Physical Well-Being of Children and Adolescents during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Findings from the "Come te la Passi?" Cross Sectional Survey in Bologna, Italy.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 had a strong impact on the physical and general well-being of the youngest. In Italy, citizens were forced to change their habits, especially during the national lockdown, causing increased levels of sedentary and unhealthy behaviors. "Come te la passi?" was a cross-sectional study aimed at investigating changes in the physical activity levels (PA) and well-being of children and adolescents in the City of Bologna. METHODS: An anonymous survey was administered to parents/guardians of children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. RESULTS: 1134 questionnaires were collected during June 2021; 457 (40.3%) were females, and the mean age was 13.0 ± 3.4 years. Regarding the general well-being perception, 61.3% of the participants reported concerns about the future, 46.3% reported sleep difficulties, and 72.8% reported experiencing attention difficulty, with higher percentages among adolescents. Considering the PA frequency, an overall reduction was found, with the percentage of those who rarely did PA and those who frequently did PA both increasing. No gender differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the current pandemic has strongly impacted the well-being of children and adolescents. It appears to have primarily affected adolescents, with a significant reduction in PA levels, even after the end of the national lockdown.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Education of Adolescents during COVID-19 Pandemic, Results from "Come Te La Passi?"-Survey in Bologna, Italy.

Social distancing measures adopted to face the COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on adolescent education and their interaction with peers and adults, secondary to the limitation of school and recreational activities, with repercussions on social and sexual life. The "Come te la passi?" ("How is it going?") study, performed in the Metropolitan City of Bologna (Italy), aimed at investigating the type of information sources adopted by adolescents for their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and education, the age of their sexual debut, and the way in which the COVID-19 pandemic affected their relationships and sexual life in order to help local health care professionals and educators designing SRH education programs. A purposely designed online survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic to 378 high school students (age > 14 yo) in July 2021. Based on the study results, the most common source of SRH education was the web, followed by peers (friends). A total of 61.3% of 17-year-olds already had sexual intercourse, and 90% of 15-year-olds had experienced romantic or sexual attraction. For 58.2% of the adolescents, the COVID-19 pandemic had negative effects on their relationships/sexual life. The current research emphasizes the need to involve health care professionals and educators in structured programs to promote SRH education tailored to adolescents' needs and started from early ages.

Attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Vaccination in the Metropolitan Cities of Bologna and Palermo, Italy.

Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is known to play a relevant role in thwarting the efforts toward reaching satisfactory influenza vaccination coverage, and has caused similar difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe the phenomenon and produce insights on the reasons behind VH. A survey was administered between December 2020 and February 2021 to adults living in the cities of Bologna and Palermo. Of the 443 subjects enrolled, 47.3% were likely to get the influenza vaccination, while 75.6% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The most frequent determinants that motivated the willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine were trust in the safety of vaccines and belief that the vaccine is an effective tool. As for people's unwillingness to be vaccinated, being exposed to information that produced doubts about the vaccine and lack of trust in a newly developed vaccine were the most frequently involved determinants. Statistically significant positive associations were found between the willingness to be vaccinated and postgraduate education and the propensity towards influenza vaccination. A negative association with being over 40 years old and of female gender was also found. These results might have an impact in better understanding individual reasons behind VH, identifying which categories are more exposed to it and which strategies should be implemented.

Would Parents Get Their Children Vaccinated Against SARS-CoV-2? Rate and Predictors of Vaccine Hesitancy According to a Survey over 5000 Families from Bologna, Italy.

In the near future, COVID-19 vaccine efficacy trials in larger cohorts may offer the possibility to implement child and adolescent vaccination. The opening of the vaccination for these strata may play a key role in order to limit virus circulation, infection spreading towards the most vulnerable subjects, and plan safe school reopening. Vaccine hesitancy (VH) could limit the ability to reach the coverage threshold required to ensure herd immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of VH among parents/guardians toward a potentially available COVID-19 vaccination for children and adolescents. An online survey was performed in parents/guardians of children aged <18 years old, living in Bologna. Overall, 5054 questionnaires were collected. A vast majority (60.4%) of the parents/guardians were inclined to vaccinate, while 29.6% were still considering the opportunity, and 9.9% were hesitant. Highest vaccine hesitancy rates were detected in female parents/guardians of children aged 6-10 years, ≤29 years old, with low educational level, relying on information found in the web/social media, and disliking mandatory vaccination policies. Although preliminary, these data could help in designing target strategies to implement adherence to a vaccination campaign, with special regard to web-based information.

Cost of Sickness Absenteeism during Seasonal Influenza Outbreaks of Medium Intensity among Health Care Workers.

This study aims to estimate the economic costs of sickness absenteeism of health care workers in a large Italian teaching hospital during the seasonal flu periods. A retrospective observational study was performed. The excess data of hospital's sickness absenteeism during three seasonal influenza periods (2010/2011; 2011/2012; 2012/2013) came from a previous study. The cost of sickness absenteeism was calculated for six job categories: medical doctor, technical executive (i.e., pharmacists); nurses and allied health professionals (i.e., radiographer), other executives (i.e., engineer), non-medical support staff, and administrative staff, and for four age ranges: <39, 40⁻49, 50⁻59, and >59 years. An average of 5401 employees working each year were under study. There were over 11,100 working days/year lost associated with an influenza period in Italy, the costs associated were approximately 1.7 million euros, and the average work loss was valued at € 327/person. The major shares of cost appeared related to nurses and allied health professionals (45% of total costs). The highest costs for working days lost were reported in the 40⁻49 age range, accounting for 37% of total costs. Due to the substantial economic burden of sickness absenteeism, there are clear benefits to be gained from the effective prevention of the influenza.

What is the most useful tool in HPV vaccine promotion? Results from an experimental study.

Introduction: Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) affects 70-80% of female population throughout the lifetime, exposing them to the risk of developing genital warts and cervical cancer. Despite these correlated risks and the demonstrated efficacy of the vaccine, coverage rates for two-three doses are around 70% in Italy and 67% in Piemonte (below the expected 95%). Aim of the study is to investigate whether this situation is due to a lack of information and awareness among young adults. Results: Students showed increased knowledge after the intervention and more than 90% found the 3 informative materials as sources of useful information. After the intervention students would strongly recommend HPV vaccination (OR = 3.45; p < 0.001). Discussion: Higher rates of correct answers after the distribution of informative material underline the importance of knowledge delivery. Differences among the kind of material were reported; it appears that a combination of leaflet's positive features, such as clarity and intelligibility, and article's completeness of information represents the best solution to reach communication goals in vaccination campaigns targeted on educated populations. Methods: Researchers conducted an experimental study on a large population of undergraduate students from University of Turin. Participants' knowledge about HPV was assessed with questionnaires before and after the examination of 3 different kinds of informative material (journal article describing HPV infection, gynecologist video-interview and institutional leaflet about HPV prevention) on HPV and vaccine. Differences among groups were explored by using univariate tests, differences in pre- post- knowledge were assessed with McNemar tests. Relevant associations were searched with logistic regression models.

Ugly but tasty: A systematic review of possible human and animal health risks related to entomophagy.

BACKGROUND: According to many recent studies, the use of insects as food seems to be convenient, sustainable, economical and healthy. The objective of this study is to analyze the possible effects of insect consumption on human and animal health. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, Scopus and CAB databases. RESULTS: Of the 6026 items initially retrieved, 70 were eligible for inclusion; 40 studies analyzed the use of insects in human foods or drugs, while 30 analyzed the use of insects in animal feed. In humans, the most commonly analyzed risks are nutrient malabsorption, growth alteration, chemical and microbiological contamination and allergy risk. Studies of animals focus on growth alteration, nutrient malabsorption and hematic and qualitative meat alteration. CONCLUSION: In recent years, researchers have shifted their focus from the possible use of edible insects in animal feed to their use as possible nutrient sources for humans. The results suggest that, if properly treated and preserved, products derived from insects are safe and efficient sources of nutrients for animals. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible effects of prolonged insect consumption on human health.

Appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis: an observational study in 21 surgical wards.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in 2010 found 39 % compliance with hospital guidelines in Piedmont (Italy). The aim of the study was to estimate the appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis and compliance with hospitals guidelines in surgical wards. METHODS: This survey study took place in 21 surgery wards of 4 public hospitals. Forms were completed by public health resident doctors together with a medical ward referent and infection control nurses. 15 consecutive surgical procedures were randomly chosen from each ward. A total of 320 cases were analyzed. The study period was from July 2012 to January 2013. Data were collected using a survey form. A final score variable from 0 to 4 was given to each case. The results were compared with hospital and international guidelines. Data were analyzed using Epi-Info software. RESULTS: Of the 320 cases collected, 63 were excluded; of the remaining 257 cases, 56.4 % of the procedures were appropriate (score 4), 15.2 % were acceptable and 28.4 % were not acceptable. The study found an unjustified continuation of antimicrobial prophylaxis in 17.1 % of the 257 cases, an unjustified re-start of antimicrobial therapy in 9.7 % and a re-dosing omission in 7.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated critical problems in antimicrobial prophylaxis management in surgical wards due to a lack of compliance between hospitals and national guidelines, a shortage of specific and updated recommendations for some surgical interventions and incorrect local specific procedures. Coordination between local and national recommendations, strengthening of evidence based decisions and continuous sharing of policy updates are needed.

Safety of human papillomavirus vaccines: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Between 2006 and 2009, two different human papillomavirus virus (HPV) vaccines were licensed for use: a quadrivalent (qHPVv) and a bivalent (bHPVv) vaccine. Since 2008, HPV vaccination programmes have been implemented in the majority of the industrialized countries. Since 2013, HPV vaccination has been part of the national programs of 66 countries including almost all countries in North America and Western Europe. Despite all the efforts made by individual countries, coverage rates are lower than expected. Vaccine safety represents one of the main concerns associated with the lack of acceptance of HPV vaccination both in the European Union/European Economic Area and elsewhere. AREAS COVERED: Safety data published on bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines, both in pre-licensure and post-licensure phase, are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: Based on the latest scientific evidence, both HPV vaccines seem to be safe. Nevertheless, public concern and rumors about adverse events (AE) represent an important barrier to overcome in order to increase vaccine coverage. Passive surveillance of AEs is an important tool for detecting safety signals, but it should be complemented by activities aimed at assessing the real cause of all suspect AEs. Improved vaccine safety surveillance is the first step for effective communication based on scientific evidence.

Use of self-medication among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and proportion meta-analysis in order to investigate the prevalence and the adverse effects of the self-medication among the teenagers. METHODS: We selected observational studies published from January 1990 until January 2014 that examined the use of self-medication in the adolescents (aged from 13 to 18 years). Keywords used on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus were 'self medication', 'adolescent*', 'self prescription', 'over the counter preparations' and 'self administration'. RESULTS: Finally, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 143 213 subjects involved. Overall, 50% of adolescents use to take drugs without consulting a physician. Further analyses stratified by number of drugs used demonstrated that in the studies reporting that adolescents use more than one type of drug the prevalence rises up to 63%. Only one study reported the possible adverse effects related to the inappropriate use of drugs, which were experienced by 31.1% of the females and 19.6% of the males. CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication use among adolescents is a widespread phenomenon. It would be advisable to give more attention on this public health concern and to promote initiatives, such as mass media campaigns and governmental actions, in order to make the citizens more aware to the risks related to the consumption of drugs without medical consultation. Further studies on adverse effects are urgently needed.

[Point prevalence survey of health care associated infections and antimicrobial use in Piedmont Region long-term care facilities according to ECDC protocol]. / Prevalenza delle infezioni correlate all'assistenza e dell'uso di antibiotici nelle residenze sanitarie assistite della Regione Piemonte secondo il protocollo ECDC.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to examine the prevalence data from different types of long-term care facilities (LTCFs); we also analyzed similarities and differences between them and national data. DESIGN: «Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in European Long-Term Care Facilities Project¼ (HALT2) is a prevalence survey of health care associated infections and antimicrobial use in European long-term care facilities. The study protocol is developed, funded and promoted by the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected on a single day from long term care facilities (LTCFs) defined as facilities in which residents need constant supervision (24 hours). Two types of questionnaires had to be completed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Point prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and antimicrobial use (AU). RESULTS: 63 LTCFs in Piedmont Region participated in the HALT-2 point prevalence survey; 3,984 residents met the eligibility criteria. The crude prevalence of residents with at least one HAI was 3% in LTCF and 10% in CA/DP facilities. The crude prevalence of residents receiving at least one antimicrobial agent was 4%; this percentage rose to 17.4 % in CA/DP facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Data from Piedmont Region are similar to national data; differences are highlighted in different types of LTCFs. The results show the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship and to define protocols in each type of facilities in order to standardize the appropriateness and patient management.