The Italian health surveillance (SiVeAS) prioritization approach to reduce chronic disease risk factors

Abstract

Objective: Because public health funds are limited, programs need to be prioritized.

Methods: We used data on 15 risk factors from Italy's public health surveillance to inform prioritization of programs. We ranked risk factors using a score based on the product of six criteria: deaths attributable to risk factors; prevalence of risk factors; risk factor prevalence trend; disparity based on the ratio of risk factor prevalence between low and high education attainment; level of intervention effectiveness; and cost of the intervention.

Results: We identified seven priorities: physical inactivity; cigarette smoking (current smoking); ever told had hypertension; not having blood pressure screening; ever told had high cholesterol; alcohol (heavy drinking); not eating five fruits and vegetables a day; and not having a fecal occult blood test.

Conclusions: This prioritization method should be used as a tool for planning and decision making.