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

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.