Caterina Mercuri

Dr. Caterina Mercuri

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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13 June 2024 in Antibiotics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Roberto BavaRoberto Bava
Roberto Bava
Fabio CastagnaFabio Castagna
Fabio Castagna
Carmine LupiaCarmine Lupia
Carmine Lupia
GPGiusi Poerio
Giusi Poerio
Giovanna LiguoriGiovanna Liguori
Giovanna Liguori
EPErnesto Palma
Ernesto Palma
Antimicrobial resistance represents an alarming public health problem; its importance is related to the significant clinical implications (increased morbidity, mortality, disease duration, development of comorbidities, and epidemics), as well as its economic effects on the healthcare sector. In fact, therapeutic options are severely limited by the advent and spread of germs resistant to many antibiotics. The situation worldwide is worrying, especially in light of the prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria—Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii—which are frequently isolated in hospital environments and, more specifically, in intensive care units. The problem is compounded by the ineffective treatment of infections by patients who often self-prescribe therapy. Resistant bacteria also show resistance to the latest generation antibiotics, such as carbapenems. In fact, superbacteria, grouped under the acronym extended-spectrum betalactamase (ESBL), are becoming common. Antibiotic resistance is also found in the livestock sector, with serious repercussions on animal production. In general, this phenomenon affects all members of the biosphere and can only be addressed by adopting a holistic “One Health” approach. In this literature overview, a stock is taken of what has been learned about antibiotic resistance, and suggestions are proposed to stem its advance.

7 February 2023 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSSilvio Simeone
Silvio Simeone
CMCaterina Mercuri
Caterina Mercuri
CCCristina Cosco
Cristina Cosco
VBVincenzo Bosco
Vincenzo Bosco
CPCaterina Pagliuso
Caterina Pagliuso
PDPatrizia Doldo
Patrizia Doldo
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract that has a profound impact on the quality of life of those afflicted with it. The scientific literature shows how the quality of life of people with IBD influences and is influenced by the clinical manifestations of the disease. Strongly connected with excretory functions, which have always been taboo in society, these clinical manifestations can lead to stigmatizing behaviours. The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of the enacted stigma of people with IBD through Cohen’s phenomenological method. Two main themes (stigma in the workplace and stigma in social life) and one subtheme (stigma in love life) emerged from the data analysis. The data analysis revealed that stigma is associated with a multitude of negative health outcomes for the people targeted by it and can add to the already complex physical, psychological and social burdens endured by people with IBD. Having a better understanding of the stigma attached to IBD will facilitate the development of care and training interventions that can improve the quality of life of people suffering from IBD.

16 December 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCaterina Mercuri
Caterina Mercuri
VGVincenza Giordano
Vincenza Giordano
VBVincenzo Bosco
Vincenzo Bosco
NSNicola Serra
Nicola Serra
RSRocco Spagnuolo
Rocco Spagnuolo
SSSilvio Simeone
Silvio Simeone
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a heterogeneous chronic condition characterized by periods of relapse and remission. Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the colon and rectum mucosa, while Crohn’s disease causes deeper, transmural inflammation affecting all four gut layers from the mouth to the anus and can lead to complications such as fistulation. IBD significantly impacts patients’ physical and psychological well-being, thus reducing their quality of life (QoL). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing intervention facilitated through telephone and email support in improving the quality of life (QoL) of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. Methods: A pilot comparative observational design with pre-test and post-test assessments was employed, involving 50 participants assigned to either an intervention group (Group A, n = 26) or a control group (Group B, n = 24). Group A received regular telephone consultations and prompt email responses from trained nurses; Group B received standard care. Data were collected at baseline and six months post-intervention (T1) using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Group A showed significant improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep quality, with p-values indicating the significance of these findings. Conclusions: Tailored nursing support via remote communication significantly benefits IBD patients by alleviating psychological distress and enhancing their overall well-being, underscoring the importance of integrating such interventions into standard IBD care practices.

8 September 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RNRita Nocerino
Rita Nocerino
CMCaterina Mercuri
Caterina Mercuri
VBVincenzo Bosco
Vincenzo Bosco
VGVincenza Giordano
Vincenza Giordano
SSSilvio Simeone
Silvio Simeone
TRTeresa Rea
Teresa Rea
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and food neophobia present significant challenges in pediatric healthcare, particularly among children with food allergies (FAs). These eating disorders, characterized by the persistent avoidance or restriction of food, can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and psychosocial impairments. The presence of FAs further complicates these eating behaviors, as the fear of allergic reactions exacerbates avoidance and restrictive patterns. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on ARFID and food neophobia, focusing on their definitions, characteristics, and the unique challenges they present in the context of FAs. The review explores the critical role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in integrating psychological and clinical care to improve outcomes for affected children. A multidisciplinary approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family-Based Therapy (FBT), is emphasized as essential in addressing the complex needs of these patients. The review also highlights the need for standardized treatment protocols and further research on the long-term outcomes of these disorders, aiming to enhance therapeutic strategies and family support systems. Effective management of ARFID and food neophobia in the context of FAs requires a holistic and integrated approach to mitigate the profound impacts on a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being.

5 December 2024 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RNRita Nocerino
Rita Nocerino
CMCaterina Mercuri
Caterina Mercuri
VBVincenzo Bosco
Vincenzo Bosco
GAGreta Aquilone
Greta Aquilone
AGASSUNTA GUILLARI
ASSUNTA GUILLARI
TRTeresa Rea
Teresa Rea
Background: Food allergy (FA)-related bullying is a significant public health concern affecting pediatric patients. This systematic review investigates the prevalence, characteristics, and psychosocial impact of FA-related bullying, as well as current intervention strategies within educational and healthcare settings. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases, covering publications up to February 2024. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies on children and adolescents (0–18 years) diagnosed with FAs. Studies were selected based on eligibility criteria and assessed for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: The initial search identified a total of 260 records (6 from scientific databases and 254 from registries). Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings of these studies reveal that FA-related bullying is prevalent, with rates varying between 17% and 60%, depending on the study population and methods. Bullying often involves verbal teasing, social exclusion, and physical threats using allergens, presenting both psychological and physical risks. Psychological consequences include increased anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, which persist over time, significantly impacting quality of life for both children and their families. Notably, bullying often occurs in school settings, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Conclusion: FA-related bullying profoundly affects mental health and quality of life for affected children and their families. Interventions, such as school-based allergy education programs and policies promoting inclusivity and safety, have shown promise in reducing bullying incidents. A collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers is essential to mitigate the impact of FA-related bullying and improve outcomes for affected children.

18 June 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCaterina Mercuri
Caterina Mercuri
MCMaria Catone
Maria Catone
VBVincenzo Bosco
Vincenzo Bosco
AGASSUNTA GUILLARI
ASSUNTA GUILLARI
TRTeresa Rea
Teresa Rea
SSSilvio Simeone
Silvio Simeone
Aims and Objectives: This review aims to analyze the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in enhancing therapeutic adherence and compliance in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially considering the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Background: IBD, which includes conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, affects over 10 million people globally. It significantly impacts both physical and psychological well-being, leading to challenges in therapeutic adherence. Only 25–47% of patients with IBD adequately follow prescribed treatments. Design and Methods: An integrative methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative research was utilized, following a 7-step framework. This framework encompasses identifying the research question, devising a search strategy, performing a critical appraisal, summarizing findings, extracting data, conducting an analysis, and drawing conclusions. Results: Poor adherence to therapy among patients with IBD can exacerbate disease progression and result in complications. MI has been identified as a promising approach to improving both adherence and treatment outcomes. Studies, including those predating the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated MI’s effectiveness in enhancing adherence among patients with IBD. Conclusions: MI shows promise in enhancing adherence among adult patients with IBD. Although initial results are promising, additional research is needed to thoroughly understand its effectiveness across various clinical contexts. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The findings underscore the potential of MI as an integral component of IBD treatment strategies, suggesting that its implementation could enhance patient–provider interactions and lead to better overall health outcomes.