Maria Grazia Laura Marsala

Vaccination against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) among healthcare workers in the major teaching hospital of Sicily (Italy)

The aim of the study was to investigate factors involved in vaccination acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) and adverse reactions rates associated with pandemic influenza vaccination. The study was carried out in the major teaching hospital of Sicily from November 2009 to February 2010 on 2267 HCWs. A total of 407 (18%) HCWs were vaccinated against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). A logistic regression analysis indicates an increased risk of non-vaccination against pandemic influenza in females (OR=1.6; 95% CI=1.3-2.1) compared to males, in nurses/technicians/administrative workers (OR=1.7; 95% CI=1.3-2.2) compared to doctors/biologists, and in HCWs who were non-vaccinated against seasonal influenza in 2008-2009 (OR=4.9; 95% CI=3.7-6.5) compared to vaccinated HCWs. Overall, 302 (74.2%) out of 407 questionnaires distributed to vaccinated HCWs were returned within the observation period. One hundred fifty-two workers (50.3%) experienced at least one adverse reaction (30.1%, local reactions; 6.6% systemic reactions and 13.6% both of them). The most frequent side effect of vaccination was pain at the injection site (43.4%). Twelve (3.9%) out of 302 HCWs stated they experienced influenza-like illness episodes during the follow-up period. The use of an adjuvanted vaccine against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) appears to be an effective and safe preventive strategy, showing a prevalence of both local and systemic adverse reactions not very different from that seen after vaccination with non-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine. Despite this finding, vaccination coverage among HCWs remains very low, suggesting the need to implement educational campaigns directed to groups with lower coverage rates.

Factors associated with poor adherence to MMR vaccination in parents who follow vaccination schedule

Due to median vaccination coverage far from elimination level, Italy is still an European country with high number of measles cases per million of people. In this study we explored potential socioeconomic, medical and demographic factors which could influence the propensity of family members for measles vaccination schedule. A cross-sectional study was performed through a questionnaire administered to the parents of children who received the first dose of MMR vaccine in two different vaccination centers in the Palermo area from November 2012 to May 2013. Overall, the role played by internet (OR 19.8 P = 0.001) and the large number of children in a family (OR 7.3 P ≤ 0.001) were the factors more associated to be unvaccinated, whereas the birth order of the child (OR 0.3 P = < 0.05 for the oldest children vs. the closer young one) and reporting a lack of MMR vaccination as a “personal decision” (OR 0.19 P ≤ 0.01) inversely correlated with the risk of quitting vaccination. These findings can be useful for a better knowledge of disaffection to vaccination practice in local settings and could contribute to improve and maintain timely uptake, suggesting approaches to optimize the uptake of MMR tailored to the needs of local populations.

Facilitators and barriers HPV unvaccinated girls after 5 years of program implementation

Understanding perceptions and characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinated and non-vaccinated girls can inform communication activities and vaccine delivery strategies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge and factors associated with HPV unvaccinated girls after five years of vaccination program implementation in Sicily, an Italian region with low vaccination coverage (<50.0%). A cross-sectional study was conducted through a questionnaire designed to assess knowledge and vaccination status of girls of 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 birth cohorts. The sample consisted of 350 girls who attended three high schools. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine predictors of vaccine refusal. The survey sample of girls shows that the 43.1% were HPV unvaccinated. A significant increased risk of being unvaccinated originated from the belief that the vaccine was too new (AdjOR = 21.08, CI95% = 2.57–172.97) and that it may cause cervical cancer (AdjOR = 4.36, CI95% = 1.26–15.07), along with having friends as a source of information on the vaccine (AdjOR = 3.67, CI95% = 1.63–8.25). A significant inverse association was observed between being unvaccinated and having Pediatrician/General practitioner as a source of information on HPV vaccine (AdjOR = 0.40, CI95% = 0.24–0.68). Many girls lack the fundamental knowledge about the HPV vaccine. The key issue is the promotion and implementation of information programs to raise awareness of girls on the importance of the vaccine.

Knowledge, opinions and attitudes of Italian mothers towards HPV vaccination and Pap test.

Aim This study evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of Italian mothers – whose daughters had been vaccinated in 2012 – towards primary (anti-HPV vaccination) and secondary (Pap test screening) cervical cancer prevention, as well as sources of information and mother-daughter communication on health issues. Methods The survey – part of a multicenter study carried out in 4 Italian cities (Ferrara, Rome, Cassino and Palermo) – was conducted through self-administered questionnaires. The first univariate analysis evaluated differences between mothers of under-18s and over-18s relative to knowledge and attitudes on HPV vaccination and Pap test. The second univariate analysis evaluated differences between the 2 groups of mothers and possible geographical variations regarding the sources of information on HPV and Pap test. Results The sample proved knowledgeable about the correlation between HPV and cervical cancer (>85%) but less aware of other HPV-related diseases. HPV vaccination should be administered before first sexual intercourse according to mothers of over-18s, and to 14- to 17-year-olds according to mothers of under-18s. Up to 88% of mothers of under-18s and 80% of mothers of over-18s declared that the vaccine should be given free of charge. More mothers of under-18s consulted a general practitioner (GP) or gynecologist before deciding to vaccinate their daughters. Mothers of under-18s received information on HPV vaccination mainly from GPs and gynecologists, while mothers of over-18s were informed through TV and books/journals. Over 80% of the sample declared satisfaction with the information received from their gynecologist during the Pap test. Conclusions The findings provide useful information for the development of effective public health interventions that may help improve acceptance of HPV vaccination among mothers.