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Biomedical subjects

M A Modolo

Publications and source records attributed to M A Modolo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Improving adherence to highly active anti-retroviral therapy in Africa: the DREAM programme in Mozambique.

Ensuring high levels of adherence to highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is a priority in treating people living with AIDS. This study reports the rates of adherence of patients served by DREAM (Drug Resource Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition) in the city of Matola, Mozambique. DREAM, an innovative programme tailored for Africa, was implemented by the Community of Sant'Egidio in August 2001. DREAM provides patients with anti-retroviral drugs and laboratory tests at no charge, and is based on a particular strategy of health education and organization of services designed for a population that is predominantly poor and has a low level of formal education. This study analyzes the adherence of 154 patients over a period of 6 months. In evaluating adherence, two indicators were used: (1) the percentage of appointments kept for check-ups, tests and the collection of medicine, and (2) the overall change in the patients' blood chemistry over the 6-month period. Of the 154 patients, 127 (82.5%) kept more than 90% of their appointments. Adherence to the programme was further confirmed by a relevant increase of hemoglobin levels and CD4 counts, and a significant decrease in the viral loads among the 154 patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Patterns and covariates of alcohol drinking among high school students in 10 towns in Italy: a cross-sectional study.

A self-report questionnaire on alcohol and tobacco use was administered anonymously to 5221 high-school students in grade 9 (aged 14-15) and to 4154 students in grade 13 (aged 18-19) in 10 Italian towns. Alcohol consumption was greater among males than females and among 13th graders with respect to 9th graders. Students who drank alcoholic beverages every day were, in males and females, respectively, 22.5% and 9.0% among 9th grade and 31.3% and 10.0% among 13th grade students; those who drank 7 or more alcohol units a week were 26.8% and 11.1% among 9th grade and 42.7% and 13.9% among 13th grade students; finally, those who felt drunk at least once in the last 12 months were 19.8% and 13.9% among 9th grade and 41.4% and 19.0% among 13th grade students. Both alcohol consumption and frequency of drunkenness were found to be associated with both experimental and regular cigarette smoking and with psychoactive drug consumption, but not with socio-economic, cultural and demographic factors. Two main distinct drinking patterns were found among Italian adolescents: on the one hand, the daily drinking of moderate amount of wine with meals, together with parents, which was more common among males than females, as in other 'Latin' countries; and on the other hand, the occasional intake of alcoholic beverages in excess, especially beer and spirits, out of the family but together with peers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Cigarette smoke and the hormonal receptors status in breast cancer.

This paper describes 188 cases of early breast cancer in which age, menopause status, smoking, and pathological characteristics of the tumor were investigated, as well as status and levels of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors. Estrogen and progesterone receptor status did not seem to differ between smokers and non-smokers. The data of this study does not confirm the observation of a larger number of cases among women who smoke. However, the proportion of estrogen-receptor-negative cases is slightly higher in pre-menopause smokers and in those patients more exposed to smoke both in terms of intensity (cigarette per day) and duration (years of exposure).

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Drinking habits among high school students in Perugia, Italy, in 1981 and 1988: time trends and correlates.

The prevalence of alcohol consumption among 9th (14-15 years old) and 13th grade (18-19 years old) high school students in Perugia, Italy, was investigated in 1981 and 1988. Wine was the most popular beverage, although its use declined in the 7-year period. Beer consumption remained stable, but it was at a lower level than wine. Overall, alcohol consumption showed a slight decline among both 9th and 13th graders. However, the proportion of excessive drinkers increased, and a growing phenomenon of drunkenness among students was observed. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with sex and smoking and negatively associated with father's education and knowledge of the health hazards of alcohol abuse by multivariate analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Evaluation of an antismoking educational programme among adolescents in Italy.

In most countries the school has been the common setting for antismoking education. Programmes have usually been directed towards the younger age groups and they have met with various degrees of success. In general, such programmes have been shown to be less effective than one might expect, and much remains to be learned about the types of educational experiences that are effective in preventing adolescents from becoming habitual smokers. In Italy, the problem of educating young people about smoking is particularly pressing today.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive medicine consumption among high school students of 10 Italian towns.

Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and psychoactive medicine among 8,276 high school students of 10 Italian towns was studied. Wine was the most widely used alcoholic beverage and was consumed daily by 16-41% of students. Alcohol use increased with age and was higher among males. Occasional or current smokers were 24-47%. Nine percent to 12% of the students admitted to having taken psychoactive medicine during the 12 months prior to the interview. Females showed the heaviest use. Relationships were found among the use of these three licit drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Interaction between consumers and providers of health services: new roles and their implications.

In the last few years, there has been an active effort in Italy to involve the population in solving health problems at the community level. This movement had its origin in the industrial setting, where workers succeeded in promoting legislation which gives them control over matters affecting their health. This experience lead to the development of a health education methodology based on the following principles: (a) the assessment of health needs must be based on the subjective experience of the people who have acquired knowledge and interest in health problems; (b) the evaluation of health needs by professionals serves to complement and integrate the assessment of needs as experienced by the community; (c) the self-diagnosis of the community -- in particular of homogenous community groups exposed to similar health risks and experiencing the same needs--and the diagnosis of the professionals must undergo cross-validation and be accepted by both parties; (d) on the basis of this mutual agreement, community health programmes should be planned and carried out jointly by the professionals and the people.

Community Participation↗