Determinants of delayed healthcare access and stigma associated with pandemic SARS-CoV-2 infec-tion: findings from a pilot study in the immigrant population in Catania (Sicily Region, Southern Italy).

Background: the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have aggravated existing social and healthcare inequalities among particular population groups, such as ethnic minorities, who showed increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Objectives: to characterize risk profiles or determinants of delayed healthcare access, as well as knowledge, risk perception, behaviour, and social stigma concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection in the immigrant population in the city of Catania (Sicily Region, Southern Italy).

Design: pilot, descriptive study.

Factors Influencing Uptake of Breastfeeding: The Role of Early Promotion in the Maternity Hospital.

Background: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of breastfeeding at birth points in Sicily and the relevance of the factors influencing the adoption of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization linked to childbirth.

Methods: A survey was conducted to monitor the prevalence of breastfeeding in seven out of nine facilities providing maternity services in the province of Catania (Sicily, Southern Italy) in the years 2016-2018. An online questionnaire was administered using an electronic tablet by the midwife to the mother after discharge.

Measles and Pregnancy: Immunity and Immunization-What Can Be Learned from Observing Complications during an Epidemic Year.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Unvaccinated pregnant women are not only at risk of infection but also at risk of severe pregnancy complications. As measles causes a dysregulation of the entire immune system, we describe immunological variations and how immune response mechanisms can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Breastfeeding in Hospitals: Factors Influencing Maternal Choice in Italy.

Monitoring the prevalence of breastfeeding is one of the actions provided for in Italian National Health System. This study aims to observe the prevalence of breastfeeding in a representative set of birthing hospitals in the province of Catania, in Sicily, Italy, to assess the factors influencing women in their decisions to breastfeed during hospitalization after delivery. We conducted an observational study on 3813 questionnaires administered to mothers of newborns during their hospital stay from the years 2016 to 2018 in eight hospitals of various types.

Are Visitors Dangerous Carriers of Pathogens in The Hospital? an Observational Study in an University Hospital in Sicily.

The hospital environment has been suggested as having an important role in the transmission of health care-associated infections. The aim of this work is to clarify the possible role of visitors in environmental contamination at our hospital. The microbial load was determined by Rodac plate contact on flat surfaces and by swabs on uneven surfaces.

Case-control study on intestinal intussusception: implications for anti-rotavirus vaccination.

Background: Intussusception represents the most common cause of abdominal emergency among young children but nearly 75% of cases are still considered idiopathic.

Research Design And Methods: A case-control study was conducted among Sicilian children aged 0-59 months with a hospital admission for intussusception between 2009 and 2015 to identify factors associated with intussusception onset.

Results: Overall, 125 cases and 190 controls were recruited for the study.

Role of anthropometric factors, self-perception, and diet on weight misperception among young adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Adolescence overweight and obesity have increased considerably, and the misperception of their weight status could reduce the efficiency of intervention programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of misperception and to assess the relationship between weight perception and anthropometric parameters, self-perception, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Methods: A total of 1643 young adolescents (11-16 years old) were surveyed in a cross-sectional investigation during two scholastic years (period October-May of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014) in 15 secondary schools of Sicily, southern Italy.

Evaluation of four comorbidity indices and Charlson comorbidity index adjustment for colorectal cancer patients.

Introduction: Cancer survival is related not only to primary malignancy but also to concomitant nonmalignant diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic capacity of four comorbidity indices [the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), the Elixhauser method, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) comorbidity index, and the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27)] for both cancer-related and all-cause mortality among colorectal cancer patients. A modified version of the CCI adapted for colorectal cancer patients was also built.

Factors associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet among adolescents living in Sicily, Southern Italy.

The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with increased Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence among a sample of Italian adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1135 students (13-16 years) attending 13 secondary schools of Sicily, southern Italy. Validated instruments were used for dietary assessment and the KIDMED score to assess adolescents' adherence to the MD.

Health related quality of life in colorectal cancer patients: state of the art.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females with a progressive increase in prevalence in industrialized countries. The loss of health due to the cancer and/or the consequence of the treatment may result in psychophysical, functional and social impairment; all of these affect health-related quality of life (QoL).

Description: The most frequently CRC-specific QoL questionnaires is the FACT-C.

Mediterranean diet adherence rates in Sicily, southern Italy.

Objective: To assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutrient intakes in a population of Sicily, southern Italy and to evaluate possible determinants, particularly socio-cultural and lifestyle factors.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Urban and rural areas of eastern Sicily.