Il monitoraggio dei fattori di rischio e degli stili di vita per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie non trasmissibili: Health Examination Survey - Progetto CUORE.

Monitoring risk factors and lifestyles for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases: Health Examination Survey - CUORE Project Introduction Non-communicable diseases are a major global health concern. The World Health Organization recommends periodic Health Examination Surveys (HES) to monitor key indicators. In Italy, the CUORE Project of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità has periodically conducted the HES to assess health conditions and risk factors trends (1998, 2008, 2018, 2023 ongoing) in the Italian adult population. This study summarizes the HES-CUORE data of the 2018- 2019 survey. Materials and methods Independent random samples of the resident population, aged 35-74 years, stratified by age and sex, from each of 10 (out of 20) Italian Regions, in the north, centre and south. Participants undergo standardized examinations, blood and urine tests, and standardized lifestyle face-to-face interviews, ensuring data accuracy. Results In 2018-2019, collected data showed raised blood pressure in 30% of men and 16% of women aged 35-74 years. The average daily salt intake was 9.5 g in men and 7.2 g in women. Obesity affected 20% of men and 23% of women; 28% of men and 39% of women consumed adequate portions of vegetables, while proper fruit intake was 50% and 52% respectively. Adverse levels of health indicators are more relevant in people with lower education. Conclusions In 2018-2019, in Italy, the prevalence of high blood pressure and the average daily salt intake decreased compared to previous HESs; a stable trend was observed for the prevalence of obesity. Unhealthy lifestyles are still epidemic and basically stable compared to 10 years earlier (slight decrease in smoking habit, slight increase in sedentary behaviours and slight improvements in nutrition); intersectoral strategies and monitoring need to be continued.