The Laboratory of Lifestyles Research focuses on the study of the main preventable risk factors for tumors, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases.
Monitoring of alcohol and tobacco consumption and obesity prevalence in Italy and Europe
Alcohol, obesity and smoking are among the main preventable causes of disease and mortality. In particular, every year more than 70 thousand deaths are attributable to tobacco smoke in Italy. In addition, deaths caused by second-hand smoke among never smokers should also be taken into account. In order to monitor alcohol and tobacco consumption and obesity, the laboratory systematically collects data on the prevalence and on temporal trends of these risk factors, conducting population-based surveys on representative samples of the Italian and European population using standardized epidemiological methods. This enables us to develop effective strategies for the monitoring of alcohol consumption and obesity, and in particular to control tobacco use.
Impact of novel tobacco products (electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco cigarettes) on tobacco control
In Italy, electronic cigarettes have been establishing on the Italian market for several years. More recently, heated tobacco cigarettes (such as IQOS or glo) have been released in Italy. Although these products pretend to be less harmful than conventional cigarettes, they are not risk-free. In addition, these products do not seem to be effective in reducing the consumption of conventional cigarettes. Our studies allow us to analyze the impact of new-generation products on tobacco control.
The Epidemiology of Tinnitus: prevalence and potential risk factors
Tinnitus is an auditory condition characterized by the perception of sounds, such as whistling, humming or rustling, in one or both ears. Although it is a very debilitating disease (1-2% of the population suffer from a severe form of tinnitus), very little is known about the epidemiology of tinnitus. Studies conducted in the laboratory aim to provide data on the prevalence of tinnitus in Italy and in other European countries. In addition, by conducting systematic reviews and observational epidemiological studies, we provide evidence about potential risk factors of this condition.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational epidemiological studies
The Laboratory has developed an innovative method for identifying original articles within systematic reviews, combining an umbrella review (i.e., a systematic review of reviews) with traditional review techniques. This method can be applied to all research fields, and has already been used for conducting several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational epidemiological studies. Some examples are the analysis of the association between cigarette smoking and the risk of some malignant neoplasms and the analysis of the role of smoking on the incidence and clinical course of COVID-19.
International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
