Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22014
Title: Prevelance of Tinea Pedis and Onychomycosis in Malta : the Achilles project
Authors: Boffa, Michael J.
Borg, Eileen
Mifsud, Edwin
Pace, Joseph L.
Scerri, Lawrence
Vella Briffa, Dino
Keywords: Medical cooperation -- Europe
Athlete's foot -- Malta
Onychomycosis -- Malta
Foot -- Infections
Issue Date: 2000-12
Publisher: Malta College of Family Doctors
Citation: Boffa, M. J., Borg, E., Mifsud, E., Pace, J., Scerri, L., & Vella Briffa, D. (2000). Prevelance of Tinea Pedis and Onychomycosis in Malta : the Achilles project. The Family Physician : It-Tabib tal-Familja, 19, 2-3.
Abstract: The Achilles project was set up because of the general poor awareness of foot disease, espe- cially of fungal foot infections. Foot diseases are often not viewed as a real problem, and the general public has limited knowledge of them. Most previous studies have involved small and specific population groups, such as school children, subjects visiting swimming baths, populations with specific occupations, or patients with underlying diseases like diabetes. Moreo- ver, patients often had to diagnose the condition themselves. The results of these self-assess- ments, was an underestimation of the prevalence of foot infections. (1, 2) The Achilles project was the largest epidemiological study ever to be carried out on foot health in Europe and other countries, related to the part of the body below the Achilles heel (e.g. foot, toes, toenails). Started in 1998, the aim of the project was to gain a better understanding of diseases affecting the feet and their prevalence among different patient groups with a view to improve the timely diagnosis and optimal treatment of this significant medical problem. The project also allowed an insight to be gained into the predisposing factors and quality of life in a large population, and to generate clinical data from a sample of the population. The data also served as the basis for epidemiological studies, allowing both medical professionals and pa- tients to benefit from this knowledge. The ultimate goal is therefore to increase the chance for timely diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. Several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK), have thus far participated in this foot-screening project, which was endorsed by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) and the European Nail Society. Following the example of these countries, in 1999 Malta, Jordan and Cyprus implemented the Achilles project.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/22014
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacM&SFM
Scholarly Works - FacM&SMed
The Family Physician : It-Tabib tal-Familja, Issue 19
The Family Physician : It-Tabib tal-Familja, Issue 19

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