The Paths of Prevention
Vaccination and Cancer Screening Campaigns in Italian Regions
Keywords:
Comunicazione, salute, screening, vaccini, regioniAbstract
This study analyzes the relationship between health prevention communication in Italy and health inequities through empirical research on two specific areas: cancer screenings and vaccination programs. Data collected over the past 20 years reveal significant differences among Italian regions in terms of informational material production and participation in prevention programs, influenced by economic, social, and cultural factors.
Northern regions, such as Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, stand out for their high volume of communication materials and higher participation rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated strategies between communication and healthcare infrastructure. Conversely, southern regions, such as Calabria and Campania, produce fewer materials and show lower adherence, highlighting structural delays and difficulties in accessing services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these disparities: on one hand, it increased the production of communication materials, particularly on vaccines; on the other, it slowed participation in cancer screenings, further widening the territorial gap. Emilia-Romagna emerges as a virtuous case, characterized by high levels of communication and participation. In this region, a strategic and well-coordinated approach has led to excellent results. Sicily, on the other hand, despite increasing the production of materials, does not show a corresponding rise in adherence due to socio-economic and cultural barriers. These examples highlight the importance of health policies that take local specificities into account, combining awareness campaigns with structural interventions aimed at improving social and economic conditions. The disparities observed reflect the need for greater equity in public healthcare. Reducing the gap between North and South requires targeted interventions, not only in healthcare but also in social policies, to promote fair access to services and greater public awareness. Only an integrated approach—capable of considering cultural and territorial specificities and translating them into communication materials—can ensure more uniform participation in prevention programs and improve public health outcomes on a national scale.
