Sara Scilli

Dr. Sara Scilli

Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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29 July 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Matteo RiccòMatteo Riccò
Matteo Riccò
MBMarco Bottazzoli
Marco Bottazzoli
SSSara Scilli
Sara Scilli
Nicola MagnavitaNicola Magnavita
Nicola Magnavita
Background: Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age and leading to impaired quality of life. Despite its potential occupational implications, evidence on how occupational physicians (OPs) manage workers affected by endometriosis remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding endometriosis among Italian OPs. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between 1 and 18 April 2026 by recruiting a convenience sample of 155 occupational physicians. The questionnaire was specifically designed and investigated knowledge status, risk perception, perceived barriers to workplace management, and previous experience of participating professionals. Results: Most respondents considered themselves adequately informed about endometriosis (78.1%) and reported previous professional experience with affected workers (81.3%). Knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding disease prevalence (26.5% correct responses), familial predisposition (34.8%), and diagnostic pathways (31.6%). Overall, 65.8% of participants reported having previously issued conditioned fitness-for-work appraisals, most frequently recommending increased work breaks, avoidance of night shifts, or limitations on shift work. In multivariable analysis, male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.69, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.84–17.58), participation in continuing medical education activities (aOR 85.72, 95% CI 6.60–1114.21), information obtained from colleagues (aOR 4.67, 95% CI 1.23–17.77), and employment in healthcare settings (aOR 5.91, 95% CI 1.92–18.16) were independently associated with having previously issued restricted fitness-for-work judgments, whereas relying exclusively on undergraduate medical education was negatively associated with this outcome (aOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.39). Conclusions: Among the sampled Italian OPs, endometriosis was recognized as a clinically relevant condition frequently encountered in daily practice. Continuous professional education, interdisciplinary exchange, and practical experience were more strongly associated with occupational decision-making than undergraduate training alone. These findings support the development of targeted educational interventions and shared occupational recommendations aimed at improving workplace management and promoting the inclusion and retention of women affected by endometriosis in the workforce.

25 June 2026 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
Matteo RiccòMatteo Riccò
Matteo Riccò
MBMarco Bottazzoli
Marco Bottazzoli
SSSara Scilli
Sara Scilli
Nicola MagnavitaNicola Magnavita
Nicola Magnavita
Background. Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age and is associated with impaired quality of life, absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced work participation. Despite its potential occupational implications, evidence on how occupational physicians (OPs) manage workers affected by endometriosis remains scarce. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding endometriosis among Italian OPs. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between 1 and 18 April 2026 among members of an Italian discussion group restricted to occupational physicians. The questionnaire investigated demographic characteristics, knowledge of endometriosis, risk perception, perceived barriers to workplace management, and previous experience in issuing conditioned fitness-for-work appraisals. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with having previously issued work restrictions because of endometriosis. Results: A total of 155 occupational physicians participated in the survey. Most respondents considered themselves adequately informed about endometriosis (78.1%) and reported previous professional experience with affected workers (81.3%). However, objective knowledge revealed important gaps, particularly regarding disease prevalence (26.5% correct responses), familial predisposition (34.8%), and diagnostic pathways (31.6%). The mean General Knowledge Score was 64.1% (95%CI 62.2–66.1), while only 11.0% of respondents reported awareness of occupational recommendations specifically addressing endometriosis. Overall, 65.8% of participants reported having previously issued conditioned fitness-for-work appraisals, most frequently recommending increased work breaks, avoidance of night shifts, or limitation of shift work. In multivariable analysis, male gender (aOR 5.69, 95%CI 1.84–17.58), participation in continuing medical education activities (aOR 85.72, 95%CI 6.60–1114.21), information obtained from colleagues (aOR 4.67, 95%CI 1.23–17.77), and employment in healthcare settings (aOR 5.91, 95%CI 1.92–18.16) were independently associated with previous issuance of restricted fitness-for-work judgments, whereas relying exclusively on undergraduate medical education was negatively associated with this outcome (aOR 0.07, 95%CI 0.01–0.39). Conclusions: Italian occupational physicians generally recognized endometriosis as a clinically relevant condition and frequently encountered affected workers in daily practice. Nevertheless, important deficiencies persist regarding epidemiological knowledge, diagnostic issues, and awareness of occupational management strategies. Continuous professional education, interdisciplinary exchange, and practical experience appear to contribute more substantially to occupational decision-making than undergraduate training alone. These findings support the development of targeted educational interventions and shared occupational recommendations aimed at improving workplace management and promoting the inclusion and retention of women affected by endometriosis in the workforce.

21 September 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSSara Scilli
Sara Scilli
Alberto ModeneseAlberto Modenese
Alberto Modenese
Background/Objectives: Occupational Contact Dermatitis (OCD) is one of the most common occupational diseases and represents a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden. Despite its high prevalence, OCD is frequently underrecognised and underreported, limiting the effectiveness of occupational health surveillance and preventive strategies. This study aimed to investigate the extent of OCD underreporting in Italy by comparing official reporting data with incidence estimates derived from epidemiological data available in the scientific literature. Methods: Official data on dermatitis and eczema cases reported to the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) between 2020 and 2024 were analysed and compared with incidence estimates obtained through a systematic literature search of epidemiological studies, surveillance systems, and cohort studies conducted in high-risk occupational groups with available specific incidence data in the scientific literature, such as healthcare workers, construction workers, and hairdressers. Results: INAIL data showed an average of approximately 182 reported OCD cases per year during the study period. However, the estimates we calculated suggested a substantially higher disease burden, with an annual estimate ranging from 1439 cases to 21,412 cases. This implies that, depending on the incidence source used, only 0.8% to 12.7% of the expected cases are notified. Conclusions: OCD appears to be substantially underreported in Italy. Underrecognition of its occupational origin, the low severity often attributed to symptoms, and the limits of current surveillance systems likely contribute. Better occupational health surveillance, greater awareness among clinicians and workers, and simpler reporting procedures would improve case recognition and help prevent progression to chronic disease.