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Aims. Evaluation of (hc knowledge and behavioral risks relatcd lo sexually transmiltcd infections (STIs) among the student population of the degree course in nursing at the University of Palermo. Materials and Methods. An anonymous online a survey was provided to students that investigate to socio-demographic information. sexual habits and the level of knowledge of the STIs. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. considering it as a dependent variable "Do you permanently have unprotected sex (without a condom)? Yes", in order to evaluate the role of the variables of the questionnaire. Results are expressed as adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR). Results. The sample size consists of 405. The average age of the sample is 21.65 years (standard deviation±3.24). The analysis shows that the risk of having permanently unprotected sex (without condom) is significantly associatcd with the following variables: "Are you engaged or single? Engagcd" (aOR 3.24,95% CI 1.66 - 6.33); "Sexual orientation. Homosexual or Bisexual (aOR4.45, 95% CI 1.30-15.29); "Have you occasionally had unprotected sex (without a condom)? Yes" (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 2.69 - 9.62); "How would you define your knowledge of sexually transmitted discases? Good" (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.05 -4.08); "How would you define your knowledge about contraceptive methods? Good" (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.23 - 5.15); "Have you or have you ever had a sexually transmitted discase? Yes (aOR 4.43,95% CI 1.71 - 11.53); "Do you know that men can also undergo HPV vaccination? Yes" (aOR 2.57,95% CI 1.03 -6.40); "Age. As the unit inercase" (aOR 1.14,95% CI 1.02- 1.26). Conclusions. These results highlight the importance of involving university students in programs aimed at improving the knowledge in terms of STIs and inercase of Sexual and reproductive health. Further. because STIs prevention is based mainly on human behavior. tailored intervention is needed especially because behavior change remains a complex challenge.

Background: Violence in the workplace is now universally recognized as a significant global public health issue and is one of the most serious issues affecting the healthcare sector. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of workplace violence. Methods: We performed a multicenter cross-sectional study using an anonymous questionnaire submitted to doctors from Northern Italy. The survey investigates socio-demographic information, the number of years of work in the health sector and the physical and verbal aggressions that occurred in the workplace in the last 12 months. Results: The sample consists of 4545 healthcare workers, of whom 2603 (57.27%) are females. The mean age of the sample is 49.79 years (SD ± 12.63). The risk of being victim of physical aggression at work in the last 12 months is significantly associated with the following independent variables: male gender (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.51-2.88), work in the public sector (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.72-3.85), being victim of verbal aggression at work in the last 12 months (aOR 22.52, 95% CI 10.97-46.20), work in the operational units of the Medical area (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.33-4.21) and the Territorial area (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.04-3.74). Discussion: The prevalence of violent behaviour is difficult to assess, because violent incidents are underreported or unreported. The results of the study suggest that increased awareness is necessary to develop effective control strategies at individual, hospital and national levels.

Background The omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible and escapes vaccine-induced immunity. We aimed to describe outcomes due to COVID-19 during the omicron outbreak compared with the prevaccination period and alpha (B.1.1.7) and delta (B.1.617.2) waves in patients with cancer in Europe. Methods In this retrospective analysis of the multicentre OnCovid Registry study, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, who had a history of solid or haematological malignancy that was either active or in remission. Patient were recruited from 37 oncology centres from UK, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and Germany. Participants were followed up from COVID-19 diagnosis until death or loss to follow-up, while being treated as per standard of care. For this analysis, we excluded data from centres that did not actively enter new data after March 1, 2021 (in France, Germany, and Belgium). We compared measures of COVID-19 morbidity, which were complications from COVID-19, hospitalisation due to COVID-19, and requirement of supplemental oxygen and COVID-19-specific therapies, and COVID-19 mortality across three time periods designated as the prevaccination (Feb 27 to Nov 30, 2020), alpha-delta (Dec 1, 2020, to Dec 14, 2021), and omicron (Dec 15, 2021, to Jan 31, 2022) phases. We assessed all-cause case-fatality rates at 14 days and 28 days after diagnosis of COVID-19 overall and in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated patients and in those who received a booster dose, after adjusting for country of origin, sex, age, comorbidities, tumour type, stage, and status, and receipt of systemic anti-cancer therapy. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04393974, and is ongoing. Findings As of Feb 4, 2022 (database lock), the registry included 3820 patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 between Feb 27, 2020, and Jan 31, 2022. 3473 patients were eligible for inclusion (1640 [47.4%] were women and 1822 [52.6%] were men, with a median age of 68 years [IQR 57-77]). 2033 (58.5%) of 3473 were diagnosed during the prevaccination phase, 1075 (31.0%) during the alpha-delta phase, and 365 (10.5%) during the omicron phase. Among patients diagnosed during the omicron phase, 113 (33.3%) of 339 were fully vaccinated and 165 (48.7%) were boosted, whereas among those diagnosed during the alpha-delta phase, 152 (16.6%) of 915 were fully vaccinated and 21 (2.3%) were boosted. Compared with patients diagnosed during the prevaccination period, those who were diagnosed during the omicron phase had lower case-fatality rates at 14 days (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.32 [95% CI 0.19-0.61) and 28 days (0.34 [0.16-0.79]), complications due to COVID-19 (0.26 [0.17-0.46]), and hospitalisation due to COVID-19 (0.17 [0.09-0.32]), and had less requirements for COVID-19-specific therapy (0.22 [0.15-0.34]) and oxygen therapy (0.24 [0.14-0.43]) than did those diagnosed during the alpha-delta phase. Unvaccinated patients diagnosed during the omicron phase had similar crude case-fatality rates at 14 days (ten [25%] of 40 patients vs 114 [17%] of 656) and at 28 days (11 [27%] of 40 vs 184 [28%] of 656) and similar rates of hospitalisation due to COVID-19 (18 [43%] of 42 vs 266 [41%] of 652) and complications from COVID-19 (13 [31%] of 42 vs 237 [36%] of 659) as those diagnosed during the alpha-delta phase. Interpretation Despite time-dependent improvements in outcomes reported in the omicron phase compared with the earlier phases of the pandemic, patients with cancer remain highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 if they are not vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Our findings support universal vaccination of patients with cancer as a protective measure against morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Copyright (C) 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introduction. Vaccines are one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions of modern times. This cross-sectional study investigated the perception of vaccinations and potential risks of adverse events following immunization among nursing students. Materials and Methods. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students undertaking a nursing degree course at the University of Palermo. This questionnaire consisted of three sections: the first part focused on socio-demographic information; the second part contained one question regarding the terms associated with vaccination; and the third part posed a question regarding adverse reactions after immunization. A multivariable logistic regression model was used and adjusted Odds Ratios will be presented in this paper. Results. The sample consisted of 403 students and the mean age was 22.0 years (±3.0). Having considered the dependent variable “Have you ever had adverse reactions after being vaccinated? Moderate-severe”, the statistically-significant independent variables were: the second (adjusted Odds Ratios 0.32) and third (adjusted Odds Ratios 0.18) years of study, the nursing students perceiving their economic and health status to be low (adjusted Odds Ratios 3.52 and 15.92 respectively). The following items from questionnaire were found to be associated with the term vaccination: “I associate the term vaccination with fear” (adjusted Odds Ratios 4.98) and “I do not associate the term vaccination with fighting illnesses” (adjusted Odds Ratios 10.02). Conclusions. Although vaccines are generally safe if used correctly, no vaccination is completely risk-free. There was a general awareness of adverse events following immunization among nursing students in this study. The future healthcare workers have been identified as the most important information source regarding potential solutions in a rapidly evolving health scenario in fighting vaccine hesitancy.

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the determinants of nursing students’ compliance with flu vaccination. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous paper ques- tionnaire was administered to students attending the 3-year nurs- ing course at the University of Palermo. Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) are presented. Results. 403 nursing students (65% female) completed the ques- tionnaire (response rate 98.5%). The average age of the respond- ents was 22.0 years (SD ± 3.04). The dependent variable: “In the next season, do you intend to be vaccinated against flu? Yes”, displayed a statistically significant association with the follow- ing independent variables: “year of study: second” (aOR 2.66), “year of study: third” (aOR 1.72), “Perceived health status: medium-high” (aOR 6.61), “Did you get vaccinated against sea- sonal flu last year? Yes” (aOR 22.47). Conclusions. Although nursing students are not yet health pro- fessionals, they spend part of their time in health facilities for their clinical training and will be the health workers of the future. Involving nursing students in influenza vaccination campaigns can also help them take better care of themselves and their patients., Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 61 No. 4 (2020): 2020614

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices towards Sars-CoV-2 among nursing students of University of Palermo during the rapid rise period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This is cross-sectional study. A survey was provided to all nursing students and consisted of two parts: demographics and Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey. A multivariate linear regression model was used and adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) are presented. Results: 575 students were interviewed and their mean age was 22.3. The overall score indicates good knowledge (p=0.046) and good practices among the four courses of study (p=0.038). Multivariate linear regression showed that Attitude score (ẞ=-0.29; p=0.024) and Knowledge score (ẞ=0.10; p=0.026) adjusted for age, gender, year of study, perceived economic status, perceived health status were significantly associated with Practice score. Conclusion: Our results suggest that proper health education is useful for encouraging optimistic attitudes and maintaining safe practices among future category of nurses., Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 62 No. 2 (2021): 2021622

Introduction. The role of vaccinations is widely acknowledged. However, over the last decades, an alarming reduction in immunization coverage and a rising number of reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases have been recorded. This multicentre cross-sectional study aimed at examining whether there is an association between self-reported vaccination knowledge and the immunization behaviour of Health Sciences students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed, using a validated questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression with stepwise backward selection process with a univariate p-value

INTRODUCTION: Gambling disorder is recognized as a psychiatric disorder. It is shown that the prevalence of pathological gambling is on the rise among university students, especially involving students attending the nursing degree course. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of gambling's problem and to analyze the associated factors in the population of nursing students at the University of Palermo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It's a cross-sectional study. In April 2019, a self-administered, anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was provided to students who attend daily lessons of the 3-years nursing degree course of University of Palermo, after they gave informed consent. The questionnaire investigates on socio-demographic information, year of study, the perception of the economic and health status, alcohol use disorders and gambling problems. RESULTS: The average age of the sample is 22.0 years (standard deviation ±4.3), 67.6% of the interviewees are women. The analysis shows that the risk to be "Player at risk/Moderate gambling problems/Serious game problems" is significantly associated with the following independent variables: male gender (aOR 5.15); "Do you live with your family? No" (aOR 2.98); "perceived health status: low" (aOR 2.51); "Risky consumption of alcohol: At Risk" (aOR 3.40). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to develop an effective gambling prevention program that will reduce the risk that youths will develop gambling problems. Participation in the prevention program significantly improves youths' attitudes and knowledge regarding gambling activities.

Vaccination coverage rates in healthcare workers in Italy are among the lowest in Europe, and only 10-15% of hospital staff members are immunized against seasonal influenza. The goal of this study was to analyze the attitude and awareness factors of influenza vaccination compliance among Italian future healthcare professionals. A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed using an online, self-reported and anonymous questionnaire, given to students attending different Healthcare degree programs in 14 Italian Universities. A total of 3,123 questionnaires were collected. More than 90% of students >23 years old were not vaccinated against seasonal influenza during the past years. Students vaccinated over the previous seasons, those that were usually recommended influenza vaccination based on their clinical evaluation or in accordance with the ministerial guidelines, and those that were recommended vaccination by other healthcare workers in the past years, demonstrated a greater acceptance of influenza vaccination. Campaigns promoting influenza vaccination among healthcare workers should consider students attending healthcare courses as a priority group, not only for their training activities in healthcare facilities, but also for their future and potential active role in the healthcare system.

Introduzione. Un tempo "barboni", oggi senzatetto, il loro numero sta aumentando considerevolmente negli ultimi anni. Molti di loro soffrono di malattie croniche, problemi di salute mentale, dipendenze e necessitano di cure mediche complesse. Il loro stato di salute è spesso esacerbato per maggiori difficoltà nell'accesso alle cure primarie rispetto alla popolazione generale. Materiali e Metodi. È stato distribuito un questionario autosomministrato al fine di valutare le condizioni di salute dei senzatetto che vivono a Palermo. È stato utilizzato un modello di regressione logistica multivariata calcolando gli Odds Ratios aggiustati (aOR). Risultati. Il campione è costituito da 52 senzatetto, di cui 35 (67,3%) maschi. La classe di età più rappresentativa (55,8%) ha un'età inferiore a 50 anni e l'88,5% è italiano. L'analisi ha mostrato che il sesso femminile è significativamente associato a: "non svolgere attività fisica regolare" (aOR 4.14, IC 95% 1,20 - 14,32, p=0,025), ad "avere malattie croniche" (aOR 3,52, IC 95% 1,02 - 12,11, p=0,046) e "ad assumere farmaci" (aOR 3,95, IC 95% 1,14 - 13,64, p=0,030). Conclusioni. La rilevanza e la complessità della situazione sociale dei senzatetto attira l'attenzione su questo fenomeno destinato ad avere un forte impatto sulle politiche e sui servizi sanitari. Questa fragile popolazione è esposta a malattie che sono in gran parte prevenibili o curabili attraverso un ampio e precoce accesso alle cure con conseguente riduzione del peggioramento degli esiti clinici e dei relativi costi sociali. Introduction. In Italy, as in the rest of the world, the number of homeless people is increasing considerably. Many of them suffer from chronic conditions, mental health problems and addiction to alcohol, drugs or smoking, and need complex medical care. Their health status is often exacerbated by greater difficulty in accessing primary care. The aim of the present study was to assess health conditions of homeless people living in Palermo, Southern Italy, and to find ways to limit the spread of common infectious diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. Materials and Methods. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire was structured into two parts including an introduction with socio-demographic information, and a second part investigating health status, chronic diseases and vaccinations. A multivariable logistic regression model was used and adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) are presented. Results. The sample consisted of 52 homeless, 35 (67.3%) of whom were male and the most represented age class (55.8%) was < 50 years of age. The average age of the sample was 49.6 years (SD ± 15.2) and 88.5% were born in Italy. A multivariable logistic regression model based on 52 observations was used. The analysis showed that the female gender was significantly associated with: not performing regular physical activity (aOR 4.14, 95% C.I. 1.20 - 14.32, p = 0.025), suffering from chronic diseases (aOR 3.52, 95% C.I. 1.02 - 12.11, p = 0.046) and taking medicines (aOR 3.95, 95% C.I. 1.14 - 13.64, p = 0.030). Conclusions. This particularly fragile population is exposed to diseases that are largely preventable or curable through a wider and more early access to care by local health facilities with a subsequent reduction in the worsening of clinical outcomes and related social costs.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal correlation between Wikitrends and conventional surveillance data generated for measles infection reported by bulletin of Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). The reported cases of measles were selected from July 2015 to October 2018. Wikipedia Trends was used to assess how many times a specific page was read by users, data were extracted as daily data and aggregated on a weekly and monthly basis. The following data were extracted: number of views by users from 1 July 2015 to 31 October 2018 of the Morbillo, Vaccinazione del Morbillo, Vaccinazione MPR and Macchie di Koplik pages (Measles, Measles Vaccination, MPR Vaccination and Koplik’s spots in English). Cross-correlation results were obtained as product-moment correlations between the two time series. Regarding the database with monthly data, temporal correlation was observed between the bulletin of ISS and Wikipedia search trends: the strongest correlation was at a lag of 0 for Measles (r=0.9164), Measles Vaccination (r=0.8622), MPR Vaccination (r=0.7852) and Koplik’s spots (r=0.8217). Regarding the database with weekly data, both moderate and strong correlation was observed. A possible future application for programming and management interventions of Public Health is proposed.

Introduction. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the temporal correlation between Google Trends and the data on measles infection arising from the conventional surveillance system, reported by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità's (ISS) bulletin. Moreover, this study is also aimed at forecasting the trends of the reported infectious diseases cases over time. Materials and Methods. The reported cases of measles were selected from January 2013 until October 2018. The data on Internet searches have been obtained from Google Trends; the research data referred to the first 48 weeks of year 2017 have been aggregated on a weekly basis. The search volume provided by Google Trends has a relative nature and is calculated as a percentage of query related to a specific term in connection with a determined place and time-frame. The statistical analyses have been performed by using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho). The statistical significance level for such analyses has been fixed in 0.05. Outcomes. We have observed a strong correlation at a lag of 0 to -4 weeks (rho > 0.70) with the cases reported by ISS with the strongest correlation at a lag of -3 weeks (rho > 0.80 both for measles than for the symptoms of the measles). The database containing monthly data has shown a moderate correlation at a lag of -1 to +1 months and a strongest correlation at a lag of -1 (rho = 0.6152 for measles and rho = 0.5039 for symptoms of the measles). Conclusion. The surveillance systems based on Google Trends have a potential role in public health in order to provide near real-time indicators of the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore the huge potential of this approach could be used in the immediate future as a support of the traditional surveillance systems.

Introduction. Influenza is an infectious disease with a high burden, for which a safe and efficacy vaccine is available. However, vaccination coverage is generally low, also among Health Care Workers (HCW). Health Professions students are comparable to HCW in terms of workplace exposure. Aim. The study aim was to identify predictive factors of flu vaccination acceptance among Italian students of Health Professions. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed using a validated, on-line, anonymous questionnaire. Data were analyzed performing both univariable and multivariable logistic analysis. Results. The results showed a statistically significant association between intention to vaccinate next year and: geographical distribution, considering themselves at higher risk due to their profession, having been vaccinated last year, having recommended the vaccination last year, and being willing to recommend it next year and being favorable to mandatory vaccination. In conclusion, identifying an effective vaccination strategy and including students in flu vaccination campaigns might have positive effect on vaccination acceptance.

Introduction: Caregiver is the person who takes care of the patient from the practical point of view, helping him in managing the disease and carrying out daily activities, but also supporting him on an emotional level. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. The aim of the study was to understand what factors were associated with having panic attacks or crying crises in the caregivers of our study population. Materials and methods: The study design is observational. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to caregivers of the patients of a hospital for the intensive post-acute rehabilitation from April 2016 to December 2018. The statistical significance level chosen for the entire analysis was 0.05. The covariates to be included were selected using a stepwise backward selection process, with a univariate p-value

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate in the Italian smokers, the effects of implementation of the law about Pictorial Health Warnings (PHWs) on tobacco products.Methods. A quasi-experimental longitudinal design was conducted between 2016 and 2017. The data were collected before (pre-PHW/Wave 1) and after (post-PHW/Wave 2) the implementation of the law. The adopted questionnaire included impact of advertisement (Label Impact Index, LII), quitting behavior and knowledge of tobacco related diseases.Results. 455 respondents completed both the Waves. 7.7% of smokers declared to have stopped smoking in Wave 2 and 29% of these declared the PHWs as one of the reasons to quit. The knowledge of tobacco related diseases was significantly (p < 0.001) increased from Wave 1 to Wave 2 (58% versus 72%), similarly the LII (mean = 26.9, SD = 16.7 and mean = 40.4, SD = 16.2).Conclusion. Tobacco addiction is a problem that needs to be addressed from different angles. PHWs confirm their complementary role as a support for smokers along with other strategies such as text warnings and the tobacco quit line of the Istituto Superiore di Sanita (Italian National Institute of Health) reported on the packages. Nonetheless, over the years these measures have been not enough and policy makers should consider more strategies synergistically acting in the fight against tabagism.

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic significantly impacted on oncology practice across the globe. There is uncertainty as to the contribution of patients' demographics and oncological features on severity and mortality from Covid-19 and little guidance as to the role of anti-cancer and anti-Covid-19 therapy in this population. In a multi-center study of 890 cancer patients with confirmed Covid-19 we demonstrated a worsening gradient of mortality from breast cancer to haematological malignancies and showed that male gender, older age, and number of co-morbidities identifies a subset of patients with significantly worse mortality rates from Covid-19. Provision of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy did not worsen mortality. Exposure to antimalarials was associated with improved mortality rates independent of baseline prognostic factors. This study highlights the clinical utility of demographic factors for individualized risk-stratification of patients and support further research into emerging anti-Covid-19 therapeutics in SARS-Cov-2 infected cancer patients.

L'Italia ha subito oltre 60 terremoti distruttivi nell'arco degli ultimi due secoli. Tra i più rovinosi si ricordano quelli di Messina e Regio Calabria del 1908, quello del Fucino, in Abruzzo, nel 1915, quello del Belice, nel 1968, il Friuli nel 1976, l'Irpinia nel 1980; più recenti gli eventi che hanno colpito l'Umbria Marche nel 1997, il Molise, nel 2002, L'Aquila nel 2009, L'Emilia nel 2012 e il recentissimo sisma del Centro Italia del 2016-2017 (V. Petrini, 2018; G. Cifani et al, 2007; A. Lemme et al, 2007, Di Ludovico et al, 2017). Tra tutti gli eventi sopra citati, quello del 2009 si distingue per sia l'alto numero di sfollati, sia per l'estensione dell'area colpita. L'epicentro dell'evento principale, di magnitudo Mw=6.3 è stato localizzato nel territorio della città di L'Aquila, ad una distanza di soli 6 km dal centro storico; per trovare un altro sisma con epicentro così vicino ad un capoluogo di regione bisogna risalire all'evento che ha colpito Messina e Regio Calabria nel 1908. Nell'articolo vengono illustrati alcuni indicatori dell'avanzamento del processo di ricostruzione a 10 anni dal sisma del 2009

Aim. Evaluation of the knowledge and behavioral risks related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the students at the University of Palermo. Materials and Methods. Cross-sectional study. An anonymous online questionnaire has been submitted to the students of Palermo University. Survey investigates to socio-demographic information, sexual habits and the level of knowledge of the STIs. Results. The sample consists of 539 students; average age 22.65 (± 2.95). The risk to have unprotected occasional sexual intercourse is related to the following circumstances: the homosexual or bisexual status, the male gender, the age of the occurrence of the first sexual intercourse, that is at 17 year or earlier and the circumstance to have contracted a sexually transmitted infection during life. Conclusions. It is necessary to implement sexual education programs aimed at improving the knowledge in terms of STIs and increase of sexual and reproductive health. The findings presented should be interpreted with a degree of caution. Future studies are needed to as-sess the effectiveness and cost of education programs.

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to assess tobacco smoking habits among nursing students and how these are influenced by family members and cohabitants. Methods: Cross-sectional study. An anonymous papery questionnaire was administered to nursing students of the three-year course of the University of Palermo. Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) are presented. Results: 301 nursing students (63.12 % female) completed the questionnaire (response rate 61.17%). The average age of the sample is 21.88 years (SD ± 2.80). Considering as a dependent variable: “I currently smoke”, the statistically significant independent variables associated are: “Male gender” (aOR 2.09), “Single” (aOR 2.06), “Second year of study of the degree course in nursing” (aOR 0.46), “Third year of study of the degree course in nursing” (aOR 0.43), “Don’t think that warnings and pictures on cigarette packs can help stop smoking” (aOR 6.38), “Mother smoked in the past” (aOR 2.25) and “Brother or sister smoked in the past” (aOR 5.50). Conclusions: Students and graduate nurses need to be aware of current knowledge in the smoking cessation field and they have an influential role in modifying patient behavior in order to assist them to smoking cessation., Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 60 No 3 (2019): 2019603

Introduction. On the day of a workshop (named "Vaccino Day") on vaccinations, organized for the students of the University of Palermo by the ERSU (Regional Office for the Right to University Study), the sample of students were given a questionnaire to fill out. The aim of the survey was to investigate the perception of vaccinations on a sample population made up of university students. Materials and Methods. A self-administered paper questionnaire was given to participants of the workshop. The questionnaire is divided into 3 parts: demographic, economic and habits informations have been asked in the first part in the second part, they had to answer the question: "What term do you associate with vaccination?" in the third part, they were posed the question: "Have you ever had any adverse reactions after being vaccinated?". Therefore, the percentage response frequencies and the statistically significant Odds-Ratio (aOR) are presented with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA® 14 software. Results. A total of 350 students were asked to participate and the response rate was 100%, the 61.43% of the interviewed population was made up of females. Taking into account the dependent variable: "at least a moderate-severe adverse reaction after a vaccination" the statistically significant independent variables associated are "Have fear of side effects" (aOR 7.06, 95% CI 1.73-28.57, p=0.006), "I associate the term "vaccination" to Needles/syringes" (aOR 3.82, 95% CI 1.08-13.48, p=0.037), "I associate the term "vaccination" to Protection" (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.02-11.98, p=0.046). Discussions and Conclusions. Vaccination is still influenced by emotional factors and lack of campaigns providing adequate information, therefore negative judgement tend to outweigh the real risks and benefits. Considering that the sample was composed of university students, being highly educated and capable of becoming opinion leaders in the future, there is a need to create a more efficient communication protocol that make the student, and then the citizen, better aware of the actual risks associated with vaccinations and their real benefits.

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavioral risks associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the students of health professions at the University of Palermo divided into two age groups (18-22 years and 23-27 years). Materials and methods. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire is structured in three parts in addition to an introduction to socio-demographic information. The first part investigates the quality of information provided by public institutions on the subject, the second part the knowledge of contraceptive methods used to reduce the risk of contagion and the third part the knowledge of STIs and HPV vaccination. A multivariable logistic regression model was used and adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) are presented. Results. The sample was represented by 1022 respondents (70.8% females, 61.5% aged 18-22 years). In multivariate analyses males have a greater risk of not knowing HPV vaccine (aOR 3.52, 95% CI 2.26-5.49). The 18-22 age group has a higher risk than the 23-27 age group to think of being not sufficiently informed to avoid contagion (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 2.18-7.06), never having STIs specific tests (aOR 2.90, 95% CI 2.21-3.80), not knowing HPV vaccine (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.13-3.07) and not knowing that it can be administered to males (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.96-3.53). Conclusions. Based on our findings, it is necessary to implement sexual education programs for the improvement of knowledge in terms of STIs and the promotion of health. Future studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and cost of education programs that should also be addressed to young adults who do not attend university.

Introduction: Obesity is a medical condition associated with premature death and it is a risk factor for many chronic diseases. In this context, performing a regular physical activity promotes a healthy lifestyle, with significant health benefits. The aim of the study was to investigate behaviors that increase the risk of obesity and the determinants that encourage physical activity among adolescents. Materials and methods: The HBSC (Health Behavior in School-aged Children) questionnaire was administered to students in Palermo's private and public schools. For the sampling of public schools the protocol of the HBSC Surveillance System was followed; for the private ones it was opportunistic. Results: Private school students are more likely to exercise more than 3 days per week (OR 1.58) and are more likely to exercise more than 2 times a week (OR 2.08). Obese students in private schools in Palermo are more likely to perform physical activity for less than 3 days a week (OR 3.52) and a higher risk of not having breakfast (OR 10.11) and a snack between main meals (OR 3.82) every day. For all the schools examined, it emerged that obese subjects are more likely not to consume fruit (OR 3.13), to stay more than 6 hours a day in front of PCs and video games (OR 3.24) and more than 2 hours a day in front of TV (OR 3.79). Male students are more likely to perform physical activity for more than 3 days per week (OR 1.48) and intense physical activity at least 2 times per week (OR 1.76) Conclusions: It is necessary to intervene early with training on school and family in order to promote correct and responsible food choices and increase the level of physical activity among students. Therefore prevention interventions must be an integral part of coherent strategies based on tests of agreed effectiveness in order to minimize the risk linked to the development of diseases.

Background. It is necessary to implement current teaching in the healthcare and university sector by promoting new tools for the enhancement of public health, bearing in mind that some health determinants seek to create a context in which to present their own idea of innovative Startup, can represent the opportunity to give your professional contribution to the development of another's idea or to propose an improved solution to the private business. On the other hand, networking with companies and networking between training participants will allow us to recognize the importance of demonstrating their diverse skills as a key element to create a successful Startup or to implement the activities of a reality already consolidated. Methods. This paper describes the research protocol of a Hackathon Public Health (HPH) teaching methodology aimed at: a) increasing public health knowledge; b) changing the proactive approach of the healthcare provider, especially by increasing the sectoral training activity; c) to promote educational and training activities in Italian regions. The subjects involved will be healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, health professions, psychologists, biologists, assistants in training) who are selected to receive or not the intervention through the implementation of a HPH which also includes training activity. Conclusion. HPH is an innovation in the national health landscape, with the aim of creating environments and training policies aimed at promoting proper clinical risk management as part of the continuous improvement of the quality of healthcare organizations and proper training activities.

Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Western countries. The possible synergistic effect of poor adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) and other risk factors for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) such as hypertension, cholesterol, ever smoker, BMI> 25, diabetes, has not been deeply studied. Design Case-control study. Methods Patients with first AMI and controls from four tertiary referral Italian centers were screened for enrolment. Dietary information was collected through a questionnaire and a MD adherence score was calculated. Physical activity and smoking habits were also registered. The Synergy Index was calculated according to Rothman. Results 127 cases and 173 controls were enrolled. The analysis was conducted using a dichotomous variable for the MD score with values ≥7 representing good adherence. Multivariate analysis showed the following variables associated to AMI: ever smoker (OR = 2.08), diabetes (OR = 1.42), hypertension (OR = 2.08), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 2.47), BMI> 25 (OR = 1.99), while a protective effect emerged both in subjects scoring > 7 on the MD score (OR = 0.55) and in subjects resident of Southern Italy (OR = 0.38). A synergistic effect does exist between poor adherence to the MD and the following risk factors: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, BMI >25, diabetes and being a resident in central and northern Italy. Conclusion Synergy between heart disease risk factors and MD underlines the need to enlarge the list of known modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to include and promote adherence to Mediterranean dietary habits.

Anthocyanins are a chemically diverse class of secondary metabolites that color most flowers and fruits. They consist of three aromatic rings that can be substituted with hydroxyl, sugar, acyl, and methyl groups in a variety of patterns depending on the plant species. To understand how such chemical diversity evolved, we isolated and characterized METHYLATION AT THREE2 (MT2) and the two METHYLATION AT FIVE (MF) loci from Petunia spp., which direct anthocyanin methylation in petals. The proteins encoded by MT2 and the duplicated MF1 and MF2 genes and a putative grape (Vitis vinifera) homolog Anthocyanin O-Methyltransferase1 (VvAOMT1) are highly similar to and apparently evolved from caffeoyl-Coenzyme A O-methyltransferases by relatively small alterations in the active site. Transgenic experiments showed that the Petunia spp. and grape enzymes have remarkably different substrate specificities, which explains part of the structural anthocyanin diversity in both species. Most strikingly, VvAOMT1 expression resulted in the accumulation of novel anthocyanins that are normally not found in Petunia spp., revealing how alterations in the last reaction can reshuffle the pathway and affect (normally) preceding decoration steps in an unanticipated way. Our data show how variations in gene expression patterns, loss-of-function mutations, and alterations in substrate specificities all contributed to the anthocyanins' structural diversity. © 2014 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to develope hydrophilic nanoparticles able to encapsulate and deliver lipophilic curcumin to intestinal epithelial (I-407) and colorectal cancer (HT-29) cells.