Italian Women Research Articles

Fraction of cancers attributable to and prevented by reproductive factors and exogenous hormones use in Italy

ObjectiveEndogenous and exogenous hormonal factors have been associated with female breast, genital, and colorectal cancer risk. The aim of the present study is to conduct an evidence-based evaluation of the fraction of cancers attributable to and prevented by exogenous hormonal (i.e., combined oral contraceptives [COC] and combined estrogen-progestogen menopausal therapy [CEPMT]) and reproductive factors (i.e., parity and breastfeeding) in Italy. Study designWe calculated the population attributable and prevented fractions combining relative risks and prevalence of exposure in Italian women. Italian cancer incidence and mortality data were extracted from national sources and used to estimate the number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to reproductive factors and exogenous hormones in Italy in 2020. For long-term effects, a 20-year latency period was considered. ResultsCOC were responsible for 4.4 % of breast and 10.9 % of cervical cancers in women aged 15–44, but also avoided 6.4 % of endometrial, 5.6 % of ovarian, and 2.9 % of colorectal cancers in women of all ages. Overall, COC use prevented 1174 cancer diagnoses and 577 cancer deaths. CEPMT caused 0.4 % of breast cancers at age 45–69. Low parity accounted for 8.1 %, 11.8 % and 15.5 % of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, respectively (6267 cases, 1796 deaths). Breastfeeding avoided 6.4 % of breast cancers (3775 cases, 897 deaths). ConclusionsOur analysis quantified the complex effects of hormonal and reproductive factors on cancer burden in Italian women.

Unveiling the Inner World: Exploring Emotional Intelligence, Faith, and Time Perspective among Italian Nuns

The aim of this study was to verify whether emotional intelligence and intrinsic religious orientation have a positive influence on a balanced time perspective (BTP) in the lives of Italian consecrated women. A positive, balanced time perspective, together with the ability to recognize one’s own emotions and those of others, is integral to people’s experience of religiosity in their lives. In this way, a balanced time perspective can open the experience of religiosity, contributing to a better world, along with all those who are engaged in a religious sentiment that is no longer limited to single segments of self-interest. In this study, we provided evidence that religious beliefs (not just participation in corporate religious life) can provide an alternative source of understanding emotions and perceiving time, for the religious people who live their consecrated life together. We tested whether this phenomenon was specific to the potential associations between various aspects of religious belief, emotional intelligence, and time perspective. This research was conducted on a sample of 283 Italian nuns, and it was verified that both emotional intelligence and intrinsic religiosity contribute significantly to a BTP. Furthermore, the fact that emotional intelligence is mediated by intrinsic religious orientation increases the benefits of emotional intelligence on the BTP of Italian nuns. Altogether, our results suggest that religiosity is linked to a balanced temporal profile and to a positive way of understanding emotions. More specifically, the pattern of relationships between religion, emotions, and time can influence and deepen both the individual and collective understanding of humanity among these religious women and create space for mutual engagement despite obvious differences. These results are in line with the requisites of Public Theology, as they allow us to specify selectively the developments on a more secure and empirical basis of how religiosity can affect the life of people, by exposing the submerged theological assumptions that characterize the internal beliefs of religiosity. Moreover, the research data indicate that the deep aspects of religiosity influence greatly the day-to-day living of religious women. This practical influence of religiosity confirms the urgency of opening up theological reflection in the public sphere of life. In fact, as long as the religiosity of the nuns is not reduced to private practice, theological reflection will also be opened to its public significance in the different fields of their apostolic mission.

Breast Cancer Prevention Practices and Knowledge in Italian and Chinese Women in Italy: Clinical Checkups, Free NHS Screening Adherence, and Breast Self-Examination (BSE).

Breast cancer remains a significant global concern, underscoring the critical need for early detection and prevention strategies. Primary and secondary preventive measures, such as routine screenings and behaviors like breast self-examination (BSE), play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis. While the National Health System (NHS) in Italy offers free regular screenings for women aged 50-69, there is a lack of clarity regarding the participation of both Italian and Chinese women residing in Italy in these screening programs. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by thoroughly assessing the involvement in regular clinical check-ups and the types of screening employed, the adherence to free screenings offered by the NHS, and the practice of BSE among women aged 50-69 of these two groups. Furthermore, it investigates their knowledge and perceptions regarding breast cancer and BSE. Results reveal disparities in breast cancer control practice between Italian and Chinese women in Italy: the former demonstrates higher adherence to clinical checkups (53% vs. 3%, p < 0.001), while both groups show low participation in free NHS screenings (70% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Additionally, Chinese women reported significantly lower frequency of mammography (96% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound (69% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). The frequency of BSE also differed substantially, with 47% of Chinese women never performing BSE compared to 12% of Italian women (p < 0.001). This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights, attitudes, and knowledge into the disparities and potential areas for improvement in breast cancer prevention, thus contributing to the overall well-being of these communities. The findings highlight the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at improving awareness and participation in screenings, particularly among the Chinese population. These initiatives could have profound implications for patient education by equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in proactive health behaviors.

Expert opinion on the management of patients with osteoporosis with anabolic drugs in Italy.

Fragility fractures (FF) resulting from osteoporosis pose a significant public health challenge in Italy, with considerable socio-health and economic implications. Despite the availability of safe and effective drugs, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, leaving over 2 million high-risk Italian women without treatment. This paper aims to identify and propose key improvements in the management of osteoporosis, focusing particularly on the critical issues related to the use of anabolic drugs in secondary prevention, according to the current Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) Note 79. The Expert Panel, composed of nine recognized Italian experts in rheumatology, analyzed current practices, prescribing criteria, and the most recent literature. Three main reasons for revising the indications on pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis were identified: inadequate treatment of osteoporosis, new evidence regarding frontline placement of anabolics in high-risk conditions, and emerging sequential or combined strategies. The proposed improvements include the adoption of the Derived Fracture Risk Assessment algorithm for accurate fracture risk assessment, revision of AIFA Note 79 to reflect current evidence, improved prescribing appropriateness, broader access to anabolic agents, and the provision of sequential therapies with antiresorptives for teriparatide. These changes aim to enhance patient outcomes, streamline healthcare processes, and address the high percentage of undertreated individuals. This expert opinion emphasizes the importance of the appropriate use of anabolic drugs to reduce FF and associated costs while ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Service. The proposed recommendations are in line with the latest scientific evidence, providing a comprehensive strategy to optimize the management of osteoporosis in Italy. On behalf of the Study Group on Osteoporosis and Skeletal Metabolic Diseases of the Italian Society of Rheumatology.

Postpartum-Specific Anxiety and Maternal-Infant Bonding: A Predictive Validity Study amongst Italian Women.

The role of anxiety is unknown in relation to postpartum bonding, unlike the well-known detrimental effect that postpartum depression has on the relationship between a mother and child. This study investigates how anxiety affects mother-infant bonding after childbirth, comparing the Italian version of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS-IT) with generalized measures of anxiety. Examining 324 non-randomly-selected participants responding to various scales, including the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), postpartum-specific anxiety scale (PSAS-IT), postpartum bonding questionnaire (PBQ), and baby care questionnaire (BCQ-2), initial results suggest a link between certain postpartum anxiety symptoms and attachment problems. Surprisingly, anxiety measured with the PSAS has no direct influence on attachment; however, it is a strong predictor of bonding, even when maternal age, general anxiety, and depression are taken into account, explaining 3% of the variance in scores (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). This emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention of postpartum anxiety in promoting bonding between mother and child.

The mental health impact of primary Sjögren Syndrome among Italian women

BackgroundThis cross-sectional online survey aims to investigate the impact of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) on mental health by measuring anxiety, depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in the Italian context. MethodsParticipants diagnosed with pSS were recruited via the National Association of Sjögren's Syndrome Patients (A.N.I.Ma.S.S.), composed by members across Italy, and completed an online survey using the LimeSurvey platform. Data collected encompassed demographic, clinical information (e.g., age, gender, disease duration), diagnostic details (suspecting and diagnosing specialists), and mental health assessments (HADS for depressive and anxiety symptoms, SF-36 for HR-QoL). Descriptive analyses were conducted, including frequencies for binary variables, mean and standard deviations for interval-level variables, alongside correlation assessments between clinical scales. ResultsThe study included 216 women with pSS who completed the survey (average age: 54 years). Mental health symptoms evaluated by the HADS subscales revealed a clinical level of anxiety in 50 % and depression in 41 % of the respondents Patients with pSS had a low score in all eight domains of the SF-36. LimitationsThe study has limitations, including its focus on female pSS patients due to limited male participants, potential biases in self-reported survey data, and the lack of certain demographic and clinical variables. ConclusionOur results emphasize the critical role of emotional distress in the progression of pSS, highlighting the need for its proper management. This insight contributes to the development of a rational therapeutic approach to pSS patients useful for all the healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical industry, and drug regulatory organizations.

Association of perceived mental health with mortality, and analysis of potential pathways in Italian men and women: Prospective results from the Moli-sani Study cohort

BackgroundPerceived mental health (PMH) was reportedly associated with mortality in general populations worldwide. However, little is known about sex differences and pathways potentially linking PMH to mortality. We explored the relationship between PMH and mortality in Italian men and women, and analysed potential explanatory factors. MethodsWe performed longitudinal analyses on 9045 men and 9467 women (population mean age 53.8 ± 11.2 years) from the Moli-sani Study. Baseline PMH was assessed through a self-administered Short Form 36-item questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI) of death across sex-specific quartiles of PMH, controlling for age, chronic health conditions, and perceived physical health. Socioeconomic, behavioural, and physiological factors were examined as potential explanatory factors of the association between PMH and mortality. ResultsIn women, HRs for the highest (Q4) vs. bottom quartile (Q1) of PMH were 0.75 (95%CI 0.60–0.96) for all-cause mortality and 0.59 (0.40–0.88) for cardiovascular mortality. Part of these associations (25.8 % and 15.7 %, for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively) was explained by physiological factors. In men, higher PMH was associated with higher survival (HR = 0.82; 0.69–0.98, for Q4 vs. Q1) and reduced hazard of other cause mortality (HR = 0.67; 0.48–0.95). More than half of the association with all-cause mortality was explained by physiological factors. LimitationsPMH was measured at baseline only. ConclusionsPMH was independently associated with mortality in men and women. Public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of chronic diseases should prioritize perceived mental health assessment along with other interventions.

The Cardiovascular Risk Awareness and Health Lifestyle of Italian Women.

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in women, but few of them are aware of the CV risks (CVRs). Most women are not aware of all the CV risk factorsand their knowledge often still does not improve their lifestyle. Methods: The Carin Women is a survey conducted among Italian women by filling out a questionnaire in the waiting rooms of clinics. The aim was to determine the level of awareness of women's cardiovascular risk, knowledge of risk factors, and lifestyle. A total of 5590 questionnaires were completed in two different periods. Results: Median age was 56 (IQR 46-65); BMI was 25 (IQR 22-29). Schooling, marital status, and rate of risk conditions were assessed; 311 women (5.57%) had already suffered a cardiovascular event. The relationship between the CV events and the number of traditional risk factors was significant. A similar curve, but without significant differences, was reported for non-traditional risk factors. From the total number of women, 23% with a high CVR and 62% with a very high CVR underestimated thei risk regardless of their level of education. Up to 43% of women underestimated female CV risk compared to male risk. Women showed a good knowledge of traditional risk factors, but only a few of them had a healthy lifestyle: 21.86% were smokers, only 45.88% performed sufficient physical activity, 27.55% did not recognize they were overweight, and only 30.4% consumed more than two daily portions of fruit and vegetables. Most women (86%) need more information about CVR. Conclusions: Italian women underestimate female CVRs and their own CVR.

Generation and Validation of Normative, Age-Specific Reference Curves for Bone Strain Index in Women.

Bone Strain Index (BSI), based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is a densitometric index of bone strength of the femur and lumbar spine. Higher BSI values indicate a higher strain applied to bone, predisposing to higher fracture risk. This retrospective, multicentric study on Italian women reports the BSI normative age-specific reference curves. A cohort of Caucasian Italian women aged 20 to 90 years was selected from three different clinical centres. Bone mineral density (BMD) and BSI measurements were obtained for the lumbar spine vertebrae (L1-L4) and for the femur (neck, trochanter and intertrochanter) using Hologic densitometers scans. The data were compared with BMD normative values provided by the densitometer manufacturer. Then, the age-specific BSI curve for the femur and lumbar spine was generated. No significant difference was found between the BMD of the subjects in this study and BMD reference data provided by Hologic (p = 0.68 for femur and p = 0.90 for lumbar spine). Spine BSI values (L1-L4) increase by 84% between 20 and 90 years of age. The mean BSI of the total femur increases about 38% in the same age range. The BSI age-specific reference curve could help clinicians improve osteoporosis patient management, allowing an appropriate patient classification according to the bone resistance to the applied loads and fragility fracture risk assessment.

A Digital Behavioral Activation Intervention (JuNEX) for Pregnant Women With Subclinical Depression Symptoms: Explorative Co-Design Study.

Digital interventions are gaining increasing interest due to their structured nature, ready availability, and self-administered capabilities. Perinatal women have expressed a desire for such interventions. In this regard, behavioral activation interventions may be particularly suitable for digital administration. This study aims to exploratorily investigate and compare the feasibility of the internet-based self-help guided versus unguided version of the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression-Revised, an empirically supported in-person behavioral activation protocol, targeting pregnant women with subclinical depression symptoms. A user-centered design is used, whereby data are collected with the intent of evaluating how to adjust the intervention in line with pregnant women's needs. Usability and user engagement were evaluated. A total of 11 Italian pregnant women with subclinical depressive symptoms based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (scoring<15) participated in this study; of them, 6 (55%) women were randomly assigned to the guided group (age: mean 32.17, SD 4.36 years) and 5 (45%) to the unguided group (age: mean 31, SD 4.95 years). The Moodle platform was used to deliver the interventions in an e-learning format. It consisted of 6 core modules and 3 optional modules; the latter aimed at revising the content of the former. In the guided group, each woman had weekly chats with their assigned human guide to support them in the homework revisions. The intervention content included text, pictures, and videos. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and descriptive statistics were analyzed. Collectively, the data suggest that the guided intervention was better accepted than the unguided one. However, the high rates of dropout (at T6: guided group: 3/6, 50%; unguided: 4/5, 80%) suggest that a digital replica of Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression-Revised may not be feasible in an e-learning format. The reduced usability of the platform used was reported, and homework was perceived as too time-consuming and effort-intensive. Moreover, the 6 core modules were deemed sufficient for the intervention's goals, suggesting that the 3 optional modules could be eliminated. Nevertheless, participants from both groups expressed satisfaction with the content and found it relevant to their pregnancy experiences. Overall, the findings have emphasized both the intervention's merits and shortcomings. Results highlight the unsuitability of replicating an in-person protocol digitally as well as of the use of nonprofessional tools for the implementation of self-help interventions, ultimately making the intervention not feasible. Pregnant women have nonetheless expressed a desire to receive psychological support and commented on the possibilities of digital psychosocial supports, particularly those that are app-based. The information collected and the issues identified here are important to guide the development and co-design of a more refined platform for the intervention deployment and to tailor the intervention's content to pregnant women's needs.

Neoliberal Feminism and Political Leadership: The Representation of Giorgia Meloni and Elly Schlein in Popular Culture

Building on a long tradition of studies on the intertwining of politics and popular culture, the article examines the representation of the two Italian political leaders of the moment, Giorgia Meloni and Elly Schlein, offered by women’s magazines. The study focuses in particular on two interrelated aspects: on the one hand, the extent to which the discursive strategies to talk about the leaders, their personal lives, careers and ideas contribute to strengthen the contemporary hegemony on feminism; on the other hand, the discursive strategies used to represent the leaders through a frame of competition typical of the neoliberalism. Indeed, we refer to the most recent trends in feminism research, contested among post-feminism, neoliberal feminism and celebrity feminism. Within this framework, we examined whether and how female political leaders can become icons of life, style and power in a way that is functional to the neoliberal narrative. The critical discourse analysis conducted on eight Italian women’s magazines over the course of a year makes it possible to highlight some results that contribute to the reflection on neoliberal feminism and female leadership. In particular, leaders are presented through argumentative strategies of genealogism, exceptionalism and compensation: the ways in which magazines justify their position of power refer to family relationships and character qualities, emphasizing the characteristics closest to the neoliberal model and overshadowing all others, including political ideas. Rather, leaders are deradicalized and depoliticized to favour instead a reassuring narrative in which women have broken the glass ceiling. In that way, women’s magazines renounce representing women leaders for their ideas and ideologies, and instead focus on their unique mark of difference: their gender.

“I suspect I know a thing or two about Italy”: Byron’s travel guide to (sex in) Italy

ABSTRACT Following his self-imposed exile from Britain in 1816, Byron travelled across Europe and eventually settled in Italy. From here he wrote hundreds of frank, witty, and vibrantly detailed letters. Covering everything from politics to prostitutes, Byron's animated accounts make for riotous reading, and their appreciation of foreign cultures and customs sets them apart from the majority of contemporary travel writing (tarnished by a patina of discontented yearning for Britain and British things). The first half of this article considers Byron's deft reconstruction and subversion of contemporary travel writing conventions in his Italian letters. Cloaking the worldly cosmopolite's mockery of the parochial British reader behind a veneer of generic conformity, Byron plays into travel literature's masculinist orientation by presenting himself in the established guise of the affluent aristocratic tourist encountering the tantalising-yet-dangerous feminised foreign. Accepted into the houses and hearts of a number of Italian women, Byron gained an unusual level of insight into the private intimacies of those he wittily dubs “the continental incontinent”. The second part of this article focuses on Byron's knowledge of Italian sociosexual culture, and acknowledges the unique insights and ethnographic detail embedded within his performative tales of libidinous Italian femininity - designed to titillate and educate in equal measure.

Primary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency-Related Ataxias.

Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological syndrome characterized by the imbalance (e.g., truncal ataxia, gait ataxia) and incoordination of limbs while executing a task (dysmetria), caused by the dysfunction of the cerebellum or its connections. It is frequently associated with other signs of cerebellar dysfunction, including abnormal eye movements, dysmetria, kinetic tremor, dysarthria, and/or dysphagia. Among the so-termed mitochondrial ataxias, variants in genes encoding steps of the coenzyme Q10 biosynthetic pathway represent a common cause of autosomal recessive primary coenzyme Q10 deficiencies (PCoQD)s. PCoQD is a potentially treatable condition; therefore, a correct and timely diagnosis is essential. After a brief presentation of the illustrative case of an Italian woman with this condition (due to a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in COQ8A), this article will review ataxias due to PCoQD.

Indicators of cure for women living after uterine and ovarian cancers: a population-based study.

This study aims to estimate long-term survival, cancer prevalence, and several cure indicators for Italian women with gynecological cancers. Thirty-one cancer registries, representing 47% of the Italian female population, were included. Mixture cure models were used to estimate net survival, cure fraction, time to cure (when 5-year conditional net survival becomes > 95%), cure prevalence (women who will not die of cancer), and already cured (living longer than time to cure). In 2018, 0.4% (121 704) of Italian women were alive after diagnosis of corpus uteri cancer, 0.2% (52 551) after cervical cancer, and 0.2% (52 153) after ovarian cancer. More than 90% of patients with uterine cancers and 83% with ovarian cancer will not die from their neoplasm (cure prevalence). Women with gynecological cancers have a residual excess risk of death <5% at 5 years after diagnosis. The cure fraction was 69% for corpus uteri, 32% for ovarian, and 58% for cervical cancer patients. Time to cure was ≤10 years for women with gynecological cancers aged <55 years; 74% of patients with cervical cancer, 63% with corpus uteri cancer, and 55% with ovarian cancer were already cured. These results can contribute to improving follow-up programs for women with gynecological cancers and supporting efforts against discrimination of already cured ones. This article is part of a Special Collection on Gynecological Cancers.

From womb to world: mapping gut microbiota-related health literacy among Italian mothers, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe gut microbiota is a key determinant of long-term health. Promoting maternal health literacy may enhance children well-being. Aim of the present study was to assess gut microbiota-related health literacy of Italian women and identify potential gaps in awareness.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire (17 questions) on determinants and long-term impact of infant gut microbiota. The survey targeted Italian pregnant women and mothers of children under 2 years old, and was distributed through various social media channels between September 28th and November 15th, 2022. A total score was calculated as the sum of positive answers. Data on demographics, pregnancy status, and pre-existing knowledge of the infant gut microbiota were also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 1076 women. Median total score was 9 [7–11]. The 81.7% of respondents declared prior knowledge of the gut microbiota. The internet was among the most commonly cited primary sources of information. Independent predictors of total score were having a university degree (B = 0.656, p = 0.002) and prior knowledge (B = 2.246, p < 0.001). Conversely, older age was associated with lower total scores (B = -0.092, p < 0.001). The least known determinants of infant gut microbiota were gestational BMI, prematurity, mode of delivery and NICU stay. Pregnant women failed to recognize the role of breastfeeding in the development of infant gut microbiota more frequently than non-pregnant women. The 97.5% of participants reported increased interest in the gut microbiota, with heightened interest associated with prior knowledge.ConclusionsOur study revealed a moderate level of knowledge about infant gut microbiota among respondents, emphasizing the positive impact of prior knowledge on understanding and interest. Targeted educational interventions are needed to address awareness gaps, especially concerning the influence of breastfeeding on infant gut microbiota. Healthcare providers have the potential to enhance women's knowledge and awareness of this topic.

Bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus infection: a case report.

To describe a case of bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the absence of neurological involvement. A 78-year-old Italian woman was admitted to our emergency department because she noticed blurry vision in both eyes. She did not report fever, fatigue, or neurological symptoms in the last few days. Multimodal imaging showed the presence of bilateral hyperfluorescent lesions with a linear distribution, that corresponded to hypocyanescent spots on indocyanine green angiography. Antibody serology showed the presence of IgM antibodies, IgG antibodies, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) for WNV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain ruled out central nervous system involvement. Three months later, the patient reported spontaneous resolution of her symptoms and remission of the chorioretinal infiltrates. In endemic areas, it is important to think of acute WNV infection as an explanatory etiology in cases of multifocal chorioretinitis, even without neurological involvement.

Achievement of Primary Prevention Cardiometabolic Targets in Women with HIV: An Urgent Call to Action to Pursue Cardiovascular Health.

Cardiometabolic health has become crucial, especially for women with HIV (WWH). We assessed the achievement of targets for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes (H/Dy/DT) in primary prevention in a WWH cohort. Cross-sectional analysis including all WWH in our clinic, excluding those who had a myocardial infarction. H/Dy/DT achievement was assessed by both EACS guidelines and individual cardiovascular risk, CVR (measured by ESC calculator), using logistic regression to evaluate differences in H/Dy/DT achievement between migrant and Italian women. We included 292 WWH, 55.5% Italian and 44.5% migrant women; the median age was 50 (IQR:42-58) years, 94.5% had undetectable HIV-RNA, 55.1% had a high level of education, 27.1% were smokers, and 19.2% did regularly physical exercise. Overall, 76%, 19%, and 5% of women presented a low, a high, and a very high CVR, respectively. Among Italians, 28.4% and 6.2% women presented a high and a very high CVR, respectively. Considering migrants, 7.7% and 3.8% women presented a high and a very high CVR, respectively. Overall, among migrant women, those with a high CVR were more likely to be not at target than those with a low risk (especially for LDL-c and blood pressure among people on treatment), despite the fact that we did not detect a statistically significant difference. By contrast, migrants were more likely to achieve glycemic targets than Italians (p = 0.032). H/Dy/DT target achievement is suboptimal, especially in migrants. A more aggressive pharmacological treatment, also assessing adherence to medical prescriptions, and promotion of healthy lifestyle should be urgently implemented, possibly redrawing the current model of care.

Factors That Influence Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Women With Nonvertebral Fractures: The Guardian Angel Multicenter Longitudinal Study.

The knowledge of variables associated with quality of life in women with nonvertebral fractures is poor. The aim of this study was to examine the independent associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors, self-care, and quality of life in this specific population. We undertook a 3-year multicenter longitudinal study on a cohort of Italian postmenopausal osteoporotic women with three follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6months. Nurses asked women to complete questionnaires on quality of life and self-care. The sample (n =532) had a mean age of 74.78years. The results showed that women taking more than two medications per day (p =.026) and those with nine or more years of education (p =.036) were more likely to exhibit better quality of life levels (p <.001) than their counterparts. Both self-care and quality of life scores improved over time in all participants. This study shows positive independent associations between quality of life and polypharmacy, education, and self-care behaviors, which were improved by educational interventions to attain a better quality of life in our participants.

Fast Zombies and Social Rights: The Case of Umberto Lenzi’s &lt;i&gt;Nightmare City&lt;/i&gt; (1980)

In the tense atmosphere that preceded the May 1981 Italian referendums on abortion, Umberto Lenzi’s Nightmare City is released. Included in several ‘Best Zombie Movies’ lists, Nightmare City is important for at least two reasons; first, because it inaugurates a significant and eventually successful variation on the zombie image: the fast zombie; second, as a commentary on the most salient social debate of the late 1970s and early 1980s – the one on the self-determination of Italian women. The aesthetic and the metaphorical levels of Lenzi’s film are strictly connected and the infected people running around drinking the blood of others are the embodiment of a reactionary response to the ongoing social transformation. Nightmare City joins the Italian political dispute of the late 1970s by openly opposing the women’s freedom of choice and by channeling and amplifying the most conservative side of that quasi-eschatological battle.

Abortion in the State of Exception

In the current revival of fundamentalist right-wing politics globally, Poland occupies an important place given the struggles for abortion and reproductive justice that have been ongoing there since 2016. Together with Mexican, Argentinian, South Korean, and Italian women, Polish feminists contributed to creating the International Women's Strike, which later spread throughout the globe, uniting movements in seventy countries. This article discusses the symmetric heroisms imposed by the conservative governments on women, who have to give birth “no matter what,” as well as on men, who are told to “defend their fatherland.” Such acute, gendered demands for heroism also perpetuate the binary heteromatrix, further marginalizing LGBTQIA+ people and groups. Recent Polish struggles have contributed to the shift in feminist proabortion narratives from the liberal one, centered on choice, to others more preoccupied with reproductive justice. This article argues that the recent legal limitations on access to abortion in Poland and other countries are central to the current effort to reestablish the rule of the state of exception. It also analyzes the weak resistance of grassroots feminist movements organizing for reproductive justice. The refusal to participate in heroic politics requires not only work for better access to abortion but also an alternative kind of subject formation, here tentatively defined as “unheroic,” as well as politics of weak resistance.