Giuseppina Lo Moro, Maria Ferrara, Elisa Langiano, Alessandro Durbano, Sonia Pinto, Alex Pivi, Caterina Grisafi Schittone, Elena Cerino, Carola Linot, Maurizio Esposito, Elisabetta De Vito, Roberta Siliquini
{"title":"Determinants of vaccine hesitancy and interventions aimed at contrasting this issue in Europe: an overview of systematic reviews.","authors":"Giuseppina Lo Moro, Maria Ferrara, Elisa Langiano, Alessandro Durbano, Sonia Pinto, Alex Pivi, Caterina Grisafi Schittone, Elena Cerino, Carola Linot, Maurizio Esposito, Elisabetta De Vito, Roberta Siliquini","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_10","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health challenge in Europe, with declining confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy despite high overall acceptance. Evidence on its determinants and effective interventions is fragmented, underscoring the need for a comprehensive synthesis. This overview of systematic reviews aimed to describe the most recent determinants of vaccine acceptance, barriers to vaccination, and effective interventions to reduce hesitancy or increase uptake in Europe.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Epistemonikos. Reviews were eligible if they included European data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 3,363 papers, 88 reviews were included, classified into children, adolescents, and parents (n=29); pregnant women (n=11); healthcare workers (HCWs) (n=12); and the general population (n=36) reviews. Determinants of vaccine acceptance included high education, socioeconomic status, gender, trust in government/health authorities, and HCW recommendations, with associations that varied across populations, vaccines, and contexts. Emerging determinants such as health engagement and social media were reported. Main barriers included fear of side effects, safety concerns, preference for natural immunity, and logistical challenges. Interventions included educational campaigns, reminders, organizational changes, school-based programs, and digital tools. Active reminders, school-based programs, and organizational changes showed the most consistent effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Vaccine hesitancy is multifaceted, requiring tailored, evidence-based strategies. Future research should prioritize rigorous study designs and underexamined factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"74-86"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The hidden pain of bullying: somatic symptoms and physical health consequences.","authors":"Ramona Di Stefano, Rodolfo Rossi, Valentina Baldini, Adriano Ranieri, Francesca Pacitti, Alessandro Rossi","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_09","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_09","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bullying is a pervasive public health issue among children and adolescents, associated not only with psychological distress but also with the development of physical health complaints. The present study aims to explore the relationship between bullying victimization and somatic symptoms in youth, with particular attention to the Italian context, and to identify potential mechanisms and intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A narrative review of the literature was conducted to examine the association between bullying victimization and somatic symptoms in children and adolescents. Relevant studies were identified through a non-systematic search of major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included combinations of keywords such as bullying, cyberbullying, somatic symptoms, psychosomatic complaints, adolescents, and school-based intervention. Additional articles were identified by manually screening the reference lists of selected papers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multiple studies indicate a consistent association between bullying victimization and increased prevalence of somatic symptoms among children and adolescents. In Italy, national programs have shown some success in reducing bullying, yet the problem remains significant. High affective empathy and limited emotional competence may increase vulnerability to psychosomatic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Somatic symptoms in youth may be important indicators of bullying-related stress. Early identification, multidisciplinary care, and school-based prevention programs are essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"67-73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"New demands for digital and AI skills in health occupations: a few perspectives for the future of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). Commentary.","authors":"Alessandro Palombo, Enrico Alleva, Carlo Petrini","doi":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_03","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_26_01_03","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The OECD Report \"Digital and AI skills in health occupations: What do we know about new demand?\" published in 2025 analyses the impact of digital technologies, AI, and advanced robotics on health occupations across OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, with a particular focus on Canada, United Kingdom, and United States. Drawing on the analysis of more than 55 million online job postings (2018-2023), the study examines trends in the demand for digital skills and classifies health occupations according to their susceptibility to automation or augmentation. Conclusions indicate that, while a limited share of roles faces automation risks, a variety of health professions are expected to benefit from forms of task augmentation. The report highlights the need for tailored policies on lifelong training, data governance, and human-centred bioethical approaches to ensure the sustainable integration of AI into healthcare systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"62 1","pages":"9-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura Camoni, Fiorino Mirabella, Antonella Gigantesco, Emanuela Medda, Maurizio Ferri, Debora Del Re, Isabella Cascavilla, Cristina D'Ippolito, Nadia Francia, Angelo Picardi, Gemma Calamandrei
{"title":"Organization and functioning of the Italian Departments of Mental Health in the pandemic and post-pandemic period.","authors":"Laura Camoni, Fiorino Mirabella, Antonella Gigantesco, Emanuela Medda, Maurizio Ferri, Debora Del Re, Isabella Cascavilla, Cristina D'Ippolito, Nadia Francia, Angelo Picardi, Gemma Calamandrei","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_03","DOIUrl":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_03","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The pandemic significantly affected mental health, leading to a reorganization of services. This study examines changes in Italy's Departments of Mental Health (DMHs), comparing surveys from 2021 (during COVID-19) and 2023 (post-pandemic).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The two surveys involved 19 Italian DMHs and covered variables related to mental health care (number of centres, available staff, services provided and intervention methods).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Between 2021 and 2023, services show structural stability with a solid territorial network. Organizational changes point to greater flexibility and customization, with a stronger semi-residential hospital offer. Human resources give mixed signals: psychologists and health care social workers are increasing, while social workers and psychiatric rehabilitation technicians are decreasing. Clinically, hospitalizations in General Hospital Psychiatric Units (GHPUs), Emergency Department (ED) visits, and self-harm cases are rising, while psychiatric and psychological visits decline. Remote nursing and psychosocial interventions are increasing. The growth in first psychological consultations and users taken into care suggests a gradual return to in-person access and partial pre-pandemic normality.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The data substantiate the need for continuous attention and adequate support to address post-pandemic mental distress, highlighting the importance of reorganizing services to effectively respond to the new needs of the population.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"250-258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145759066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychoeducational group for acute psychiatric care. The Italian experience and suggestions for future needs.","authors":"Franco Veltro, Gianmarco Latte, Umberto Serafini, Lilia Zappone, Antonella Gigantesco","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_25_04_02","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The implementation of an innovative psychoeducational group intervention in Italian general hospital psychiatric units started in the years 2000-2001 in two Italian regions. The aim of this contribution is to describe the intervention method and the experience of its application, its spread, the results of evaluation studies and its evolution.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The methodology is qualitative/quantitative. The qualitative approach concerns the description of the prevalent clusters of topics in the most used intervention modules. The quantitative approach concerns the analysis of indicators used in the evaluation studies carried out since 2000-2001.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over time, three topics of the intervention have remained constant: \"What happened before the crisis\"; \"Stress-vulnerability-coping model\"; \"Psychotropic drugs: shared decisions\". Other topics have been introduced based on the patients' preferences: \"Psychophysical well-being\", \"Awareness\", \"Emotions-thoughts-behaviors connection\", \"Problem-solving\" and \"Stigma\". The intervention has been applied over time in 15% of Italian psychiatric wards with positive results (main result: decrease in readmissions and restraints).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Two main topics are discussed: a) the advantages and obstacles in applying the intervention; b) the need for addressing also the issues of substance dependence and antisocial personality.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"239-249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniele Petrone, Chiara Sacco, Alberto Mateo-Urdiales, Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis, Marco Alfò, Patrizio Pezzotti, Massimo Fabiani
{"title":"Comparing results from a traditional multivariable model and seven propensity score-based models for estimating COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.","authors":"Daniele Petrone, Chiara Sacco, Alberto Mateo-Urdiales, Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis, Marco Alfò, Patrizio Pezzotti, Massimo Fabiani","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_25_04_06","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate estimation of vaccine effectiveness (VE) in real-world settings is essential for guiding immunization strategies, especially in older populations. However, observational studies are prone to bias due to confounding factors, and the choice of statistical method can significantly influence VE estimates.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We compared the performance of a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model with seven propensity score (PS)-based models to estimate the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of the bivalent Original/Omicron BA.4-5 mRNA vaccine as a second or third booster, compared to a first mRNA booster received ≥120 days earlier. Data from 11,879,461 individuals aged ≥60 in Italy (April-June 2023) were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All models produced consistent rVE estimates, with values ranging from 16.4% to 22.1%. Over time, booster effectiveness declined, with the reference model showing a drop in rVE from 45.6% (15-60 days) to 14.3% (181-265 days). PS-based methods improved covariate balance but did not outperform the Cox model in terms of precision or interpretability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In large, relatively balanced datasets, traditional multivariable models remain a robust and reliable choice for estimating VE. While PS-based methods offer theoretical advantages, their practical benefit may be limited when confounding is well controlled.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"277-284"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fabio Caputo, Martina Lombardi, Caterina Trevisan, Anna Loffreda, Alberto Casabianca, Lisa Lungaro, Anna Costanzini, Giacomo Caio, Gianni Testino, Stefano Volpato, Roberto De Giorgio
{"title":"Sodium oxybate and acamprosate association for maintenance of alcohol abstinence: a case series.","authors":"Fabio Caputo, Martina Lombardi, Caterina Trevisan, Anna Loffreda, Alberto Casabianca, Lisa Lungaro, Anna Costanzini, Giacomo Caio, Gianni Testino, Stefano Volpato, Roberto De Giorgio","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_25_04_10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Disulfiram, acamprosate (ACM), naltrexone, and nalmefene are medications currently approved for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Baclofen and sodium oxybate (SO) have been approved for the treatment of AUD and alcohol withdrawal syndrome in France and Italy, respectively. However, concerning the effectiveness of combined therapies for AUD, data from the current literature are contrasting.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To investigate the outcomes of combined therapy of SO and ACM for the maintenance of alcohol abstinence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A sample of 48 AUD patients consecutively enrolled and treated with SO (50-100 mg/kg of body weight, t.i.d.) plus ACM (666 mg three times daily; with dosage reduced in patients with body weight <60 kg) was observed for 12 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At the 3-month visit, continuous abstinence from alcohol was maintained by 34 patients (70.8%). Fifteen patients (31.3%) reported side effects like nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain, with no significant differences between abstinent and not abstinent patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SO plus ACM may be an effective and safe pharmacological combination for maintaining alcohol abstinence in AUD patients. Future ad hoc clinical trials are needed to test this therapeutic association for AUD treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"315-319"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145759019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lymphedema and psychosocial well-being: a mixed-methods exploration of resources and challenges in the Italian context.","authors":"Stefania Fantinelli, Teresa Galanti, Michela Cortini, Pierluigi Zolesio, Chiara Buldrini","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_25_04_07","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Individuals affected by lymphedema, both primary and secondary, experience a significant reduction in quality of life and functional capacity. However, the impact of lymphedema on occupational life, specifically on return-to-work processes, remains largely unexplored.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explores the psychosocial, occupational, and health-related challenges experienced by individuals with lymphedema, with a focus on work reintegration.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-method approach was adopted through the development of an online survey, which included both standardized psychometric scales and open-ended questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mediation analysis confirmed that return to work self-efficacy serves as a key mechanism through which optimism contributes to job satisfaction. Qualitative findings highlight the need for multilevel and systemic interventions. From an individual perspective, targeted self-efficacy training programs for workers with lymphedema appear crucial.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Considering a community and an organizational perspective, it is essential to implement training initiatives for healthcare professionals aimed at improving their knowledge and awareness of lymphedema.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"285-292"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145759025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matteo Schwarz, Pietro Gallo, Anna Colucci, Emanuele Fanales Belasio, Rudi Valli, Rosa Dalla Torre, Camilla Gallo, Anna D'Agostini
{"title":"Examining the \"worried well\" phenomenon: insights from Italy's AIDS and STIs Helpline.","authors":"Matteo Schwarz, Pietro Gallo, Anna Colucci, Emanuele Fanales Belasio, Rudi Valli, Rosa Dalla Torre, Camilla Gallo, Anna D'Agostini","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_25_04_08","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The fear of having contracted HIV or another sexually transmitted infection (STI), even in the absence of significant risk factors, is a globally observed phenomenon across diverse cultural, social, and healthcare settings. Helplines serve as a valuable observatory for this pattern, often described as \"worried well\" (WW). This study investigates the WW phenomenon with the objective of assessing whether the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a compounding factor in its intensification.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>AIDS and STIs Helpline of the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS) extracted data from a structured database and analyzed patterns related to callers' concerns.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Between 2018 and 2023, 4,703 calls were analysed, showing how WWs represent 8.1% of all users and questions asked by WWs accounted for 7.8% of the total number of questions received by the AIDS and STIs Helpline.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to an intensification of the WW phenomenon, its origins are more deeply rooted in factors such as psychological distress and limited health literacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"293-300"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145759016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna Carannante, Marco Giustini, Emanuele Caredda, Vito Montanaro, Simona Gaudi, Maria Grazia Foschino Barbaro
{"title":"EpiCHILD assessment tool: identifying exposure to witnessed violence in children and adolescents.","authors":"Anna Carannante, Marco Giustini, Emanuele Caredda, Vito Montanaro, Simona Gaudi, Maria Grazia Foschino Barbaro","doi":"10.4415/ANN_25_04_05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4415/ANN_25_04_05","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Witnessed domestic violence is a widespread yet underrecognized form of childhood trauma, with serious consequences for the emotional, behavioral, and physical development of children and adolescents. In Italy, nearly half of domestic violence incidents occur in the presence of children, yet standardized tools for identifying affected minors remain scarce.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study presents the EpiCHILD assessment tool, designed to support the early identification of psychophysical vulnerabilities in children exposed to domestic violence and to guide targeted prevention and care strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Developed within the ESMiVA study, EpiCHILD is a multidimensional electronic questionnaire composed of nine sections, incorporating validated instruments for PTSD (ITQ-CA), depression (CDI-2), and psychosocial functioning (SDQ-Ita). Administered by trained professionals in clinical and social service settings, the tool is GDPR-compliant and allows for flexible, child-centered use.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>EpiCHILD enables systematic screening and early detection of children at risk due to violence exposure. It standardizes data collection across sectors and lays the groundwork for future research on the biological impact of trauma, including potential epigenetic markers, representing an innovative contribution to precision prevention in child mental health.</p>","PeriodicalId":502090,"journal":{"name":"Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita","volume":"61 4","pages":"269-276"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}