and safety at the... more Occupational risk assessment is the core of any practice in occupational health and safety at the workplace. In Italy, the implementation of the preventive measures required by law (DPCM of April 26, 2020 and subsequent modifications and integrations) can exempt the employers from legal disputes in case of COVID-19 infection among employees. However, these laws have made meaningless the risk assessment process, which is the ideal setting where the preven-tive and protective measures must be identified and enhanced by individual employers, in collaboration with health and safety managers and occupational physicians, in the true exposure conditions. In this commentary, the authors stressed the role of workplace risk assessment and occupational health services for the valuable contribution that they may give to the battle against COVID-19, in terms of prevention, contact-tracing activity and COVID-19 rates of vaccinal coverage.
Introduction. Burnout syndrome (BOS) can be defined as a chronic work strain characterized by thr... more Introduction. Burnout syndrome (BOS) can be defined as a chronic work strain characterized by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (or cynicism), reduced professional effectiveness. BOS typically strikes the helping professions like the teachers. Objective. The aims of this study are: 1) clarify the concept of BOS, as currently configured in the international scientific literature; 2) analyze the psychosocial risk factors in teachers; 3) develop a methodology for the assessment and prevention of the risk of BOS in the teachers. Methods. The literature review followed some of the PRISMA guidelines criteria. Results and discussion. The results of the study highlight BOS as a risk factor specific and distinct from labor-related stress. A strategy called VA.RI.B.O is proposed (Burn-Out Recognition) for teachers.
The paper presents the information on COVID-19 policy response in Italy inin the second half of 2... more The paper presents the information on COVID-19 policy response in Italy inin the second half of 2020, when the second wave of the pandemic occurred. It builds on the authors previous report (1) that addressed the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Italy, from October till December, the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections increased significantly. However, the Italian government, unlike many other European governments, refrained from introducing a second nationwide lockdown. The pandemic was managed through a system of localized interventions (on a regional and / or provincial basis) which significantly varied across the regions. At the end of December 2020, a national plan for vaccination against COVID-19 was approved. In February 2021, together with the change of government, a new public policy against the COVID-19 pandemic was formulated.
Since the early months of the COVID-19 epidemic, a large number of scientific papers have conside... more Since the early months of the COVID-19 epidemic, a large number of scientific papers have considered the possibility that healthcare professionals (HCWs) were affected by depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and psychological distress. The abundance of research has also made it possible to produce several systematic reviews and meta-analyzes. All the studies retrieved in these reviews, however, were cross-sectional. Depressive symptoms and anxiety in HCWs were compared to “normal values”, administrative staff, or external sample; moreover, some studies had no control group. No longitudinal study has been produced so far. Some studies had negative results. Overall, there is still little evidence of an increase in mental health problems and sleep disturbances in HCWs during the outbreak. To fill this gap, we investigated the mental health of workers who have been monitored for many years in an Italian local health unit. Mental health was investigated with standardized questionn...
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and mental heal... more The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and mental health outcomes. However, little is known about how COVID-19-related anxiety affects life satisfaction through psychological factors. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in life and loneliness in the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction in 333 Turkish general population (59.2% females; Mage = 33.9 ± 7.8). Participants completed measures of COVID-19 anxiety, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and loneliness. The results showed that COVID-19 anxiety predicted meaning in life, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Meaning in life predicted loneliness and life satisfaction, while loneliness predicted life satisfaction. Serial mediation analysis revealed that COVID-19 anxiety predicts life satisfaction through meaning in life and loneliness, even after controlling for age and gender. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms be...
Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) identifies a clinically asymptomatic and l... more Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) identifies a clinically asymptomatic and laboratory-based situation characterized by a modest monoclonal component (MC). In a limited percentage of cases, on a probabilistic basis, the asymptomatic genepremalignant stage could lead to multiple myeloma (MM). Materials and Methods. Based on literature data and available Guidelines on the subject, the diagnostic criteria and a methodological path are here suggested to the Occupational Physician to formulate a judgment of suitability for the task with exposure risk to RI or pesticides. Results. Some studies have evaluated the prevalence of MGUS in subjects exposed professionally to pesticides. Numerous other studies conducted on the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have highlighted a possible association with exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The guidelines relating to the diagnosis and management of MGUS cases (with respect to the potential evolution in MM allow) to draw important operational indications for the competent/authorized physician. Conclusions. The routinely use of laboratory tests for subjects exposed to the studied risk factors is generally indicated starting from the worker's 50 years of age. The finding of a MGUS in the absence of further laboratory alterations represents the situation most frequently and does not require further measures, other than those of foreseeing even blood controls at least every two years. In this situation, there are no justified restrictions on work activities with exposure risks to IR or pesticides. If alterations suggestive for an increased risk of evolution in a neoplastic way could be identified, a close periodicity - every 3-6 months - of haematological checks is recommended. In these cases, it appears justified an abstention from activities involving exposure to ionizing radiation for a period of time that will be evaluated based on the evolution of the framework and by the progress of laboratory tests in the monitored period.
The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has commenced. To avert increase in cases and avert preve... more The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has commenced. To avert increase in cases and avert preventable deaths, community engagement strategies such as the promotion of vaccination, voluntary testing and debunking of COVID-19-related rumors need to be undertaken.
Occupational risk assessment is the core of any practice in occupational health and safety at the... more Occupational risk assessment is the core of any practice in occupational health and safety at the workplace. In Italy, the implementation of the preventive measures required by law (DPCM of April 26, 2020 and subsequent modifications and integrations) can exempt the employers from legal disputes in case of COVID-19 infection among employees. However, these laws have made meaningless the risk assessment process, which is the ideal setting where the preven-tive and protective measures must be identified and enhanced by individual employers, in collaboration with health and safety managers and occupational physicians, in the true exposure conditions. In this commentary, the authors stressed the role of workplace risk assessment and occupational health services for the valuable contribution that they may give to the battle against COVID-19, in terms of prevention, contact-tracing activity and COVID-19 rates of vaccinal coverage.
Introduction. Burnout syndrome (BOS) can be defined as a chronic work strain characterized by thr... more Introduction. Burnout syndrome (BOS) can be defined as a chronic work strain characterized by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (or cynicism), reduced professional effectiveness. BOS typically strikes the helping professions like the teachers. Objective. The aims of this study are: 1) clarify the concept of BOS, as currently configured in the international scientific literature; 2) analyze the psychosocial risk factors in teachers; 3) develop a methodology for the assessment and prevention of the risk of BOS in the teachers. Methods. The literature review followed some of the PRISMA guidelines criteria. Results and discussion. The results of the study highlight BOS as a risk factor specific and distinct from labor-related stress. A strategy called VA.RI.B.O is proposed (Burn-Out Recognition) for teachers.
Il microclima di tipo moderato è essenziale per il raggiungimento del pieno comfort psico-fisico ... more Il microclima di tipo moderato è essenziale per il raggiungimento del pieno comfort psico-fisico da parte dei lavoratori impegnati negli ambienti di lavoro “indoor”. La capillare diffusione del terziario, il ripensamento del concetto di salute che non è più considerato solo come assenza di malattia (anche in ambito lavorativo) ma come presenza di uno stato di pieno benessere fisico, mentale, sociale ed economico, secondo l’ormai celebre definizione di salute data dall’Organizzazione Mondiale della Salute (OMS), ha portato il legislatore italiano ad interessarsi sempre di più anche dei problemi relativi al benessere “termico” dei lavoratori. Con questo libro l’autore fornisce degli strumenti sia per la consulenza tecnica sia per la sorveglianza sanitaria, utili per la corretta applicazione della normativa per la salute e la sicurezza nei luoghi di lavoro (D. Lgs 81/08 e smi). L’autore affronta in modo semplice e chiaro un tema alquanto complesso: la valutazione del rischio del microclima di tipo moderato, infatti, nasconde per il datore di lavoro e per le altre figure impegnate nella sicurezza aziendale diverse insidie. Il microclima di tipo moderato prevede l’obbligo di effettuare la valutazione dei rischi ma può anche richiedere l’esecuzione dei rilievi strumentali, l’attuazione delle corrette misure di prevenzione e protezione finalizzate al miglioramento delle condizioni di salute dei lavoratori e a tal fine, spesso può anche essere richiesta la collaborazione di tipo sanitario da parte del medico competente. Un libro per il datore di lavoro, il responsabile del servizio di prevenzione e protezione, il rappresentante dei lavoratori per la sicurezza, il consulente tecnico ed il medico competente, per adempiere correttamente a quanto previsto dalla normativa per la salute e la sicurezza nei luoghi di lavoro.
Il termine inglese “burnout” può essere tradotto letteralmente in “bruciato”, “fuso”, significa b... more Il termine inglese “burnout” può essere tradotto letteralmente in “bruciato”, “fuso”, significa bruciare fino in fondo, estinguersi e indica una condizione di esaurimento emotivo derivante dallo stress dovuto alle condizioni di lavoro e a fattori della sfera personale e ambientale. Questo termine viene utilizzato per indicare una serie di fenomeni di affaticamento, logoramento e improduttività lavorativa registrati nei lavoratori inseriti in attività professionali a carattere sociale. “Burnout” rende l’idea della spinta iniziale che si esaurisce e lascia in qualche modo vuoti gli operatori. Questo libro evidenzia gli aspetti storici, gli obblighi normativi, le metodologie, gli strumenti, gli aspetti clinici e medico-legali del Burnout, oltre che proporre una rassegna degli studi e delle ricerche svolte su questo tema. Si tratta di un libro completo che analizza in profondità la sindrome del burnout all’interno dell’ambiente scolastico. Un libro adatto non solo al medico competente, al responsabile della sicurezza sui luoghi di lavoro e agli operatori sociali, ma anche a tutti coloro che volgono approfondire il tema dei rischi psicosociali nella scuola. Gli autori propongono inoltre un questionario, lo School Burnout Inventory, per rilevare il rischio burnout individuale.
Completano l’opera gli allegati tecnici: verbali per la formazione, slides, checklist per la valutazione del rischio, questionario per la valutazione soggettiva, SBI, esempio della valutazione del rischio.
In letteratura è ampiamente riconosciuto come il lavoro a turni e il lavoro notturno siano fattor... more In letteratura è ampiamente riconosciuto come il lavoro a turni e il lavoro notturno siano fattori di rischio favorenti l’insorgenza di ipertensione arteriosa. Nel presente studio è stata ipotizzata l’esistenza di una differenza significativa nella prevalenza di ipertensione arteriosa nei lavoratori “turnisti” rispetto ai lavoratori “in giornata” di un’azienda del settore chimico. Nel presente studio sono stati arruolati tutti i dipendenti di sesso maschile operanti presso un’industria chimica lombarda, seguiti in corso di campagna di sorveglianza sanitaria con periodicità semestrale. Il campione era composto da 132 lavoratori, dei quali 75 turnisti (impiegati sia in turni “giornalieri” sia in turni “notturni”) e 57 non turnisti. Il nostro lavoro ha mostrato un’associazione statisticamente significativa tra il “lavoro a turni” e l’ipertensione arteriosa nei lavoratori di età compresa tra i 50 ed i 59 anni, vale a dire nella fascia di età lavorativa nella quale si presenta con maggiore prevalenza l’ipertensione arteriosa che, come noto, rappresenta la manifestazione di un progressivo deterioramento dei complessi meccanismi di regolazione e di controllo dei valori pressori, anche sotto l’azione del lavoro notturno e a turni. Questo studio evidenzia, inoltre, come la sorveglianza sanitaria possa essere utile per l’attività di ricerca e di prevenzione in tale campo ed uno strumento per la promozione di stili di vita favorevoli alla prevenzione dell’ipertensione arteriosa soprattutto nei lavoratori turnisti.
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Questo libro evidenzia gli aspetti storici, gli obblighi normativi, le metodologie, gli strumenti, gli aspetti clinici e medico-legali del Burnout, oltre che proporre una rassegna degli studi e delle ricerche svolte su questo tema.
Si tratta di un libro completo che analizza in profondità la sindrome del burnout all’interno dell’ambiente scolastico. Un libro adatto non solo al medico competente, al responsabile della sicurezza sui luoghi di lavoro e agli operatori sociali, ma anche a tutti coloro che volgono approfondire il tema dei rischi psicosociali nella scuola.
Gli autori propongono inoltre un questionario, lo School Burnout Inventory, per rilevare il rischio burnout individuale.
Completano l’opera gli allegati tecnici: verbali per la formazione, slides, checklist per la valutazione del rischio, questionario per la valutazione soggettiva, SBI, esempio della valutazione del rischio.