Obesity and related syndromes
Italian culture places high value on food; Italy is renowned for its cuisine, and meals are important and lengthy events for many Italian families. Additionally, the Italian diet typically consists of a high proportion of fatty foods (butter, cheese, cakes, meat, etc.) (Pala et al., 2003). As a result, a problem in the Italian community is the presence of overweight and obese individuals.
Obesity is highly related to various medical conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, collectively referred to as the metabolic syndrome (Miccoli et al., 2004).
Studies have shown that a high proportion of Italian adults display one or more symptoms of this possibly lethal syndrome (Miccoli et al., 2004). Also, research indicates that there is a gene common in Italian populations associated with cancer in obese individuals (Meenakshisundaram et al., 2009).
Given that rates of obesity are increasing in the general population as well, the health risks associated with being overweight or obese are of great concern to health care providers serving this population. Through lifestyle modifications, health risks of obesity can be prevented, detected at an early stage, and treated (Miccoli et al., 2004).
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by sensitivity to gluten. Studies have shown that this disorder has a high prevalence among Italian populations, especially in younger age groups (Greco et al., 2001). In managing celiac disease, special care must be taken in ensuring patients consume a gluten-free diet.
Cancer screening
In recent years, prevention and screening have increasingly become the focus of cancer management. While much of the public has eagerly accepted this, studies show that many middle-aged Italians refuse screening, particularly for colorectal cancer (Domati et al., 2008). In fact, 60% of interviewed subjects were not clear regarding the correct meaning of “prevention,” perceiving it as cure of patients rather than reduction of risk factors (Domati et al., 2008).
The main reasons for refusal of screening are doubts of its usefulness as well as concern regarding the results (Domati et al., 2008). Levels of screening were higher with increasing age and level of education (Domati et al., 2008). Many Italians immigrate to Canada to work as labourers and in trades and are unaware of the importance of cancer screening, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education of patients by health-care providers (Domati et al., 2008).
Another issue that leads to lower levels of screening is the tendency of Italian individuals to seek medical advice from lay people such as friends and family (LaGumina et al., 2000). While other ethnic groups rely on many factors to determine when medical intervention is necessary, studies show that Italians rely only on symptoms of illness, such as pain or weakness, to know when to seek health care. As a result, there are lower levels of screening which prevents early treatment of disease (LaGumina et al., 2000).
References:
Domati, F., Travlos, E., Cirilli, C., Rossi, G., Benatti, P., Marino, M., Ponti, G., Vandelli, M., Valmori, S., Oursana, A., Pezzi, A. & Ponz de Leon, M. (2009). Attitude of the Italian general population towards prevention and screening of the most common tumors, with special emphasis on colorectal malignancies. Internal Emergency Medicin, 4, 213-220.
Greco, L., Babron, M.C., Corazza, G.R., Percopo, S., Sica, R., Clot, F., Fulchignoni-Lataud M.C., Zavattari, P., Momigliano-Richiardi, P., Casari, G., Gasparini, P., Tosi, R., Mantovani, V., De Virgiliis, S., Iacono, G., D’Alfonso, A., Selinger-Leneman., H., Lemainque, A., Serre, J.L. & Clerget-Darpoux, F. Existence of a genetic risk factor on chromosome 5q in Italian celiac disease families. Annals of Human Genetics, 65, (1), 35-41.
LaGumina, S.J., Cavaioli, F.J., Primeggia, S. & Varacalli, J.A. The Italian American Experience: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland, 2000.
Meenakshisundaram, R. & Gragnoli, C. (2009). CDK4 IVS4-nt40AA genotype and obesity-associated tumors/cancer in Italians – a case-control study. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 28, 28-42.
Miccoli, R., Bianchi, C., Odoguardi, L., Penno, G., Caricato, F., Giovannitti, M.G., Pucci, L. & Del Prato S. (2004). Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Italian adults according to ATP III definition. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 15, (4), 250-254.
Pala, V., Sieri, S., Palli, D., Salvini, S., Berrino, F., Bellegotti, M., Frasca, G., Tumino, R., Sacerdote, C., Fiorini, L., Celentano, E., Galasso, R. & Krogh, V. (2003). Diet in the Italian epic cohorts: presentation of data and methodological issues. Tumori, 89, 594-607.
