The Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis is a nongovernmental organization, active in the field of medical research, health promotion, environmental and occupational health since 1990.

We strongly support the belief that health is a fundamental, nonnegotiable and inalienable right for every human being.

Our vision

Our vision is a society that maintains and promotes physical and mental health and prosperity equally and justly for all people, especially the most vulnerable, while respecting human freedom and protects our planet for future generations.

Our mission

Our mission is to respond to major public health needs of Greece and Europe, by conducting rigorous academic research and translating it into action through education, advocacy and direct service. We promote health and health equity for all Europeans.

This mission is rooted in the belief that health equality is a necessary pre-requisite for broader social justice. We are committed to equality, social inclusion and respect for individual differences and choices.

Throughout the years, Prolepsis has cooperated with the following organizations:

Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, Mayo Medical School, Medical Research Council (U.K.), University of Rome “La Sapienza”, London School of Economics & Political Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Dresden University of Technology (Germany), Ecole Nationale de la Santι Publique (France), Erasmus University (The Netherlands), A.S.O. San Giovanni Battista Di Torino - SC Epidemiologia Dei Tumori-CPO (Italy), Centro de Prevencion de Cancer de Mama, (Spain), Finish Institute of Occupational Health, Institut Municipal d’ Investigacio MedicaI MIM, International Institute for Pesticides and Health Prevention-ICPS (Italy), Mammographie-Screening-Planungsstelle, Zentralinstitut fόr die Kassenarztliche Versorgung (Germany), NHS- Cancer Screening Programmes, (U.K.), Nofer Institute of Occupational Health (Poland).

• EuroHealthNet (http://www.eurohealthnet.eu)
• Eurochild (http://www.eurochild.org)
• Hellenic Anti Poverty Network (EAPN Greece) (EAPN)

A significant work of scientific publications has been produced by members of the Prolepsis Institute's scientific team. Papers published by the scientific staff and scientific associates of the Institute, in the context of its broader research activity and the programs it has implemented, are presented below.

The intellectual property of the scientific publications belongs to their authors and the scientific journals in which they were published.

Publications in international scientific journals:

1. Access to Healthcare for Migrant Patients in Europe: Healthcare Discrimination and Translation Services. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. Gil-Salmerón, A.; Katsas, K.; Riza, E.; Karnaki, P.; Linos, A. 2021, 18, 7901. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157901
2. Dietary patterns and food insecurity of students participating in a food aid programme: the Mediterranean perspective. Eur J Public Health. Kastorini CM, Markaki I, Tsiampalis T, Critselis E, Petralias A, Linos A; DIATROFI Program Research Team. 2021 Feb 1;31(1):143-150. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa178. PMID: 33529326.
3. Determinants of Refugee and Migrant Health Status in 10 European Countries: The Mig-HealthCare Project. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Riza E, Karnaki P, Gil-Salmerón A, Zota K, Ho M, Petropoulou M, Katsas K, Garcés-Ferrer J, Linos A. 2020 Aug 31;17(17):6353. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176353. PMID: 32878303; PMCID: PMC7503735.
4. Migrants' and refugees' health status and healthcare in Europe: a scoping literature review. Lebano A, Hamed S, Bradby H, Gil-Salmerón A, Durá-Ferrandis E, Garcés-Ferrer J, Azzedine F, Riza E, Karnaki P, Zota D, Linos A. BMC Public Health. 2020 Jun 30;20(1):1039. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-08749-8. PMID: 32605605; PMCID: PMC7329528.
5. Community-Based Healthcare for Migrants and Refugees: A Scoping Literature Review of Best Practices. Riza E, Kalkman S, Coritsidis A, Koubardas S, Vassiliu S, Lazarou D, Karnaki P, Zota D, Kantzanou M, Psaltopoulou T, Linos A. Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Apr 28;8(2):115. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8020115. PMID: 32354069; PMCID: PMC7349376.
6. Effectiveness of a school food aid programme in improving household food insecurity; a cluster randomized trial. Dalma A, Petralias A, Tsiampalis T, Nikolakopoulos S, Veloudaki A, Kastorini CM, Papadimitriou E, Zota D, Linos A. Eur J Public Health. 2020 Feb 1;30(1):171-178. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz091. PMID: 31127302.
7. Lifestyle E-Coaching for Physical Activity Level Improvement: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectivity in Low Socioeconomic Status Groups. Spelt H, Tsiampalis T, Karnaki P, Kouvari M, Zota D, Linos A, Westerink J. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Nov 12;16(22):4427. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16224427. PMID: 31726649; PMCID: PMC6888441.
8. National Dietary Guidelines of Greece for children and adolescents: a tool for promoting healthy eating habits. Kastorini CM, Critselis E, Zota D, Coritsidis AL, Nagarajan MK, Papadimitriou E, Belogianni K, Benetou V, Linos A; Greek National Dietary Guidelines Scientific Team. Public Health Nutr. 2019 Oct;22(14):2688-2699. doi: 10.1017/S1368980019001034. Epub 2019 May 21. PMID: 31111809.
9. Immunization related behaviour among healthcare workers in Europe: Results of the HProImmune survey. Karnaki P, Baka A, Petralias A, Veloudaki A, Zota D, Linos A; HProImmune Partnership. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2019 Sep;27(3):204-211. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a5514. PMID: 31580555.
10. Daily distribution of free healthy school meals or food-voucher intervention? Perceptions and attitudes of parents and educators.” Dalma A, Zota D, Kouvari M, Kastorini CM, Veloudaki A, Ellis-Montalban P, Petralias A, Linos A, Belogianni K, Critselis E, Georgakopoulos P, Haviaris AM, Karagas RM, Karnaki P, Linos C, Lykou A, Markaki I, Mitraka K, Pantazopoulou A, Papadimitriou E, Peppas M, Riza E, Papasaranti ES, Spyridis I, Yannakoulia M. Appetite 120, January 2018, 627-635.
11. Promotion of Immunizations for Health Professionals in Europe: A Qualitative Study in Seven European Member States”. Dalma A, Karnaki P, Baka A, Raftopoulos V, Zota D, Veloudaki A, Garrison A, Ellis Montalban P, Dhanani Z, Linos A. Hospital Topics 96(1), September 2017, 18-27.
12. Environmental Pollution Effects on Mortality in an Industrial and a Non-industrial Municipality, in Voiotia Prefecture, Greece.” Saranti-Papasaranti E, Riza E, Hadjistavrou K, Panagiotakos D, Linos A. Environment and Natural Resources Research 7(1), 2017, 94.
13. The influence of a school-based intervention program regarding adherence to a healthy diet in children and adolescents of disadvantaged areas in Greece: The DIATROFI Study”. Kastorini CM, Lykou A, Yannakoulia M, Petralias A, Riza E, Linos A, on behalf of the DIATROFI Program Research Team. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 70(7), July 2016, 671-677.
14. Promotion of healthy nutrition among students participating in a school food aid program: a randomized trial” Zota D, Dalma A, Petralias A, Lykou A, Kastorini C-M, Yannakoulia M, Karnaki P, Belogianni K, Veloudaki A, Riza E, Malik R, Linos A. International Journal of Public Health 61(5), June 2016, 583-592.
15. Perceptions of parents and children, participating in a school-based feeding program in disadvantaged areas in Greece: A qualitative study”. Dalma A, Kastorini C-M, Zota D, Veloudaki A, Petralias A, Yannakoulia M, Linos A. Child: Care, Health & Development 42(2), March 2016, 267-277.
16. The impact of a school food aid program on household food insecurity”. Petralias A, Papadimitriou E, Riza E,Karagas RM, Zagouras A, Linos A on behalf of the DIATROFI Program Research Team. European Journal of Public Health 26(2), February 2016, 290-296.
17. Socio-economic and lifestyle parameters associated with diet quality of children and adolescents using classification and regression tree analysis: The DIATROFI study”. Yannakoulia M, Lykou A, Kastorini C-M, Saranti Papasaranti E, Petralias A, Veloudaki A, Linos A. Public Health Nutrition 19(2), February 2016, 339-347.
18. The effect of Greek herbal tea consumption on thyroid cancer: A case-control study”. Riza E, Linos A, Petralias A, de Martinis L, Duntas L, Linos D. European Journal of Public Health 25(6), December 2015, 1001-1005.
19. Oral exposure to hexavalent chromium through drinking water and urologic morbidity in an industrial area of Greece”. Karagiannis D, Deliveliotis C, Papadimitriou E, Riza E, Lykou A, Petralias A, Papatsoris A, Linos A. Journal of Public Health 23(5), October 2015, 249-255.
20. The development of food-based dietary guidelines for the population living in Greece: The “ef… diatrofin” project”. Benetou V, Zota K, Belogianni K, Kastorini C-M, Papadimitriou E, Spyridis I, Kosti R, Linou A. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 67, 2015, 213-214.
21. Reporting Health in Europe: situation and needs.” Veloudaki A, Zota D, Karnaki P, Petralias A, Saranti Papasaranti E, Spyridis I, Linos A. Journal in Communication in Healthcare 7(3), 2014, 158-170.
22. Respiratory Disease Related Mortality and Morbidity on an Island of Greece Exposed to Perlite and Bentonite Mining Dust”. Sampatakakis A, Linos A, Papadimitriou E, Petralias A, Dalma A, Saranti Papasaranti E, Christoforidou E Stoltidis M. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 10(1), October 2013, 4982-4995.
23. Different effects of area of residency in atopic disorders and spirometric indices in children”. Papadimitriou E, Riza E, Pililitsis L, Petralias A, Linos A. Journal of Public Health 20(6), December 2012, 577-584.
24. Oral ingestion of hexavalent chromium through drinking water and cancer mortality in an industrial area of Greece - An ecological study”. Linos A, Petralias A, Christophi C, Christoforidou C, Kouroutou P, Stoltidis M, Veloudaki A, Tzala E, Makris K, Karagas M. Environmental Health, 10(1), May 2011, 50.
25. The Effect of Industrial vs. Rural Environment in the Respiratory Status of Schoolchildren.” Papadimitriou E, Riza E, Pililitsis L, Chrousos G, Linos A. Environment and Natural Resources Research 1(1), 2011, 25.
26. Anthropometric characteristics and mammographic parenchymal patterns in post-menopausal women: a population-based study in Northern Greece.” Riza e, Remoundos D-D, Bakali E, Karadedou-Zafiriadou E, Linos D, Linos A. Cancer Causes & Control 20(2), 2009, 181-191.
27. Social and occupational health protection for self-employed farmers in the European Union.”Kotsioni I, Chatzis C, Chronopoulou E, Linos A. Journal of Public Health 15(4), 315-321, 2007.
28. Development of public health indicators for reporting environmental/occupational risks related to agriculture and fishery.” Linos A, Chatzis C, Zikos D, Kouimintzis D, Maroni M, Colosio C, Fait A, Mammone T, Bencko V, Burdorf A, Sulkova M, Hanke W, Kauppinen K, Kirch W, Fuchs A, Schmitt N, Kogevinas M, Kotsioni I. European Journal of Public Health 16, 2006, 191-192.
29. Correlates of high-density mammographic parenchymal patterns by menopausal status in a rural population in Northern Greece.” Riza E, dos Santos Silva I, De Stavola B, Perry N, Karadedou Zafiriadou E, Linos D, Remoundos D-D, Linos A. European journal of Cancer 41 (4), 2005, 590-600.
30. The influence of dietary patterns on the development of thyroid cancer.” Markaki I, Linos D, Linos A. European journal of Cancer 39 (13), 2003, 1912-1919.
31. Urinary estrogen metabolites and mammographic parenchymal patterns in postmenopausal women.” Riza E, dos Santos Silva I, De Stavola B, Bradlow HL, Serkovic DW, Linos D, Linos A. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 10(6), 2001, 627-34.
32. Comparisons of cervical cancer screening programmes in the European Union.” Linos A, Riza E. European journal of Cancer 36(17), 2000, 2260-5.
33. Cervical cancer screening in Greece.” Riza E, Kyriakogianni-Psaropoulou P, Koumantakis E, Symiakaki H, Garas I, Linos A. European journal of Cancer 36(17), 2000, 2227-32.
34. Introduction. Cervical cancer screening.” Linos A, Riza E, Ballegooijen M. European journal of Cancer 36(17), 2000, 2175-6.

Publications in national research series/reports:

1. “Vegetable and fruit intake - Associations with health and guidelines for adults in Greece”, V. Benetou, K. Belogianni, Ch.M. Kastorini, D. Zota, E. Papadimitriou, I. Spiridis, A. Veloudaki, D. Panagiotakos, A. Linos, Iatriki 2015, 104(1):11—30.
2. “Red and processed meat intake. Associations with health and guidelines for adults in Greece”. V. Benetou, Ch.M. Kastorini, K. Belogianni, D. Zota, E. Papadimitriou, I. Spiridis, R. Kosti, D. Panagiotakos, A. Linos. Iatriki 2015, 104(2):136—154.
3. “Suggested policy to combat food insecurity and childhood obesity”. Linos A, Petralias A, Veloudaki A and Dalma N. Policy paper No. 25. Crisis Observatory, Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy. Athens: October 2014.
4. “The effects of occupational heavy metal exposure on morbidity and mortality.” Kouroutou P, Kales S, Hadjistavrou K, Linos A. Archives of Hellenic Medicine/Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes 29 (1), 2012.
5. “Air pollution as a cause of asthma in children-A review.” Papadimitriou E, Karagiannis D, Riza E, Linos A. Archives of Hellenic Medicine/Arheia Ellenikes Iatrikes 28 (5), 2011.

Abstracts published in international scientific journals:

1. Κ. Κατσάς, Δ. Διαμάντης, Χ. Καστορίνη, Α. Λινού. (2022). Ε25: Πρόγραμμα ενίσχυσης της επισιτιστικής ασφάλειας, βελτίωσης της ποιότητας ζωής και των διατροφικών συνηθειών ηλικιωμένων που έχουν υποστεί φυσική καταστροφή στην Ελλάδα. [Προφορική ανακοίνωση]. 48ο Ετήσιο Πανελλήνιο Ιατρικό Συνέδριο, 12-14 Μαΐου, Αθήνα.
2. Χ. Γρηγοροπούλου, Κ. Κατσάς, Α. Δάλμα, Ε. Φαγογένη, Α. Βελουδάκη, Α. Λινού. (2022). Ε27: Η αντιμετώπιση της μοναξιάς στην τρίτη ηλικία: Πρόγραμμα ΦΙΛΙΑ σε κάθε ηλικία. [Προφορική ανακοίνωση]. 48ο Ετήσιο Πανελλήνιο Ιατρικό Συνέδριο, 12-14 Μαΐου, Αθήνα.
3. Σ. Τζιρίτα, Π. Καρνάκη, Κ, Ζώτα, Ε. Ριζά, Μ. Κούβαρη, Α. Βελουδάκη, Α. Λινού. (2022). Ε40: Εκπαιδευτικό υλικό και εργαλεία για επαγγελματίες υγείας σε σχέση με θέματα υγείας προσφύγων και μεταναστών. [Προφορική ανακοίνωση]. 48ο Ετήσιο Πανελλήνιο Ιατρικό Συνέδριο, 12-14 Μαΐου, Αθήνα.
4. Κ, Ζώτα, Α. Δάλμα, Μ. Κούβαρη, Π. Καρνάκη, Α. Βελουδάκη, Α. Λινού. (2022). Ε198: Ποιοτική έρευνα για την προώθηση υγιεινής διατροφής στην παιδική ηλικία στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού προγράμματος Dr. Ped-Chef – ένας συνδυασμός γαστρονομίας και ιατρικής με τη συμμετοχή παιδιάτρων. [Poster]. 48ο Ετήσιο Πανελλήνιο Ιατρικό Συνέδριο, 12-14 Μαΐου, Αθήνα.
5. “Immigrants and refugees' principal characteristics across Europe: a literature review”. Gil-Salmeron A, Valia-Cotanda E, Garces-Ferrer J, Karnaki P, Zota D, Linos A, Lebano A, Bradby H, Hamed S. European Journal of Public Health 28 (Supplement: 1), 2018, 61-61.
6. “A School Based Intervention for Combating Food Insecurity and Promoting Healthy Nutrition in a Developed Country Undergoing Economic Crisis: A Qualitative Study.” Dalma A, Veloudaki A, Petralias A, Mitraka K, Zota D, Kastorini C-M, Yannakoulia M, Linos A. Forum on Public Policy Online, 2015 (2).
7. “Policy brief addressing food insecurity and obesity Case study: the DIATROFI program.” Veloudaki A, Petralias A, Zota D, Karnaki P, Dalma A, Riza E, Linos A. The European Journal of Public Health, 26 (suppl. 1), November 2016, ckw169.005.
8. “A program on food aid and promotion of healthy nutrition in schools of underprivileged areas in Greece.” International Journal of Public Health, Springer. Scientific blog post, April 19th 2016.
9. “Perceptions and attitudes on healthy nutrition of parents and children, participating in a school-based feeding program in disadvantaged areas in Greece: A qualitative study”. Dalma A, Zota D, Kastorini C, Veloudaki A, Petralias A, Yannakoulia M, Linos A. International Journal of Community Nutrition, 0(Supplement), November 2014, 86-87.
10. “The provision of a free school meal in underprivileged areas of Greece”. Petralias A, Lykou A, Veloudaki A, Haviaris AM, Zota D, Papadimitriou E, Linos A. International Journal of Community Nutrition, 0(Supplement), November 2014, 126.
11. “Occupational and environmental risks related to crop farming in Southern Europe: the DIRERAF methodology applied.” Linos A, Chatzis C, Zikos D, Koumintzsis D, Mamone T, Vida P, Bencko V, Burdof A, Sulkova M, Hanke W, Kauppinen K, Kirch W, Kogevinas M, Kotsioni I, Colosio C, Fait A, Maroni M. International Congress on Agricoltural Medicine and Rural Health: Building new tools for health promotion in rural areas, 2006.

Publications within the framework of national and European research programmes:

1. “Nutrition Guide for the Whole Family.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2020. ISBΝ: 978-960-85761-9-3. https://www.interamerican.gr/campaigns-ygeia/odhgos-diatrofhs
2. “National dietary guidelines for adults.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN: 978-960-503-555-6. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-enilikes
3. “National dietary guidelines for adults: Scientific Documentation.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN: 978-960-503-559-4. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-enilikes
4. “National dietary guidelines for women, including women in pregnancy, lactation & menopause.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN: 978-960-503-556-3. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-%20gynaikes
5. “National dietary guidelines for women, including women in pregnancy, lactation & menopause: Scientific Documentation.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN:978-960-503-560-0. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-%20gynaikes
6. “National dietary guidelines for infants, children and adolescents.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN: 978-960-503-558-7. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-%20paidia
7. “National dietary guidelines for infants, children and adolescents: Scientific Documentation.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN:978-960-503-562-4. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-%20paidia
8. “National dietary guidelines for adults aged 65 years and older.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN: 978-960-503-557-0. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-65+
9. “National dietary guidelines for adults aged 65 years and older: Scientific Documentation.” Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health. Athens, 2014. ISBN: 978-960-503-561-7. http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-65+
10. “How to respond to radiological, biological and chemical threats: A guide for the European Front-Line Health Professional”. NKUA, 2009. ISBN: 978-960-88926-1-3. www.essc.sam.lt/download/243/ethreat_handbook.pdf
11. “Promoting Health for Working Women”. Linos, Athena, Kirch, Wilhelm (Eds.). N. York, 2008, Springer. ISBN 978-0-387-73038-7.

Papers published within the framework of European research programmes:

1. “Risk Communication in Times of an Epidemic or Pandemic”. David Xiang, Christos Kontos, Afroditi Veloudaki, Agoritsa Baka, Pania Karnaki, Athena Linos. Asset Paper Series 5, October 3, 2017.
2. “Science for and with Society aiming to the public health emergencies response and preparedness”. Athena Linos, European Institute of Women’s Health, Alberto d’Onofrio. Asset Paper Series 1, August 30, 2016.
3. “Reporting on Consumer and Lifestyle Health Issues.” Afroditi Veloudaki, Dina Zota, Pania Karnaki and Athena Linou. Edited by: Eleni Papadimitriou, Sam Nordland and Elise Baranousky. In First Do No Harm - Reporting on Health and Healthcare. May 2014, Chapter Seventeen, pp. 181-202.
4. “HProImmune: Promotion of Immunization for Health Professionals in Europe” Report on “Attitudes and Barriers to HCW Immunization.” European Commission, Public Health Program 2008-2013. 2013. http://hproimmune.eu/index.php/hproimmune/attitudes
5. “Sunia Geel: Country report Greece”. European Commission, DG Justice, 2013. https://www.exchangehouse.ie/userfiles/file/reports/Sunia%20Geel%201/SuniaGeel_output_WS1_1_3_07_CountryReport_GR_el.pdf
6. “A European network on cervical cancer surveillance and control in the new Member States”. European Commission, Public Health Programme 2008. Outputs: (a) Analysis of the local contexts and (b) Report about the Good Practices identi¬fied and analyzed. 2013. http://www.aurora-project.eu/en/web/deliverables-42
7. “Health for All Policies”. In the framework of the European Commission, Public Health Programme 2008 “Crossing Bridges -Developing methodologies and building capacity to advance the implementation of Health in All Policies and achieve health equity”. 2012. https://eurohealthnet.eu/publication/crossing-bridges
8. Public Health Response to Chemical Incident Emergencies (CIE) Toolkit. European Commission, Executive Agency for health and Consumers. 2011. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/chafea_pdb/assets/files/pdb/2007205/2007205_kcl_final_report_wp8_d5.pdf
9. “Guidelines for the Prevention of Obesity at the Workplace”. European Commission, Public Health Programme 2006. January 2009. http://www.enwhp.org/uploads/media/GPOW_Guidelines_long_version.pdf
10. “Development Of Public Health Indicators For Reporting Environmental/Occupational Risks Related To Agriculture And Fishery – DIRERAF”. European Commission, Public Health Programme 2004. http://euprojects.org/direraf.com/theproject.php.htm
11. “EUROCHIP: European Cancer Health Indicators Project, Final Report”. Directorate for Public Health and Safety at Work DG SANCO/G3, European Commission, 2003. http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_projects/2001/monitoring/fp_monitoring_2001_frep_07_en.pdf
12. “Vocational Qualifications, Titles and Transparency in Health Services in European Member States- A Comparative Study”. Leonardo da Vinci 1 Program, European Commission, 1998. https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/49408_en.html

Thanks to the valuable contribution of foundations, organizations, companies and individual citizens from Greece and abroad, we are able to directly provide services, support and relief to vulnerable population groups, and to enhance our public health actions.