Authors:

• Frank Bezzina
• Vincent Marmarà
• Maria Brown

Publication Date:

01 Nov 2021

Abstract:

This quantitative study queried perceptions of the gender corrective mechanism as part of a broader parliamentary gender balance reform programme in Southern European, EU island state Malta. A representative sample (n = 435) of the Maltese electorate showed support for increased representation of women (88.5%) and the integration of the gender corrective mechanism (66.5%); but manifested a preference for other measures, namely childcare facilities, full-time backbenchers and more females in the electoral commission. Consequently, should the preferred measures not be sufficiently addressed, the reform risks falling short of sustainable development. The study adds to literature about how the electorate engages with more representative parliaments when this is targeted using constitutional amendments. Recommendations include financial support for parties to attract candidates from under-represented genders, and an effective public information campaign that explains the gender corrective mechanism as a safety-valve that compensates for any gaps in representation that the other reform pillars fail to achieve.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Danika Marmarà
• P. McMenemy
• A. Kleczkowski

Publication Date:

09 Oct 2021

Abstract:

Background

Seasonal influenza has major implications for healthcare services as outbreaks often lead to high activity levels in health systems. Being able to predict when such outbreaks occur is vital. Mathematical models have extensively been used to predict epidemics of infectious diseases such as seasonal influenza and to assess effectiveness of control strategies. Availability of comprehensive and reliable datasets used to parametrize these models is limited. In this paper we combine a unique epidemiological dataset collected in Malta through General Practitioners (GPs) with a novel method using cross-sectional surveys to study seasonal influenza dynamics in Malta in 2014–2016, to include social dynamics and self-perception related to seasonal influenza.

Methods

Two cross-sectional public surveys (n = 406 per survey) were performed by telephone across the Maltese population in 2014–15 and 2015–16 influenza seasons. Survey results were compared with incidence data (diagnosed seasonal influenza cases) collected by GPs in the same period and with Google Trends data for Malta. Information was collected on whether participants recalled their health status in past months, occurrences of influenza symptoms, hospitalisation rates due to seasonal influenza, seeking GP advice, and other medical information.

Results

We demonstrate that cross-sectional surveys are a reliable alternative data source to medical records. The two surveys gave comparable results, indicating that the level of recollection among the public is high. Based on two seasons of data, the reporting rate in Malta varies between 14 and 22%. The comparison with Google Trends suggests that the online searches peak at about the same time as the maximum extent of the epidemic, but the public interest declines and returns to background level. We also found that the public intensively searched the Internet for influenza-related terms even when number of cases was low.

Conclusions

Our research shows that a telephone survey is a viable way to gain deeper insight into a population’s self-perception of influenza and its symptoms and to provide another benchmark for medical statistics provided by GPs and Google Trends. The information collected can be used to improve epidemiological modelling of seasonal influenza and other infectious diseases, thus effectively contributing to public health.

Authors:

• Gill Hubbard
• Richard G. Kyle
• Richard D. Neal
• Vincent Marmara
• Ziyan Wang
• Stephan U. Dombrowski

Publication Date:

29 May 2018

Abstract:

Background

Skin cancer rates are increasing. Interventions to increase adolescent sunscreen use and skin self-examination (SSE) are required.

Methods

Quasi-experimental design; 1 control and 4 intervention group schools in Scotland, UK. Participants were 15–16 year old students on the school register. The intervention was a theoretically-informed (Common-Sense Model and Health Action Process Approach) 50-min presentation, delivered by a skin cancer specialist nurse and young adult skin cancer survivor, to students in a classroom, supplemented by a home-based assignment. Outcome variables were sunscreen use intention, SSE intention/behaviour, planning, illness perceptions and skin cancer communication behaviour, measured 2 weeks pre- and 4 weeks post- intervention using self-completed pen and paper survey. School attendance records were used to record intervention up-take; students self-reported completion of the home-based assignment. Pearson’s chi-square test, analysis of variance, and non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test were used to measure outcomes and associations between variables. Focus groups elicited students’ (n = 29) views on the intervention. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

Five of 37 invited schools participated. 639 (81%) students in intervention schools received the intervention; 33.8% completed the home-based assignment. 627 (69.6%) of students on the school register in intervention and control schools completed a questionnaire at baseline; data for 455 (72.6%) students were available at baseline and follow-up. Focus groups identified four themes – personal experiences of skin cancer, distaste for sunscreen, relevance of SSE in adolescence, and skin cancer conversations. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed for sunscreen use, SSE, planning, and talk about skin cancer in intervention schools but not the control. Significant associations were found between sunscreen use, planning and 2 illness perceptions (identity and consequence) and between SSE, planning and 3 illness perceptions (timeline, causes, control).

Conclusions

It is feasible to promote sunscreen use and SSE in the context of an adolescent school-based psychoeducation intention. Further research is required to improve study uptake, intervention adherence and effectiveness.

Authors:

• Danika Marmarà,
• Vincent Marmarà
• Gill Hubbard

Publication Date:

8 May 2017

Abstract:

Background

Women’s beliefs and representations of breast cancer (BC) and breast screening (BS) are salient predictors for BS practices. This study utilized the health belief model (HBM) and common-sense model (CSM) of illness self-regulation to explore factors associated with BS uptake in Malta and subsequently, to identify the most important predictors to first screening uptake.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey enrolled Maltese women (n = 404) ages 50 to 60 at the time of their first screening invitation, invited to the National Breast Screening Programme by stratified random sampling, with no personal history of BC. Participants responded to a 121-item questionnaire by telephone between June–September 2015. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression.

Results

There is high awareness of BC signs and symptoms among Maltese women (>80% agreement for 7 out of 8 signs), but wide variation about causation (e.g., germ or virus: 38.6% ‘agree’, 30.7% ‘disagree’). ‘Fear’ was the key reason for non-attendance to first invitation (41%, n = 66) and was statistically significant across all subscale items (p < 0.05). Most items within HBM constructs (perceived barriers; cues to action; self-efficacy) were significantly associated with first invitation to the National Breast Screening Programme, such as fear of result (χ2 = 12.0, p = 0.017) and life problems were considered greater than getting mammography (χ2 = 38.8, p = 0.000). Items within CSM constructs of Illness Representation (BC causes; cyclical cancer timeline; consequences) were also significantly associated, such as BC was considered to be life-changing (χ2 = 18.0, p = 0.000) with serious financial consequences (χ2 = 13.3, p = 0.004). There were no significant associations for socio-demographic or health status variables with uptake, except for family income (χ2 = 9.7, p = 0.047). Logistic regression analyses showed that HBM constructs, in particular perceived barriers, were the strongest predictors of non-attendance to first invitation throughout the analyses (p < 0.05). However, the inclusion of illness representation dimensions improved the model accuracy to predict non-attendance when compared to HBM alone (65% vs 38.8%).

Conclusions

Interventions should be based on theory including HBM and CSM constructs, and should target first BS uptake and specific barriers to reduce disparities and increase BS uptake in Malta.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Vincent Cassar
• Emmanuel Said

Publication Date:

22 March 2021

Abstract:

Background

This study examines how human resources in the Maltese Public Service adopt new work practices in response to COVID-19 public health measures during the first wave of the pandemic. We analyze the data we collected through seven focus group discussions and ten in-depth interviews with Public Service employees and managers in a diversity of ministries and roles. Our study reveals that Public Service policies promoting remote working relied exclusively on the service’s IT infrastructure. However, the ability to respond to customer needs effectively in a time of surging demand relied entirely on effective employees’ access to responsive and efficient ICT support as well as employees’ prior experience with remote work modes and their predisposition to change to remote working. Adopting remote working modes uncovered inherent weaknesses in the Public Service IT infrastructure that put additional strain on the Government’s centralized IT support function, especially when Public Service employees adopted tools not supported by the centralized IT support. In circumstances where centralized IT support was ineffective, Public Service employees relied on their own knowledge resources which they informally shared in groups of practice or employed operant resources (or tacit knowledge) to achieve service level objectives. These observations suggest that in times when organizations respond to immediate and unprecedented change, human resources seek to adapt by relying on tacit knowledge that is shared among people in known (often informal) groups of people with a common interest or role.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract:

Background

• Critically examines and documents public service reforms in Malta
• Discusses the historical background of public administration in Malta
• Provides a snapshot of the impact of reforms on public service employees and individual citizens

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

31 July 2021

Abstract:

Background

The Maltese Public Service has a long and honourable history. Hence, it is appropriate to commence this text with a historical background of this praiseworthy organisation. The Maltese islands in some form or other always had a public service organisation as its administrative basis. However, a new and illustrious era resulted under the rule of the Knights of the Order of Saint John (1530–1798). During this period, we find evidence of various administrative policies that are normally associated with modern society, such as defence, fiscal, monetary, urban planning, health, and education and culture. The French ousted the Knights in 1798. The French turned out to be very poor administrators, and in fact were unable to feed themselves, let alone the Maltese population of about 100,000 inhabitants at that time. This triggered a public uprising in 1798. By January 1799, evidence of starvation and its consequences were manifest as a way of life, with the number of deaths amounting to 20% of the population. Hence, French rule lasted a mere 2 years until 1800. British rule in Malta commenced in 1800, initially as a British Protectorate, until Malta gained its independence in 1964. Thus, every governing administration that ruled the Maltese Islands had an institution, such as the public service to support it in formulating and implementing its policies. For centuries, Malta’s foreign rulers assigned the islands a fortress role on the strength of its highly strategic location in the Mediterranean. Thus, Maltese public administration and management was highly geared towards supporting the established naval and military bases. Maltese public administration and management was in continuous transition under different foreign rulers with their consequent diverse national and management cultures.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract:

Background

This Chapter illustrates that a variety of reforms have been introduced regarding Civil Service Systems and HRM Public Service Reforms. These have contributed and strengthened the thrust towards enhancing professionalism in HRM practices within the Public Service. However, despite these important reforms, several other reforms are required to strike a balance between the exigencies of the Public Service and the improvement of the wellbeing and performance of public officers through telework, work-life balance, family-friendly measures and training. Government is the largest employer in Malta; thus, this balance is difficult to achieve, particularly when considering the reliance that a small island state has on the Public Service. This challenge is further accentuated with the unanticipated circumstances, significantly the crisis of COVID-19 that has highlighted the need to invest more in human resources management and new ways of conducting normal work practices. Programmes intended to promote and foster motivation in Public Service employees are to be particularly emphasized. Motivational systems vary from the performance management programmes that specifically focus on performance appraisal, to robust flexible work-life balance arrangements. The former has seen a radical improvement in the last 6 years, but the latter needs a more solid framework in an era where teleworking and flexibility is dominating the labour market. The reform related to the Institute for Public Services is to be continued and consolidated, especially about the aspect of instilling the Public Service values and excellence in all training provided by the Institute. The long-term vision of the Institute is to transform itself into an Academy that marks the professional status of a rapidly evolving Public Service.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract:

Background

This Chapter is about the future and is based upon extensive literature research regarding the future developing trends related to Public Service reforms. UNDP (2015) argues that most reforms in government are only partially successful not because, once implemented, they yield unsatisfactory outcomes, but because they never get past the implementation stage at all. They contend that learning lessons from experience, and applying them, is particularly essential. In this regard, information technology is viewed as an essential change agent. It has continued and will continue to provide opportunities for governments to initiate Public Service reforms, with the intention of improving the living standards of its citizens, in a variety of sectors. Information technology has paved the way to making the world flat in terms of creating a friendly and effective environment, where all the diverse stakeholders conduct their personal and business affairs on a level playing field in terms of conducting business and serving customers, wherein all competitors have an equal opportunity through the application of information technology. In such a scenario, governments are under unrelenting pressure to provide a much better service to their customers. Public service reforms and the systems they generate as a platform for service delivery are full of challenges and require sustained commitment from all levels of the Public Service. Public Service employees need to look for new ways of implementing change by taking advantage of the opportunities that technology provides in the day-to-day operations of government and its decision-making process. However, the most important factor for change to occur is to have strong, capable and above all visionary leadership. Visionary leaders see things and make sense of them and are not afraid to take the plunge.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract:

Background

This chapter provides a deeper understanding of the success and the degree of impact attained by the introduction and implementation of a variety of public services. It also contributed towards suggesting improvements that may be made to enhance the user-oriented relationship by focusing on the particular needs of each demographic sector. This Chapter is based upon original research and is organised into two major segments. The first segment evaluates the methodology and other demographic considerations; and the second segment analyses and discusses the research findings. The results suggest that generally the respondents’ perception reflects a positive outlook on the provision and execution of government-provided services to the wider community over recent years. Respondents, specifically Government employed individuals, appeared to be highly conscious of major projects, measures and initiatives implemented by the state, particularly those that relate to digital and social measures. Moreover, the findings suggest that accessed services by income and status demographic were found to be in line with a priori expectations and reflected the various group-specific needs of each sub-category. Those who registered non-usage of services were more critical of provided services, most prevalently within the Maltese population sub-sample. However, there is general consensus across all sub-samples that government has exerted a high level of effort in introducing a vast mixed array of digital, social and forward-thinking measures. The findings suggest that there is a need for government to implement better good governance and bureaucratically transparent processes, particularly with stronger views among the lower-income and unoccupied status cohort. Overall, respondents confirm the government’s success in introducing, facilitating and implementing various measures and initiatives. This had a positive resulting effect on community level service provision and, consequently, quality of life on all fronts.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

Transparency and accountability are two basic principles for democratic government. There is a two-way relationship between transparency and accountability. Accountability characterizes the form of transparency that is necessary. In contrast, the quality of the unrestricted information available establishes the type of accountability that is possible. In democracies, principles of accountability and transparency influence not only government, but also on all types of entities that operate under public laws. This Chapter illustrates the type of transparency and accountability reforms that have been implemented at many different governing levels, namely, state agencies reforms in the form of legislation and structures that influence the operations of Malta’s Public Service; national policies that have a comprehensive influence in the manner that the Public Services directs its strategy; and structural changes and new procedures within the Public Services that have strengthened the notion of good governance in its totality. This Chapter revealed that issues of good governance can be found in all Public Service administrative processes and is therefore intimately related to all operational aspects in so many different governmental departments and ministries. Such a comprehensive outlook was possible by embracing an inward and an outward perspective of the Public Service in the analysis conducted by the authors.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

This chapter provides a detailed review and analysis of all the major reforms that were initiated and subsequently implemented by Malta’s Government from the year 2013 onwards, regarding policy making, coordination and implementation. It expands on the theme of the previous chapter that focused on the interaction of public policy with the public administrative framework. The Government’s progressive and contemporary policy design augmented the quality level through the application of standards; the reprioritisation of the political agenda; and the revamping of how key policy sectors are managed. These have changed significantly the country’s political direction. Significant advancement has been made in implementing national policies so that Malta is more compliant with EU directives. The structural reforms have resulted in a substantial increase in all revenue streams reflecting the sustained and robust performance of the Maltese economy. Despite all the policy reforms, the only constant feature is change. It is contended that much more policy reforms are required, especially in the new COVID-19 era, to transform the citizen’s lives drastically for the better.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

This Chapter is about the various Organisation and Management government reforms that have been implemented in the Public Service. It reviews and considers these government reforms from a broad organisational and management perspective by focusing on three main reform features, namely, the structural reforms that have directly and indirectly impacted the Public Service; the national government policy reforms that required the complimentary coordination of Malta’s public administration; and the specific organisational and management reforms within the Public Service. The research reveals that the Public Service by implementing these various organisation and management government reforms have optimistically responded to the emerging challenges by proposing and initiating both policy-oriented and legislative solutions. The ultimate objective of the Government was to mitigate the bureaucratic administrative process and, in parallel, evolve a dynamic vertical and horizontal service-based approach. Thus, satisfying the citizens and businesses needs at a highly advanced level to support the government’s strategy to deliver a service of excellence. These organisational and management reforms are not a one-time occurrence but rather are part of a coherent, consistent and continuous change process. However, much more is required to be accomplished, if the Public Service is to keep up with the rapidly changing environment.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

Public administrations lay the foundation of how the country is run (Holmberg & Rothstein, 2012). As a result, public sector reform is an integral part of the governments’ efforts and initiatives to modernise the Public Service by rendering it more citizen-centric and responsive to the rising aspirations of society. Any Public Service reform cannot be analysed in a vacuum, it must be reviewed in parallel with a contextual analysis of the external environment (Kaufmann & Zoido-Lobatón, 2010). The aim of this chapter is to expose the institutional reforms through the neo-institutional theory that provides a theoretical perspective of organisational behaviour that is influenced by other organisations, the key stakeholders, and the wider economic and social force (Greenwood et al., 2012). The societal and external impact of Public Service reforms are discussed in the coming chapter.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

The Maltese Public Service is in a constant state of evolution and change. This continuous state of transformation brings with it not only risks and challenges but also opportunities. Normally change is associated with resistance and potential negative outcomes. Our research study, which was conducted in a double wave of change related to the internal and external environment, did not demonstrate the expected negative reactions and pessimistic ratings by employees. To be more precise, our research results suggest that the Maltese Public Service is coping and managing well the various changes being implemented as it becomes more people-oriented and embraces a new corporate identity. Furthermore, our study demonstrates how specific factors are associated to others and hence require leadership skills and abilities to steer people management in ways that ensure the maintenance of effective working relationships and therefore positive attitudes at work.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

Information Communications Technology (ICT) has provided the means for the Public Service to provide service of excellence. Over the years, the Government has invested a significant amount in ICT to enable the Public Service to deliver its services on a 24/7 basis from anywhere. Thus, the Public Service in Malta has seen an enormous increase in the quality of services provided through the traceability of service requests; convenience; timely delivery; fewer errors using ICT systems; better communication; and continuous improvement through an analytics-based performance management system. The eGovernment Benchmark 2019 Report issued by the European Commission shows that Malta is a European front-runner in eGovernment. However, even though Malta is outperforming on digitalisation, it is still underperforming in how much the online services are being used by the public. Hence, the Public Service needs to implement a strategy for increasing the eGovernment systems penetration rate amongst the public. The spread and usability of online services rests on two main fronts, namely, more citizens need to be digitally literate and become aware and acquainted with the government online services; and the government is to continue its robust campaign to educate more the general public with regard to the advantages that emanate when using the vast array of online services.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Frank Bezzina
• Emmanuel Camilleri

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21st September 1964. However, Malta still relied on its military strategic position in the Mediterranean for its economic survival. It was not until 31st March 1979 that Malta ceased being a fortress island, when all military and naval facilities closed down. The Government declared 31st March 1979 as “Freedom Day.” This day marks the historical event when the last British troops and the Royal Navy left Malta after their presence that date back to 1800. On taking power in 1971, the Labour Government signified that it wanted to re-negotiate the military and naval lease agreement with the United Kingdom. Following prolonged and at times apprehensive talks, a new agreement was signed, whereby the lease was extended till the end of March 1979 at a greatly increased rent. On 31 March 1979, the last British Forces left Malta. For the first time in a millennium, Malta was no longer a military base of a foreign power and it became in effect independent (de facto) and independent as a legal right (de jure). Thus, the Maltese public administration faced its first major challenge in the post-independence era. The challenge was the transformation from administering an economy based on foreign defence activities to a free market economy. The 1970s and 1980’s were characterised by an upsurge in economic growth and the introduction of a host of social benefits and services in a radical effort to curb poverty. In fact, successive government administrations over the decades have focused on economic growth and improving the social welfare of the Maltese citizen. Public Service employees have always risen to the challenge under various governments with different ideological philosophies, with the specific aim of serving the Maltese citizen.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmarà
• Andrew Azzopardi
• Jamie Bonnici

Publication Date:

2021

Abstract

Background

The Maltese population has experienced rapid developments in recent years, with political, socio-cultural, and economic changes contributing to increased property construction, rising social inequality and individualistic values, and racial intolerance, amongst others (Baldacchino, 2016; European Commission, 2019). In light of these changes, the Faculty for Social Wellbeing sought to gather data about the general population’s opinions on a number of diverse topics, with the aim of gaining insight into prevailing opinions within the public sphere, as well as informing policy development and future research initiatives. The aim of opinion surveys, also known as opinion polls, is to provide information about how individuals’ perceptions and preferences about a particular topic are distributed (Fertig & Schmidt, 2011). Opinion polls may commonly be connotated with research that seeks to gather information, which is focussed on political issues or marketing, which aim to understand voters’ intentions in general elections or consumers’ purchasing habits. The landmark opinion polls designed by George Gallup to understand political attitudes are credited with establishing the use of random systematic sampling in order to generalise results to an entire population. However, academic opinion research – particularly cross-national comparison initiatives such as the Eurobarometer or World Values Survey – provides unique advantages in that it is independent of economic or governmental influence, in addition to being guided by rigorous and ethical principles of social science research (Heath et al., 2005). Furthermore, opinion research is crucial in order to construct an “accurate picture of our diverse and changing population” that can inform decision-making at higher levels with information which would otherwise not be readily available (Office for National Statistics, 2020, para. 7). The present study sought to expand on existing public opinion survey research which has previously been carried out by a number of entities such as the Eurobarometer. Such existing surveys, whilst being methodologically sound and representative of the population in the majority of cases, do not offer the necessary in-depth level of analysis according to individual countries. As noted by a spokesperson on behalf of the Eurobarometer surveys, “Eurobarometer is not a tool to collect statistics, it rather provides a snapshot of public opinion perceptions at a given time” (Spinant, 2019). Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a more detailed survey of Maltese individuals’ opinions about a number of topics, whilst gathering relevant sociodemographic data and ensuring that the sample was equally representative of the general population in terms of age, gender, and residential district.

Authors:

• Jonathan ells
• Chris Robertson
• Vincent Marmara
• Alan Yeung
• Adam Kleczkowski

Publication Date:

22 December 2020

Abstract

Background

Faced with the 2020 SARS-CoV2 epidemic, public health officials have been seeking models that could be used to predict not only the number of new cases but also the levels of hospitalisation, critical care and deaths. In this paper we present a stochastic compartmental model capable of real-time monitoring and forecasting of the pandemic incorporating multiple streams of real-world data, reported cases, testing intensity, deaths, hospitalisations and critical care occupancy. Model parameters are estimated via a Bayesian particle filtering technique. The model successfully tracks the key variables (reported cases, critical care and deaths) throughout the two waves (March-June and September-November 2020) of the COVID-19 outbreak in Scotland. The model hospitalisation predictions in Summer 2020 are consistently lower than the recorded data, but consistent with the change to the reporting criteria by the Health Protection Scotland on 15th September. Most parameter estimates were constant over the two waves, but the infection rate and consequently the reproductive number decrease in the later stages of the first wave and increase again from July 2020. The death rates are initially high but decrease over Summer 2020 before rising again in November. The model can also be used to provide short-term predictions. We show that the 2-week predictability is very good for the period from March to June 2020, even at early stages of the pandemic. The model has been slower to pick up the increase in the case numbers in September 2020 but forecasting improves again in the later stages of the epidemic.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmara
• Reginald Aquilina
• Elyse Formosa
• Gill Hubbard
• Danika Marmara

Publication Date:

19 November 2020

Abstract

Background

Testicular cancer (TC) accounts for around one percent of all cancers in men. Early detection is of utmost importance for recovery and survivorship. Testicular self-examination (TSE) has been shown to be effective in preventing late-stage TC diagnosis. However, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness of both TC and TSE in men. Increasing such awareness may contribute towards earlier TC detection and positive outcomes. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of a representative sample of the Maltese male population on TC and TSE. It also explores men’s willingness to learn about and perform TSE as well as their suggested approaches for TC and TSE information provision.

Authors:

• Vincent Marmara
• Danika Marmara
• Paul McMenemy
• Adam Kleczkowski

Publication Date:

16 October 2020

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Marie Josette Parnis
• Vincent Marmara
• Lillian M Azzopardi
• Anthony Serracino-Inglott

Publication Date:

2020

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Vincent Marmara
• Gill Hubbard
• Danika Marmara

Publication Date:

December 2019

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Danika Marmara
• Gill Hubbard
• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

January 2018

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Danika Marmara
• Gill Hubbard
• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

December 2018

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Danika Marmara
• Gill Hubbard
• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

December 2017

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Alexiei Dingli
• Vincent Marmara
• Nicole Sant Fournier

Publication Date:

October 2017

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Alexiei Dingli
• Vincent Marmara
• Nicole Sant Fournier

Publication Date:

September 2017

Authors:

• Manwel Debono
• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

29 June 2017

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Danika Marmara
• Vincent Marmara
• Gill Hubbard

Publication Date:

1 January 2017

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

2016

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Danka Marmara
• Judi Curtis
• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

2015

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• Vincent Marmara
• A. Cook
• Adam Kleczkowski

Publication Date:

2014

Abstract

Background

Authors:

• DM Attard
• J Curtis
• Vincent Marmara

Publication Date:

2014

Abstract

Background