0000000000850021
AUTHOR
Palmira Immordino
Behavioral and clinical characteristics of people receiving medical care for HIV infection in an outpatient facility in Sicily, Italy
Paola Di Carlo,1 Giuliana Guadagnino,1 Palmira Immordino,1 Giovanni Mazzola,2 Pietro Colletti,2 Ilenia Alongi,1 Lucia Adamoli,1 Francesco Vitale,1 Alessandra Casuccio1 1Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care “G D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 2Department of Medicinal Clinics and Emerging Diseases, “Paolo Giaccone” Polyclinic University Hospital, Palermo, Italy Aim: The authors examined a cohort of HIV-positive outpatients at the AIDS Center of Palermo University in Italy in order to identify factors related to the frequency of their visits to the outpatient facility for health care services.Methods: Two hundr…
Bosnia and Herzegovina: assessing health systems capacity to manage large influx of refugees and migrants. Joint report on a mission of the Health Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
The large numbers of refugees and migrants arriving in and transiting through Bosnia and Herzegovina pose new challenges to the health system, which must adapt and respond to the needs of both migrants and residents. This requires an efficient policy dialogue between the main stakeholders to share experiences and identify best practices. The WHO Regional Office for Europe, through the Migration and Health programme, supports Member States for strengthening the health sector's capacity to provide evidence-informed responses to the public health challenges for refugee and migrant health. In this regard, a joint assessment mission was carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2019, using the WH…
Tumours of Nasal Septum: A Retrospective Study of 32 Patients
Objective: Tumours of the nasal septum are a rare and heterogeneous group of lesions in the sinonasal tract. The management of the different lesions of this site is debated. The aim of this study is to share our experience on a rare clinical condition and stimulate other centres to publish theirs. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the databases of sinonasal tumours treated at the Sections of Otolaryngology (ENT) of two University Hospitals (Palermo and Genova) between 2012 and 2020. Results: From the two databases, a cohort of 32 patients with tumours of nasal septum were selected. All patients underwent an endoscopic examination. Large tumours underwent preoperative computed tomography …
Acceptability of HPV Vaccination in Young Students by Exploring Health Belief Model and Health Literacy
Evidence on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shows that it is effective in reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases. For more than 15 years the HPV vaccine has been offered free of charge in Italy to girls from the age of 12. Over time, the free offer of the HPV vaccine has also been extended to boys and to young adults at risk of developing HPV lesions. Despite the HPV vaccine’s effectiveness and availability, vaccination coverage is low in Italy, with a reported value of 46.5% in 2020. Furthermore, in the southern administrative regions, vaccination coverage is even lower than national values, with 25.9% coverage in Sicily. A cross-sectional study was conducted among university a…
Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in non-Italian nationals in Sicily: identifying vulnerable groups in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sicily, Italy
As in other parts of the world, undocumented migrants in Italy suffer worse health status due to their immigration enforcement situation and other vulnerabilities such as precarious illegal jobs, exploitation and abuse or barriers to higher education, with higher prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic, as other pandemics, has not affected everyone equally. The undocumented was one of the most affected groups with regard to hospitalization rates and mortality worldwide. Sicily is one of the gates of entrance to Europe for migrants and asylum seekers from Africa and Asia. Herein, we described the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in Sicily to com…
Mastoidectomy in surgical procedures to treat retraction pockets: a single-center experience and review of the literature
Abstract Purpose Retraction pocket (RP) is a common event affecting the middle ear when a negative pressure within it causes a retraction of a single part of the tympanic membrane (TM). Patients can be asymptomatic or can experience hearing loss, fullness feeling and/or ear discharge. RP can be stable or develop a cholesteatoma; aim of the study was to investigate if mastoidectomy may play a role in the surgical management of patients suffering from RP, both reporting our experience and discussing the existing literature. Methods Fifty-one patients affected by RP were referred for surgery and randomly divided into two groups. Patients of G1 group underwent tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy, …
Management of pharyngeal collapse in patients affected by moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
This study reports our experience in a selected cohort of patients affected by mild-moderate OSAS, without tonsillar obstruction, and treated with pharyngoplasty.In a case-control retrospective study, we compared modified expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (MESP) to modified barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (MBRP) in adult patients with oropharyngeal transversal collapse with a BMI ≤ 30 kg/mWe enrolled 20 patients: 10 treated with MESP and 10 treated with MBRP. Mean apnoea-hypoapnoea index (AHI) was 22.8 (± 5.63). We observed in both groups a significant reduction of AHI and oropharyngeal obstruction (p = 0.01), with a success rate, according with Sher's criteria, of 90% for MESP and 80% fo…
Allattamento al seno in Sicilia: analisi della prevalenza, delle disuguaglianze di contesto e di altri fattori di rischio associati
OBJECTIVES: to describe the prevalence of breastfeeding in Sicily Region (Southern Italy) and to analyze the socioeconomic status and other major risk factors on the attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding.DESIGN: information on the practice of breastfeeding in Sicily have been collected from a Regional survey on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). An index of socioeconomic position was created by using data from the 2011 Census of the Italian National Institute of Statistics.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: in May 2015, a questionnaire was distributed to all mothers accessing to immunization services in Sicily for the first vaccination of their children. Two hundred seventy-three (273) vaccina…
Refugee and migrant health in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the role of WHO in complex political environments
Nowadays, refugees and migrants are the focus of intense political debate worldwide. From the public health perspective, population movement, including forced migration, is a complex phenomenon and is a high priority on the political and policy agenda of most WHO Member States. Health diplomacy and the health of refugees and migrants are intrinsically linked. Human mobility is relevant to all countries and creates important challenges in terms of both sustainable development and human rights, to ensure equality and achieve results through the Sustainable Development Goals. This book is part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s commitment to work for the health of refugees and migrants. I…
Health and the Process of Migration
Chapter 5. Health and the Process of Migration
Wastewater-based epidemiology for early warning of SARS-COV-2 circulation: A pilot study conducted in Sicily, Italy
There is increasing evidence of the use of wastewater-based epidemiology to integrate conventional monitoring assessing disease symptoms and signs of viruses in a specific territory. We present the results of SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance activity in wastewater samples collected between September 2020 and July 2021 in 9 wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) located in central and western Sicily, serving over 570,000 residents. The presence of SARS-CoV-2, determined in 206 wastewater samples using RT-qPCR assays, was correlated with the notified and geo-referenced cases on the areas served by the WTPs in the same study period. Overall, 51% of wastewater samples were positive. Samples we…
Barriers to breast cancer-screening adherence in vulnerable populations
Breast cancer screening through periodic mammography has been effective in decreasing mortality and reducing the impact of this disease. However, adherence to screening does not meet the desired expectations from all populations. The main objective of this review is to explore the barriers that affect adherence to breast cancer–screening programs in vulnerable populations according to race and/or ethnicity in order to propose measures to reduce the lack of adherence. We conducted a search of publications in the PubMed Central and Scopus databases. The eligible criteria for the articles were as follows: original quantitative studies appearing in SJR- and/or JCR-indexed journals from 2016 to …
Refugees and migrants in times of COVID-19: mapping trends of public health and migration policies and practices
Refugees and migrants have been disproportionately affected by both the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictive migration measures put in place, which, in turn, have hampered coordinated and consistent public health responses. This report maps how the needs of refugee and migrant have been addressed in COVID-19 responses across countries and how these have varied considerably from inclusive policies to discriminatory practices. Many countries ensured access to health care for refugees and migrants regardless of migration status, and several countries also suspended forced returns and prioritized alternatives to immigration detention. An integrated approach to migration a…
Determinants of HIV outpatient service utilization according to HIV parameters
Introduction : The increased life expectancy of HIV patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy has had profound consequences for the healthcare systems that provide their care. It is useful to assess whether healthcare resources need to be adapted to the different stages of HIV infection or to patient characteristics [1]. To study how patient features influence utilization of out patient services, we retrospectively analyzed the electronic health record of HIV-positive patients who had followed day-care programs at the AIDS Center of the University of Palermo, Italy. Materials and Methods : 223 HIV-infected subjects were recruited and divided into two groups according to CD…
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Energy Drink Consumption and Side Effects in a Cohort of Medical Students
The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning energy drink consumption and the prevalence of side effects among medical students. Twenty-two percent of respondents were regular users, particularly men (p < .0005). Users were younger (p = .027) and drank alcohol more frequently (p = .008) than "non-users." Forty-nine percent consumed alcohol associated with energy drinks. Forty-five percent of medical students declared side effects after energy drink consumption, such as palpitations (35%), insomnia (21%), and irritability (20%). The study confirms a large use of energy drinks among students and the occurrence of side effects. The use of energy drin…
Negotiating the inclusion of health in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: from the New York Declaration to the adoption of the Compact
Nowadays, refugees and migrants are the focus of intense political debate worldwide. From the public health perspective, population movement, including forced migration, is a complex phenomenon and is a high priority on the political and policy agenda of most WHO Member States. Health diplomacy and the health of refugees and migrants are intrinsically linked. Human mobility is relevant to all countries and creates important challenges in terms of both sustainable development and human rights, to ensure equality and achieve results through the Sustainable Development Goals. This book is part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s commitment to work for the health of refugees and migrants. I…
SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load, IFNλ Polymorphisms and the Course of COVID-19: An Observational Study
The course of SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from asymptomatic to a multiorgan disease. In this observational study, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects with defined outcomes, evaluating the relationship between viral load and single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes codifying for IFN&lambda
Appropriateness of requests for human serum albumin at the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy: a prospective study
Abstract OBJECTIVE: First, to assess the appropriateness of requests for albumin using current guidelines; second, to evaluate physicians' compliance with this protocol. DESIGN: Descriptive, prospective study. SETTING: 'Paolo Giaccone' University Hospital in Palermo (Italy). PARTICIPANTS: The six departments with the highest orders for albumin. INTERVENTION: An experimental, pharmacist-driven process for daily orders of albumin was activated over a period of 1 month. Pharmacy personnel handed out order forms on six different wards. Physicians were required to select one of a number of intended uses listed on the form. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on albumin and serum protein levels; number o…
Diagnostic Role of Combined Electrocochleography and Pure-Tone Audiometry Monitoring During Dehydrating Test in Ménière's Disease: A Case Series
Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic role of combined electrocochleography and pure-tone audiometry monitoring during dehydrating test in Ménière's disease and consider its suitability as a diagnostic tool to differentiate those patients with unclear differential diagnosis and therefore identify those with clear endolymphatic hydrops responsive to dehydrating test. To study the efficacy of dehydrating therapy on vertiginous symptoms and hearing loss in patients with Ménière's disease. Study design: Prospective case series. Settings: University hospital, secondary referral center. Patients: Thirty patients, 20 women and 10 men, age range of 25 to 75 years, matching the criteria for definit…
COVID-19 Vaccination in Migrants and Refugees: Lessons Learnt and Good Practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities between low- and high-income countries. Within the latter, a greater impact is seen in the poorest and most vulnerable people, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. They all may experience poor access to quality healthcare or have suboptimal health-seeking behavior, distrust of governments, or fear of detention and deportation if seeking healthcare. Some refugees and migrants may face multiple barriers to vaccination and access to health systems that are relevant to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, despite the growing inclusion of these populations in public health policies. Several good practices have emerged to ensure …
Survey on energy drink consumption among the adult population in sicily: Do new drinking habits associate with the risk of alcoholism in the Crib of Mediterranean Diet?
Background: The market for and the level of energy drinks (EDs) consumption are increasing every year, and while only a few have a comprehensive knowledge about the potential harmful physiological and psychological effects of EDs, the number of publications that have documented the potential adverse risks associated with the use of these beverages remains small. Objectives: The present study aim to evaluate the prevalence of EDs consumers among the adult population and to verify the factors associated with its consumption and onset of adverse events. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) semi-structured questionnaire, …
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: New Challenges for Molecular Epidemiology Surveillance and Vaccination Strategy in Patients with ILI/SARI.
Several respiratory pathogens are responsible for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections (SARI), among which human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) represents one of the most common aetiologies. We analysed the hRSV prevalence among subjects with ILI or SARI during the five influenza seasons before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Sicily (Italy). Respiratory specimens from ILI outpatients and SARI inpatients were collected in the framework of the Italian Network for the Influenza Surveillance and molecularly tested for hRSV-A and hRSV-B. Overall, 8.1% of patients resulted positive for hRSV. Prevalence peaked in the age-groups <
Malaria da importazione in Sicilia: scenario epidemiologico e indicazioni di prevenzione
This study analysed cases of imported malaria notified to the District Health Units of Palermo from 1998 to 2014. The aim was to assess epidemiological differences among cases, related to their reasons for travel. Eighty one cases were reported: 83% developed symptoms following a trip to Africa while 17% had travelled to Asia. Seventy-three percent of cases had travelled to visit family or friends in malaria-endemic countries (Visiting Friends and Relatives: VFRs), confirming the need for preventive measures targeted towards this at-risk population group.
Kinetics of Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Titers in Nurse Students after a Two-Year Follow-Up
Infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be prevented through a safe and effective vaccine. This study analysed the kinetics of serum antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (anti-HBs) titers in relation to previous vaccine boosters in Italian nursing students who were followed up for two years. Serum anti-HBs titers were evaluated at the first visit, after vaccine booster (if required) and at visit after two years. Overall, 483 students (mean age = 21.7 years
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as a Tool to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Circulation at the Community Level: Findings from a One-Year Wastewater Investigation Conducted in Sicily, Italy
Wastewater-based epidemiology is a well-established tool for detecting and monitoring the spread of enteric pathogens and the use of illegal drugs in communities in real time. Since only a few studies in Italy have investigated the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and the prevalence of COVID-19 cases from clinical testing, we conducted a one-year wastewater surveillance study in Sicily to correlate the load of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater and the reported cumulative prevalence of COVID-19 in 14 cities from October 2021 to September 2022. Furthermore, we investigated the role of SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants in the increase in the number of SARS CoV-2 infections. Our findin…
The policy and politics of migrants and health: European view
O que sabemos hoje, quais as lacunas na compreensão do problema e quais as perspetivas futuras? Nas últimas décadas, os países Europeus têm-se confrontado com um aumento dos fluxos migratórios, tornando a migração um fenómeno comum e em sociedades cada vez mais diversificadas. No contexto do processo migratório, as populações migrantes e refugiadas confrontam-se, no país de acolhimento, com um novo contexto social, cultural e linguístico. Por outro lado, a atual complexidade deste processo decorre, também, de uma população migrante heterogénea, com diferentes características e necessidades em saúde. A migração coloca importantes desafios para a saúde, relativamente aos determinantes sociais…
Could a Behavioral Model Explain Adherence to Second-Level Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study of the Palermo Province Population
According to Italian Essential Levels of Assistance (ELA), a colonoscopy is strongly recommended after a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) due to its effectiveness in early colorectal cancer detection. Despite the evidence, the Palermo province population (Italy), after a positive FOBT, have a lower colonoscopy adherence compared to Italian standards. This cross-sectional study analyzed patients’ perceptions of colonoscopy procedures to understand the reasons for non-adherence. Patients with a positive FOBT who did not undergo a colonoscopy within the national organized screening program were administered a telephone interview based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) questionnaire. The …
Health diplomacy: spotlight on refugees and migrants
Nowadays, refugees and migrants are the focus of intense political debate worldwide. From the public health perspective, population movement, including forced migration, is a complex phenomenon and is a high priority on the political and policy agenda of most WHO Member States. Health diplomacy and the health of refugees and migrants are intrinsically linked. Human mobility is relevant to all countries and creates important challenges in terms of both sustainable development and human rights, to ensure equality and achieve results through the Sustainable Development Goals. This book is part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s commitment to work for the health of refugees and migrants. I…