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Dagani J, Buizza C, Cela H, Sbravati G, Rainieri G, Ghilardi A. The Interplay of Sleep Quality, Mental Health, and Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors among Italian College Freshmen. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2626. [PMID: 38731154 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sleep and mental health are closely linked, with sleep deprivation increasing the risk of mental health problems in college students. This study aimed to analyze the role of sleep in the mental health status of a sample of Italian freshmen, considering various mental health outcomes and potential interactions between sleep and other relevant factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, academic experiences, and mental health history. Methods: All freshmen from a medium-sized Italian university were invited to participate in a multidimensional online survey (n = 3756). Sleep quality was assessed through questions on average hours of sleep per night and on satisfaction of perceived sleep quality. Mental health outcomes included psychophysical well-being, psychological distress, substance use, and problematic internet use. Statistical analysis involved multivariate analysis of variance, followed by pairwise comparisons. Results: The sample (n = 721) exhibited low levels of well-being and a high prevalence of psychological distress (52.1%). Approximately one-third of students (n = 258) were dissatisfied with their sleep quality, and one-fourth (n = 186) reported inadequate sleep (less than 7 h per night). More specifically, 24.4% of students slept on average six hours per night, and 1.4% slept five hours or less. Satisfaction with perceived sleep quality significantly influenced well-being, psychological distress, and cannabis use (ηp2 = 0.02). Interaction effects were observed between satisfaction with sleep quality and drop-out intentions (ηp2 = 0.01), as well as between satisfaction with sleep quality and history of mental health diagnosis (ηp2 = 0.02), both of which were significant for psychological distress and cannabis use. Conclusions: This study highlights the influence of perceived sleep quality on academic distress among college freshmen, particularly those with higher intentions of leaving university and with a history of mental health diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dagani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Herald Cela
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Giulio Sbravati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rainieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Raccanello D, Burro R, Aristovnik A, Ravšelj D, Umek L, Vicentini G, Hall R, Buizza C, Buzdar MA, Chatterjee S, Cucari N, Dobrowolska B, Ferreira-Oliveira AT, França T, Ghilardi A, Inasius F, Kar SK, Karampelas K, Kuzyshyn A, Lazăr F, Machin-Mastromatteo JD, Malliarou M, Marques BP, Méndez-Prado SM, Mollica C, Obadić A, Olaniyan OF, Rodrigues AS, Sbravati G, Vasić A, Zamfir AM, Tomaževič N. Coping and emotions of global higher education students to the Ukraine war worldwide. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8561. [PMID: 38609468 PMCID: PMC11014932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Trauma scientists have raised the alarm about the devastating consequences of the Ukraine war on mental health. We examined how higher education students-as indirect victims-coped with this conflict and how they emotionally reacted during 2022. We involved 2314 students from 16 countries through an online survey. A structural equation model indicated significant relations between war-related worry about military and macroeconomics domains and two coping strategies (opposition, support giving), in turn significantly linked with six emotions. The model was strongly invariant across gender, study field, and geographic area. The most frequent emotions were anger and anxiety, followed by two future-centred emotions (hopelessness and hope). Emotions were more frequent for females and students of the countries geographically close to the war region. Our findings call for evidence-based policy recommendations to be implemented by institutions to combat the negative short and long-term psychological sequelae of being witnesses of armed conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Burro
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Dejan Ravšelj
- Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lan Umek
- Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Giada Vicentini
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rob Hall
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Environmetrics, Killara, Australia
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Muhammad Ayub Buzdar
- Department of Secondary Teacher Education, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Surobhi Chatterjee
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Nicola Cucari
- Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Beata Dobrowolska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Thais França
- Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology, Cies-Iscte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fany Inasius
- School of Accounting, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sujita Kumar Kar
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Andrii Kuzyshyn
- Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Florin Lazăr
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Maria Malliarou
- Department of Nursing, University of Thessaly, Vólos, Greece
| | - Bertil P Marques
- Institute of Engineering of Porto, P.PORTO-Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Cristina Mollica
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alka Obadić
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Olawale Festus Olaniyan
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of The Gambia, Serrekunda, Gambia
| | - Ana Sofia Rodrigues
- CISAS, Polytechnic Institute of Viana Do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Giulio Sbravati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Ana-Maria Zamfir
- National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nina Tomaževič
- Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Buizza C, Franco E, Ghilardi A. Correction: Is Biofeedback for Vertigo Effective in Ordinary Medical Centers? A Controlled Trial in Northern Italy. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2023; 48:355. [PMID: 37310568 PMCID: PMC10412478 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09594-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Elena Franco
- Medical Center San Francesco, Via Zadei 16, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
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Buizza C, Franco E, Ghilardi A. Is Biofeedback for Vertigo Effective in Ordinary Medical Centers? A Controlled Trial in Northern Italy. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2023; 48:345-354. [PMID: 37231183 PMCID: PMC10412656 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of biofeedback, in a medical center's routine for treating vestibular disorders, reducing emotional, functional, and physical disability at three-month follow-up. A total of 197 outpatients were recruited from a medical center to treat vestibular disorders. Patients in the control group received treatment as usual, consisting of one monthly visit with an otolaryngologist and pharmacological treatment specific for vertigo, while the experimental group attended biofeedback training. Patients in the experimental group received pharmacological therapy only in the phase before the start of biofeedback in order to stabilize the acute phase. During the three-month follow-up, the experimental group did not receive any booster sessions of biofeedback. At three-month follow-up there was a statistically significant difference between the groups, both in the mean total score of the dizziness handicap inventory and in the three subscales: physical, emotional, and functional. Moreover, the biofeedback group had reduced psycho-physiological parameters for all average values at three-month follow-up compared to the baseline. This is one of few studies assessing the effectiveness of biofeedback in a naturalistic setting for vestibular disorder treatment. The data confirmed that biofeedback can impact illness course, in terms of self-perceived disability reduction, assessed on emotional, functional, and physical aspects of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Elena Franco
- Medical Center San Francesco, Via Zadei 16, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
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Buizza C, Ferrari C, Sbravati G, Dagani J, Cela H, Rainieri G, Ghilardi A. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Well-Being, Social Relationships and Academic Performance in a Sample of University Freshmen: A Propensity Score Match Evaluation Pre- and Post-Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6485. [PMID: 37569025 PMCID: PMC10418828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted freshmen, compromising their mental health, lifestyles, and academic performance. There are few studies that have investigated changes in the health status and lifestyles of freshmen before and after the pandemic. The aims of this study were: (1) to carry out a pre-post-COVID-19 pandemic comparison between two freshmen samples, in order to detect differences in their socio-demographic characteristics and in some clinical variables; (2) to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social and academic lives of the second sample of freshmen. The samples recruited in 2019 and 2022, matched by propensity score procedure (N = 553), were mostly female (57.3% vs. 55.3%); the mean age was 22.9 and 20.9 years, respectively. The freshmen recruited after the pandemic had less psychological distress and substance use than freshmen recruited before the pandemic. Seventy-eight percent of the freshmen stated that the pandemic had an impact on their social relationships. This effect was greater for females and Italian students. Forty-seven percent reported that the pandemic has worsened their academic performance, while 60% stated that pandemic has improved their grades. The results of this study can provide valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on freshmen, in order to implement interventions to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic in some subgroups of this target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (J.D.); (H.C.); (G.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- Research and Clinical Trials Office, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Via Bissolati 57, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Giulio Sbravati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (J.D.); (H.C.); (G.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Jessica Dagani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (J.D.); (H.C.); (G.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Herald Cela
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (J.D.); (H.C.); (G.R.); (A.G.)
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Rainieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (J.D.); (H.C.); (G.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.S.); (J.D.); (H.C.); (G.R.); (A.G.)
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Dagani J, Buizza C, Ferrari C, Ghilardi A. The role of psychological distress, stigma and coping strategies on help-seeking intentions in a sample of Italian college students. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:177. [PMID: 37280661 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health issues are common among university students, but the latter are unlikely to seek professional help even when mental health services are available. Coping strategies, stigma and psychological distress are often considered as factors that can affect help-seeking intentions in university students. METHODS This study aimed to determine the role of coping strategies, stigma and psychological distress on the intentions to seek professional help for psychological problems. All students (N = 13,886) from an Italian medium-sized university were asked to participate in a multidimensional online survey and 3754 (27.1%) agreed to participate. A Structural Equation Modelling approach was applied to explore the simultaneous direct and indirect effects of distress, stigma and coping strategies on professional help-seeking intentions. RESULTS Results showed that students were not very likely to seek professional help and, through the Structural Equation Model, psychological distress was found to be positively correlated with coping strategies, which in turn was negatively associated with the stigma of seeking help. The latter was negatively associated with professional help-seeking intentions. These effects suggest that students with significant psychological distress use coping strategies to face the stigma of seeking help: the lower the stigma of seeking help, the higher the chance of developing intentions to seek professional help. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the importance of implementing programs to encourage college students to seek help, including measures that foster a stigma-free environment, reduce psychological distress and promote the use of adaptive coping strategies. Interventions should be focused firstly on self-stigma and secondly on perceived stigma, taking into consideration the level of psychological distress and social stereotypes associated with mental disorders and help seeking behaviours. Programs about coping are also essential and should focus on promoting emotion-focused strategies and problem-focused strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dagani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni, 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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7
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Fazia T, Bubbico F, Nova A, Buizza C, Cela H, Iozzi D, Calgan B, Maggi F, Floris V, Sutti I, Bruno S, Ghilardi A, Bernardinelli L. Improving stress management, anxiety, and mental well-being in medical students through an online Mindfulness-Based Intervention: a randomized study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8214. [PMID: 37217666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35483-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pressures and responsibilities of medical school put a strain on medical student's personal wellbeing, leading among all to high rates of anxiety, emotional discomfort and stress. In this work we evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) in reducing this load. The intervention comprised 10 twice-a-week Integral Meditation classes, dietary advice, and brief yoga sessions. We performed a randomized trial on two cohort of medical students from Italian universities: 239 in cohort 1 (106 treated and 133 controls), and 123 in cohort 2 (68 treated and 55 control) for a total sample of 362 students. Nine questionnaires for evaluating the effectiveness of our intervention on stress (PSS), state anxiety (STAIX-1), well-being (WEMWBS), mind-wandering (MW-S), overall distress (PANAS), emotion regulation (DERS), resilience (RS-14), and attentional control (ACS-C and ACS-D) were collected both pre and post intervention. Linear mixed effect models were run on the whole sample showing that, after multiple testing correction, our intervention was effective in reducing perceived stress (β = - 2.57 [- 4.02; - 1.12], p = 0.004), improving mental well-being (β = 2.82 [1.02; 4.63], p = 0.008) and emotional regulation (β = - 8.24 [- 12.98; - 3.51], p = 0.004), resilience (β = 3.79 [1.32; 6.26], p = 0.008), reducing the tendency to wander with the mind (β = - 0.70 [- 0.99; - 0.39], p = 0.0001), ameliorating the ability to maintain attention (AC-S (β = - 0.23 [- 0.44; - 0.02], p = 0.04) and AC-D (β = - 0.19 [- 0.36; - 0.01], p = 0.04)), and the overall distress (β = 1.84 [0.45; 3.23], p = 0.02).
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Fazia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bubbico
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Nova
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Davide Iozzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beril Calgan
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Maggi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Floris
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Sutti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Bernardinelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Prignano F, Pescitelli L, Trovato E, DI Cesare A, Cuccia A, Mazzatenta C, Pellegrino M, Marsili F, Castelli A, Brandini L, Niccoli MC, Taviti F, Ricceri F, Panduri S, Buggiani G, Ghilardi A, Rubegni P, Romanelli M, Pimpinelli N. Tuscany consensus for the treatment of moderate-severe psoriasis: update and focus on practical guidelines for place in therapy of anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 biologics. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2022; 157:469-479. [PMID: 35785927 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.22.07355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease characterized by a worldwide distribution and a natural tendency towards progression. According to the many clinical forms, the extension of the disease and the many comorbidities, almost the 20% of the patients require a systemic treatment. Biologics have greatly changed the ongoing of psoriasis and the quality of life of psoriasis patients. After the anti-TNF-alpha, which were the first biologics in use for psoriasis, the improvement in knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the disease has led to the development of a series of more specific therapies for psoriasis. This "second generation" of biologics includes the interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab, IL-17 inhibitors (secukinumab and ixekizumab), the IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) antagonist brodalumab, and the IL-23 inhibitors guselkumab, risankizumab and tildrakizumab. This study represents an update of the Tuscany consensus focused on the use of new drugs, such as anti-IL-17 and anti-IL-23 in moderate-to-severe psoriasis and their correct place in therapy according to specific clinical requests and in full respect of the current financial restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Prignano
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy -
| | | | - Emanuele Trovato
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella DI Cesare
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aldo Cuccia
- Unit of Dermatology, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | | | | | - Franco Marsili
- Unit of Dermatology, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Lucca, Italy
| | | | - Luca Brandini
- Unit of Dermatology, San Giuseppe Hospital, Empoli, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Franca Taviti
- Unit of Dermatology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy
| | | | | | - Gionata Buggiani
- Unit of Dermatology, San Giuseppe Hospital, Empoli, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Rubegni
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Science, S. Maria alle Scotte Hospital, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Buizza C, Bazzoli L, Ghilardi A. Changes in College Students Mental Health and Lifestyle During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. Adolesc Res Rev 2022; 7:537-550. [PMID: 35966832 PMCID: PMC9362152 DOI: 10.1007/s40894-022-00192-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED College students have poorer mental health than their peers. Their poorer health conditions seem to be caused by the greater number of stressors to which they are exposed, which can increase the risk of the onset of mental disorders. The pandemic has been an additional stressor that may have further compromised the mental health of college students and changed their lifestyles with important consequences for their well-being. Although research has recognized the impact of COVID-19 on college students, only longitudinal studies can improve knowledge on this topic. This review summarizes the data from 17 longitudinal studies examining changes in mental health and lifestyle among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to improve understanding of the effects of the outbreak on this population. Following PRISMA statements, the following databases were searched PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS and Web of Science. The overall sample included 20,108 students. The results show an increase in anxiety, mood disorders, alcohol use, sedentary behavior, and Internet use and a decrease in physical activity. Female students and sexual and gender minority youth reported poorer mental health conditions. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable subgroups of college students. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40894-022-00192-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luciano Bazzoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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10
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Buizza C, Cela H, Costa A, Ghilardi A. Coping strategies and mental health in a sample of students accessing a university counselling service. Couns and Psychother Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/capr.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences University of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Herald Cela
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences University of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Andrea Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences University of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences University of Brescia Brescia Italy
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11
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Marazziti D, Baroni S, Mucci F, Piccinni A, Ghilardi A, Fiorillo A, Massimetti G, Luciano M, Sampogna G, Moroni I, Dell'Osso L. Characteristics of Internet Use amongst Italian University Students. Psychiatr Danub 2020; 32:411-419. [PMID: 33370740 DOI: 10.24869/psyd.2020.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problematic Internet use (PIU), that may be defined as the inability to control one's use of Internet with negative consequences in daily life, is an emerging problem involving primarily, but not only young generations. Different studies have shown that students are particularly vulnerable to PIU. Given the paucity of information on PIU in our country, the aim of this paper was at investigating the characteristics of PIU amongst Italian University students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A self-assessment questionnaire, referred by the acronym QUNT ("Questionario sull'Utilizzo delle Nuove Tecnologie"), composed by 101 items grouped together to identify a series of factors, was developed and sent through e-mail invitation to several students from three Italian Universities. RESULTS The returned questionnaires were 3324, out of a total of 51,304 sent, with no difference between the two sexes. On the contrary, the distribution of the QUNT factors was different in the two sexes, in people living alone and in overweight subjects. Men resulted to be more involved in online recreational activities, whereas women seemed more attracted to instant messaging and generally to social networks. PIU was significantly more present in men than women. The comparisons of QUNT factor scores in the four BMI categories showed that the greater the BMI the greater the score of some factors. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study indicate that the use of Internet through new technologies may exceed its real utility amongst Italian university student, with some sex-related differences. Men seem more prone to use Internet for passing time and women for social relationships. Men are also at risk of developing PIU. Again, Internet use might be a basic vulnerability factor of increasing weight gain and obesity amongst young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy,
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Buizza C, Cela H, Ferrari C, Goss C, Bottacini A, Mazzi MA, Del Piccolo L, Ghilardi A. Does being accompanied make a difference in communication during breast cancer consultations? Results from a multi-centered randomized controlled trial. J Psychosoc Oncol 2020; 39:189-203. [PMID: 33089767 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2020.1829775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study is based on a multi-centered RCT conducted on breast cancer patients during their first consultation with an oncologist. The main aim was to evaluate whether the introduction of a communication tool (i.e., the Question Prompt Sheet or Question Listing), with or without a companion, impacted the number of questions asked by patients during the consultation, and subsequent psychological and relational outcomes. METHODS The sample consisted of 324 breast cancer patients who were randomly placed into one of the two intervention groups: Question Prompt Sheet or Question Listing. Before and after the consultation, patients completed a set of standardized instruments: Satisfaction with decisions made during the consultation (SWD), Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDMQ-9), Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI), Patient Health Questionnaire Depression scale (PHQ-9), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS The results indicate that the number of questions asked during the consultation was higher when a Question Listing was provided and when the patient was unaccompanied. Unaccompanied patients asked more questions in both groups and had significantly lower scores than accompanied on the GHQ-12 and on the PHQ-9, indicating lower clinical symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS Results are in contrast with previous literature, indicating that being unaccompanied help patients to interact more with the oncologist. Further studies are needed to evaluate how the presence or not of a companion really impacts breast cancer patients during their first consultation with an oncologist. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01510964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Herald Cela
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Goss
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Lidia Del Piccolo
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Mazzi MA, Perlini C, Deledda G, Ghilardi A, Buizza C, Bottacini A, Goss C, Del Piccolo L. Employment status and information needs of patients with breast cancer: a multicentre cross-sectional study of first oncology consultations. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038543. [PMID: 32994250 PMCID: PMC7526300 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the early information needs of women with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) according to their employment status. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Secondary-care patients attending three outpatient oncology clinics in northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS 377 women with a recent diagnosis of early-stage, non-metastatic BC aged 18-75 were recruited. Of them, 164 were employed, 103 non-employed and 110 retired. OUTCOME MEASURES The first consultation visit with an oncologist was audio-recorded and analysed for the number and type of questions asked. Linear regression models considering consultations' and patients' characteristics as confounding variables were applied. RESULTS Employed patients asked significantly more questions than non-employed and retired patients (17 vs 13 and 14; F=6.04; p<0.01). When age and education were included in the statistical model, the significance of employment status was rearranged among all the variables and was no more significant (b=1.2, p=0.44). Employed women asked more questions concerning disease prognosis (0.7 vs 0.4 and 0.6; F=3.5; p=0.03), prevention (1.4 vs 0.6 and 0.7; F=10.7; p<0.01), illness management (7.2 vs 6 and 5.4; F=3.8; p=0.02) and social functioning (37% vs 18% and 20%; χ2=14.3; p<0.01) compared with the other two groups. Finally, they attended more frequently the consultation alone (37% vs 18% and 25%; χ2=10.90, p<0.01), were younger (50 vs 58 and 67 years; F=63.8; p<0.01) and with a higher level of education (77% vs 27% and 45%; χ2=68.2; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Employment status is related to the type of questions asked during the first consultation. Also, it interrelates with other patients' characteristics like age and education in determining the number of questions asked. Patients' characteristics including employment status could be considered in tailoring work and social-related information provided during the first oncological consultation. Future studies could explore potential differences in information needs according to the different kinds of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Perlini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Deledda
- Clinical Psychological Service, UO of Clinical Psychology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalisation and Health Care (IRCCS) "Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria", Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Goss
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lidia Del Piccolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Buizza C, Ghilardi A, Mazzardi P, Barbera D, Fremondi V, Bottacini A, Mazzi MA, Goss C. Effects of a Question Prompt Sheet on the Oncologist-Patient Relationship: a Multi-centred Randomised Controlled Trial in Breast Cancer. J Cancer Educ 2020; 35:621-628. [PMID: 30852786 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-019-01505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of a question prompt sheet (QPS) on the oncologist-patient relationship as compared with a question listing (QL). In particular, the differences in difficulties perceived by the oncologist during the consultation and in the patient's experience of the therapeutic aspects of the relationship were assessed. A total of 324 patients with a recent diagnosis of early stage breast cancer were involved in the study. The results showed that 15.7% of patients were perceived as 'difficult' by the oncologists. The proportion of 'difficult' patients varied in the two groups: 20.6% in the QPS group versus 11.8% in the QL group. The results also showed that the higher the difficulty perceived by oncologists, the lower the satisfaction of patients for their relationship with the oncologists during the consultation (r = - .135, p = .033). It is likely that the higher level of difficulty perceived by the oncologist in the QPS group may be connected with the pre-prepared list of evidence-based questions. Further research is needed to understand which components of the interventions, relating to the patient, the oncologist or their interaction, really promote patient participation in cancer setting. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01510964. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01510964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Mazzardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Barbera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Fremondi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale LA. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale LA. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Goss
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale LA. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Del Piccolo L, Mazzi MA, Mascanzoni A, Lonardi M, De Felice M, Danzi OP, Buizza C, Ghilardi A, Bottacini A, Goss C. Factors related to the expression of emotions by early-stage breast cancer patients. Patient Educ Couns 2019; 102:1767-1773. [PMID: 30967297 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE (1) To report the number and type of emotional expressions (cues/concerns) raised by breast cancer patients; (2) to identify the influence of setting, patient characteristics, and doctor-patient interaction on emotional expression. METHODS 308 Italian-speaking female patients were recruited at their first breast cancer consultation. The visits were audio-recorded and analysed for number and type of emotional expressions (VR-CoDES). Oncologists' interaction skills were rated by the VR-COPE. Socio-demographic, clinical and personality variables were gathered before the consultation. Clinical variables and oncologists' evaluations of the patient were collected after. RESULTS Breast cancer patients raised emotional issues mainly as cues. The setting (centre where the consultations took place), the oncologist's attribution of anxiety, regardless of anxiety test screening (STAI-X1) score before the consultation, and the oncologist's ability to pick up on patient's worries, handle emotional needs or understand psychosocial condition were all positively related with the number of emotional expressions. More tightly structured consultations had fewer emotional expressions. CONCLUSION Both contextual and interactional aspects have an impact on patient emotional expressions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Oncologists need to be trained to manage both the content and the process of medical consultation. Work organization of the consultation setting needs to be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Del Piccolo
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy.
| | - Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Mascanzoni
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Miriam Lonardi
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Mariangela De Felice
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Olivia Purnima Danzi
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Goss
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Italy
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Papini M, Cusano F, Romanelli M, Burlando M, Stinco G, Girolomoni G, Peris K, Potenza C, Offidani A, Bartezaghi M, Aloisi E, Costanzo A, Bianchi L, Bottoni U, Buligan C, Brazzelli V, Campanati A, Cantoresi F, Capo A, Cattaneo A, Dapavo P, Giglio M, Lernia V, Nuzzo S, Simone C, Dusi D, Fargnoli C, Flori L, Franchi C, Galluzzo M, Ghilardi A, Hansel K, Loconsole F, Lora V, Malagoli P, Malara G, Mastrandrea V, Megna M, Mercuri R, Musumeci L, Naldi L, Narcisi A, Orsini D, Pagnanelli G, Patrizi A, Pau M, Pellacani G, Persechino S, Piaserico S, Pietroleonardo L, Prignano F, Reseghetti A, Russo F, Sirna R, Skroza N, Stingeni L, Trevisini S, Zane C, Zichichi L, Zini A. Secukinumab shows high efficacy irrespective of
HLA‐Cw6
status in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis: results from extension phase of the SUPREME study. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:413-414. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Buizza C, Ghilardi A, Olivetti E, Costa A. Dropouts from a university counselling service: a quantitative and qualitative study. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2019.1566513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Olivetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Buizza C, Candini V, Ferrari C, Ghilardi A, Saviotti FM, Turrina C, Nobili G, Sabaudo M, de Girolamo G. The Long-Term Effectiveness of Psychoeducation for Bipolar Disorders in Mental Health Services. A 4-Year Follow-Up Study. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:873. [PMID: 31849726 PMCID: PMC6901938 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: The aims of the present study were to assess: the effectiveness of psychoeducation in mental health service (MHSs) in terms of time to first hospitalization during 4-year follow-up; the number and the days of hospitalizations, and the number of people hospitalized at 4-year follow-up; and variables associated with better outcome in BD patients. Methods: This is a controlled study involving an experimental group (N = 57) and a control group (N = 52). The treatment phase consists of 21 weeks, in which all participants received TAU, while the experimental group received additional psychoeducation. Results: The survival analysis showed significant differences in terms of time to first hospitalization of up to 4-year follow-up: the patients in the psychoeducation group showed a longer time free from hospitalizations than the control group. Concerning the predictors of time to first hospitalization, the only factor that showed a trend to statistical significance was psychoeducation. Conclusions: This is one of few studies assessing the long-term effectiveness of psychoeducation in a naturalistic setting. The data confirm that psychoeducation can impact illness course, in terms of longer time free from hospitalizations. Trial registration: ISRCTN17827459.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Candini
- Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Turrina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni de Girolamo
- Psychiatric Epidemiology and Evaluation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Binelli A, Magni S, La Porta C, Bini L, Della Torre C, Ascagni M, Maggioni D, Ghilardi A, Armini A, Landi C, Santo N, Madaschi L, Coccè V, Mutti F, Lionetti MC, Ciusani E, Del Giacco L. Cellular pathways affected by carbon nanopowder-benzo(α)pyrene complex in human skin fibroblasts identified by proteomics. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2018; 160:144-153. [PMID: 29803189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
One of the crucial and unsolved problems of the airborne carbon nanoparticles is the role played by the adsorbed environmental pollutants on their toxicological effect. Indeed, in the urban areas, the carbon nanoparticles usually adsorb some atmospheric contaminants, whose one of the leading representatives is the benzo(α)pyrene. Herein, we used the proteomics to investigate the alteration of toxicological pathways due to the carbon nanopowder-benzo(α)pyrene complex in comparison with the two contaminants administered alone on human skin-derived fibroblasts (hSDFs) exposed for 8 days in semi-static conditions. The preliminary confocal microscopy observations highlighted that carbon-nanopowder was able to pass through the cell membranes and accumulate into the cytoplasm both when administered alone and with the adsorbed benzo(α)pyrene. Proteomics revealed that the effect of carbon nanopowder-benzo(α)pyrene complex seems to be related to a new toxicological behavior instead of simple additive or synergistic effects. In detail, the cellular pathways modulated by the complex were mainly related to energy shift (glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway), apoptosis, stress response and cellular trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Binelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - S Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - C La Porta
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity & Biosystem, University of Milan, Italy
| | - L Bini
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Italy
| | - C Della Torre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - M Ascagni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy; UNITECH-NOLIMITS Platform, University of Milan, Italy
| | - D Maggioni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Italy
| | - A Ghilardi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - A Armini
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Italy
| | - C Landi
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Italy
| | - N Santo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy; UNITECH-NOLIMITS Platform, University of Milan, Italy
| | - L Madaschi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy; UNITECH-NOLIMITS Platform, University of Milan, Italy
| | - V Coccè
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - F Mutti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity & Biosystem, University of Milan, Italy
| | - M C Lionetti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Italy; Center for Complexity & Biosystem, University of Milan, Italy
| | - E Ciusani
- Department of Diagnostics and Applied Technology, Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - L Del Giacco
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy
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Ghilardi A, Buizza C, Costa A, Teodori C. A follow-up study on students attending a university counselling service in Northern Italy. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2017.1391372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Teodori
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Ghilardi A, Buizza C, Carobbio EM, Lusenti R. Detecting and Managing Mental Health Issues within Young Adults. A Systematic Review on College Counselling in Italy. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2017; 13:61-70. [PMID: 28839455 PMCID: PMC5543617 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901713010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: College counselling can be considered as a front-line service in detecting and managing mental health issues within young adults. In this sense, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of counselling interventions. Objective: To provide a systematic review about college counselling in Italy; to assess which psychological interventions really meet student needs, and their effectiveness; to focus on the level of cohesion between Italian counselling services and the international guidelines about college counselling. Method: A systematic review about college counselling through PsycInfo and PubMed was carried out. Because of the scarceness of pertinent available articles, the survey was extended to Google Scholar and Riviste Web. Keywords: counselling, mental health, wellbeing, psychological support, university, students, Italy. Results: Out of thirty-four articles retrieved, 16 are relevant to academic counselling, the other 18 have been considered not pertinent to the aim of the present review. Data show a lack of homogeneity in methodology and organization between each University: different approaches towards students’ needs. Furthermore, no follow-up studies or measurement of effectiveness were found. Conclusion: This review is a contribution to disseminate the results of counselling experiences in Italy and represents an effort to encourage colleagues working in a web environment to share results and methods for a more organized protocol application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Egle Miriam Carobbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rossella Lusenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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22
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Bottacini A, Goss C, Mazzi MA, Ghilardi A, Buizza C, Molino A, Fiorio E, Nortilli R, Amoroso V, Vassalli L, Brown RF. The involvement of early stage breast cancer patients during oncology consultations in Italy: a multi-centred, randomized controlled trial of a question prompt sheet versus question listing. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015079. [PMID: 28801395 PMCID: PMC5724137 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate, prior to an oncology consultation, the use of a pre-prepared list of evidence based questions, Question Prompt Sheet (QPS), compared with a Question List (QL), a patient self-generated list of questions. DESIGN Multi-centred, randomised controlled trial. SETTING Secondary-care patients attending three outpatient oncology clinics in Northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS 308 women completed the study. Inclusion criteria were an age between 18 and 75 years, a recent diagnosis of early stage, non-metastatic breast cancer, adequate Italian language skills, no previous oncology visits and no evidence of cognitive impairment. INTERVENTION Patients received the QPS or the QL prior to the consultation, completed it without suggestion or coaching session and delivered back before the visit.The consultations were audio-recorded and analysed for the number and content of questions. Multilevel linear models were used to compare the two groups. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the comparison of questions asked between QPS and QL group. Secondary outcomes included satisfaction about questions asked, satisfaction with decision, and level of anxiety. RESULTS Patients in the QPS and QL group asked 13 and 16 questions respectively. The difference was not significant (b=1.7, CI -0.3 to 3.6, p=0.10). A mean of 22 questions was selected in the QPS, while a mean of 2 questions was written in the QL. Patients in the QPS group were significantly less satisfied (t=3.60, p<0.01) with questions asked but wanted less additional information (t=2.20, p<0.05). Levels of patient decisional satisfaction were equivalent between groups. Similarly, anxiety levels were equal between groups prior to the consultation and decreased in similar way after the consultation. CONCLUSIONS Both interventions have similar impact on patients' participation in terms of question asking during the consultation. Future research is needed in order to explore which components of the interventions are really useful and efficacious. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01510964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Goss
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Molino
- Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Fiorio
- Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rolando Nortilli
- Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Policlinico G. Rossi, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vito Amoroso
- Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lucia Vassalli
- Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Richard F Brown
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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Binelli A, Del Giacco L, Santo N, Bini L, Magni S, Parolini M, Madaschi L, Ghilardi A, Maggioni D, Ascagni M, Armini A, Prosperi L, Landi C, La Porta C, Della Torre C. Carbon nanopowder acts as a Trojan-horse for benzo(α)pyrene in Danio rerio embryos. Nanotoxicology 2017; 11:371-381. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2017.1306130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Binelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Del Giacco
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - N. Santo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Bini
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - S. Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Parolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Madaschi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Ghilardi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Maggioni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Ascagni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Armini
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - L. Prosperi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C. Landi
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - C. La Porta
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C. Della Torre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Ghilardi A, Pedrini L, Rossini M, Tiraboschi A, Buizza C. [Communication and interpersonal skills in medicine: an educational intervention in hospital]. Recenti Prog Med 2014; 105:479-83. [PMID: 25533237 DOI: 10.1701/1706.18624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The present paper is aimed to describe methods and results of an educational intervention on doctor-patient communication. The intervention was addressed to 26 hospital physicians and lasted 20 hours, and it was formulated according to patient-centred model. At the end of the intervention, participants referred satisfaction for the course, and the proportion of doctors with patient-centred style was higher compared to the one of the initial assessment (Z Wilcoxon=2,236; p=.02). No associations were found between communicative-relational style and sociodemographic variables. For hospital physicians, three main topics seems require future interventions: the communication of bad news, the management of own emotions, the influence of context's factors on doctor-patient relationship.
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Medolago G, Marcassa C, Alkraisheh A, Campini R, Ghilardi A, Giubbini R. Applicability of the appropriate use criteria for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in Italy: preliminary results. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2014; 41:1695-700. [PMID: 24633473 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-014-2743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical applicability of the appropriate use criteria for SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging has not yet been evaluated in Italy. We investigated the applicability of the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) in Italy. METHODS The indications for testing were prospectively recorded in three different nuclear cardiology laboratories: a general hospital, an academic hospital, and a tertiary centre. Indications were categorized as appropriate, uncertain or inappropriate according to the 2009 AUC; the specialty of the ordering physician was also noted. SPECT results were classified as: normal, probably normal, uncertain, probably abnormal, abnormal. The presence and severity of ischaemia were also noted. RESULTS Over a 9-month period, 2,134 patients (age 67 ± 10 years, 68 % men) were evaluated (62 % exercise stress test). On average, there were 700 (84 %) appropriate, 73 (7 %) inappropriate and 93 (9 %) uncertain tests. The rates for the appropriateness of indications were comparable in men and women (84 % and 83 %, not significant). As expected, the rate of nonnormal studies was higher (58 %) for appropriate than for inappropriate (33 %) indications. Appropriateness was lower in the tertiary centre (74 %), and uncertain (16 %) and inappropriate (10 %) indications were more common; this was related to the higher rate of outpatients scheduled by nonhospital cardiologists (37 %). The most common indications associated with inappropriate testing were: chest pain, low likelihood of coronary artery disease, interpretable ECG and able to exercise (29 %), and asymptomatic <2 years after percutaneous coronary intervention (24 %). CONCLUSION In this preliminary evaluation of the AUC in Italy, the majority of studies were classified as appropriate, but a consistent proportion of scheduled SPECT studies, particularly by nonhospital cardiologists, were still categorized as uncertain or inappropriate. Educational approaches should be implemented to reduce the rate of less appropriate examinations. However, a substantial proportion (33 %) of inappropriate studies were classified as nonnormal, with 26 % of these patients having ischaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Medolago
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Bergamo, Italy
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26
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Candini V, Buizza C, Ferrari C, Caldera MT, Ermentini R, Ghilardi A, Nobili G, Pioli R, Sabaudo M, Sacchetti E, Saviotti FM, Seggioli G, Zanini A, de Girolamo G. Is structured group psychoeducation for bipolar patients effective in ordinary mental health services? A controlled trial in Italy. J Affect Disord 2013; 151:149-55. [PMID: 23816448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reviews of evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of Bipolar Disorders (BD) have recommended that "all patients with BD be offered group or individual psychoeducation" to prevent relapse, improve treatment adherence, quality of life, and functioning. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of psychoeducation in routine mental health services in reducing number of hospitalisations and number of days spent in hospital, at a 1-year follow-up. METHODS A total of 102 outpatients were recruited from two Italian Departments of Mental Health. Inclusion criteria were a lifetime BD type I or II diagnosis, assessed with SCID, and ≥ 3 months of euthymia. Exclusion criteria were DSM-IV Axis I comorbidity, mental retardation (IQ<70), organic brain damage, or deafness. All participants received standard psychiatric care, including standard pharmacological treatment; the experimental group also received 21 group psychoeducation sessions, weekly held and conducted according to Colom and Vieta's model. RESULTS The number of patients hospitalised during the 1-year follow-up, the mean number of hospitalisations per patient, and the mean number of hospitalisation days were significantly lower for psychoeducated patients. CONCLUSION Our findings support the view that group psychoeducation is an effective way to prevent hospitalisation and decrease hospital days in pharmacologically treated patients with bipolar disorder also in routine clinical settings. The results confirm that psychoeducation promotes improvement in illness course by preventing acute phases and enhancing mood stability, and consequently, improvement in the quality of life for people with BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Candini
- IRCCS "St. John of God" Fatebenefratelli-Brescia, Via Pilastroni 4, Brescia 25125, Italy.
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27
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Goss C, Ghilardi A, Deledda G, Buizza C, Bottacini A, Del Piccolo L, Rimondini M, Chiodera F, Mazzi MA, Ballarin M, Bighelli I, Strepparava MG, Molino A, Fiorio E, Nortilli R, Caliolo C, Zuliani S, Auriemma A, Maspero F, Simoncini EL, Ragni F, Brown R, Zimmermann C. INvolvement of breast CAncer patients during oncological consultations: a multicentre randomised controlled trial--the INCA study protocol. BMJ Open 2013; 3:e002266. [PMID: 23645911 PMCID: PMC3646182 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies on patient involvement show that physicians make few attempts to involve their patients who ask few questions if not facilitated. On the other hand, the patients who participate in the decision-making process show greater treatment adherence and have better health outcomes. Different methods to encourage the active participation during oncological consultation have been described; however, similar studies in Italy are lacking. The aims of the present study are to (1) assess the effects of a preconsultation intervention to increase the involvement of breast cancer patients during the consultation, and (2) explore the role of the attending companions in the information exchange during consultation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS All female patients with breast cancer who attend the Oncology Out-patient Services for the first time will provide an informed consent to participate in the study. They are randomly assigned to the intervention or to the control group. The intervention consists of the presentation of a list of relevant illness-related questions, called a question prompt sheet. The primary outcome measure of the efficacy of the intervention is the number of questions asked by patients during the consultation. Secondary outcomes are the involvement of the patient by the oncologist; the patient's perceived achievement of her information needs; the patient's satisfaction and ability to cope; the quality of the doctor-patient relationship in terms of patient-centeredness; and the number of questions asked by the patient's companions and their involvement during the consultation. All outcome measures are supposed to significantly increase in the intervention group. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee of the Hospital Trust of Verona. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01510964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Goss
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Childcare and Biomedical Technologies, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Deledda
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Childcare and Biomedical Technologies, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lidia Del Piccolo
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Rimondini
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Chiodera
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mario Ballarin
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Irene Bighelli
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Strepparava
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Annamaria Molino
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Fiorio
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rolando Nortilli
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Policlinico G. Rossi, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Caliolo
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Policlinico G. Rossi, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Serena Zuliani
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Policlinico G. Rossi, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Auriemma
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Policlinico G. Rossi, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Maspero
- Oncology Unit of Oncology, Policlinico G. Rossi, Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Ragni
- General Surgery II, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Richard Brown
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Christa Zimmermann
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Buizza C, Pioli R, Lecchi S, Bonetto C, Bartoli A, Taglietti R, Ghilardi A, Riva E. Mental disorders and work integration: a retrospective study in a northern italian town. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2013; 10:9-17. [PMID: 24600480 PMCID: PMC3942865 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901410010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The present study was conducted in a vocational integration service of a northern Italian town with two major aims: to assess vocational integration programs undertaken from 1st January 2004 to 1st January 2007; and to identify job tenure-associated predictors. Methods: This is a retrospective study; we collected data such as gender, age, duration, type and outcome of the vocational integration program, and number of interventions performed by the vocational integration service. Self-report questionnaires were also used to assess the satisfaction of users, caregivers, practitioners, and of the company contacts involved in the study. Results: The service has enrolled 84 users during the observation period. Out of these users, 64.3% of them still had their jobs after three years. Users, caregivers and company contacts expressed high levels of satisfaction for the support received by the vocational integration service. The company expressed less satisfaction for the collaboration received by the Departments of Mental Health (DMHs) that coached the users. The only variable associated to the outcome was the number of interventions that the users received before their placement on the job. Conclusions: Despite all the limits of this study, its results show that the chance of taking advantage of a supported job placement service has likely proven itself effective in helping people with mental disorders to obtain and maintain a competitive employment. Our results, however, also point to the necessity of implementing newer strategies meant to develop a greater integration among all services dealing with mentally ill people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Unit of Dynamic and Clinic Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, It-aly
| | - Rosaria Pioli
- IRCCS "St. John of God" Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Lecchi
- IRCCS "St. John of God" Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonetto
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Unit of Dynamic and Clinic Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, It-aly
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Romano C, Caposciutti P, Ghilardi A, Miracco C, Fimiani M. A case of primary localized cutaneous infection due to Fusarium oxysporum. Mycopathologia 2010; 170:39-46. [PMID: 20177971 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fusarium is a ubiquitous hyalohyphomycete isolated from food, widespread in the environment (plants, soil) and present at all latitudes. Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani are the most frequent pathogenic species, followed by F. moniliforme and F. chlamydosporum. Infections due to this mold may be disseminated or localized. Localized forms include cutaneous and subcutaneous infection, onychomycosis, endophtalmitis, otitis, sinusitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and brain abscess. Disseminated forms are those in which two or more noncontiguous sites may be involved. These latter are observed in patients with severe neutropenia. Wounds, digital ulcers, onychomycosis, and paronychia are the typical cutaneous portal of entry. We report a case of primary localized cutaneous infection due to Fusarium in a 29-year-old woman presenting with a nodular lesion, partially ulcerated, asymptomatic on the first finger of the left hand, appeared 4 months earlier. Histological examination showed spongiosis and acanthosis in the stratum corneum, ulceration and inflammation with prevalently mononucleate cells and septate and branched fungal structures in the epidermis and in dermis. The fungus was identified as Fusarium oxysporum by culture of biopsy fragments on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. The culture was deposited in the culture collection of the mycology section of IHEM, Brussels (IHEM21984 col no. 125). The patient had normal immune status and was successfully treated with surgical excision. Recovery was confirmed at follow-up 8 months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Romano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Buizza C, Schulze B, Bertocchi E, Rossi G, Ghilardi A, Pioli R. The stigma of schizophrenia from patients' and relatives' view: A pilot study in an Italian rehabilitation residential care unit. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2007; 3:23. [PMID: 17967165 PMCID: PMC2173890 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-3-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/29/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the constituent elements of the stigma from the perspective of those having first-hand experiences of it. METHODS Subjective experiences of stigma were explored in six focus groups: three with people suffering from schizophrenia and three with patients' relatives. Focus group sessions were tape-recorded, transcribed and analyzed by means of an inductive method, forming categories from the texts, as a basis for coding. Analysis aimed at establishing a typology of stigmatization experiences from the spoken words of the focus group participants. RESULTS Four dimensions of stigma were identified: access to social roles; internalization of stigma; quality of mental health services, public image of mental illness. CONCLUSION The most frequently found topics concerned experiences of marginalization and discrimination that people with schizophrenia experience in their daily life. These results mirror the findings of similar studies obtained in other cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Buizza
- Clinical Psychology Section, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Beate Schulze
- Public Mental Health Research Group, University of Zurich, Department of General and Social Psychiatry, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elena Bertocchi
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS "Centro S. Giovanni di Dio" Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS "Centro S. Giovanni di Dio" Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Clinical Psychology Section, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosaria Pioli
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS "Centro S. Giovanni di Dio" Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Passera M, Raglio A, Vailati F, Di Landro A, Imberti G, Ghilardi A, Goglio A. EPIDEMIOLOGIA DELLE INFEZIONI FUNGINE DELLA CUTE E DEGLI ANNESSI NEL PERIODO 2000-2006: STUDIO RETROSPETTIVO. Microbiol Med 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Abstract
We report the case of a 36-year-old Senegalese male with non-scarring alopecia of the scalp, including nodules and pustules, diagnosed as tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton soudanense. This dermatophyte is endemic in Central Africa and is becoming more frequent in Europe because of immigration. It has seldom been isolated in Italy. Tinea capitis is common in childhood and it is rare in adults, in which female sex is preferred. In adults, alopecic patches have to be distinguished from those due to other dermatoses inducing alopecia.
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Romano C, Ghilardi A, Massai L, Capecchi PL, Miraccco C, Fimiani M. Primary subcutaneous zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae in a 71-year-old man with normal immune status. Mycoses 2007; 50:82-4. [PMID: 17302755 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01314.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A case of primary subcutaneous zygomycosis due to Rhizopus oryzae is described in a 71-year-old man with normal immune status. Diagnosis was based on histological examination and culture of biopsy fragments from skin lesions. The patient recovered after itraconazole therapy (200 mg day(-1) for 60 days followed by 100 mg day(-1) for 45 days).
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Affiliation(s)
- C Romano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Science, Section of Dermatology, Siena University, Siena, Italy.
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Abstract
A case of onychomycosis with nail dystrophy due to Microsporum gypseum in a healthy 35-year-old woman is described. The infection had a 2-year history, occurring in the site of a nail trauma sustained in a fall from a horse. Diagnosis was based on mycological examination (direct microscope observation and culture). Clinical and mycological recovery was achieved after local treatment with ciclopiroxolamine nail solution and pulsed systemic terbinafine therapy.
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Abstract
We report a case of contact dermatitis because of ciclopiroxolamine milk in a 43-year-old woman with tinea pedis and onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Ciclopiroxolamine is regarded as a weak sensitiser because of the few allergic reactions described in relation to its widespread use.
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Abstract
Summary The authors report a case of bullous tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton violaceum with dermatophytid reaction in a 26-year-old woman who had been in Africa. Diagnosis was based on mycological examination (direct microscope observation and culture). Recovery was achieved after systemic antimycotic therapy with itraconazole and topical imidazole for a month.
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Abstract
A case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans caused by Malassezia globosa is reported in a 49-year-old woman. Diagnosis was based on direct microscopic examination and culture. Differential diagnosis was performed with respect to other skin diseases manifesting with cutaneous atrophy.
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Abstract
This is a retrospective study of the agents, clinical aspects, sources of infection and therapy of onychomycosis in children. In the period 1989-2000, we observed 46 consecutive children, until 16 years of age with onychomycosis (29 boys, 17 girls, mean age 10.8 years). Dermatophytes were isolated in 30 cases (Trichophyton rubrum in 22 cases, Trichophyton mentagrophytes in five, Epidermophyton floccosum in two and Trichophyton violaceum in one) and Candida spp. in 16, associated with Trichophyton rubrum in two. Moulds were isolated in three children (Fusarium oxysporum in one, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in another and Aspergillus fumigatus associated with Trichophyton rubrum in a third). The commonest features were distal and distolateral subungual hyperkeratosis in dermatophyte infections (93%) and onychodystrophy and paronychia in Candida infections (56% and 50% respectively). Forty patients achieved clinical and mycological recovery. It is appropriate to suspect onychomycosis in children, perform microbiological diagnosis and undertake early treatment. An approach of this kind may help to prevent nail dystrophy and the spread of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Romano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Siena, Italy.
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Abstract
Consecutive cases of tinea faciei diagnosed in Siena between 1989 and 2003 were studied retrospectively for differences in clinical form, demographic data and species of dermatophyte isolated. The series consisted of 84 cases (59 females, 25 males) with a mean age of 27 years. Mean age of females (32.4 years) was significantly greater than that of males (14.2 years). The dermatophytes most frequently isolated were Microsporum canis (38 cases) and Trichophyton rubrum (31 cases). Clinical form was typical of tinea in 54 subjects (64.3%) and was tinea incognito because of inappropriate therapy in the other 30 (35.7%) subjects. The mean age of patients with the typical form (19.2 years) was significantly lower than that of those with tinea incognito (41.1 years). All cases in the age range 6-15 years had typical tinea, whereas the maximum frequency of cases with tinea incognito was 46-50 years. In the group with tinea incognito there was a majority of women and the dermatophytes isolated differed with gender. No such difference was observed in the group with typical tinea.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Scienze Immunologiche, Sezione di Dermatologia, Siena University, Siena, Italy.
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Abstract
A case of oral erosive candidosis due to Candida albicans in a 64-year-old female patient, who had undergone kidney transplant 20 days earlier, is reported. Concomitant herpes infection was excluded. The patient achieved clinical and mycological recovery after treatment with topical and systemic antimycotics (200 mg fluconazole per day) for 50 days. The case is reported because of the erosive ulcerating aspect and extent of the lesions, usually only reported in immunodepressed subjects, especially those with neutropenia or AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Romano
- Istituto di Scienze Dermatologiche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Abstract
Nine cases of tinea genitalis observed in Siena and Terni (Italy) between 1988 and 2003 are reported because of their infrequency. The patients were males ranging in age from 23 to 45 years. The lesions, situated on the penis, glans and scrotum, were preceded by dermatophytosis in other sites (groin five cases; feet two cases; toenails two cases; hands in one; beard in another). Mycological examination consisting of direct microscopy and culture led to isolation of Trichophyton rubrum in five cases, Epidermophyton floccosum in two and T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis in the others. Clinical diagnosis is not always easy. In three cases the lesions had been misdiagnosed as eczema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Romano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Science, Dermatology Section, Siena University, Siena, Italy.
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Romano C, Ghilardi A, Massai L. Subungual hyperkeratosis of the big toe due to Bipolaris hawaiiensis. Acta Derm Venereol 2004; 84:476-7. [PMID: 15844642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
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Romano C, Ghilardi A, Massai L. Subungual Hyperkeratosis of the Big Toe Due to Bipolaris hawaiiensis. Acta Derm Venereol 2004. [DOI: 10.1080/00015550410032950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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